Who Is God?

Lesson 5 God Is Holy

Learning to know and love God for who He is, His character, attributes and being
Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day One) Set Apart

In Lesson 4: God Is Sovereign, we learned that God is the Supreme and Ultimate Ruler of the Universe.
He rules and uses His power in union with all of His other characteristics. God’s being or personhood is
not separated out into compartments.

Our Sovereign acts and exists in all of His attributes at all times. Therefore, He governs the world in
love, goodness and mercy. He also governs in wisdom, truthfulness, knowledge, righteousness,
perfection and beauty. These are some of God’s other personality traits and ones you may want to study
on your own.

God has authority and power over every situation, good or bad. In fact, He determines what is good and
what is bad. He sets the standard of righteousness based on His holy character. Holiness is the last
attribute we will consider in our study, Who Is God?

Definitions: Holy can be defined as being set apart, pure and sacred.

To set apart makes (someone or something) different, special or sacred. To set apart means to put
(someone or something) in a particular place or category. It can also mean selecting (someone or
something) for a specific purpose.

Pure as related to an individual is perfection. To be pure is being free or separate from moral fault, sin,
infirmity or contamination.

Sacred is defined as worthy or entitled to reverence, veneration and respect. Places that are dedicated or
set apart for the service or worship of God are sacred.

God is holy. Holiness is a part of God’s character we seem to gloss over (treat with less care or ignore).
There seems to be a tendency to place more emphasis on God’s other attributes. For sure, we all need to
know God is love. We definitely want hear, God is mercy and God is good.

These are important and life-giving attributes of God. After all, life can be difficult and most of us are
carrying around a heavy baggage of sin, rejection and loss. But we also need to give equal weight and
attention to God’s holiness. We must understand what it means to say, God is holy. This characteristic of
God is just as important in our walk with Christ as the others.

God is set apart, pure and sacred. No one can see God in all His glory and live (Exodus 33:20). As we
learned in lesson one of this study, Adam and Eve sinned and lost the privilege of seeing God face to
face. They lost the privilege for us also. But God already had a plan.
God worked out a way for people to be restored in relationship with Him. He wants all human beings to
be reinstated into a holy priesthood capable of serving a holy God. Jesus makes this possible for us; He
is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
Those who deny Christ will be sent to hell by a holy and righteous God. Saying a prayer of commitment
(promise, pledge or dedication) and then not following Jesus, is alarming. It could indicate an
unrepentant and unchanged heart. A true believer, though by no means perfect, loves God and obeys
Him.

Jesus said to fear God and not man (Luke 12:5). Man can kill the body but God has the power and
authority to throw you into hell. The holy people of God will join Him in relationship now and see Him
face to face after our earthly death. The unholy people will not.

You will find the blank answer sheets to complete at the end of the study. You may keep the lesson
portion for yourself and return ONLY the answer sheets. When all the questions have been
completed, return your answer sheets to CLI Prison Alliance. Please keep the lesson for your own study
or pass it on to a friend.

Read Acts 9:31 and answer questions 1-2:

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened.
Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Acts 9:31
(Read 2 Corinthians 5:7-11)

1. The early church lived in the_________________of the Lord.

2. Do you think these early believers were following Jesus? Yes No (Circle One) Explain your answer:

When you live in the fear of the Lord, you are following Jesus. You are not afraid of what man or
woman may do to you. You are faithful to God. You understand God’s mystery, power and holiness.
You recognize that God is pure and hates evil. All people will be accountable or answerable for the
things done in the body, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

God is set apart. No one comes close to His uniqueness. He is our extraordinary, one, true, living God.
He is matchless. He is holy.

The fact that God is the creator of the universe sets Him apart from everyone. He is truly in a category
by Himself. Creation itself shouts of God’s holiness. It also reveals His creativity, beauty and awesome
power.

Read Genesis 2:2-3 and answer questions 3-5:

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from
all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the
work of creating that he had done. Genesis 2:2-3

3. By the seventh day God finished His work of creating the world and He_____________(v. 2).

4. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it ____________________(v. 3a).

5. Why did God bless the seventh day and make it holy (v. 3b)?

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This is the first time the word holy is used in the Bible. God set apart the Sabbath (Saturday) for a
special purpose. People should rest because God rested from His work. Our rest also demonstrates or
expresses an obedient heart. God made the day holy and therefore, we keep it pure and set apart for
Him.

The Sabbath is a holy day made for resting and for honoring God as creator and provider of all things.
Jesus rose from the dead on Sunday and this day has usually been the Christian’s time of rest and
worship. Jesus opened a new and holy relationship for us by dying on the cross for our sins. When He
ascended into heaven, Jesus sat down at the right hand of God to rule and to take a Sabbath rest from
His work on earth.

Since Jesus has been raised from the dead, He does not have an earthly body that needs to rest.
However, Jesus does everything the Father does (John 5:19). God rested from His work of creation
and Jesus rests after His work of restoring creation. God is Spirit and does not have to physically rest
like we do. The LORD is showing that His work is complete. It is finished.

