The Holy One of Israel is the main title for God used by the prophet Isaiah. It is mentioned 25 times in book of Isaiah, but rarely mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. However, the concept of God’s Holiness is mentioned throughout the Bible.
This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says… I am Yahweh, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. (Isaiah 43:14-15)
The concept of God being Holy is first told in the Bible through the encounter with Moses at the burning bush. God said, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5) Holiness continues in the book of Leviticus, when the Israelites are given moral, spiritual, and civil laws to live by. “For I am Yahweh your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:14)
The word “holy” describes God’s absolute moral purity, His sacredness and authority over all that He has created, and shows God as separate from any evil intent or sin. Just like when Moses encountered God in the burning bush, we cannot look upon the face of a Holy God. His holiness and glory separates Him from our sinful nature. It is only through the righteousness and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, his Son, that we can be joined in eternity with God.
Follow along each day during the holiday season as I post a different name of Jesus and Christmas ornament you can download to decorate and hang on your CHRISTmas tree! It’s a wonderful way to discover who Jesus Christ is, and what His birth at Christmas means to each of us.
Sue McCusker is a writer, Bible teacher, and web developer who loves to share the stories of life, hope, and faith she sees around her every day. She has written for Guideposts and Angels on Earth magazines, and teaches the story of God in women's Bible study.
