The Holiness of God

Synopsis

Central to God's character is the quality of holiness. Yet, even so, most people are hard-pressed to define what God's holiness precisely is. Many preachers today avoid the topic altogether because people today don't quite know what to do with words like "awe" or "fear." R. C. Sproul, in this classic work, puts the holiness of God in its proper and central place in the Christian life. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christian to become holy just as God is holy. Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Glory of the Holy

* Explains the concept of God's holiness and its importance in understanding his nature.
* Example: The biblical account of the prophet Isaiah seeing the glory of the Lord in a vision (Isaiah 6).

Chapter 2: The Dreadfulness of Holiness

* Explores the judgmental aspect of God's holiness, emphasizing the fear and awe it should inspire in humans.
* Example: The story of Uzzah, who was struck down for touching the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6).

Chapter 3: The Righteousness of Holiness

* Discusses God's adherence to moral perfection and justice, demanding righteousness from his creation.
* Example: The Ten Commandments and God's covenant with Israel, which established standards of righteousness.

Chapter 4: The Love and Grace of Holiness

* Highlights the paradoxical nature of God's holiness, which combines judgment and compassion.
* Example: God's love for his people and his willingness to forgive their sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 5: The Holiness of God in Christ

* Focuses on Jesus as the perfect embodiment of God's holiness and righteousness.
* Example: Jesus' sinless life, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Chapter 6: The Holiness of God and the Believer

* Explores the implications of God's holiness for the lives of believers.
* Example: The call to live holy lives, to avoid sin, and to strive for righteousness.

Chapter 7: The Holiness of God and the Church

* Discusses the importance of holiness within the body of Christ.
* Example: The concept of the church as a holy community, called to reflect God's holiness in its conduct and worship.

Chapter 8: The Holiness of God and the World

* Examines God's holiness in relation to the world and its brokenness.
* Example: The contrast between the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity.

Chapter 9: The Holiness of God and the Judgment

* Explores the ultimate expression of God's holiness in the judgment of the wicked.
* Example: The biblical prophecy of the final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the unrighteous.

Chapter 10: The Holiness of God and the Glory

* Concludes with a vision of the future glory of the redeemed, when we will fully experience God's holiness and live in his eternal presence.
* Example: The biblical description of the New Jerusalem and the worship of God in heaven.