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 ...
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Nov 02, 2008
Jessica
rated it: 
This "one sitting" book kept me turning the pages until wee hours of the morning. Few authors possess the keen ability to help readers come into a grasp of the nature of God's holiness, but through this book Dr. Sproul is able to help us better understand what God's holiness means and transport the reader into the presence of God.
We often hear many talk about how God is love, yet why do fewer ever speak of His holiness and justice? The Holiness of God reminds me yet again t More...
We often hear many talk about how God is love, yet why do fewer ever speak of His holiness and justice? The Holiness of God reminds me yet again t More...
Dec 11, 2011
Sarah
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I've listened to some of RC Sproul's lectures for free online through Liognier Ministries, and his teaching has deepened my understanding of reformed theology and, in particular, the importance of approaching the Bible as a multigenre book. He begins this book with a personal anecdote of the first time he encountered the fearful holiness of God, then quickly surveys the Bible for examples of famous encounters with God. It's a common practice to dichotomize God in the Old Testament with the New T
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Nov 20, 2010
Mike
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(Note: the following page numbers reference an older edition of this book.)
The holiness of God has a history of deeply affecting people. I remember being a young teen and watching a video of Sproul teaching on this subject with my youth group. I will never forget the sense of God’s greatness I experienced that night.
In chapter 1, Sproul recounts how Augustine’s teaching on creation led him (Sproul) to an experience of the holiness of God of his own. In chapter 2, he goes back More...
The holiness of God has a history of deeply affecting people. I remember being a young teen and watching a video of Sproul teaching on this subject with my youth group. I will never forget the sense of God’s greatness I experienced that night.
In chapter 1, Sproul recounts how Augustine’s teaching on creation led him (Sproul) to an experience of the holiness of God of his own. In chapter 2, he goes back More...
Jul 28, 2011
It is a rare book that can run the full gamut of thought and emotion. I was chilled with fear and calmed with assurance all at once. A truly profound piece.
I originally borrowed this book for help in understanding Uzzah (the Biblical man struck dead for touching the ark of the covenant). I was so hooked by the topic that I finished the whole chapter (Holy Justice, chapter 6). Soon, I'd just finished the entire book.
Sproul always proves himself theologically sound (though admittedly sometimes More...
I originally borrowed this book for help in understanding Uzzah (the Biblical man struck dead for touching the ark of the covenant). I was so hooked by the topic that I finished the whole chapter (Holy Justice, chapter 6). Soon, I'd just finished the entire book.
Sproul always proves himself theologically sound (though admittedly sometimes More...
May 27, 2010
Noelle
rated it:
"At that moment Peter realized that he was in the presence of the Holy Incarnate. He was desperately uncomfortable. His initial response was one of worship. He fell to his knees before Christ. Instead of saying something like, "Lord, I adore You, I magnify You," he said, "Please go away. Please leave. I can't stand it." " -- Pg. 56
I found this book in the "Free" box at my favorite little bookstore downtown. Friends, it is certain More...
I found this book in the "Free" box at my favorite little bookstore downtown. Friends, it is certain More...
Feb 05, 2011
Caleb
rated it:
I got my hands on this classic by Dr. R.C. Sproul a few months ago, and I was excited when I found the time to sit down and read it. I have read and listened to Sproul for a little while now, and I have very high respect for his scholarship. The Holiness of God is his most famous work, and I think it has an important place in the minds and on the bookshelves of Christians today. I think that God's holiness is a concept that most Christians accept but without truly understanding its depth. So oft
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Aug 20, 2009
Michael
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If there is one characteristic of God that must be embraced and is, in fact, at core of who God is, mark it down, it is not God's love but His holiness. From Jesus' prayer in which His first petition was "hallowed by thy name", it is clear that while God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, we must also understand that He will by no means clear the
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Dec 24, 2011
Rob
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Sproul draws attention to one of God's most ignored attributes in this meditative book. He defines holiness, elaborates on several passages on God's holiness in the Bible, and helps the reader to understand the implications of God's holiness. It's a life-changing book, especially for Christians. Sproul also includes a short biography of Martin Luther, who grasped God's holiness in a way that few Christians have since.
Reading this book reminded me of the need for sacred space and revere More...
Reading this book reminded me of the need for sacred space and revere More...
Nov 11, 2010
Adam
rated it: 
Short Review: I am working through several books by reformed authors to try to better understand reformed theology. With each of the ones I have read so far, I appreciate much of what is being said and the focus on scripture and the intellect. But I also confirm that in the end I am not reformed.
