The Holiness of God
Does God’s holiness really have an impact on us today? In The Holiness of God, RC Sproul puts the holiness of God in its proper and central place in the Christian life. I first read this book in college, and I am happy to revisit it again in a new edition from Tyndale.
Isaiah 2
The book begins with a crucial story from Sproul’s life: his personal testimony of understanding what it means to be in the presence of God. He speaks of God’s holiness as central to biblical teaching and the top priority of the church. It is incredibly compelling and convicting.
Next, Sproul expounds Isaiah 2 – a definitive take on the passage, in my opinion. He explains that though we come undone before God’s holiness, he is still able to put the person back together. Moreover, we are not annihilated when we stand before his holiness. We do not lose our personal identity. God’s holiness should catapult us into his ministry and mission.
Luther and Edwards
This book was one of my first introductions to Martin Luther. In Chapter 5: The Insanity of Luther, Sproul recounts Luther’s contributions to the Reformation, championing the fact that “the just shall live by faith.” It was inspiring to me as a young person, and continues to motivate me today.
Sproul takes a different look at Jonathan Edward’s most famous work in Chapter 9: God in the Hands of Angry Sinners. Sproul’s powers of reasoning are on full display, showing (1) God’s wrath is divine, (2) God’s wrath is fierce, and (3) God’s wrath is everlasting. It is a sobering chapter, but hopeful for those who have Jesus.
Glory to the Holy One
The original hymn, Glory to the Holy One, is included at the end of the book, showing that God’s holiness should move us to worship. This book changed my life. It will show you the depths of God’s holiness, and the heights that come when you cling to Christ.
I received a media copy of The Holiness of God and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.