Does it really matter if we understand much about God’s holiness? Sproul sure lays out a strong argument that YES, it matters. He’s got my attention.

“I am convinced that it is one of the most important ideas that a Christian can ever grapple with. It is basic to our whole understanding of God and of Christianity.”

I summarized chapter 1 on my blog:

Do you have to understand holy?

I look forward to reading everyone’s comments. This is going to be good. Thanks, Tim.

I’m not only reading the book, but listening as well. Thanks for working with Christianaudio.com to get the discount for this classic work. While the first chapter is quite descriptive of Sproul’s personal experience in coming to know and desire God’s holiness, the middle chapters to come are by far the best. I’m greatly anticipating all the readers comments on those in the weeks to come.

If you’re interested, you can check out my post:

http://insidepastorkevinshead.blogspot.com/2010/10/reading-classics-toge…

What struck me most in this first chapter was Sproul’s statement, “If I were to ask a group of Christians what the top priority of the church is, I am sure I would get a wide variety of answers. Some would say evangelism, others social action, and still others spiritual nurture. But I have yet to hear anyone talk about what Jesus’ priorities were.”

That’s an argument that resonates with me because I have long believed that an all-out focus on the Great Commission, by default, relegates what Jesus actually called the Greatest Commandment to a place of secondary (or even tertiary) importance. I’m not saying the Great Commission isn’t important; I am saying Jesus never called it that and He placed primary importance on loving God.

If we are to truly love God as He should be loved, we must recognize His holiness. When we get that right, the other things naturally fall into place.

“The one concept, the central idea i kept meeting in scripture, was the idea that God is “holy.” The word was foreign to me. I wasn’t sure what it meant.”

When we begin to understand God’s holiness, we begin to understand how scandalous the cross really is! Absolute perfection redeeming total corruption; how humbling!

Thanks for choosing this book, Tim. I’d long had it on my shelf, intending to read it, and your program was the needed impetus to get going!

Like you, I was struck by the statement, “How we understand the person and character of God the Father affects every aspect of our lives.” To perhaps take it one more step, it seems to me that to whatever degree we misunderstand who God truly is, it is to that degree that we worship an idol. May we know the one true, living and holy God, so that we may (with all of our life) worship the one true, living and holy God!

“I was in a posture of prayer, but I had nothing to say. I knelt there quietly, allowing the sense of the presence of a holy God to fill me. The beat of my heart was telltale, a thump-thump against my chest. An icy chill started at the base of my spine and crept up my neck. Fear swept over me. I fought the impulse to run from the foreboding presence that gripped me.” (p. 5)

I deeply appreciate this honest description of how God imposed Himself upon young R.C. in that moment. He speaks of God’s manifest Presence, the clean fear of the Lord and how it arrested him.

“The terror passed, but soon it was followed by another wave. This wave was different. It flooded my soul with unspeakable peace, a peace that brought instant rest and repose to my troubled spirit. At once I was comfortable. I wanted to linger there. To say nothing. To do nothing. Simply to bask in the presence of God. “ (p.5)

What a lovely depiction of God’s ministering presence! His next line tells how that very moment transformed him, settled something in him. He had tasted of the Holy.

Man reaching up to God is mere religion, but God reaching down to man is salvation.

I thought this was a great first chapter and really appreciated the personal testimony Sproul gave. I think we often miss moments when God wants to speak to us because of all the “noise” in our society. I was encouraged to take some time to get away from all of this noise and allow God to speak, as he often does, in a “still small voice.”

There seems to be two main ideas in this first chapter - God as creator and the conversion experience. Do others agree that there could be some argument that we are nothing until we are regenerated and become new creations as a result of God’s activity through His Holy Spirit. Is holiness something that cannot be imparted to those who remain as “nothing”. Is what is true in the material world i.e. God creating out of nothing also true of the spiritual world.

Also I hope its ok if my thinking is a bit off the wall.

After reading the first chapter, I know that I will benefit so much from reading this book with everyone. I’ve always had a hard time understanding glory, and now I realize that I don’t really understand holiness.

This is a new adventure for me (to read with people on a blog), so bear with me. I’ve appreciated everyone’s comments so far, and agree with the richness of the book we are reading. I found the questions at the end of the chapter thought provoking. Question 3 was: Are you attracted to God’s holiness? My answer: Yes and No ……… Yes, I’m greatly attracted to God and knowing all about Him that He will allow me. He is my Savior and greatest treasure. And being still to comprehend a moment of His holiness seems a “must” in this process. But “no” I’m not attracted to His holiness in that it frightens me ……… His attributes of loving kindness, mercy, forgiveness ……. those qualities in Him I am drawn toward. But thanks to Him, I believe He is whole and complete . I don’t believe His holiness is separate from His loving kindness, mercy or forgiveness …….

Some ladies and I are about to discuss this very book tonight! This is our first meeting. It is so wonderful that this is the book that you have chosen. I am so glad to be able to take some of your thoughts to the discussion. Thank you!

I too was impressed with Sproul’s intimate account with Our Lord…for a fleeting moment after reading this I am envious that I have never had that sort of encounter….so I start over.I realized I have not yet begun to grasp holiness as it should be. I agree with Jeanie S. that we almost take holiness for granted at some level. I loved this chapter and look forward to the rest of the book.Thanks for this opportunity.

