← All outlines

Outline 082 of 100 · Isaiah

The Vision of the Holy God

Isaiah 6:1-8 — True conviction and cleansing before true service

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

In the year King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, and the sight undid him: 'Woe is me! for I am undone... I am a man of unclean lips.' The vision of holiness always produces this order — first an overwhelming sense of unworthiness, never self-congratulation. But conviction is not the end; a seraph touches Isaiah's lips with a coal from the altar and declares his iniquity purged. Only after cleansing does Isaiah hear the call, 'Whom shall I send?' and answer, 'Here am I; send me.' This is the pattern of every true gospel encounter — a vision of God's holiness exposes our need, the altar (which points to Calvary) provides the remedy, and cleansed lips are freed for joyful service. Righteousness by faith is not merely a doctrine to master but an experience that begins in the throne room and ends in willing mission.

  1. I. The vision of holiness

    • The Lord high and lifted up
    • Seraphim crying "Holy, holy, holy"
    • The temple filled with glory and smoke

  2. II. The conviction of sin

    • "Woe is me" — the true response to holiness
    • "I am undone" — no self-defense
    • Unclean lips among an unclean people

  3. III. The cleansing provided

    • A live coal from the altar
    • "Thine iniquity is taken away"
    • The altar points forward to the cross

  4. IV. The call accepted

    • "Whom shall I send?"
    • "Here am I; send me"
    • Cleansed lips freed for mission
The appeal

Have you truly seen the Lord high and lifted up? Let that vision expose whatever pride remains, and then let the altar of Calvary cleanse you fully so you too can say, 'Here am I; send me.'

Key points

  • A true vision of God's holiness always humbles before it commissions.
  • Cleansing precedes calling; God never sends the unpurged.
  • The altar coal points forward to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.

Key passages

  • Isaiah 6:1-8
  • Isaiah 6:3
  • Isaiah 6:5-7
  • Hebrews 10:1-2