Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Holiness of God

Rate this book
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.

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1984

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

R.C. Sproul

586 books1,736 followers

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13,085 (60%)
4 stars
5,468 (25%)
3 stars
2,022 (9%)
2 stars
501 (2%)
1 star
401 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 967 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie Vellacott.
Author 16 books904 followers
February 13, 2018
I received this book free. Having read it I am surprised it is a classic.

The author covers various passages of Scripture to try and demonstrate the holiness of God. He makes some good points especially in relation to those who ask how a God of love can allow suffering/send people to Hell. He reminds us that we all deserve Hell due to our sin which is an affront to God's holiness and that it is only by God's grace that we are saved (through faith.) Although the book is biblically sound I found it hard going and a bit disjointed. Some of the chapters seemed to have been added randomly. The book just doesn't flow very well as a read-through but it might be useful for reference.

Recommended for Christian readers who want to understand God's holiness.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
113 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2019
Wow. I can honestly say this has been one of the most impactful books I have read to date. Sproul has a true gift of storytelling with purpose and beauty. He incorporates history and psychology along with biblical narratives to reveal different aspects of God’s holiness. I am walking away with a much more comprehensive understanding of the perfection of God’s character, the depths of my sin, and how that makes His grace an unfathomable gift.

Profile Image for raffaela.
203 reviews43 followers
July 19, 2019
According to Francis Bacon, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested." This book is in the third category: it is so rich and full in its insight into the holiness of God that I can't possibly get everything out of it in one reading, or even multiple readings. Sproul is not afraid to confront the challenging passages in Scripture, and he does it with a clear logic and excellent writing. He's also a pastor - you can tell he genuinely cares for the message he's preaching and the people he's preaching to. This is spiritual meat of the highest quality, and I could tell I was hungry for it because I devoured it and am looking forward to reading it again.
Profile Image for Jeremy.
Author 1 book292 followers
February 15, 2023
This book is considered one of Sproul's best. I appreciated Sproul's employment of literary knowledge to the subject of God's holiness.
Profile Image for Rachel.
63 reviews146 followers
February 4, 2022
I wish so much for every Christian to read this book.
Profile Image for Parker James Lipetska .
75 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2022
"The most violent expression of God's wrath and justice is seen in the Cross. If ever a person had room to complain for injustice, it was Jesus. He was the only innocent man ever to be punished by God. If we stagger at the wrath of God, let us stagger at the Cross. Here is where our astonishment should be focused."-R.C. Sproul
Profile Image for Miriam.
28 reviews17 followers
December 23, 2023
,,Sfințenia lui Dumnezeu este mai mult decât separare, este transcendență. [...] A transcende înseamnă a te ridica deasupra a ceva, a depăși o anumită limită. Când vorbim de transcendența lui Dumnezeu, folosim sensul acesta, potrivit căruia Dumnezeu este mai presus și dincolo de noi. Transcendența descrie măreția Lui supremă și absolută.”

,,Transformarea adevărată se produce prin dobândirea unei noi înțelegeri referitoare la Dumnezeu, la noi înșine și la întreaga lume. În ultimă instanță, scopul nostru este să ne conformăm chipului lui Cristos. [...] Pentru a ne conforma lui Isus trebuie în primul rând să gândim așa cum a gândit Isus. Trebuie să avem ,,gândirea lui Cristos”. Trebuie să apreciem lucrurile pe care le apreciază El și să disprețuim lucrurile pe care le disprețuiește El. Trebuie să avem aceleași priorități ca ale Lui. Să considerăm importante lucrurile pe care El le-a considerat importante.”
Profile Image for Maddie.
27 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2021
This has to be one of my favourites so far. Even though I know I’ll never fully wrap my head around the holiness of God, this book definitely gave me a better understanding of it and it was very easy to read. I liked that R.C Sproul gave multiple biblical examples of where we see God’s holiness, rather than just writing a book based on his own knowledge. This book answered a lot of questions I didn’t even know I had, about the seemingly “angry” or “unjust” actions of God in the bible, especially in the OT(I know he isn’t nor has ever been an angry or unjust God, just to put that out there). Would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Go read it.
Profile Image for Esmée.
4 reviews
February 25, 2022
This was a fantastic read. Sproul breaks down huge concepts so well and does a great job of helping us to begin to wrap our head around aspects of the holiness of God. The chapters ‘The Insanity of Luther’ and ‘Holy Justice’ I particularly enjoyed. I know I’ll remember things this book taught for years to come.
Profile Image for John.
830 reviews163 followers
April 27, 2017
Holiness, as Sproul writes, is a difficult concept for humans to understand and define. It is best understood by experience or by story. Sproul does attempt to define it, but it is best truly understood by stories, anecdotes, and analogy.