This book is about 25 years old but reads more modern and very well. I have not read anything by Sproul before and I think this was probably a good introduction. If you are looking for a bo More...
This book is about 25 years old but reads more modern and very well. I have not read anything by Sproul before and I think this was probably a good introduction. If you are looking for a bo More...
Dec 27, 2010
Leslie
rated it:
This is one of my read and read agains....am currently reading it for the third or fourth time.
The first time I read this book I found myself literally not breathing in places. Dr. Sproul challenged what I now know was a very man-centered view of God and defined "holiness" for me in a way that I had never heard it. This concept has turned my spiritual life "rightside up," which means that my posture is facedown before a holy Father who loves and accepts me but is More...
The first time I read this book I found myself literally not breathing in places. Dr. Sproul challenged what I now know was a very man-centered view of God and defined "holiness" for me in a way that I had never heard it. This concept has turned my spiritual life "rightside up," which means that my posture is facedown before a holy Father who loves and accepts me but is More...
Jan 10, 2012
Mike
rated it:
Great book! Amazing book! Helpful book!
The holiness of God is according to Sproul one of the most important ideas that a Christian can ever grapple with and and it is also basic to our whole understanding of God and of Christianity (Kindle Locations 136-137). This book contains eleven chapters dealing with God's holiness and is full of practical implications that flow from this doctrine. It is very edifying and challenging.
It's definitely a must read so I encourage you to More...
The holiness of God is according to Sproul one of the most important ideas that a Christian can ever grapple with and and it is also basic to our whole understanding of God and of Christianity (Kindle Locations 136-137). This book contains eleven chapters dealing with God's holiness and is full of practical implications that flow from this doctrine. It is very edifying and challenging.
It's definitely a must read so I encourage you to More...
Apr 26, 2009
Jude
rated it:
This is a book that challenges the very heart of the reader. Especially those who are spiritualy concerned with knowing the awesome Holiness of God's Character. Chuck Colson was so moved when reading this book that, at the end of the second chapter he was down on his knees and worshiping God.
Colson was a member of President Nixon's Cabinet (Watergate) Colson, as a result of the subsequent investigation spent time in prison and later chaired Prison Fellowship International.
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Colson was a member of President Nixon's Cabinet (Watergate) Colson, as a result of the subsequent investigation spent time in prison and later chaired Prison Fellowship International.
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Apr 04, 2011
Alexis
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A good book, to be sure, and Sproul turns an excellent phrase, but he seems prone to rabbit trails. Interesting rabbit trails, to be sure. But on more than one occasion, I found myself wondering what a particular tangent had to do with the overall point of the book. Again, the tangents were well-written and I enjoyed them. I just don't know that they were necessary in this particular book. However, this may be the result of listening to the audiobook--I think this tendency would be much les
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Jun 07, 2010
Brian
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Dr. RC Sprouls crowning achievement and an enduring christian classic. I read this as a young Calvinist as it was RC that got me thinking about my original arminian teachings that I left behind after reading his book Chosen by God.
I can't help thinking that the holiness of God is the real "Left Behind" position in the Church today. God is often made in the image of the worshiper, reading this great book will change that for a lifetime.
I can't help thinking that the holiness of God is the real "Left Behind" position in the Church today. God is often made in the image of the worshiper, reading this great book will change that for a lifetime.
Jul 23, 2011
Laura
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If you were to choose one word that best described God, what would it be?
For me, that word is holy...and that word choice has been constant since Christ rescued me a number of years ago. A somewhat recurrent discussion amongst friends sometimes pits the choice of 'holy' against the merits of 'love', 'glory', 'peace', 'ruler', 'creator', 'rescuer', etc. I've tried to explain the awful, compelling, transcendent, awesome truth of God's 'holiness', but generally fall into a chasm of i More...
For me, that word is holy...and that word choice has been constant since Christ rescued me a number of years ago. A somewhat recurrent discussion amongst friends sometimes pits the choice of 'holy' against the merits of 'love', 'glory', 'peace', 'ruler', 'creator', 'rescuer', etc. I've tried to explain the awful, compelling, transcendent, awesome truth of God's 'holiness', but generally fall into a chasm of i More...
