Day 15: The Doctrine of God — His Holiness and Sovereignty

Scripture Reading:

“Holy, Holy, Holy, is Yahweh of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” – Isaiah 6:3, LSB

“Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” – Psalm 115:3, LSB

The doctrine of God is the foundation of all doctrine. Who God is determines everything else we believe. At the heart of His revealed character are two truths: His holiness and His sovereignty.

When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, he heard the seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy.” Holiness means that God is utterly set apart, pure, and majestic. He is not like us; He is above us. His holiness reveals our sin and humbles us before His majesty. As John Calvin wrote, “Man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he has previously contemplated the face of God” (Institutes, 1.1.2). To know God’s holiness is to see ourselves rightly.

God’s holiness also shows us why doctrine matters. If God is holy, then His Word is holy. We cannot twist His truth to fit our desires without dishonoring Him. Sound doctrine is the way we honor God’s holiness by believing what He has revealed about Himself.

Alongside His holiness stands His sovereignty. Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” God is not merely a passive observer of history; He rules over it. His sovereignty means that all things come to pass according to His will. Nothing escapes His control.

This truth gives comfort to the church. While the world may appear chaotic, God reigns. R.C. Sproul often reminded believers, “There are no maverick molecules in the universe” (Chosen by God, p. 26). Every detail of history is under His sovereign hand.

The holiness and sovereignty of God together anchor our worship. We tremble at His holiness and rest in His sovereignty. We see Him as exalted and glorious, yet also trustworthy and faithful. Doctrine teaches us to fear God rightly and to trust Him completely.

Beloved, to lose sight of God’s holiness is to make Him small. To lose sight of His sovereignty is to make Him weak. Sound doctrine protects us from both errors, showing us that God is infinitely holy and supremely sovereign. He alone is worthy of worship, obedience, and trust.

Personal Reflection

1. How does Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness shape our understanding of ourselves?

2. Why is it dangerous to separate holiness from sovereignty in our view of God?

3. How does God’s sovereignty bring comfort in a world filled with uncertainty?

4. How can doctrine help us worship God in reverence and trust?