Holiness is Hard to Define

Psalms 99:1–9
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Though holiness is a rather unknown and a hard to define quality in our modern world it had a real message to these ancient Semites who used it. The basic meaning is separation. As it applies to God, it means He is separated from sin, sinners, imperfection of any kind, guilt, and even from bad attitudes of prejudice, pride and presumption. Why should we tremble when we ponder God’s sovereignty (v. 1)?  Why should our hearts be moved when we consider His presence? Because He is “the king of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal” (I Tim. 6:15-16). The psalmist encouraged everyone to exalt the Lord with praise for two reasons: because he is holy and because He mercifully answers prayers.

1. The Lord who reigns is holy (vv. 1-5). He is the only one who reigns; He reigns supreme.

    A. “He sitteth between the cherubims” (v. 1).

    B. “The Lord is great in Zion” (v. 2).

    C. “He is high (exalted) above all the peoples” (v. 2).

    D. He has a “great and terrible (awesome) name” (v. 3).

    E. His name is holy “for it is holy” (v. 3). 

    F. He “also loveth judgement” (v. 4).

    G. He “doest establish equity” (v. 4).

    H. He “executest judgement and righteousness” (v. 4).

    I. “For He is holy” (v. 5).

2. The Lord who reigns is merciful (vv. 6-9).

    A. He answers prayers. “He answered them” (v. 6).

    B. “He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar” (v. 7).

    C. “He forgavest them” but punished them (v. 8).

In this priceless little psalm we have a prophet to reveal, a priest to redeem and a prince to rule.

Application

God is free from sin and all its vices and He wants me to be the same.