Intro: Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Certain facts stand out clearly in this passage.

I. God is a holy god.

A. Praising God for His holiness is the everlasting permanent occupation of at least some of the angels: We see them in Isaiah 6, and again in Revelation 4:8, hundreds of years later.

B. This makes the God of the Bible different from all the other gods (Exodus 15:11). Examples:

II. The Bright Light of the Holiness of God Illuminates Our Own Sinfulness.

A. Colson Article:
B. We are so numbed by our own sinfulness that we think little of the holiness of God. Our consciences have been seared (I Tim. 4:1-2). Our culture lies in the darkness of sin (I John 5:19). We not only sin, but we cheer on the sinners (Romans 1:28-32).

III. The Holiness of God Demands An Atonement for Sin.
A. Isaiah's sins were symbolically atoned for by a burning coal from the altar (Is. 6:6-7). The uncleanness of his lips was burned away by the flaming ember. Of course, this is a vision, it is all symbolic of something else.

B. The burning coal is a symbol of Jesus Christ, and His atoning death on the cross for our sins. J. Vernon McGee wrote: "This 'live coal' has come from the burnt altar where sin had been dealt with...It is not the incarnation of Christ that saves us, it is His death upon the cross. For this reason, Isaiah needs the live coal from off the burnt altar, which is symbolic of Christ's death. This living coal represents the cleansing blood of Christ that keeps on cleansing us from all sin." (Thru the Bible, Vol. III, pages 209-210, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, 1982)

C. The New Testament teaches repeatedly that men and women may enter into the presence of God, only through the atoning work of Jesus on the cross: See: Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree (the cross); I Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: and Rev. 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

IV. God's Holiness Inspires Devotion.

A. Isaiah offered himself to the Lord's service (Is. 6:8).

B. God's Word calls us to be holy, as He is holy.
2 Cor. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Heb. 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

CONCLUSION: How can we be holy? Isn't it too hard? Philippians 4:
1. Pray for grace (Ph. 4:6-7)
2. Fill your mind with good stuff (Ph. 4:8)
3. Begin to do good (Ph. 4:9)

May God help us to love Him for His holiness, and to be holy as He is holy.