Using Non-Biblical Examples to Illustrate God's Holiness Biblically
God's holiness is a fundamental aspect of His character, described as incomparable [5]. The Bible commands believers to imitate God's holiness, stating, "Be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15-16) [3, 5]. This divine attribute is exhibited in God's character, name, words, and works [5].
While the Bible provides the ultimate standard for understanding holiness, non-biblical examples can sometimes illustrate aspects of this concept by drawing parallels to human experiences or observable phenomena. However, it is crucial to remember that human holiness is always a reflection of God's, not its source or equal [3].
One way to consider non-biblical examples is by looking at human virtues that, when practiced in sincerity and with a focus on God, can reflect His nature. For instance, the concept of "holy boldness" is described as a characteristic of saints, produced by trust in God and the fear of God [4]. While the Bible provides examples like Christ's own boldness (John 7:26) [4], one might observe a person demonstrating unwavering courage in the face of injustice, driven by deep conviction. This human boldness, when aligned with righteous principles, could serve as a faint echo of God's unyielding justice and truth.
Similarly, "liberality" or generosity is pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 9:7) and a characteristic of saints (Psalm 112:9) [1]. Christ Himself set an example of liberality (2 Corinthians 8:9) [1]. A non-biblical example of profound generosity, perhaps a person sacrificing their own comfort for the well-being of others without expectation of return, could illustrate the self-giving nature that, in its purest form, originates from God's own boundless grace. However, such an example must be understood as distinct from the divine, as human acts are often tainted by self-interest or "vanity" [6].
The Bible also emphasizes humility as necessary for God's service (Micah 6:8) and a characteristic of saints (Psalm 34:2) [2]. Christ is the ultimate example of humility (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:5-8) [2]. A non-biblical figure who demonstrates profound humility, acknowledging their limitations and serving others without seeking personal glory, might offer an illustration of this virtue. Yet, even the most humble human act falls short of the perfect humility of Christ, who, "being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation" (Philippians 2:6-7).
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness of God, The — Is incomparable -- Ex 15:11; 1Sa 2:2. Exhibited in his Character. -- Ps 22:3; Joh 17:11. Name. -- Isa 57:15; Lu 1:49. Words. -- Ps 60:6; Jer 23:9. Works. -- Ps 145:17. Kingdom. -- Ps 47:8; Mt 13:41; Re 21:27; 1Co 6:9,10. Is pledged for the fulfilment of His promises. -- Ps 89:35. His judgments. -- Am 4:2. Saints are commanded to imitate -- Le 11:44; 1Pe 1:15,16. Saints should praise -- Ps 30:4. Should produce reverential fear -- Re 15:4. Requires holy service -- Jos 24:19; Ps 93:5. Heavenly hosts adore -- Isa 6:3; Re 4:8. Should be magnified --”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”