God had made the Sabbath holy at the time of creation. However, we do not learn of its extreme
importance until the time of Moses. The Sabbath was a sign between God and the generations to
come that He is the LORD and He alone makes people holy (Exodus 31:12-17). Keeping the Sabbath
day holy is the fourth commandment and it was serious business. If anyone desecrated (violated, defiled)
this day, he or she was put to death.

God also wanted His people to rest on the Sabbath in order to appreciate their freedom from their
Egyptian captivity (Deuteronomy 5:15). They were to remember the LORD their God brought them out
of slavery. They were unable to free themselves but had to rely and trust in God.

Jesus taught about the Sabbath but never suggested ending it. He taught against the human rules and
the lack of love that had come to surround it (Mark 2:23-28). The early Christians observed a special
day of rest and worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

Think about it. Has anything really changed? Believers still need rest from our labors. God is still
worthy of praise for His awesome creation. We should also remember that the LORD our God brings us
out of slavery. We are not able to free ourselves from Satan’s bondage. But thank God, Jesus freed us
from sin and makes us holy. It should delight us to spend a quiet day with God.

Spending time with God delighted a Scotsman named Eric Liddell (1902-1945).1 Sunday was an
especially holy day for Eric. He had been taught and believed it was a day of rest and worship. This was
a day to honor and reverence God.

In school Eric excelled at every sport he tried. He was especially good at running. However, he would
not play sports, including running, on Sunday. When he was 19, he entered his first competition in
Scotland. He showed great promise as a first-class runner.

Eric soon became a hero in Scotland for his running ability. He set a new British record by running the
100 yards in 9.7 seconds. Following that event, the newspapers announced even more stirring news,
some called it a miracle.
1
The following material about Liddell is gleaned from Janet and Geoff Benge, Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold,
in Christian Heroes: Then & Now (Seattle, WA: YWAM Publishing, 1998), 28-50.

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Eric was representing Scotland against Ireland and England. He was entered in the 440-yard race.
However, Eric hardly ever ran this distance in competitions. Therefore, he was not generally expected to
win.

Eric and another runner, J.J. Gillies in the next lane, took off on cue. However, Gillies accidentally
bumped into Eric and knocked him down. Eric fell into the center of the track while Gillies kept
running. Eric thought he had been disqualified so had not gotten up right away.

However, he had not been disqualified. An official waved at him to keep going. When Eric saw him, he
immediately jumped to his feet and ran down the track after his competitors. They were at least 20 yards
in front of him by this time. It seemed like an excellent effort for good sportsmanship, but an actual win
seemed impossible.

The crowd was stunned to see Eric catch up and start passing the other runners one by one. Then against
all odds he burst across the finish line winning the race. The crowd went crazy with excitement. He
received a hero’s welcome when he returned to Scotland.

That same year, 1924, Eric qualified for the Olympic Games. He was to run the 100 meters. His country
was looking forward to his winning the gold medal. However, three months before the start of the
games, Eric received a list of the events. The heats were scheduled on Sunday. A heat is a single race
within an event.

6. Having read Eric Liddell’s story above, what would you do under the same circumstances and why?

Personal Application:

7. God is Holy. Consider this truth as you meditate (think deeply) on the following Scriptures. Then
write anything that God revealed to you or what you learned through this application:

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 11 Look to the LORD and his
strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:10-11

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the
LORD in the splendor of his holiness.30 Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly
established; it cannot be moved 31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the
nations, "The LORD reigns!" 1 Chronicles 16:29-31

Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the
nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the
peoples with equity. Psalm 96: 9-10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10

Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day Two) Friends with the Holy

God is holy. He is always holy. He is set apart or separate from sin and evil. Therefore, everything God
does is right. When we complain about our circumstances, we are basically saying that God is not

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doing right by us. At best we are implying God is unfair, and at worst, we are suggesting that God is
bad.

From lesson one in this study, we know God is good. He is working behind the scenes, even during
devastating circumstances. We are to pray and ask for God’s help and not complain. We are to place our
trust and hope in a good and holy God.

Eric Liddell informed the British Olympic Committee that he could not run the 100-meter race.2 He had
never run on Sunday and would not now, even if it meant giving up a gold medal. The committee met
with the organizers of the games in Paris, but they would not make any changes or exceptions. The
schedule was the schedule.

When the newspapers ran with the story, the public turned against him. Some said he was unfit to
represent Scotland. Others even called him a traitor. It was a difficult time for Eric as he endured such
hateful comments. But for Eric, God was to be honored, even above his country.

I cannot help but think how easy it would have been to justify running on Sunday. After all it was the
Olympics and the whole world was watching. Just think how much one could honor God when the gold
medal was won. Besides, running is more pleasure than work, right?

Upon further examination, all of the reasons given to justify running are really just excuses for one’s
own glory. It is a desire to be in the limelight. It is the human flesh wanting attention, fame and honor.
Eric was honoring God in the way God desired.

