Dwelling in Eternal Light
Digest
This podcast episode delves into the concept of God's holiness, exploring the common understanding of holiness as separation from sin. The speaker challenges the traditional view of holiness as presented in a hymn by Thomas Binney, highlighting the seraphim in Isaiah chapter 6 who, despite being perfectly holy, feel overwhelmed by the intense brightness of God's uncreated holiness. The speaker emphasizes that even created holiness, like that of the seraphim, appears fragile in the presence of God's infinite holiness. The episode concludes with the final verses of Binney's hymn, suggesting that a holy spirit's energies and advocacy with God prepare us for the sight of holiness above.
Outlines
Introduction: Holiness as Separation from Sin
This Chapter introduces the concept of God's holiness and the common understanding of holiness as separation from sin. The speaker mentions that there is more to be said about this topic and encourages listeners to tune in for future episodes.
The Hymn by Thomas Binney
This Chapter focuses on a hymn by 19th-century English Congregationalist minister Thomas Binney. The speaker shares two verses of the hymn, which express the idea of the soul being purified by God's presence. The speaker acknowledges the beauty of the hymn but suggests that it doesn't fully capture the complexity of God's holiness.
Isaiah Chapter 6 and the Seraphim
This Chapter delves into Isaiah chapter 6, where the speaker highlights the seraphim, who are perfectly holy creatures that have never known a fallen world. The speaker points out that even the seraphim feel overwhelmed by the intense brightness of God's uncreated holiness, covering their faces and feet with their wings. This suggests that even created holiness can be overwhelmed by the infinite holiness of God.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Sight of Holiness
This Chapter concludes the episode by sharing the final verses of Thomas Binney's hymn. The speaker emphasizes that a holy spirit's energies and advocacy with God prepare us for the sight of holiness above. The episode ends with a reflection on the transformative power of God's love and light.
Keywords
Holiness
The state or quality of being holy, pure, and set apart for God's service. It is often associated with moral perfection, righteousness, and separation from sin. In this context, it refers to the infinite and uncreated holiness of God, which is distinct from the created holiness of beings like the seraphim.
Seraphim
A type of angelic being mentioned in the Bible, particularly in Isaiah chapter 6. They are described as having six wings and being incredibly holy, serving as attendants to God's throne. In this context, they represent the highest form of created holiness, which is still overwhelmed by the presence of God's uncreated holiness.
Thomas Binney
A 19th-century English Congregationalist minister known for his hymns and sermons. The hymn discussed in this episode, "Eternal Light, Eternal Light," is one of his most famous works. Binney's hymns often explored themes of God's holiness, human sinfulness, and the need for redemption.
Isaiah Chapter 6
A chapter in the Old Testament book of Isaiah that describes a vision of God's glory and the seraphim worshipping him. This chapter is significant in this context because it provides a vivid image of the overwhelming nature of God's holiness, even for perfectly holy creatures like the seraphim.
Uncreated Holiness
The inherent and infinite holiness of God, which is not derived from any other source. It is the ultimate standard of holiness and the source of all created holiness. In this context, it is contrasted with the created holiness of the seraphim, highlighting the vast difference between the two.
Created Holiness
The holiness that is bestowed upon beings created by God. It is a reflection of God's uncreated holiness but is finite and limited. In this context, it refers to the holiness of the seraphim, which is still overwhelmed by the presence of God's uncreated holiness.
Hymn
A religious song or poem, often sung in church services. Hymns are typically used to express praise, adoration, or reflection on spiritual themes. In this context, the hymn by Thomas Binney is used as a starting point for exploring the concept of God's holiness.
God's Presence
The experience of being in the presence of God, which can be both awe-inspiring and humbling. In this context, the speaker highlights the overwhelming nature of God's presence, even for perfectly holy creatures like the seraphim.
Q&A
What is the common understanding of God's holiness?
The common understanding of God's holiness is that it is a state of separation from sin. This means that God is perfectly pure and righteous, and he is distinct from anything that is impure or sinful.
What is the speaker's critique of the hymn by Thomas Binney?
The speaker acknowledges the beauty of the hymn but suggests that it doesn't fully capture the complexity of God's holiness. The hymn focuses on the soul being purified by God's presence, but the speaker argues that even perfectly holy creatures like the seraphim feel overwhelmed by God's holiness.
What does the example of the seraphim in Isaiah chapter 6 reveal about God's holiness?
The example of the seraphim reveals that even created holiness, like that of the seraphim, can be overwhelmed by the infinite holiness of God. The seraphim, despite being perfectly holy, cover their faces and feet with their wings in the presence of God, suggesting that they feel unable to bear the intense brightness of his uncreated holiness.
How does the speaker suggest we prepare for the sight of holiness?
The speaker suggests that a holy spirit's energies and advocacy with God prepare us for the sight of holiness above. This implies that we need to cultivate a deep connection with God and allow his spirit to work in our lives in order to be able to experience his holiness fully.
Show Notes
Although the seraphim have never sinned, they cover their faces as they worship in the presence of God. Today on the Things Unseen podcast, listen as Sinclair Ferguson considers what this scene reveals about the uncreated holiness of our majestic Creator.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/dwelling-in-eternal-light
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