Sermon Text: Romans 6:5–11
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 5th April 2026
Sermon Text: Romans 6:5–11
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 5th April 2026
Bible Witness TV (BWTV) has been broadcasting a weekly series titled “The Holy One of Israel”, presenting key theological and pastoral insights (from the Book of Isaiah) related to that designation of the LORD. The prophet Isaiah employs that designation of God twenty-five times, far more frequently than any other biblical writer. By utilising this title, Isaiah integrates two essential characteristics of God: His complete holiness and His distinct covenant relationship with His people.
The series of studies on BWTV will help shape our minds to think and act in ways that reflect the holiness of our God in our own time. (For all the episodes of this series, past and present, please visit BWTV’s Main Channel - https://biblewitnesstv.com/main).
Examining the significance of this title is not merely a matter of linguistic interest; it is a pursuit of deep theological understanding. This exploration opens up the heart of Isaiah’s message, where the majesty of divine holiness confronts the reality of human sin, and where God’s mercy is revealed through redemptive grace. For believers today, grasping the meaning of “The Holy One of Israel” enriches their comprehension of who God is, sharpens their awareness of sin, and inspires their commitment to holiness in both life and ministry.
The following topics are covered in this series:
The frequency of the title, “The Holy One of Israel”, in the Book of Isaiah is not accidental. Isaiah uses the title to emphasise God’s distinctiveness, transcendence, and intimate involvement with His chosen people. The phrase first emerges in Isaiah 1:4, where it is invoked in the context of Israel’s rebellion: “they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” Here, the title functions as both an indictment, and a reminder that God is not merely a distant deity, but the Holy One whom Israel is called to worship and obey.
Isaiah’s vision in chapter 6 – in which the seraphims cry, “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts” – sets the theological tone for the entire Book. The prophet is undone by God’s holiness, yet he is also cleansed and commissioned. This pattern—where God’s holiness exposes human sin, and yet also provides the way for forgiveness—runs like a thread through the whole Book of Isaiah. The Holy One of Israel is both Judge and Saviour, whose covenant faithfulness endures despite the failings of His people.
Throughout Isaiah, the title recurs in passages that span rebellion (Isaiah 1:4; 31:1), judgment (Isaiah 5:19; 30:11), comfort (Isaiah 41:14; 43:3), and eschatological hope (Isaiah 54:5; 60:9). These varied contexts reveal that the Holy One of Israel is both the source of righteous judgment and the fountain of redemptive mercy. His holiness is not opposed to His love; rather, it is the very ground upon which His faithfulness is built.
Furthermore, the title points to God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. In Isaiah 41:14, God assures Israel, “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Here, God’s holiness is not an abstract idea but a living reality – God’s very character shaping all His actions towards His people. The Holy One is trustworthy, steadfast, and actively involved in the history and destiny of Israel.
“The Holy One of Israel” also reveals His holiness through His faithful love towards Israel. His holiness guarantees Himself as the Promise-Keeper to His people. Though His people rebelled (“they have forsaken the LORD” – Isaiah 1:4), His faithfulness remained unbroken. Isaiah praises Him: “thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isa. 25:1). He remembers His covenants with Abraham, David, and Zion. Even when judgment falls, His mercy stands firm for He said, “neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed” (Isa. 54:10). What He speaks, He fulfils (Isa. 46:9–11). His promises rest not on man’s worthiness, but on His own holy character. The Servant Songs (Isa. 42–53) reveal that these promises reach their climax in Christ, where divine truth and mercy meet. In Him, every word of God stands confirmed. The grass withers, but His Word endures forever (Isa. 40:8). God’s holiness guarantees His faithfulness—what He begins, He completes.
Ultimately, in Isaiah, the Holy One reigns in majestic glory, yet graciously stoops to cleanse, restore, and commission His servant. Isaiah’s vision opens with overwhelming splendour: “I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up” (Isa. 6:1). From that moment onwards, the prophet’s message unfolds the sovereign rule of this holy King over all creation. He is the true Ruler of nations, the One whose purposes cannot be overturned, whose Word stands forever. His dominion culminates in the declaration: “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us” (Isa. 33:22). Earthly empires rise and fall, yet His throne remains unshaken and eternal.