God is holy and cares about those afflicted (troubled) by enemies. God is pure and is not pleased when
people sin against each other. In the case of the Israelites, God heard their groans and cries for freedom.
He saw the way the Egyptians were oppressing (abusing) them and desired to relieve their suffering.
God would use a man named Moses to deliver His people from slavery.

Read Exodus 3:2-5 and answer questions 8-11:

There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that
though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange
sight– why the bush does not burn up." 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called
to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
5
"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is
holy ground." Exodus 3:2-5

8. There the ___________ of the ___________ appeared to him in ___________ of __________ from
within a bush (v. 2a).

Think a moment about fire. You probably imagined flames of yellow, orange or red. Did you know that
a fire may actually burn white? White is the hottest color possible for organic (living matter) material.
Among other things in the Bible, fire is used as a symbol to represent God’s holiness. Fire is dangerous
and not something to be trifled with. So too, God’s holiness should strike fear in our hearts. We should
be frightened of ever treating God in an unholy way.

2
Ibid., 46.

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9. What drew Moses’ attention to the bush (vs. 2-3)?

10. The angel or messenger appears and God calls, “Moses! Moses!” How does Moses respond?

11. What is the reason God gives for having Moses take off his sandals?

12. Why is the ground holy?

The LORD does not question, “Is that you Moses?” He is emphatic (forceful) and commanding. God
speaks authoritatively in the power of His awesome holiness.

Moses answers and obeys God. He remains a respectful distance away and removes his sandals. God’s
presence has turned this ordinary dirt into sacred soil.

The stage is set. God has a sacred mission for Moses. He is to go to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and bring
the Israelites out of slavery. Moses recognizes this is a huge and dangerous undertaking. He starts giving
excuses and reasons why he should not take on the job. Five excuses in all.

God patiently responded to four of Moses’ objections. However, by the fifth objection, His holy anger
burned against Moses. The LORD had assured Moses that He would be with him and perform wonders,
signs and miracles (Exodus 3:12, 20, 4:8-9). God would hear no more lame excuses and sent Moses on
his way.

Today, believers desire to hear from God and receive a special mission or task. This is a good thing.
However, as Americans, we do not usually equate our calling with danger. The prophets in the Old
Testament and the disciples in the New Testament were quite familiar with danger. They were often
persecuted, oppressed and killed.

13. How do you think you would react if God called you to a dangerous mission?

The LORD was with Moses and freed the Israelites with wonders, signs and miracles. In the third month
after the Israelites left Egypt, they came to the desert of Sinai and camped in front of a mountain. Moses
went up the mountain, where God spoke to him. The LORD had a message for the people He freed from
bondage.

Read Exodus 19:5-6 and answer questions 14-15:

“Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured
possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy
nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites." Exodus 19:5-6
(Covenant is an agreement, pact, treaty or alliance between two parties.)

14. In order to be God’s treasured possession, what must the people do (v. 5)?

15. By obeying God and keeping His covenant, even though the whole earth is His, they will be
for the LORD a kingdom of ____________________ and a ____________________nation (v.6)

Definition: Obedience means to comply (follow, observe) with an order, request, or law. It is
submission to another’s authority.

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16. Why do you think obedience is important to God?

God is sacred. He is worthy and entitled to respect. Disobeying God is the same as disrespecting Him.
By not obeying God, we are saying His rules and plans are not important. We are saying we know
better. Ultimately, disobedience shows a lack of trust and faith in God.

The LORD created people for relationship on His holy terms. As Creator of the universe, He has the
right to make the rules. We were made in God’s image to think and act like He does. He does not want
to be with people who run amok (without control).

17. Are you concerned that studying about God’s holiness will change your friendship with God? Yes
No Maybe (Circle One) Explain your answer:

Learning about God’s holiness should change our friendship with God. It should make our relationship
genuine and thus, better. It is important to consider friendship with God according to His requirements.
Friendship with God is not like our like human relationships.

God called Moses and Abraham His friends because they trusted and obeyed Him. Think about it. How
many people would you call your friend, if they required your submission and obedience to their every
command? Friendship with God is not based on equality like human relationships, because we are not
His equal. No one is.

Jesus had friends while on earth, but He had the same requirements. He expected His disciples to obey
Him. He ate with sinners who turned from their sin and obeyed Him. Jesus did not call the religious
leaders of the time His friends, because they did not obey God in their hearts.

18. Read John 15:14. Jesus said, “You are my____________if you do what I________________.

You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14

God is holy and He is relational. The challenge is to understand both, and to relate to God on His terms.
There will always be a tension (balance, stress) between God’s holiness and His relational character.
Moses had a high degree of success in relating to God on His terms. He came down from the mountain
and spoke the words the LORD had commanded him. The people all agreed to obey God and the terms
of the covenant. They were agreeing to be holy, set apart.