To this end, most of the book is Sproul examining personal stories that demonstrate holiness, but more importantly, and more extensively, he looks at the Bible to show what Scripture has to say about holiness.

Early on he looks at the Lord's Prayer, and notes that when we say it we "...often confuse the words "hallowed be your name" with part of the address, as if the words were "hallowed is your name." In that case the words would merely be an ascription of praise to God. But that is not how Jesus said it. He uttered it as a petition, as the first petition. We should be praying that God's name be hallowed, that God be regarded as holy."

Yes, the Lord's name is holy, but the prayer is primarily a petition that God's name be treated as holy. This emphasis is significant in that it sets the whole tone of the book. The holiness of God is not something to be taken lightly or irreverently. As Sproul later shows, God is holy and his holiness is a consuming fire. Even Moses was too unholy to see more than the back of God through the crack of a rock. This is a shocking thing, when one ponders it.

Some of the most helpful parts of the book are Sproul's examination of the deaths of Nahab, Abihu, and Uzza. They all died because they broke the law of God in rebellious, public ways. God struck Nahab and Abihu dead for offering "strange fire." Sproul shows the true rebellious nature of their sin. He also shows the casual nature the ark of God was treated by Uzza and his throng as they transported it. Uzza's touching it was the culmination of a heinous sin, not a simple slip of his hand.

It is one thing to be shocked by these stories, but another to stands as God's judge because of them. These are shocking things because God is holy and we are not. We rarely understand the meaning of this. We must bow the knee and worship, not place ourselves as the judge of God's actions or character.

Another very helpful passage was Sproul's treatment of the Rich Young Ruler who claims to have kept all the laws of God. Jesus tells him to "go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

As Sproul notes, this is a frequently misunderstood passage. Many use it as an example to show that we should "get rid of all private property." Many others show rather, that the Rich Young Ruler is unwilling to give up an idol--his riches. This is true, but Sproul helpfully frames this in the context of the Ten Commandments. He writes:

"If we speculate and try to get into the secret recesses of Jesus' mind, we can imagine a thought process that went something like this: Oh, you have kept all the commandments since you were a child. Well, let's see. What is the first commandment? Oh, yes, "You shall have no other gods before me. " Let's see how you do with that one. Jesus put him to the test. If anything in the rich man's life came before God, it was his money. Jesus set the challenge precisely at this point, at the point of the man's obedience to commandment number one: "Go, sell all that you have...." What did the man do? How did he handle his only blemish? He walked away sorrowfully, for he had great possessions. The man was put to the test of the Ten Commandments, and he flunked out after the first question. The point of this narrative is not to lay down a law that a Christian must get rid of all private property. The point is for us to understand what obedience is and what goodness actually requires. Jesus called the man's bluff, and the man folded."

