Holy, Holy, Holy

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Holy, Holy, Holy

A Sermon based on the Hymn by Reginald Heber

Introduction:
“Holy, Holy, Holy” is a majestic hymn that exalts the triune God in all His purity, power, and eternal glory. Drawn from Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, it reminds us that God is not merely mighty or wise—He is holy, utterly set apart and perfect in righteousness. This hymn calls us into reverent worship, joining the heavenly host who ceaselessly declare His holiness. In an age of casual religion and worldly distractions, we need to reclaim the awe and trembling that comes when we behold the Lord of hosts in His splendor.

Stanza 1: “Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee…”
This opening stanza sets the tone for sacred praise. Just as the angels in Isaiah 6:3 declare “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts,” so we lift our voices to worship God early and often. The repetition of “holy” emphasizes God’s matchless purity. Psalm 5:3 reminds us to approach God each morning in prayer and praise. God is worthy of our attention at the start of every day and at every moment.

Stanza 2: “Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee…”
Heaven is filled with saints, elders, and angels falling down before God’s throne (Revelation 4:10). This verse gives us a glimpse of that worship. The “golden crowns around the glassy sea” reference the scene in Revelation where worshipers cast their crowns before God, acknowledging that all glory belongs to Him. If those in heaven bow in reverence, how much more should we, who still walk the earth?

Stanza 3: “Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee…”
This stanza reflects the mystery of God. Though we are sinful and limited in understanding, God remains holy and just. 1 Timothy 6:16 says that God “dwells in unapproachable light.” The hymn admits that human eyes cannot see the full glory of God, but by faith, we know His nature—pure, unchanging, and good. Even in life’s darkest moments, His holiness remains unchanged.

Stanza 4: “Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea…”
All creation testifies to God’s majesty (Psalm 19:1). This final stanza brings all beings—angels, saints, and creation—into a unified chorus of worship. Revelation 5:13 says, “Every creature which is in heaven and on the earth… heard I saying, Blessing, and honor… be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne.” The song ends as it began—with the holy name of God being lifted high by all.

Holy, Holy, Holy Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1 – Morning Praise of the Holy God

• Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord”

• Psalm 5:3 – Morning worship

• Psalm 92:1–2 – Declare His lovingkindness in the morning

Stanza 2 – Saints and Angels Adore Him

• Revelation 4:10 – Elders fall before the throne

• Revelation 4:8 – They rest not day or night

• Hebrews 12:22–23 – We are surrounded by a heavenly host

Stanza 3 – Holiness Beyond Human Sight

• 1 Timothy 6:16 – Dwelling in unapproachable light

• Exodus 33:20 – No man can see God and live

• Job 37:23 – The Almighty is beyond our understanding

Stanza 4 – All Creation Praises Him

• Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare His glory

• Revelation 5:13 – Every creature praises the Lamb

• Philippians 2:10–11 – Every knee shall bow

Call to Action:
Are you living in awe of God's holiness? Have you bowed before His throne through obedience to the gospel? The Holy One calls you to believe (John 8:24), repent (Luke 13:3), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Only the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). Don’t wait—surrender to the holy God today.

Scripture Reference List:
Isaiah 6:3 – Angels declare God’s holiness
Psalm 5:3 – Worship in the morning
Psalm 92:1–2 – Daily praise
Revelation 4:8–10 – Heavenly worship of the holy God
Hebrews 12:22–23 – The heavenly assembly
1 Timothy 6:16 – God’s unapproachable light
Exodus 33:20 – God’s holiness concealed
Job 37:23 – The Almighty beyond our grasp
Psalm 19:1 – Creation declares His glory
Revelation 5:13 – Universal praise
Philippians 2:10–11 – Every knee will bow
John 8:24 – Believe in Christ
Luke 13:3 – Repentance required
Romans 10:9–10 – Confession of faith
Acts 2:38 – Baptism for forgiveness
Matthew 5:8 – The pure in heart shall see God

Song Author Credit:
“Holy, Holy, Holy” was written by Reginald Heber, an Anglican bishop and hymn writer. Inspired by the Trinitarian nature of God, Heber composed this hymn to reflect the majesty of divine worship. It was set to music by John B. Dykes and remains one of the most beloved hymns of reverence and praise.

Song History:
Written in 1826, this hymn was one of the first to exalt the triune God in such poetic and scriptural form. Designed for Trinity Sunday, it quickly spread across denominational lines. Its powerful repetition of “holy” echoes the language of heaven and invites all believers into a deeper sense of awe and worship.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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