God had chosen Moses to continue to lead the Israelites. Therefore, God wanted the people to obey
Moses as His spokesperson. In order to get the people’s attention and make sure they did obey, God
made His holy presence known.
The people were instructed to wash their clothes as an outward sign of holiness. They were preparing to
meet the LORD. God has planned to reveal Himself from Mt. Sinai.

Moses ordered the Israelites not to go up the mountain or to touch it. If they did, they would not be
permitted to live. They would die.

After Moses prepared the people, God made His presence known through thunder and lightning, with a
thick cloud over the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast. The LORD descended to the top of Mt.
Sinai in fire, and the whole mountain trembled violently. The people also trembled (shook) in fear.

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Then God called Moses to the top of the mountain. God gave Moses what are known as the Ten
Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). God also gave additional laws for the people to obey.

In order for God’s holy presence to be among the Israelites, God gave Moses instructions for a sanctuary
(Exodus 25:8). A sanctuary was a place set apart as a dwelling place for the LORD. God is omnipresent
(everywhere), but He made a way for the people to understand the holiness of His presence.

All of the sanctuary’s (tabernacle) furnishings were carefully chosen and made. They were holy to the
LORD. Especially holy was the ark of the Covenant. It was carefully placed behind a curtain made of
finely twisted blue, purple and scarlet yarn and linen. This place was known as the Most Holy Place.

The ark of the Covenant (Testimony) represented God’s throne room. The word ark means box or chest.
The Ten Commandments, engraved on stone tablets were placed inside the ark. God would remain
present with His people if they followed His commandments or covenant.

Personal Application:

19. Take some time to think about your relationship with a holy God. Do you treat His name with
respect? Do you listen, watch or read books that misuse His name? Do you submit to His sovereign plan
for your life? Do you follow His holy Son each day? How do you honor Him? Write down areas that
you will improve in relating to a holy God?

Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day Three) God’s Holy Presence

Even though God revealed His holiness at Mt. Sinai, Nadab and Abihu did not take it seriously. These
were Aaron’s sons. Aaron was Moses’ brother, and God had chosen and appointed him high priest. His
sons were to serve as priests with him. As per God’s instructions, Moses conducted a formal and holy
ceremony anointing them and installing them into service.
Read Leviticus 10:1-2 and answer questions 20-24:

Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered
unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command.2 So fire came out from the presence of the
LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Leviticus 10:1-2

Definitions: A censer is a vessel or holder for burning hot coals and incense. Incense is a material used
to produce a fragrant odor when burned.

20. What did Nadab and Abihu put into their censers (v. 1a)?

21. Did the LORD authorize or approve their actions (v. 1b)? Yes No (Circle One)

22. Did Nadab and Abihu do what God had commanded (v. 1c)? Yes No (Circle One)

23. What did God do to Nadab and Abihu (v. 2)?

24. Why do you think God’s fire consumed them and they died?

Aaron’s sons did not treat God as holy. They did not consider the LORD worthy of obedience, so they
took control of the situation. We do not know exactly why their actions were sinful, but they were

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clearly contrary to God’s command. They took a holy job and a holy place and turned them into
something unimportant and commonplace.

Read Leviticus 10:3 and answer questions 25-28:

Moses then said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: "'Among those who approach
me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored. '" Aaron remained silent.
Leviticus 10:3

25. How did Moses explain the deaths of the two priests, Nadab and Abihu?

26. Is God honored when we disobey Him? Yes No (Circle One)

27. Are there any areas of your life where you are disobeying and dishonoring God in the sight of
others? Yes No (Circle One) If you answered yes, what will you do to change your disobedience to
obedience, your dishonor to honor?

28. If you are struggling or need help with obeying God, please write how your CLI Bible Minister may
pray for you:

By setting up the sanctuary, God was teaching a powerful lesson on His absolute holiness. It was a
restricted place. It had limited access. Only the priests were allowed in the Holy Place of the sanctuary
and even they were not allowed in the Most Holy Place.

Aaron, the first high priest, was the only one authorized to enter behind the yarn and linen curtain (veil)
and into the Most Holy Place. Anyone else who entered would die. The high priest was only permitted
to enter the Most Holy Place once a year. If he entered at any other time, he would die (Leviticus 16:2).

The reason the high priest went behind the veil into the Most Holy Place was to make atonement for the
people. The word atonement means to bring together as one those who were enemies. Humans are
considered enemies of God because of sin (Romans 5:10). God is righteous and must judge wrongdoing.

God established the Day of Atonement for the Israelites to have their sins forgiven each year. This was a
way to restore holy fellowship. It involved a substitute to receive the punishment for their sins.

Cost of Sin
God is the giver of life. He created all life. He has the right and sovereign power to give it and to take it
away. We learned in lesson one about Adam and Eve. They lost their gift of eternal life by disobeying
God. The cost of their sin was physical death. Although their death did not happen immediately, they
eventually died.