I suppose this is not a radical insight, but it is one that I'd missed in my reading. This is the kind of thing found throughout the book. I highly recommend it--particularly to young readers, as it is not a difficult to understand book, but it is often difficult to read as it puts man in his place.
Profile Image for Stephen.
58 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2011
After the Bible, this book should be the first read by any new Christian.
Profile Image for Connie Couto.
44 reviews
January 18, 2018
R. C. Sproul is becoming on of my favorite authors. This book is filled with wisdom. If you haven't read it you should.
Profile Image for Katrina Michelle.
222 reviews
December 16, 2019
This is a very eye-opening, thought-provoking, and convicting read. Definitely high on my list of Christian nonfiction recommendations.
Profile Image for Dana Schnitzel.
255 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2021
Eminently readable, highly insightful--this was an important read for me. I loved doing an extended study on God's Holiness this fall--between Jackie Hill Perry's "Holier Than Thou" and this book, I feel like I have newfound perspective on just how unable I am to comprehend how overwhelming God is. Sproul's insights on the Rich Young Ruler and Uzzah touching the Ark stuck out to me. How amazing is it that the God who struck down Uzzah for touching the Ark with seemingly-well-intentioned-yet-still-unholy hands entered (and exited) Mary's womb. Reading this book helped emphasize the utter beauty and significance of Christ's humiliation for me, which is enough on it's own to earn 5 stars, as far as I'm concerned.
Profile Image for Wilson Porte Jr..
62 reviews28 followers
June 23, 2021
O livro faz jus à fama que tem. Que livro especial. Embora não exaustivo, Sproul aborda vários aspectos da santidade de Deus, intercalando-a com a nossa própria vida e chamado à santidade que temos. Sem dúvida, um must read para todos os amantes de teologia e piedade.
Profile Image for Julian Seibel.
21 reviews
June 10, 2023
Ein zeitloser Klassiker, den jeder Christ lesen sollte. Heiligkeit ist die einzige Eigenschaft Gottes, die in der Heiligen Schrift dreifach betont wird. Umso wichtiger ist es, zu lernen und zu verstehen, was Gottes Heiligkeit bedeutet und welche Auswirkungen seine Heiligkeit auf mein Leben hat. Dieses Buch ist keine trockene theologische Lektüre. Es liest sich sehr interessant und abwechslungsreich. Zu Beginn schreibt Sproul über seine Begegnung mit dem heiligen Gott und welche Auswirkungen diese Begegnung auf sein Leben hatte. Es gelingt ihm zu zeigen, wie dramatisch die Heiligkeit Gottes ist. Sproul geht auf die schwierigen Bibelstellen im Alten Testament ein, in denen Gott Gericht übt und dadurch seine Heiligkeit offenbart. Seine Ausführungen helfen, Gottes Gerichte biblisch richtig einzuordnen und zu verstehen. Gott ist dabei keineswegs ein unbarmherziger, eiskalter, rachsüchtiger Gott. Um das Gericht Gottes richtig zu verstehen, erklärt Sproul auch die biblischen Grundbegriffe Heiligkeit, Gerechtigkeit, Sünde und Gnade. Außerdem gibt er einen Einblick in das Leben Martin Luthers, wie dieser mit der Gerechtigkeit Gottes rang, bis er den Durchbruch hatte und erkannte, dass der Gerechte allein aus Glauben lebt. Im Verlauf des Buches macht Sproul sehr deutlich, dass jeder Mensch vor Gott schuldig ist und eine sofortige Bestrafung verdient. Die Frage ist also nicht, warum Sünde bestraft wird, sondern warum Gott die ständige Rebellion der Menschen duldet. Dieses Buch hat mein Bild von Gott geschärft. Es enthält viele tolle Stellen, die einen bewegen und Gott groß machen. Dabei spielt es keine Rolle, ob du schon lange gläubig bist oder Gott gerade erst kennen gelernt hast. Nimm dieses Buch zur Hand und wachse in der Erkenntnis Gottes.
Profile Image for Jeff Colston.
141 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2023
I read this one chapter at a time with a group of guys and loved the conversations it inspired. This served as a great, balancing complement to “Gentle and Lowly.” I walk away with such a clear picture of God as big and holy and set apart. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on “Holy Justice.” Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from that chapter:

“We are not really surprised that God has redeemed us. Somewhere deep inside, in the secret chambers of our hearts, we harbor the notion that God owes us His mercy. Heaven would not be quite the same if we were excluded from it. We know that we are sinners, but we are surely not as bad as we could be. There are enough redeeming features to our personalities that if God is really just, He will include us in salvation. What amazes is justice, not grace.”

“It is impossible for anyone, anywhere, anytime to DESERVE grace. Grace by definition is undeserved. As soon as we talk about deserving something, we are no longer talking about grace; we are talking about justice. Only justice can be deserved. God is never obligated to be merciful. Mercy and grace must be voluntary or they are no longer mercy and grace. God never ‘owes’ grace. He reminds us more than once: ‘I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy’ (Exodus 33:19). This is the divine prerogative. God reserves for himself the supreme right of executive clemency.”
6 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2018
The beauty of God's holiness expounded by Sproul compels me to fear and draws me to worship. One of the most impacting books I've ever read.

Favorite quotes:

"The moment Jesus was slain, the instant the Just One died for the unjust, the veil in the temple was torn, The presence of God became accessible to us. For the Christian the "No Access" sign was removed from the gates of paradise. e ay now walk freely on holy ground. We have access to His grace, but even more, we have access to Him. Justified people need no longer say to the Holy One, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man."