The radiant glory of this King fills Zion, and His light draws the nations to worship and obedience: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee” (Isa. 60:1). In the closing vision (Isa. 66), Isaiah beholds the consummation of all things when the Holy One, reigning in righteousness, is worshipped by all peoples. Thus, the Book ends where it has begun: with the Sovereign enthroned in glory. He is the Holy One of Israel, the Sovereign King of Glory, exalted in holiness, unshakable in majesty, steadfast in mercy, and supreme in power forever.
Sermon Text: Ruth 3:1–13
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 14th September 2025
Sermon Text: Genesis 17:7
Speaker: Rev. Sujith Samuel
Date: 1st June 2025
Sermon Text: Matthew 11:28–30
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 27th April 2025
Sermon Text: Hebrews 7:24–25
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 20th April 2025
Sermon Text: Hebrews 9:11–15
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 18th April 2025 (Good Friday)
Sermon Text: Hebrews 5:7–9
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 13th April 2025
Sermon Text: Philippians 1:23
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 6th April 2025
Christ’s coming to this world about 2000 years ago is declared in John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
This verse presents one of the most awe-inspiring truths of the Christian faith: the Incarnation of Christ. In these few words, the apostle John encapsulates the mystery and majesty of the birth of Jesus Christ, even God becoming Man. The eternal Word, who has existed with God and is God (John 1:1), took on human flesh and lived among humanity (v. 14). This is not merely a theological concept, but the foundational reality of our salvation.
The opening phrase, “And the Word was made flesh” declares a staggering truth: God Himself became fully human. The term “flesh” emphasises Christ’s full humanity—He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, sorrow. Yet, He did not cease to be fully divine in becoming flesh. The Incarnation is not the story of a man becoming God, but of God taking on human nature! Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, stepped into time and space, to be born and to live as a human while retaining His divine essence. The phrase, “the Word was made flesh”, declares to us that Jesus, who is fully God, took upon Himself full humanity.
The phrase, “dwelt among us”, reveals the apostle John’s and his contemporaries’ familiarity with Christ’s coming as a man. The Greek Word (skēnoō) for “dwelt” literally means “to pitch a tent” or “to tabernacle”. To the apostles, His presence was not distant or abstract; it was tangible, real, and life-changing!
John then declares, “we beheld his glory”. The disciples and those who encountered Christ saw His divine majesty displayed through His words, miracles, and, ultimately, His sacrificial death and resurrection. This glory was not just a reflection of God, but the very glory of “the only begotten of the Father”, a title underscoring Christ’s unique and eternal relationship with the Father.
Furthermore, Christ came, being “full of grace and truth”. Grace speaks of God’s unmerited favour towards sinful humanity, while truth emphasises the reliability and faithfulness of Christ’s words and actions. In Christ, grace and truth are perfectly united, offering us forgiveness and guidance.
The wonder of the Incarnation is beautifully captured in Charles Wesley’s hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”:
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail th’ incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.”
What an astounding reality! God became one of us so that He might redeem us. The Incarnation is not merely a doctrine to understand, but a truth to marvel at and a Saviour to worship. Let us behold His glory, receive His grace, and walk in His truth.
Nathan Resuma
“And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
I have been brought to Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church (GBPC) by my parents at a very young age. And by God’s gracious calling, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour at the age of seven. I thank God for leading my parents to Gethsemane, and for saving me at a young age, that I may be part of this church. I thank God for Pastor Koshy, the preachers and GCM teachers, who expounded God’s Word faithfully. I praise the Lord for the leadership of Gethsemane BPC (Pastor and the elders), the deacons and members, who serve in humility and utmost faithfulness.