God is merciful. Instead of taking their lives, God took the life of an animal. From the animal, he made
garments of skin for Adam and Eve and clothed them (Genesis 4:21). They were cast out of the garden
to live a certain number of years before they physically died.

Sacrifices continued (Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham etc.). But it was through Moses that God gave the
people the formal sacrificial system and law. It was designed to restore fellowship by covering sin.
Remember, God is holy and will not be in relationship with unholy creatures. But He is also merciful,
gracious and loving. God provided a way for atonement.

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Read Leviticus 17:11 and answer questions 29-31:

For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on
the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life. Leviticus 17:11

29. What makes atonement for one’s life?

30. Why did an animal have to be sacrificed?

31. Did you realize God is so serious about sin? Yes No Maybe (Circle One)

The cost or punishment for sin is death. The killing of an animal is a vivid picture of the price for
disobeying God. Rebellion is serious business.

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sacrifice a bull and a ram to cover his own sins. He had
to seek God’s cleansing before He could enter into His presence. Then the high priest was to take two
goats, one for sacrifice and one as a live scapegoat. Both the blood of the bull and the goat were
sprinkled on the front of the atonement cover in the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16).

The high priest was to lay both hands on the scapegoat and confess all the wickedness and rebellion of
the Israelites. In this way he was putting all the sins on the goat’s head. The goat was then sent into the
desert carrying the sin outside the camp and far away to a solitary place.

32. Read Leviticus 16:30. What was the reason for the atonement day?

…because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will
be clean from all your sins. Leviticus 16:30

33. Review and think about days 1-3 of this lesson. How are God’s holiness and human sin opposed (in
conflict) to each other?

Personal Application:

34. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and appreciate God’s holiness as well as leading you in a
meaningful worship time. Share how the Holy Spirit led you:

Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day Four) Holy Jesus

Eric Liddell, again, helps us to understand the importance of the holiness of God.3 Although the
Olympic Committee would not change the schedule, they offered Eric the opportunity to run the 200-
meter and 400-meter races. These events were not scheduled on Sunday. Eric was also not favored to
win a medal in either of these, but he agreed to run.

Eric was still subject to cruel words. At the beginning of the games when the teams were gathered
together, Lord Cadogan, moved among them shaking their hands. He was head of the British Olympic

3
The following material about Liddell is gleaned from Ibid., 51-61 and the direct quotes are found on pg. 51 and 57,
respectively.

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Committee. At that time the United Kingdom of Great Britain was comprised of England, Northern
Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

When Lord Cadogan stopped in front of Eric, he said loudly, “To play the game is the only thing in life
that matters.” Everyone, including Eric, knew what he intended. He meant that Eric’s decision not to run
the 100-meter race had cost Great Britain a gold medal. His words stung as they were supposed to. But
no matter how much criticism and cruel comments, Eric did not regret his decision. Games are not the
only thing that matters: only God matters.

The crowds numbered 60,000 from around the world. There was particular interest in the 400-meter race
because twice in the heats, a new record had been set. Eric entered the stadium with a note in his pocket.
He had received it earlier from a worker for the British team. It read:

“In the old book it says, ‘He who honors Me, I will honor.’”

The quote was taken from 1 Samuel 2:30c and meant a lot to Eric. No matter what happened, he had
honored God. This was his foremost desire in life: to glorify God.

Eric took off at the start of his race. It seemed to the crowd that he was running the 100-meter instead of
the 400-meter. He was running too fast to keep up that pace. People familiar with running did not think
he would have the stamina to finish the race.

But with God’s help, he kept going. He finished the race with a burst of energy that had the crowd in
frenzy. He not only won the gold medal but had set a new record. The previous record holder was in the
race and came in a distant second.

Eric was a Christian. As the Bible commands, he honored our triune God (John 5:23; 1 Corinthians
6:19-20). He treated God with respect and reverence. He treated God as holy, just as the Old Testament
and the New Testament instructs us. In the Old Testament, God’s dwelling place (tabernacle, sanctuary)
was designed with this in mind.

In setting up the tabernacle, God was giving the people a live copy of His throne room in heaven
(Hebrews 8:5). God was graciously revealing a number of things:

First: He was giving a clear picture of His holiness. He is set apart and not to be approached in any
random way. God is worthy of all respect and reverence. God is sacred. He established the sanctuary
with its sacrificial laws as the method and way for the Israelites to worship Him.

Second: He is pure and those coming into His presence must be pure also. Sin is not acceptable.

Third: Sin separates us from God. We cannot go into His throne room except by penalty of death. God
tells us plainly that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). This does not mean that we will physically
die, although at some point all of us will. Rather, Romans 6 is saying that sin results in spiritual death.

Fourth: The high priest prefigured Christ, who offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin. In other words, the
high priest foreshadowed or pointed to Jesus as the great high priest (Hebrews 4:14).

