Holy Destination

Navigational assistance has come a long way since I started driving decades ago. My early days behind the wheel required memorizing the routes I took regularly. Just in case I ended up somewhere unfamiliar, I kept a paper map in my car. I like maps. I can see the whole picture of my route and explore the different ways I can get to where I am going. Today’s technology has advanced to include moment-by-moment details on the condition of the roads that notify drivers of construction delays, police patrols, accident alerts, and alternative routes. While paper maps and GPS function differently, they both operate under the same premise: unless you are content to wander and probably remain lost, you must know your current location and your ending target. It is very much like the human life. There is a final destination for every individual that is based on the path they take.

The Bible is the roadmap which guides us to a magnificent eternal destination: the holiness of God. The book of Revelation reveals the life to come is centered on the holiness of God. Holiness, defined as morally blameless, sets the Lord apart from humanity. The expanse between God and man makes it difficult to describe holiness without contrasting the differences. Scripture records the attempts of God’s messengers to put human language to heavenly visions. The prophet Isaiah records the words of the seraphim who were worshiping the Lord sitting high and lifted up on His throne, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3). Ezekiel describes the glory of the Lord gleaming as if a bright fire is contained within his form, as he was being attended to by strange looking creatures (Ezekiel 1). The apostle John, who was given the vision of Revelation, confirms what the prophets saw hundreds of years earlier: the enthroned Lord surrounded by a rainbow of jewels and odd-looking creatures worshipping him (Revelation 4:2-10).

The curtain of heaven opened for God’s prophets so they could relay his sacred expectations for his people. Beyond the heavenly images, the character of God was on display–his mercy, his grace, his justice, and his steadfast love are but a few of the facets of God that distinguishes him from all creation. Considering the rebellion of mankind, it seems unlikely that the Lord would desire a relationship with them. Because of the Lord’s great love, however, he wants all people of all nations to be with him.

Who will not fear, O Lord,
    and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
    All nations will come
    and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed. (Revelation 15:4)

Scripture, such as Revelation 15:4, invokes a sense of wonder that all people will come to the place where they will acknowledge his holiness and glorify his name. The hinderance to a relationship is not God, but our sin. His holiness is so awe-inspiring that the natural human response to seeing it is to realize how unworthy anyone is to stand before him (Isaiah 6:5). Yet, God wants mankind with him. He wants to pour out his love onto his imaged creation (Genesis 1:26) so he made a way through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ laid down his life bridging the gap between God and mankind. His blood covered the stain of sin to create a pathway for all to follow if they choose. Each person must recognize his or her sinful starting point and then opt to follow Christ to remain with him forever. The longer we follow Christ and practice what he taught, the more we can resemble him (Ephesians 4:22-24). In fact, much of the New Testament is written to instruct the church how to live with the fullness of Christ as they move from their current location to their new destination (Colossians 2:9-10). This includes mirroring his holiness (1 Peter 1:16). On the pathway of salvation leading to eternity with God, the traveler becomes holy along the way (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).

In a world that increasingly does not fear God, the concept of holiness becomes less known and understood. Perhaps holiness has been misrepresented by Christians. How we live as Christians matters. Holiness is not to push away others or portray a sense of superiority but is to be a welcoming beacon to the mercy, grace, justice, and steadfast love of the Father. Holy living guides others to find the holiness of God. It is the way the Lord is building his global kingdom of people who follow Christ and who fear and glorify his name.

After we grasp the magnificence of what awaits those who have chosen the only route leading to God in all his glory and holiness, it is our responsibility to point the way for others. The Lord Jesus modeled this for his disciples, providing a map to guide others (Matthew 28:18-20).

Imagine the impact your life could have for the sake of Christ! By meeting people where they are and inviting them to follow Jesus, they too can change their eternal destination to the holiness of God.