God Is Holy

“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. 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. 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.” Revelation 4:6-8

As John describes the scene around the throne of God in heaven, he tells us about four unusual creatures. These beasts had appearances similar to a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle, but they had several unique characteristics. Their bodies were full of eyes, perhaps calling our attention to the fact that God sees everything. Each beast also had six wings, but perhaps the most amazing thing about them was their endurance. Each one proclaimed, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” They repeated their pronouncement night and day, never stopping for rest. Why did John tell us about these creatures, and what do they mean to us? When we get to heaven, we will see them and hear them for ourselves, but just knowing about them now tells us emphatically that God is holy. We cannot approach Him in our sinful condition. We must be willing to confess and forsake our sins before entering into His presence in prayer.