Lesson 19

The Bible records those living with God sang his praises, and described him as holy, holy, holy, only two times. There may be many reasons why they repeat the word holy three times. Perhaps it is a literary way to draw attention to and accentuate the fact that God is holy, as this is a common practice in ancient writings. It could also be attributed to the fact that God is timeless. The Revelation context is describing the God, who was, and is, and is to come; past, present, future, describing his transcendent nature over time. God has always been and always is in control. He will remain unchanged. God was holy, is holy, and will always be holy. Some see it as referring to three parts of God. The father being holy, the son being holy, and the spirit being holy. However you interpret the meaning of these two passages, they describe God as holy and He can be relied on. Just as He will never let us down or forsake us, He will not force us to love and obey Him. God leaves that decision up to us, hoping we will endure to the end. Why is love the key to salvation? What is shown when we love? Can a Christian lose?

Revelation 4:6-9 King James Version
6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Isaiah 6:1-3 International Children’s Bible
6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a very high throne. His long robe filled the Temple. 2 Burning heavenly creatures stood above him. Each creature had six wings. They used two wings to cover their faces. They used two wings to cover their feet. And they used two wings for flying. 3 Each creature was calling to the others: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of heaven’s armies. His glory fills the whole earth.”

Matthew 24:10-13 New Life Version
10 Many people will give up and turn away at this time. People will hand over each other. They will hate each other. 11 Many false religious teachers will come. They will fool many people and will turn them to the wrong way. 12 Because of people breaking the laws and sin being everywhere, the love in the hearts of many people will become cold. 13 But the one who stays true to the end will be saved.