Psalm 97:12 – Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Holiness – the state of being holy; perfect purity; integrity of moral character; freedom from sin.
Every time the idea of God’s perfect purity, integrity and lack of sin comes to us, we should give thanks for it.
I know – that isn’t an easy thing, is it? When I remember God’s holiness, gratitude isn’t usually my first emotion. I usually feel guilt. Or sorrow. Or remorse.
I tend to spontaneously think of God’s holiness when I have violated that holiness, when I have acted directly the opposite of holy and pure, or without integrity.
But God’s holiness should not be remembered with sadness or shame. It should be remembered with thankfulness!
Scripture uses words like “glorious” and “beautiful” to describe holiness (Exodus 15:1; II Chronicles 20:21)
We must remember that if God the Father was not holy, if Jesus His son was not perfectly pure, we would have no forgiveness for our sin. Only a spotless sacrifice could make atonement for our sin. Hebrews 9:11, 14 remind us that Jesus was the perfect tabernacle and he offered Himself “without spot to God” to be the sacrifice for our sin.
Rather than trembling before God’s holiness, or rebelling against it, we should give thanks for it!
You will notice that this verse is a direct address to the “righteous”. And how do we become righteous? Through the shedding of the holy blood of Jesus Christ!
Thank God for His holiness every time it comes to your mind. It is the only way to salvation for us.
Obtaining Mercy 