The Holiness of God 40th Anniversary Edition
The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul is a book that changed my life. The new limited 40th-anniversary edition of this classic book is available from Ligonier. Below is an updated version of my review of this incredible book:
Does God’s holiness still have relevance in our lives today? In The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul places God’s holiness at the heart of Christian faith, showing its central and transformative role. I first encountered this book in college, and I’m grateful to revisit it through this new edition from Tyndale.
Isaiah 2
The book opens with a powerful personal account from Sproul, sharing his own journey of understanding what it truly means to stand in the presence of God. He argues that God’s holiness is not only foundational to Scripture but should also be the church’s highest priority. His words are both convicting and inspiring.
Sproul then dives into a profound exposition of Isaiah 2, offering what I believe is a definitive interpretation of the passage. He highlights that, while God’s holiness overwhelms and humbles us, it also has the power to restore and reshape us. When we encounter God’s holiness, we aren’t destroyed or erased; our identity remains intact. Instead, this encounter should propel us into God’s mission and ministry.
Luther and Edwards
This book was one of my first introductions to the writings of Martin Luther. In Chapter 5, “The Insanity of Luther,” Sproul recounts Luther’s pivotal role in the Reformation, particularly his proclamation that “the just shall live by faith.” As a young reader, this chapter was deeply impactful, and it continues to inspire me today.
In Chapter 9, “God in the Hands of Angry Sinners,” Sproul offers a fresh perspective on Jonathan Edwards’ famous sermon. Through rigorous reasoning, Sproul lays out three key points about God’s wrath: (1) it is divine, (2) it is fierce, and (3) it is everlasting. This chapter is sobering yet filled with hope, especially for those who find refuge in Christ.
Glory to the Holy One
The book concludes with the hymn Glory to the Holy One, a beautiful reminder that God’s holiness should lead us to worship. The Holiness of God profoundly impacted my life, deepening my understanding of God’s holiness and reminding me of the boundless grace that comes through clinging to Christ. It will do the same for you.
I received a media copy of The Holiness of God and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.