The Holiness of God and the Hope of Sinners

INTRODUCTION

I want to thank Matt for the invitation to come and preach tonight. It’s not something I take lightly, and I’m honored by the invitation.

[Introduction to self] It’s a joy to be here and open the Word with you. I know you’ve been walking through Exodus this year—and what a rich, powerful book it is. Tonight, we’re going to camp out in Exodus 34.

Chapter 34 doesn’t just drop out of the sky—it’s the result of everything that’s come before. Back in chapter 19, God invites Moses onto Mt. Sinai, and His glory consumes the mountain. For the next twelve chapters, Moses is in the presence of God, receiving the covenant—God’s law, God’s design for His people to live in relationship with Him.

But then chapter 32 happens—and everything falls apart. While Moses is up on the mountain, the people below build a golden calf and begin to worship it. Moses comes down, sees it, and in righteous anger, he throws the tablets and breaks them—a powerful symbol of how Israel has broken the covenant.

Then chapter 33—the fallout. God says, “Go on to the Promised Land... but I’m not going with you. If I did, I would consume you.” That’s a terrifying word. And Moses pleads—“Don’t send us unless You go with us.”

And in an incredible moment of grace, God says yes. And now in chapter 34, we see that God doesn’t just reveal His presence—He reveals His name, His character, and His terms.

So the question hanging over Exodus 34 is this: How can sinners live in relationship with a holy God?

1) We Come to God on HIS Terms—Not Ours (vv. 1–4)

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first… Be ready in the morning… present yourself there to me…’” (vv. 1–2)

This is a holy God giving clear instructions for how He is to be approached.

Notice the emphasis here—God initiates the encounter, God sets the boundaries, and Moses obeys. No one else is to come. No flocks or herds. Nothing casual or careless. This is a meeting with the Almighty God, the One who thundered from Sinai.

Illustration: Imagine if you got an invitation to meet the President or a foreign dignitary. You’d dress carefully, follow protocol, show respect. You wouldn’t barge in with coffee in one hand and earbuds in your ears.

And yet, how much more should we approach the Holy God with reverence?

Application: We live in a culture that treats God casually. But God is not our buddy. He is holy, consuming, and majestic.

Hebrews 12:28 says, “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

This part of the text reminds us:

You can’t come to God on your own terms.

You don’t just waltz into His presence.

You need a representative, someone God will accept.

And this leads us to the heart of the passage.

2) We Come to Know God on HIS Terms—Not Ours (vv. 5–9)

“The Lord descended in the cloud… and proclaimed His name…”

“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” (vv. 5–7)

This is one of the most important theological moments in the entire Old Testament. God reveals who He is. This is not just a list of facts—this is God saying, “This is My name, this is My heart, this is My character.”

And notice the tension:

He is merciful and gracious, full of love.

But He also says, “He will by no means clear the guilty.”

So which is it? Is He gracious or just? Yes.

He is both—perfectly, eternally, unchangeably.

Illustration: This is like the sun—it brings life, warmth, and growth. But if you get too close, it’ll burn you. The holiness of God is beautiful—but it is also dangerous to sinners. God is not like us. He is not tame.

Application: So many today want a god of their own making—a “god who just loves everybody” and never judges sin. But the God of the Bible is not a projection of our preferences—He is holy, righteous, and true.

And the only proper response is what Moses does:

“Moses quickly bowed his head…and worshiped.” (v. 8)

Here’s the hope: this holy, awesome, dangerous God invites us to know Him. But we must come on His terms—with reverence, repentance, and trust. This is grace. This is compassion. This is mercy. This is forgiveness of sin. The fact that we as sinners are invited to know Him personally.

3) We Live in Relationship with God According to HIS Terms—Not Ours (vv. 10–28)

“Behold, I am making a covenant…” (v. 10) “Observe what I command you this day…” (v. 11)

God renews the covenant—but He also gives clear expectations.

God says: “I will do wonders... I will drive out your enemies... but do not compromise. Tear down the idols. Don’t make peace with the false gods. I am a jealous God.”

God’s holiness demands a response. He’s not just inviting them to believe in Him—He’s calling them to live in faithful covenant obedience.

Illustration: This is like a marriage. If a husband said, “I love you, but I’m also going to date other people,” the marriage wouldn’t work. Covenant requires faithfulness.

God says, “Don’t mix with the nations. Don’t flirt with idolatry. I am jealous.” Not in a petty way—but in a holy, righteous, loving way. God desires His people for Himself.

Application: This is for us too. If we want to walk with the holy God, we must reject idols, resist compromise, and live by His Word. The world says, “Blend in.” God says, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Conclusion: The Law Condemns—But Christ Saves

Now, maybe we read this and feel overwhelmed. God's holiness is so high. His standards are so pure. And we know—we don’t measure up. That’s where 2 Corinthians 3 comes in.

“The ministry of condemnation came with glory… but the ministry of righteousness far exceeds it in glory… Only through Christ is the veil taken away.” (2 Cor. 3:7–18)

Exodus 34 is glorious—but it also shows us our need. We need:

A representative who is accepted by God.

A mediator who will plead our case.

A better covenant that does not condemn but gives life.

That’s why Jesus came. He is our Moses—only better. He is our mediator—only perfect. He is our righteousness—not written on stone tablets, but written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Because of Christ, we don’t approach a holy God in fear—but in boldness. Because of Christ, we don’t stand condemned—we are declared righteous. Because of Christ, we behold His glory—and are transformed.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed… from one degree of glory to another…” (2 Cor. 3:18)

Final Appeal:

God is holy. We are not. But Jesus is our way to God.

So—come to Him. Worship Him. Walk with Him. And live in awe of His glory.

Amen.