The holiness of God and Christ is often neglected. It is looked upon as a boring or threatening attribute that we don’t want to preach. It is, however, the very heart of God’s character. We must recognize this holiness to be safe, and we must be holy ourselves.

First, the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of respect. Psalm 99:1 - "The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!" He sits exalted on high at God’s right hand, eagerly awaiting the destruction of his foes [Heb 10:13]. He’s coming back with power to bring us to the Judgment. 2 Corinthians 5:10 - "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." He is the rightful Savior and Lord. The universe is in his hands. We are unwise to challenge him, or to live as if he doesn’t exist, or doesn’t matter, as if his opinion is only his own! He is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. He will determine our destiny.

Honor this great Savior and Lord by obedience. Receive his gospel, and receive strength to live for his glory. Do not think you can oppose him and prosper. You may live without peace, but you will die in hell forever. It is a serious thing to deny the living God. He doesn’t take it lightly, nor does he allow us to live without consequence. Think how small you are, and how big he is. Think on his power and majesty. You would not rebel against a parent as a toddler without being put into place. Rebelling against God who gives mercy is foolish, and unprofitable. It is bringing yourself destruction. Fear him and tremble. Obey him, and live.

Secondly, God is holy. Psalm 99:3 - "Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!" The refrain in heaven and on earth is, “Holy, holy, holy [Isaiah 6:3; Rev 4:8].” Everyone who knows God knows that his holiness, whereby he always does right, is without question. He’s so holy that he punished his own Son, so he could forgive. He’s holy enough to send men to hell forever with Satan. Ah, the holiness of God must be accounted for. What shall we do?

Let us look to Christ, so we can be holy ourselves. Let us be born again, and receive a holy nature. Let us rely upon the Holy Spirit to enable us to obey. Holiness is our fundamental task; it is the most important aspect of life, because it’s the only way we walk with God and commune with him. Holiness says, “I’m accepted because of Jesus Christ, and I have everything it takes to live godly. 2 Peter 1:3 - ‘His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,’ God will help me, for Christ’s sake, to walk in the path that he appoints. He is Ruler and Lord. I’m his obedient servant.”

Thank God for grace to be holy, and pursue it with all your heart [Hebrews 12:14]. If you have holiness, which is love, then you have everything. You walk uprightly.

Thirdly, the Lord answers holy people. Psalm 99:6 - "Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them." If we come to him for grace, as obedient servants, he will hear us. He forgives and cleanses, and he walks intimately with the holy ones. 1 John 3:22 - "and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him." We have fellowship with him in peace and joy. He approves of us, and he is near. Oh, the blessing of having GOD NEAR TO YOU in prayer, and being able to call upon him with confidence. It is a wonderful thing, and it is a privilege that God’s elect manifestly enjoy. Some have more fellowship, because they deal more seriously and honestly with sin. They simply want to honor Jesus, and they look to him to do it - to work in them by his grace - and he does it, as promised!

Pray to him, dear saints. He wants to answer your prayer for holiness. John 15:7-8, “You will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.” He wants to make you better able to serve. He wants to help you give him glory.

Fourthly, we must exalt and magnify the Lord, because he’s an avenger of wrongs. Psalm 99:8-9 - "O LORD our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings. Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy!" Peter tells God’s children to walk in fear. 1 Peter 1:17 - "And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile," This isn’t slavish, but it is respectful!

Oh, how this word may warn someone, and pull someone else from the fire. Oh, how often we think, “I’m elect, and God loves me. I know the gospel - that we are not saved by works. I can do as I please. It won’t be too bad. My sins are forgiven.” Then, we get ourselves into a world of trouble, because we make decisions that are contrary to holiness, contrary to God’s character, and contrary to our own good. We choose sin, selfishness, and sluggishness: we live for ourselves. Then, we must pay the price of chastisement, just like his choicest instruments, whether it be David, Solomon, or Moses. Even Aaron and Samuel are made to bear the shame of their sin and the rebuke of the Lord. Let us avoid this by giving him diligent obedience, and immediately confessing our transgressions. Let’s clear up the areas in our life that are lacking.