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Read Matthew 27:50-52 and answer questions 35-37:

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain
of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke
open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
Matthew 27:50-52

35. Jesus’ human body died on the cross, and what happened to His spirit (v. 50)?

36. What curtain do you think was torn (v. 51)?

37. What did the torn curtain signify (mean, indicate)?

Jesus’ physical body died on the cross, but His spirit did not. Jesus is fully man and fully God. God
cannot die. Before His body died, Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit
my spirit.” Luke 23:46

The curtain or veil separating the Most Holy Place of the temple (sanctuary, tabernacle) was completely
torn in two. Jesus’ death opened a direct way into God’s presence (Hebrews 9:1-14).

38. Read Hebrews 9:22. Why did Jesus die or shed His blood for our sins?

In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of
blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22

Jesus is holy. He never sinned (1 Peter 2:22). He is the perfect substitute and sacrifice for our sins. The
cross pulsates, indeed trembles, with God’s holiness. Jesus was killed as a sacrifice for our sins. God
did not give the life of His Son so we may go on sinning. For those people taking His holiness lightly,
caution: You may be putting yourself in grave danger.

Ananias and Sapphira serve as a warning. They were members of the early church. The members or
believers at that time were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his
own, but they shared everything they had (Acts 4:32-35).

If anyone was in need, those who had land or houses would sell them and lay the money at the apostles’
feet. In this way, the money could be given to anyone as he or she had need. This is certainly a way
honoring God and taking care of His people.

Ananias sold a piece of property. However, with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back part of the money
for himself. He took the rest and laid it at the apostles’ feet. By this act Ananias was pretending that he
was giving the whole amount to the church.

39. Do you think Ananias did something wrong? Yes No (Circle One)

The apostle Peter was certain Ananias had sinned. Peter questioned how he had let Satan fill his heart so
much that he had lied to the Holy Spirit. Ananias had a choice. With his free will and with Jesus’ help,
he could have been honest. It is a choice that we all have.

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40. Read Acts 5:4. What was Ananias’ sin?

“Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal?
What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God." Acts
5:4

41. Read Acts 5:5. What happened to Ananias?

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had
happened. Acts 5:5

Sapphira did not know her husband had died. So when she appeared about three hours later, Peter
questioned her about the price for the land. She also lied and fell down and died.

Recall the note Eric Liddell had received: “Those who honor me I will honor.” Here is the rest of that
verse: “but those who despise me will be disdained (1 Sam. 2:30c).” Disdain means the person is
unworthy of one's consideration or respect; it means contempt. God does not think much of those who
dishonor Him.

God does not change. The wages of sin is death. The Bible does not tell us whether Ananias and
Sapphira will be separated from God forever. Will they go to hell? We do not know. But holiness is
serious and there are dire consequences for sin.

Read Ephesians 5:3-5 and answer questions 42-44:

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of
greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or
coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No
immoral, impure or greedy person–such a person is an idolater– has any inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:3-5

42. What are improper for God’s holy people (v. 3-4)?

43. What is an immoral, impure and greedy person called (v. 5)?

44. Will an idolater inherit the kingdom of Christ and of God (v. 5)? Yes No (Circle One)

Read Leviticus 20:7-8 and answer questions 45-46:

Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. 8 Keep my decrees and follow
them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy. Leviticus 20:7-8

45. Why is God telling the Israelites to set themselves apart and be holy (v. 7)?

46. What are the two ways that the Israelites were to become holy (v. 8)?

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Read 1 Peter 1:15-19 and answer questions 47-50:

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am
holy."17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as
foreigners here in reverent fear.18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or
gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,19 but
with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:15-19

47. The apostle Peter says to be _____________ in all you do (v. 15).

48. Why should you be holy in all you do (v. 16)?

49. Since you call on God the Father who judges each person’s work impartially (fairly), how should
you live out your time here on earth (v. 17)?

50. How were you redeemed from sin and an empty way of life (v. 19)?

The Bible tells us nine different times to be holy, because God is holy. We cannot just say a prayer of
commitment to Jesus and not follow Him. God is looking at the heart.

Personal Application:

51. Be holy this day. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in holy thoughts, deeds and actions. Share how the
Holy Spirit led you:

Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day Five) Holy Heart

Being holy does not just involve doing the right things. It involves doing them with the right mind and
attitude. If we have a holy heart, then we will say and do holy things (Luke 6:45).

People have had trouble with their heart attitudes since Adam and Eve. The LORD set up the sacrificial
system to help the Israelites with their sin, but many of them missed the point. God wanted them to have
a loving attitude toward Him. He wanted their hearts.

Read Isaiah 29:13 and answer questions 52-53:

The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their
hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
Isaiah 29:13

52. The Lord said, “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but
their____________________are far from me.

53. What was the people’s worship of God based on?

About 800 years later, Jesus taught a similar message. There were many religious leaders who did all the
right things, but for all the wrong reasons (Matthew 6:5). They wanted to be acknowledged, respected
and admired by the people.

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54. Read Ephesians 4:22-24. What is your new self supposed to be like?

