Chris Tomlin's song "Holy Forever," released in 2022, is a powerful worship anthem that highlights God's eternal holiness and invites believers to join in reverent praise. Known for his impactful worship music, Tomlin continues to resonate with audiences worldwide through songs like this, which celebrate the transcendent and unchanging nature of God's holiness.
God's holiness is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separateness from sin. In Isaiah 6:3, the prophet Isaiah describes his vision of the Lord, where the seraphim calls out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." This thrice-repeated declaration of God's holiness underscores His unique and unparalleled nature. Similarly, Revelation 4:8 echoes this heavenly praise, where the four living creatures continuously proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." These scriptures emphasize that God's holiness is eternal and intrinsic to His character, setting Him apart from all creation.
The holiness of God demands a response from humanity, calling us to live lives of holiness and reverence. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, 'You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.'" This call is reiterated in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" These verses illustrate that God's holiness is not just a divine attribute to be admired but also a standard for believers to strive toward. By living in holiness, we reflect God's character and demonstrate our commitment to His ways, acknowledging His supremacy and our devotion to His commandments.