September 14

Read: Isaiah 6:1-7

Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged (Isaiah 6:7).

Types And Symbols Of Holiness

Not every Old Testament dual phrase teaches holiness as a second blessing, but holiness is taught in the Old Testament. We may test our use of a passage by asking, Does this truth ring true in view of the whole teaching of the Bible? Is this Old Testament foreshadowing of holiness doctrine consistent with New Testament truth?

Some Old Testament passages suggest parallels to the experience of Christian holiness. We may rightfully use them as types or illustrations though we do not present them as Biblical proofs for our belief. One such parallel is the experience of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and later crossing the Jordan River. These were first and second crises through which Israel reached God’s promised land.

There are, however, other Old Testament passages that teach clearly the essence of New Testament doctrine. David saw that his acts of sin came from an unholy disposition. With true New Testament insight he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalms 51:10).

Isaiah saw the true character of God when he heard the seraphim singing, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts.” He then cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” God heard this cry for holiness and sent a heavenly messenger to cleanse the seeker. Here there is more than type and symbol. Here the holiness of God confronts the sinful nature of man, and the human spirit cries for cleansing.

Prayer For Today

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts ate opened, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name, through Christ our Lord (Communion service prayer of the Anglican church).