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being
corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the
new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Eric Liddell is a good example of a “new self” in Christ. God had his heart, soul and mind. Eric was
famous in Scotland even before the Olympic Games. He was fast and breaking records. The newspapers
printed stories about him all the time.

He was approached by a friend to speak to a group of men about Jesus. Eric’s friend thought these men
might be willing to come and hear a famous athlete. The gospel would be shared also.
Although Eric was relatively shy and not good at public speaking, he accepted. His friend was right
about the draw. The men not only came, but listened carefully to what Eric had to say, both about sports
and about God.
“Do you want to know the God I love? He has given me strength when I thought I had nothing left. And
He has given me these words when I thought I couldn’t speak.”4

The invitations to speak continued. Over the next four years, he spoke his simple message of faith and
hope to thousands. It seemed that Eric had a perfect “Christian” career. However, Eric felt called to be a
missionary. He had felt God’s call since he was a boy.

So at the height of his fame, both as an Olympic champion and Christian speaker, he told the world that
he would be going to China as a chemistry teacher. Of course his main goal was to tell the Chinese
people about Jesus.

Read Acts 20:24 and answer questions 55-56:

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task
the Lord Jesus has given me– the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.
Acts 20:24

55. What is the race the Apostle Paul is talking about?

56. When Eric accepted God’s calling to go to China, what race did he want to complete?

Both Paul and Eric accepted their calling to be holy like God is holy. They turned from the world in
order to be set apart for God. Their race was to tell the world the good news of God’s grace through
Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Neither Paul nor Eric had an easy time as missionaries. Paul’s story is recorded in the New Testament.
Eric served in China during a difficult time. The country was not safe.

The Chinese nationalist and communist groups were fighting for control of their government. A person’s
life could be a stake for the wrong loyalties. There were also Japanese invaders. They were vicious
fighters. China was soon a war ravaged country.

4
Ellen Caughey, Eric Liddell, (Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour Books, 2000), 61.

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Christians were especially hated by the Communists and likely to be killed on the spot. During this time,
Eric went from village to village trying to encourage and help the Christian who lived there. It was an
extremely dangerous time. He would not have been considered a friend of any of the fighting groups.

World War II began September 1, 1939, and on March 3, 1943, Eric was placed in a Japanese
internment camp. Two years later Eric died of a brain tumor. He was 43 years old.

There is much more to Eric’s life in China. But wherever he was, he served the Lord in His strength and
joy. He was a man of faith, discipline and principles. He took on a dangerous mission to serve his holy
God.

Eric took his example of how to live from God. His model was the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus offered
Himself as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sins. Jesus made Eric Liddell holy and He makes us
holy. He sets us apart for God.

Still, we have a responsibility in holiness. Jesus did not die so we could do whatever we please. He died
so we could worship and follow our Holy God with a cheerful and joyful heart.

Personal Application:
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that
contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1

57. Memorize 2 Corinthians 7:1.

-End of Lesson 5- and the end of the Who Is God? Bible Study

Rev 4/22/2019

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 Lesson 5 Answer Sheets - Who Is God? God Is Holy

Return your answer sheets only, to 4724 Hargrove Rd, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27616. Your answers
will be reviewed and returned to you with helpful comments. Please provide any address updates here.



Jeffrey Williams 320041

Staton C.F. A1-47B
2690 Marion Spillway Rd.
Elmore, AL 36025

Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day One) Set Apart

1. The early church lived in the__________________of the Lord.

2. Do you think these early believers were following Jesus? Yes No (Circle One) Explain your

answer:_______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. By the seventh day God finished His work of creating the world and He_____________(v. 2).

4. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it ____________________(v. 3a).

5. Why did God bless the seventh day and make it holy (v. 3b)?___________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. Having read Eric Liddell’s story above, what would you do under the same circumstances and
why?_________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Personal Application:

7. God is Holy. Consider this truth as you meditate (think deeply) on the following Scriptures. Then
write anything that God revealed to you or what you learned through this application:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day Two) Friends with the Holy

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8. There the ___________ of the ___________ appeared to him in ___________ of __________ from
within a bush (v. 2a).

9. What drew Moses’ attention to the bush (vs. 2-3)?___________________________________

10. The angel or messenger appears and God calls, “Moses! Moses!” How does Moses respond?

______________________________________________________________________________

11. What is the reason God gives for having Moses take off his sandals?____________________

12. Why is the ground holy?_______________________________________________________

13. How do you think you would react if God called you to a dangerous mission?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
14. In order to be God’s treasured possession, what must the people do (v. 5)?