Looking back, I see God’s mighty hand working in my life, for it was by His providence that my parents came to Gethsemane BPC so that they could raise me and my siblings in the fear of the LORD. Growing up in Gethsemane is truly a blessing, and has a significant effect on my spiritual growth. Here, I have many opportunities to learn valuable lessons and spiritual truths through the faithful preaching of God’s Word by Pastor and the preachers – in fellowship meetings (GCM, GYF, GMF, GFF), seminars and special church gatherings (such as missionary conference, church camp, Bible Witness retreat), GBI classes, Tuesday night prayer meetings, Sunday worship services, and even the recently concluded catechism class that helped me to revise and understand clearly the doctrines of the church.
It is my earnest prayer and desire to grow in wisdom and understanding of God’s Word, and apply the truths that I’ve learned in my life. I also thank God for spiritually mature brethren who helped, corrected and rebuked me so that I may continually walk in His ways. May the Lord continue to help me to obey His Word, serve Him in Gethsemane, and enable me to follow after His will and purposes.
Bertha Leong
I first learnt about Jesus in my Catholic primary school, through participation in mass and catechism classes. My family also started following my grandmother to a charismatic church. I enjoyed the many Bible stories taught in the kids’ classes, though I questioned some of their practices. Eventually, our family moved to a Baptist church, which led me to read the KJV instead of NIV Bible. Here’s where I discovered the difference between certain words used along with certain omissions.
Though I attended church regularly, I realised I was not actively seeking God then. During my first three months in JC, I met a very dear friend who brought me to Calvary Pandan BPC. That was when I started attending the Sunset Gospel Hour and eventually the Sunday morning service, where I gained a lot of Bible knowledge. Subsequently, during the Covid season, I started watching various churches’ webcasts, and eventually decided to visit Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. I’ve really enjoyed the messages preached here, especially the “how do we apply” aspect in relation to the “what we have learnt” part. Looking forward to God’s continuous leading, I hope to grow closer to Him and bear a good Christian testimony to the people He has put in my life.
Jored Ballega
Psalm 40:2 – “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”
I thank God for saving me through His grace and the finished work of Jesus Christ. As Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Despite being lost in sin and utterly undeserving of His favour, God has chosen to love me unconditionally. His mercy redeemed me from destruction, forgave my sins, and granted me a new life in Christ.
There was a time when I felt the weight of my sinfulness, and was overwhelmed by God’s abundant love. I realised that no effort of my own could ever save me—only Christ’s sacrifice could secure my salvation. This revelation of the Gospel transformed my heart and life forever. Truly, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This truth fills me with hope, peace, and the assurance of eternal life.
As I journey with God, I am thankful for how He continually affirms my faith through His Word and His work in my life. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God has placed within me a profound hunger to know Him more, and I find immense joy in studying Scripture, hearing faithful preaching, and applying Biblical truths to my daily life. Through opportunities like the catechism class, I have gained a deeper understanding of sound doctrine, which strengthened my convictions. These teachings have helped me grasp essential truths, such as salvation, discipleship, and the need to guard against false doctrines. They have equipped me to stand firm in my faith, defend the Gospel with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), and live as a faithful witness to Christ.
Although I still encounter struggles, uncertainties, and moments of weakness, God remains my steadfast Guide, strengthening me day by day. As Hebrews 11:1 exhorts, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” With this assurance, I press on, finding joy in God’s unchanging faithfulness and His continued work in my life.
I praise God for leading me to Gethsemane B-P Church, where I have been spiritually nourished, guided, and nurtured under the faithful leadership of Pastor Koshy, the elders, and preachers. I am grateful for the abundant ministries that have helped my spiritual growth—Lord’s Day worship, prayer meeting, Children’s Bible Study programmes, Youth Fellowship, GBI Online Bible studies, Church camps and retreats, etc. Being part of this church has blessed me with godly examples, Christian fellowship, and encouragement to grow in holiness and walk in righteousness.
As I prepare to join the church as a member, I recognise this as both a great privilege and a solemn responsibility. My prayer is rooted in Colossians 1:10—“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God”. I seek to be a vessel of honour, sanctified, and prepared for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21), devoted to serving Him and His people.
May God grant me the grace to remain steadfast in the faith, unwavering in His truth, and committed to living for His glory. To Him alone be all praise and honour. Amen.