God’s holiness is portrayed throughout the Old Testament in various places such as God’s revelation to Moses in the burning bush. And as Exodus 3:6 shows us, “Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” There is an awe-inspiring quality of God’s holiness. God’s holiness is attributed to His supreme Divinity as well as in His ethical absoluteness.

God alone is Holy. God is the definition of Holiness. Things and people only become holy as they come into relationship with God.

Leviticus 11:44 (NASB) states, “For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth.” It is evident from this verse and others that God’s standard of ethical holiness is far beyond what is natural or normal for us as humans. As theologian Samuel Powell (2008) states, “things become holy when they are brought into relation to God. Created things become holy when they stand in relation to God; however, God does not need to become holy. God is holy and the source of all holiness.” (p.91-92)

Powell, S. (2008). Discovering our Christian faith: an introduction to theology. Beacon Hill Press: Kansas City.