______________________________________________________________________________
15. By obeying God and keeping His covenant, even though the whole earth is His, they will be

for the LORD a kingdom of ____________________ and a ____________________nation (v.6)

16. Why do you think obedience is important to God?__________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

17. Are you concerned that studying about God’s holiness will change your friendship with God?

Yes No Maybe (Circle One) Explain your answer:_____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

18. Read John 15:14. Jesus said, “You are my____________if you do what I________________.

Personal Application:

19. Take some time to think about your relationship with a holy God. Do you treat His name with
respect? Do you listen, watch or read books that misuse His name? Do you submit to His sovereign plan
for your life? Do you follow His holy Son each day? How do you honor Him?
Write down areas that you will improve in relating to a holy God:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________________________
Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day Three) God’s Holy Presence

20. What did Nadab and Abihu put into their censers (v. 1a)?_____________________________

21. Did the LORD authorize or approve their actions (v. 1b)? Yes No (Circle One)

22. Did Nadab and Abihu do what God had commanded (v. 1c)? Yes No (Circle One)

23. What did God do to Nadab and Abihu (v. 2)?______________________________________

24. Why do you think God’s fire consumed them and they died?__________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
25. How did Moses explain the deaths of the two priests, Nadab and Abihu?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

26. Is God honored when we disobey Him? Yes No (Circle One)

27. Are there any areas of your life where you are disobeying and dishonoring God? Yes No (Circle
One) If you answered yes, what will you do to change your disobedience to obedience,

your dishonor to honor?__________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
28. If you are struggling or need help with obeying God, please write how your CLI Bible

Minister may pray for you:________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

29. What makes atonement for one’s life?____________________________________________

30. Why did an animal have to be sacrificed?_________________________________________

31. Did you realize God is so serious about sin? Yes No Maybe (Circle One)

32. Read Leviticus 16:30. What was the reason for the atonement day?_____________________

33. Review and think about days 1-3 of this lesson. How are God’s holiness and human sin

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opposed (in conflict) to each other?_________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

34. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and appreciate God’s holiness as well as leading you in a
meaningful worship time. Share how the Holy Spirit led you:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

35. Jesus’ human body died on the cross, and what happened to His spirit (v. 50)?____________

36. What curtain do you think was torn (v.51)?________________________________________

37. What did the torn curtain signify (mean, indicate)?__________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

38. Read Hebrews 9:22. Why did Jesus die or shed His blood for our sins?

______________________________________________________________________________

39. Do you think Ananias did something wrong? Yes No (Circle One)

40. Read Acts 5:4. What was Ananias’ sin?___________________________________________

41. Read Acts 5:5. What happened to Ananias?________________________________________

42. What are improper for God’s holy people (v. 3-4)?__________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

43. What is an immoral, impure and greedy person called (v. 5)?__________________________

44. Will an idolater inherit the kingdom of Christ and of God (v. 5)? Yes No (Circle One)

45. Why is God telling the Israelites to set themselves apart and be holy (v. 7)?

______________________________________________________________________________

46. What are the two ways that the Israelites were to become holy (v. 8)?

(1____________________________________________________________________________

(2____________________________________________________________________________

47. The apostle Peter says to be _____________ in all you do (v. 15).

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48. Why should you be holy in all you do (v. 16)?______________________________________

49. Since you call on God the Father who judges each person’s work impartially (fairly), how

should you live out your time here on earth (v. 17)?____________________________________

50. How were you redeemed from sin and an empty way of life (v. 19)?____________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Personal Application:

51. Be holy this day. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in holy thoughts, deeds and actions. Share

how the Holy Spirit led you:_______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
Lesson 5: God Is Holy (Day Five) Holy Heart

52. The Lord said, “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips,

but their____________________are far from me.

53. What was the people’s worship of God based on?___________________________________

54. Read Ephesians 4:22-24. What is your new self supposed to be like?____________________

______________________________________________________________________________

55. What is the race the Apostle Paul is talking about?__________________________________

56. When Eric accepted God’s calling to go to China, what race did he want to complete?

______________________________________________________________________________

Personal Application:

57. Write 2 Corinthians 7:1 from memory:___________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Lastly, let us end by putting the focus back on God and His holiness:

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Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its
wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,' who was, and
is, and is to come." Revelation 4:8

Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will
come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. Revelation 15:4

Congratulations on completing the Who Is God study! Excellent job! You will be receiving a certificate
of completion within the next few weeks. May studying about God and His attributes bring you peace
and knowledge in serving and honoring Him. If you would like your certificate to go to a home address
instead of your institution please write the address below – we are not able to send two separate
certificates.

We learned in this study that God’s plan for us is to follow Jesus. He is our model. Our next study, the
Christian Leadership Bible Study, is designed to help you grow in your faith as a leader. You will learn
how to positively influence the attitudes and actions of others for Jesus Christ. Please check your
preference below.

Next Bible Study Available: Christian Leadership Bible Study

(Please check as they apply to you)

Yes ____, please send me the first lesson of the CLI Leadership Study.

No,_____, I have already completed the CLI Leadership Study.

Yes,_____, please send me the first lesson of the Disciple of Christ Study since I have already
completed the Christian Leadership Study.

No,_____, this is the reason I prefer not to continue with a new study.

______________________________________________________________________________

Yes,_____, I would like to pray for CLI Prison Alliance and receive praises and requests regularly.

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