The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul

The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul (1939–2017) 

R. C. Sproul wrote over 100 books in his lifetime, this one being among his most popular. In 1965, he was ordained as a minister in the United Presbyterian Church in the USA (PCUSA). He left that denomination and joined the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) in 1975. Sproul was used mightily of God to spread the gospel and use apologetics to reach the masses. 

Sproul was educated at Westminster College (BA), Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, (MDiv), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Doctorandus / MA), and Whitefield Theological Seminary (PhD). He was a professor at numerous colleges and seminaries, and founded the now well-known ministry, Ligonier Ministries. Sproul was a pastor, theologian, professor, author, husband, and father of two.  

Description of the book 

In this book, Sproul strongly emphasizes that the Bible does not teach that God is “love, love, love” or “mercy, mercy, mercy,” but rather that He is, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” This is extremely important in our understanding of who God is. Understanding the holiness of God will provoke greater fear and greater love of God. Throughout this book Sproul discusses God’s Lordship over all things, just as He was the Creator of all things. This book is split into eleven chapters, and it reads similarly to a systematic theology of God’s character.  

This book will convict the reader to turn to the Holy God. It reminds the reader that every other attribute of God is within His Holiness. This applies to every aspect of the Christian’s life. God is a Just God. This book is extremely valuable to the modern reader, because some authors, theologians, and even whole denominations will focus on one single attribute of God over the others, while completely overlooking the fact that God is Holy.  

Three quotes from the book 

“His justice is never unfair, never whimsical, never tyrannical. It is impposible for God to be unjust, because His justice is holy.” - p. 125 

“To be conformed to Jesus, we must first begin to think as Jesus did. We need the “mind of Christ.” We need to value the things He values and despise the things He despises. We need to have the same priorities He has. We need to consider weighty the things that He considers weighty.” - p. 200 

“Sin can be pleasurable, but it never brings happiness.” - p. 194 

Where this book is currently published 

Ligonier is the sole publisher of this excellent volume. It is available as a paperback and hardcover.