The Holiness of God: A Call to Repentance

This sermon was preached on January 8, 2025 in the lobby of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Connecticut by Norman Harold Patterson Jr. on Isaiah 6:3, “The Trice Holy God!”

Introduction
In the year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord seated upon His throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. The seraphim declared, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:1-3). This vision of God’s holiness is a reminder of who He is—absolutely pure, separate, and righteous. It is also a call to repentance, for we are a people of unclean lips dwelling in a land of unclean hearts.

Today, I proclaim this same message of holiness and repentance at the gates of power in Connecticut. We stand here not to lobby or negotiate but to call the government, the church, and individuals to repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God’s Holiness and Our Sinfulness

Isaiah’s vision reveals a God who is utterly holy. In Hebrew, repetition emphasizes importance, and the angels cry out not once, but three times, “Holy, holy, holy.” This thrice-holy God is the standard of all righteousness.

The Bible tells us, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). He is utterly pure, and we, as sinful human beings, cannot stand in His presence. We are born in sin, spiritually dead, and at enmity with God. Jesus Himself said, “Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander”(Matthew 15:19).

This is why Isaiah declared, “Woe is me, for I am undone! I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). Before a holy God, our sin is exposed, and we stand condemned.

The Gospel: God’s Remedy for Sin

But God, in His mercy, has made a way for us to be cleansed. Isaiah’s iniquity was taken away when the seraphim touched his lips with a coal from the altar. This points us to the ultimate sacrifice for sin: Jesus Christ.

Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, perfectly fulfilling the law of God. He never sinned in word, thought, or deed. Yet, He went to the cross as an innocent man, bearing the wrath of God that we deserve.

On the cross, the punishment for our sins was poured out on Christ. “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). Through His death and resurrection, we can be justified—declared not guilty—and adopted as sons and daughters of God.

This salvation is not earned by good works or religious rituals. It comes by grace through faith in Christ alone. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

A Call to Repentance in Connecticut

Connecticut stands under the judgment of God. We live in a state where child sacrifice is legal, celebrated, and funded by taxpayers. Our hands are stained with the blood of innocent babies. The most dangerous place in Connecticut is not on the streets but in the womb of a mother.

Yet, the church remains largely silent. Pastors hide behind their pulpits, and Christians retreat into their comfort zones. Francis Schaeffer said, “Every abortion clinic should have a sign in front of it that reads, ‘Open by permission of the church.’”

We must repent. We must rend our hearts, not just our garments. God’s Word demands action: “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die” (Proverbs 31:8).

The Role of the Church

The church must awaken to its responsibility. Abortion is not a political issue; it is a moral and spiritual issue. God is calling pastors to stand boldly, to preach the gospel without compromise, and to call out sin where it exists.

God will not bless our worship services, our offerings, or our ministries while we turn a blind eye to the innocent blood being shed in our land. “When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15).

God’s Judgment and Mercy

We are already seeing the judgment of God in natural disasters, moral decay, and the disintegration of our society. But God’s mercy is still available. He is patient, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

This is why I call upon the people of Connecticut—legislators, judges, citizens, pastors, and Christians—to repent and turn to Christ. Abortion must be abolished. It cannot be regulated or gradually reduced; it is murder and must be treated as such under the law.

The Hope of the Gospel

The gospel is the only hope for Connecticut and for America. Through Christ, we can be forgiven, cleansed, and transformed. He calls us to turn from our sin and trust in Him alone.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Today is the day of salvation. Turn to Christ, and He will save you. He will fill you with His Spirit, empower you to overcome sin, and use you for His glory.

Conclusion
Connecticut stands at a crossroads. Will we continue in rebellion, or will we turn to the holy, holy, holy God of the universe? The choice is clear, but the time is short.

To God be the glory. Amen.

Norman Harold Patterson Jr.
Director, Connecticut Foundation to Abolish Abortion