Isaiah 6:1-7 The Vision that Shows the Way to Much Needed Holiness

It is important to connect Isaiah’s, “Woe is me,” with all the “woes” found in the previous chapter (cf. 5:8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22).  All the rebellious would fall due to God’s triple holiness (cf. 6:3), including the prophet’s own unclean lips (v. 5).  Allow Isaiah’s own condition to reveal our true condition, without Christ, before a holy God.  Verses 6-7 show us how our Holy God cleanses us from our guilt.  The instrument of cleansing--“the burning coal...from the altar”--provides a connection to the Gospel.  Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin atones for our sin (v. 7) and creates the desire and capacity to live holy lives that are welcomed into God’s holy presence.