A Reflection on God’s Holiness, Love, and What It Means for Us
When people talk about “the beauty of His holiness,” it might sound like something only preachers or theologians can understand. But if you look at it simply, it’s really about how amazing and inviting God is—not just because He’s powerful or all-knowing, but because of His goodness, love, and the perfect way He cares for each one of us.
What Does “The Beauty of His Holiness” Mean?
Let’s break it down. In the Bible, especially in passages like Psalm 96:9 and Psalm 29:2, we’re invited to worship God “in the beauty of holiness.” This phrase paints a picture of God’s purity and moral perfection—He’s not only completely free from anything wrong, but He is the very definition of what is good, true, and beautiful.
Holiness means being set apart—different from anything or anyone else. But God’s holiness isn’t cold or distant. It’s beautiful because it’s full of love, mercy, and faithfulness. When we say someone is “holy,” we often think they’re just really good. But when we talk about God’s holiness, we’re saying He’s the standard by which all goodness is measured.
Created in His Image
Imagine an artist painting a masterpiece. Each brushstroke is deliberate, chosen to reflect something deep and meaningful. In the same way, the Bible says that God, who is our loving Creator, made each one of us to reflect His image—not simply in how we look, but in our capacity to love, to show kindness, to be creative, and to seek out what’s good. It’s not about the color of our skin, our background, or how much we’ve achieved. It’s about the heart—the part of us that longs for goodness and beauty.
God didn’t make us as copies of each other. Each person is unique, carrying their own gifts and stories. In this vast array of humanity, God’s image shines through in countless ways. When you see a parent comforting their child, a friend standing up for another, or someone forgiving a hurt, you’re seeing a little glimpse of God’s beauty.
Divine Splendor and Majesty
Think of the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen—a sunset over the ocean, a mountain covered in mist, a field alive with flowers in spring. All that beauty points to something even greater: the splendor of God. He’s the source of everything beautiful and good.
But His beauty isn’t just on display in nature. It’s found in His character—the way He is faithful, patient, and just. It’s the kind of beauty that goes deeper than appearances; it inspires awe, like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or looking up at the stars on a clear night. God’s holiness is not just about being perfect and spotless—it’s about being supremely beautiful in every way that matters.
Moral Perfection: Why It Matters
Sometimes, life can feel messy and unfair. People hurt each other, lies are told, and bad things happen. In the midst of all this, God’s holiness means He can be completely trusted. He never acts out of selfishness or malice. Everything He does is right, good, and motivated by love.
This is a comfort, because it means there’s a standard we can trust. When we feel weighed down by our own mistakes or by the brokenness in the world, we can look to God as a source of hope. He never falters, and He’s always ready to help us become more like Him.
Separation from Sin
One of the key aspects of holiness is being set apart from sin. Sin is anything that pulls us away from what’s good—things like hate, dishonesty, greed, and selfishness. God is completely separate from these things. But He doesn’t use His holiness to push us away. Instead, He invites us to draw near, to let go of what harms us, and to become the people we were created to be.
It’s like a doctor who hates disease—not because he’s angry at the person who’s sick, but because he loves them and wants them to be well. God’s separation from sin isn’t about judgment; it’s about an invitation to healing and wholeness.
Holiness That Attracts
Sometimes people think of holiness as boring or distant. But God’s holiness is actually attractive—it draws people in. Those who truly seek God find in Him a beauty that satisfies the deepest longings of their hearts. They discover a love that’s richer and more satisfying than anything else.
It’s not always something the “natural” mind can understand. To some, it might seem confusing, or even strange. But to those who have experienced God’s goodness, the beauty of His holiness becomes the greatest treasure.
Worshiping in the Beauty of His Holiness
So what does it mean to worship God “in the beauty of His holiness”? It means coming to God with respect, humility, and awe—recognizing that He’s greater than us, but also that He welcomes us with open arms. Real worship isn’t just about singing songs or saying prayers; it’s about letting our hearts be transformed by God’s love.
True worship changes us from the inside out. When we see God’s beauty and holiness, we’re inspired to let go of things that hold us back—anger, jealousy, pride—and instead embrace kindness, generosity, and forgiveness.
Reverence and Awe
To worship in this way means to take God seriously—not in a fearful way, but with a sense of wonder and joy. It’s like standing before a work of art that takes your breath away, or hearing music so beautiful it moves you to tears.
Inner Transformation
When we let God’s holiness shape us, we start to look more like Him in our actions. We care more about being honest, patient, and loving. Our lives become a reflection of God’s heart—a light that points others to His goodness.
Fellowship and Loving Others
Worshiping God leads us to care for others. The Bible says that loving God and loving people go hand in hand. If we truly understand God’s holiness, we will seek to build others up, avoid things like hatred and dishonesty, and do our best to live in peace.
Sanctification: Becoming More Like God
The process of becoming holy—what the Bible calls “sanctification”—isn’t something we do on our own. God’s Spirit helps us. Over time, as we walk with Him, we become more like Him. Our thoughts, words, and actions begin to reflect His beauty.
A New Song of Praise
Psalm 96:1-9 talks about singing a new song to the Lord, blessing His name, and telling the world about the wonderful things He has done. When Jesus came, finished His work on earth, and was welcomed back into glory, His followers were filled with joy. They wanted everyone to know about His salvation—the hope He offers to everyone, no matter their background.
The invitation is for all people, everywhere, to worship God in the beauty of His holiness. This isn’t just a duty; it’s a privilege. To know a God who is both mighty and loving, just and merciful, holy and beautiful, is the greatest gift.
In Simple Terms
The beauty of God’s holiness is about more than rules or religion. It’s about a God who loves perfectly, who created each one of us to reflect His heart, and who offers us the chance to become whole. To worship Him is to be amazed by His goodness, to seek His help in living a life of love, and to invite others to join in the joy of knowing Him.
Whether you’ve known God for years or are just curious, there’s always more to discover about His holiness and beauty. It’s a journey that will keep surprising you with hope, joy, and a love that never ends.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 