"I am sure that the reason I have a deep hunger to learn of the holiness of God is precisely because I am not holy. I am a profane man-a man who spends more time out of the temple than in it. But I have had just enough of a taste of the majesty of God to want more. I know what it means to be a forgiven man and what it means to be sent on a mission. My soul cries for more. My soul needs more."
Profile Image for Rex Blackburn.
155 reviews12 followers
March 5, 2018
Chapter 6, "Holy Justice," was superb. I'll definitely be re-reading that chapter when I can! God is never unjust in his dealings with men; He either shows mercy, or shows justice. But He so frequently shows mercy, that humans begin to demand His mercy, and scorn His justice. Chapter 6 is worth your time and attention.
Profile Image for Jethro Wall.
88 reviews8 followers
August 5, 2022
Had to read this Sproul classic. Was surprised at the approachability of the man. Would serve as an alright primer for those wanting to dabble in reformed thinking.

“The cross was at once the most horrible and the most beautiful example of God’s wrath. It was the most just and the most gracious act in history.”
Profile Image for Codi.
5 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2021
When I first began reading this book, I asked myself what “holy” meant. My answer was “untouchable” which is accurate to a certain extent I believe. Sproul teaches that holiness is pure & set apart. I truly enjoyed reading this. There were some words I needed to look up, but his writing style is pretty straight forward and easy to understand. The Old Testament encounters of God’s holiness was truly remarkable and had me convicted in areas I never thought possible. I enjoyed the chapter on Martin Luther. I feel so relatable to him in some ways in his pursuit of faith alone and what that truly means. I have a whole different perspective and reverence for God’s holiness after reading this book. I think it’s something that every Christian should definitely read.
Profile Image for Erica.
440 reviews14 followers
May 14, 2021
Great thought provoking book. The chapters in God's grace and justice were especially interesting, it was eye opening to hear how our human perception can skew how we view those attributes. Didn't agree 100% with everything but definitely I book I'll revisit.
Profile Image for Joshua Ye.
24 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2023
Didn't know where Sproul was gonna go with this, but he explains God's holiness with great depth and breadth. Throughout the book, Sproul draws on examples from the Bible to vividly illustrate his points; he's a strong storyteller. As something that is easy to become indifferent or ignorant to, learning more about God's holiness in contrast to our sinfulness is a humbling experience I'd recommend to almost any believer.
Profile Image for Ron.
Author 1 book151 followers
July 28, 2017
“Our marks of piety can actually be evidence of our impiety.”

Disappointing for a supposed classic of theology. Expected better from R. C. Sproul. An important topic for Christians. Even given Sproul’s well-known Calvinist orientation, his writings betray poor scholarship and bias. Good discussion of meanings of original texts, such as the same word being translated as truly and pray.

“The justice of God is always and ever an expression of His holy character.”

His theological gaffs are funny. He reports Romans 8 “renew the mind” means “nothing more and nothing less than education.” He tells us “we are called to strive with all our might to produce this fruit [of the Spirit].” He reports to “make decision” to be born again is a “delusion.”

“Don’t ever ask God for justice--you might get it.”

The above errors can be excused as partisan politics (yes, theologians do it), but his attempt to discredit Arminian theology by labeling it semi-Pelagian is disingenuous. Masking the Arminian versus Calvinist dichotomy under different labels does nothing for Sproul’s credibility.

“If man is not made for God, why is he only happy in God? If man is made for God, why is he so opposed to God?” Blaise Pascal

Despite all that this text has many good thoughts and arguments.

“Almost every natural man that hears of hell, flatters himself that he will escape it.” Jonathan Edwards
Profile Image for Dana.
296 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2009
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 group study. This book is a must read and I would highly recommended to all Christians- baby Christians as well as those more mature in their faith and understanding.
Profile Image for Mike (the Paladin).
3,147 reviews1,926 followers
March 13, 2011
Good read, Dr. Sproul knows the scripture and teaches it. While I don't agree with him on everything (and woe be to me if he heard that as I've listened to him and he doesn't appreciate that kind of thing) this is a good and worthwhile read.

I think his view of God puts Him at too much of a distance. The picture in God's Holiness is true but I think not complete here as God has made provision through Jesus and the Holy Spirit for man to approach Him. Still like I said...good read and a lot to teach.

Dr. Sproul's knowledge of scripture is impressive, even daunting and he's always a worthwhile read and someone to listen to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 967 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.