Jan 04, 2012
Derek
rated it:
Very good book. It's educational and worth meditating on. My only real critique is that Sproul contradicts himself pertaining to his definition of death and his exegesis of the Genesis verses pertaining to that(which I think are excellent points)when he begins to speak on Jonathan Edwards and eternal torment. Of course, this is what tradition is notorious of.
Jul 28, 2010
Vaughn
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Though the Bible tells us that without holiness "no man shall see the Lord,” the holiness of God is seldom (if ever) a sermon topic. Where holiness on the level of God is incomprehensible, Sproul is not; this work is compelling, easy to understand, and edifying in a numerous ways. I highly recommend this book, and I am willing to discuss it in more detail.
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Jul 23, 2011
Chris
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I thought this was an amazing book! It gave me great insight into the Holiness of God. This book just makes you want to sit and stare at God's creation. If not my favorite, then one of the top two books we have read for book club. I would recommend this to anyone that wants to learn more about God and why he is so amazing.
Feb 17, 2009
Dana
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This is a classic I have had on my bookshelof for quite awhile and just now got around to reading. I chose to read it at this time because next month I am going to the Ligonier Mininstries National Conference and the conference theme this year is the Holiness of God. This was an excellent book- though a heavy topic this book was well written, easy to comprehend, and a joy to read. My copy included study questions at the end of each chapter that would be good to journal or good to use in a gro
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Jul 25, 2011
John
rated it:
An absolute classic. Sproul has an uncanny way of capturing His holiness in words that most can't express. A true challenge to all of us to awake from our lazy and overly content Christianity to a renewing of the mind grounded in the awesome reality of a true sense of the nature of Holy.
Mar 31, 2011
Trae
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This was an insightful book about a topic very foreign to this day and age - God's holiness. Sproul does a great job explaining God's holiness as shown in the Bible and drawing application to what it means for us. The extended example he gave of God's holiness in the life of Martin Luther was particularly powerful.
Jul 05, 2011
Jordan
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I made the mistake of opening this book late at night to just take a peek and ended up getting completely sucked into it. Truly riveting and easy to understand why it is such a classic. I really admire Sproul's ability to explain esoteric concepts not only clearly but powerfully.
Sep 07, 2010
Miss
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The first book that opened my eyes to the frills and thrills of Christianity literature, how I loved Sproul's many Biblical references, richness in vocabulary and lively descriptions, and emotions within words.. powerful powerful powerful.. for He is holy holy holy.
Oct 10, 2009
Luis
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To this day one of my favorite books I have read. I have recommended this book more than any other book and all that have read it love it. Its one of those books that you cannot explain how good it is all you can say is read it and then you will understand.
Dec 13, 2008
Ryan
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I've read this book and then once taught it to a group of college students i was working with. though i don't agree with everything Sproul teaches i really enjoyed this book and his look at the Holiness of God.
Aug 05, 2011
This is a powerful study of the character of God the Father, moving Christians from a kind of apology for Him in preference for the softer side of Christ's mercy. The author's unwavering in probing to see what we can learn from the very Scriptures about Him we would rather whitewash in an effort to fashion an idol of our own choosing.
Dec 14, 2011
Life changing book here. R.C. Sproul does a wonderful job of teaching a deep theology of God's Holiness in a way a simpleton like me can understand. An absolute must read for any Christian.
Aug 28, 2010
Craig
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This book leaves you in awe of God. Sproul addresses God's justice (mostly in the Old Testament). Is He fair? He leaves you with a true definition of the words "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord."
Aug 11, 2011
Lisa
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I first read it about 10 years ago and it remains just as eye opening as it was 10 years ago. Holiness is a concept we as the American church do not understand. This book helped me see what Holiness is and it enlarged my view of God. It is a benchmark book in my walk with God. One of the best books I've ever read.
Dec 07, 2011
Currently Reading the Chapter of : the Insanity of Luther " .. What a Wonderful Chapter!
Let me Share this Paragraph with you :
" At these words i was utterly stupefied and terror-stricken. i thought to my self, "With what tongue shall i address such majesty, seeing that all men ought to tremble in the presence of even an earthly prince? Who am I, that I should lift up mine eyes or raise my hands to the divine majesty? The angels surround him. At his nod the earth tremble More...
Let me Share this Paragraph with you :
" At these words i was utterly stupefied and terror-stricken. i thought to my self, "With what tongue shall i address such majesty, seeing that all men ought to tremble in the presence of even an earthly prince? Who am I, that I should lift up mine eyes or raise my hands to the divine majesty? The angels surround him. At his nod the earth tremble More...
