Qudus Allah, Part 2
His Holiness begins by affirming that holiness is the original state and sin is an intrusion into the world. God alone existed first, and holiness prevailed. When He created rational beings with free will, sin appeared through their choices. God preferred man to be free, even if he sinned, because holiness by compulsion is not true holiness but mere appearance.
Freedom and True Holiness
God desires that man becomes holy by his own will, so He gave commandments to guide, not force him. Holiness must be chosen freely. God sets before man two ways—good and evil, life and death—and urges him to choose good that he may live.
God’s Means to Restore Man to Holiness
His Holiness explains that God gave man a conscience, divine revelation, the Holy Bible, prophets, apostles, and the Holy Spirit to guide him, not to compel him. God also allowed painful results of sin—disease, shame, punishment—to lead man to repentance.
The Possibility of Holiness
Holiness is possible for everyone who truly desires it. As one of the Fathers said: “Virtue wants you only to want her.” When the will exists, heaven supports man with divine grace to reach holiness.
The Meaning of the Trisagion
When we say “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal,” we declare:
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Holy God – holiness is God’s very nature.
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Holy Mighty – He alone is powerful, having conquered Satan.
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Holy Immortal – for death is the wage of sin, and God, being sinless, does not die.
Understanding Sin and Its Types
His Holiness explains “forgive us our sins, iniquities, and trespasses,” showing that there are different levels of sin:
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Sins done willingly.
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Sins done unwillingly (by fear or weakness).
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Sins done in ignorance.
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Hidden and visible sins.
Even unintentional sins remain sins because they oppose God’s holiness, but God forgives the repentant and sanctifies their will.
Repentance: The Condition for Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not given without repentance. Saying “forgive us our sins” requires true contrition. The blood of Christ purifies only those who repent, as Scripture says: “Unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish.”
Spiritual Conclusion
Every time we say “Holy God,” we remember our sins and seek mercy. True repentance leads to forgiveness and holiness. If we have not yet repented, we must ask God to sanctify our will and guide us to repentance by His Holy Spirit, for His is the glory forever.
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