With the wisdom and precision I’ve come to expect from R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God offers a broad, panoramic view of this, God’s most supreme attribute. Beginning with his own introduction to this holiness and a discussion of how this holiness relates to the philosophies of the world both today and in ages past, Sproul not only describes from Scripture what the holiness of God is, but also develops a strong argument for why it’s essential to the whole Christian faith.

While the depth of Sproul’s knowledge and philosophical discussions might scare some readers away after Chapter One, I would strongly encourage her to continue reading on. The gems that lie throughout the book are definitely worth the effort of reading. Specifically, I enjoyed these particular boons:

• In the Lord’s prayer, “Hallowed be Thy Name” is a petition not a mere description (as would be “Hallowed is Thy Name”). The prayer and goal of every believer must be to ensure the holiness of God’s Name throughout the earth. How many of us speak out against the blasphemy riddled throughout our “entertainment”? I try to when I see it, and yet I generally read on.
  
• There is a great difference between the Creationist’s view of everything having been created “from nothing by Someone” and the Evolutionist’s view of it having been created “from nothing by nothing.” Bringing such lunacy to light may open the door for Truth, at least to the moderate skeptic.
  
• Lenny in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men might be a picture of Christ. This is evident not because Jesus is a big oaf who is mentally handicapped, but because He is One who’s love is acceptable from a distance, though also deadly to anyone who accepts it, then rejects it. Whether this parallel is an accurate rendering of Steinbeck’s intent is unclear. But so, too, is the apparent parallel between The Pearl and “The Pearl of Great Price.” Certainly something for the Christian literary critic to consider.

I enjoyed this book, which was perhaps R.C. Sproul’s first breakout publication. Some may find it too philosophical to enjoy, which is understandable. I think over time, Sproul’s teaching style became a lot more down-to-earth, but his dedication to the principles of God’s holiness and the inerrancy of Scripture have never wavered. He’s an author worth reading simply for that!

© 2011 E.T.

Read More from R.C. Sproul

• The Holiness of God (1985)
• The Priest with Dirty Clothes (1997)
• 5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow (2002)
• The Dark Side of Islam (2003)
• The Lightlings (2006)
• The Prince’s Poison Cup (2008)
• Believing God (2009)
• John (2009)
• Sola Scriptura (2009)
• R.C. Sproul: A Life (2021; by Stephen J. Nichols)