Andrew, enjoyed your comment and the appreciation for Sproul’s testimony. He uses his testimony appropriately here: as an introduction to Truth from God’s Word. I have found as I’ve matured in my faith that the EASIEST thing for an unbeliever to argue with is my personal testimony of a changed life. I rather share that all I contributed to my redemption is my sin, and God’s power is the only thing that sanctifies me. I know of at least one unbeliever that attributes his unbelief to his disappointment with me, and I don’t want to bear any more. Point unbelievers to the facts of our faith in the Word, and trust the Spirit to make it clear to them, for only He can. God bless, Rich

I have been contemplating how I would share my own Holy encounter with this forum…if at all! I was concerned with the fact that some of the aspects of this encounter are similar in nature to Dr. Sproul’s, and that they might therefore be viewed with some skepticism. Adding to that, my own struggle with the understanding of God’s view on the present-day use of anointing with oil. But knowing within my heart and Spirit that this was an encounter with the One, True God; I would be remiss and disobedient if I were not to share with fellow believers. Therefore, here is a (perhaps not so brief) description of my own encounter with the Holiness of God.

Perhaps 6 months ago, during certain occasions of thoughtful prayer, I began incorporating the use of anointing oil of Frankincense & Myrrh . My vocational calling is to counsel mentally ill and troubled children and their families. I began incorporating the use of the anointing oil with scriptural study and prayer before I would begin work for the day; before I would be visiting the homes and communities of troubled youth. Along with a touch of oil to each part, and a prayer for each part of my body, I ask that the Lord would guide and direct me in words and deeds, bringing Glory to His name through the work that he has given to me . That through the symbolic use of the oil along with prayer, He would set me apart to bring Glory to His name. To my head, I ask that God would give me The knowledge and Wisdom to thoughtfully discern Truth from error, good from evil, right from wrong. To my eyes, that I would clearly see the Truth. To my ears, that I would be able to distinguish truth from lies. To my lips and tongue, that I might speak in truth, using words that would have impact and meaning; as well as to bind my tongue when necessary. To my hands, that they would be used in Righteousness. To my heart, that I would exhibit compassion, understanding, gentleness, mercy, and kindness. And to my feet, that God would straighten my path, leading me in righteousness, walking in and bringing peace to those that I meet and counsel. I have clearly been able to see the work of the Holy Spirit working through me. At times it hardly seems that I am speaking at all to the families that I meet , but that God’s Holy Spirit is speaking for me. I have witnessed an increasing Spiritual strength within me over the past half a year or so. I have been studying scripture, praying, and seeking God’s wisdom, truth, and discernment like never before. I truly have an increasing thirst to know more of God. Much of this is thanks to also reading Tim’s book, “The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment.” But above all, I believe that God is drawing me nearer as I draw near to him.

Several weeks ago I accepted the invitation to read, “The Holiness of God,” and acquired my copy. When it arrived I read the first chapter, and waited with anticipation for the 14th when the discussions would begin. In the meantime (and I understand the seemingly crazy coincidence of all of this) the following occurred:

Nearly 2 weeks ago I awoke early in the morning, just before sun-up. More recently at times such as these, I’ll click on the light and reach for my Bible for some Scriptural study, or I’ll remain in the dark in prayer before getting up for the day. On this particular morning I chose to remain in the dark, on my back, in bed, with my eyes closed. I was fully awake, and remember saying to the Lord, “I’m here, God. I’m here.” In a short time I began to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit coming upon me. Then, for just one brief second, I smelled within the room, within my nostrils; the strong scent of the Frankincense & Myrrh anointing oil. For just one brief moment the scent was there…and then it was gone. In that instant I became afraid and felt The Spirit fully upon me. It began in my neck and my back and quickly enveloped my body. I was scared. I silently said several times while remaining still, “I’m scared, God! I’m scared!” I felt like getting up and leaving the room. But I remained there with my eyes closed. The fear slowly subsided. And I knew that I was in the presence of the Lord. In the past when I’ve experienced the Spirit (to a much lesser degree than this occurrence) the sensation at my neck, shoulders and head dissipates in rather short order. But on this morning the Spirit remained, and seemed to ebb and flow. It seemed to increase again and to again get stronger when I would acknowledge in my thoughts and in my talking to God that this indeed WAS Him. I was no longer so afraid and I no longer sensed the urge to flee. But I cannot say that I was entirely at ease either. I did sense, however, that I would be safe as I was trying to contemplate the gravity of the experience. What I could not explain to myself was the scent of the oil that I had very clearly smelled [I’ve even asked myself if I had some kind of a brain tumor since I’ve heard that strange smells can come upon you with that condition]. As I remained there in my bed I knew that there was no possibility that I had smelled the remains of some previously used or spilled oil anywhere within or on the materials of the room. I knew that no oil was on my body, as the last time I had used it in prayer was the week previous. And certainly I had showered daily since that time. There was no justification for the scent of the anointing oil within my presence, in that room, on this morning; except for the fact that it coincided with the Holy Spirit being upon me and just after saying to the Lord, “I’m here, God.” There could be…there is no other explanation…but that I was in the presence of The Holy God.

I do not have an understanding of why this occurred. I am certainly undeserving. I am most certainly a sinner. I am certainly capable of nothing without Christ Jesus. There are no works that I could ever perform to earn such an experience. This could only be of God’s Grace. And for that I am thankful. I have no doubt that beyond the radars of our worldly minds, there exists a Spiritual realm of incredible power. A power that sees and responds if in repentance we seek Him out and if we believe in His Son. Through this experience I have been witness to a split second in time of the presence of The Holiness of God!

Today in church, the message revolved around the worship of God, and one of hyms was, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Even more interesting to me was the following Scripture which was also addressed:

Romans 12

Living Sacrifices

1”Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

I welcome correction and reproof of all unrighteousness within me. I remain unsure and nervous about my sharing of this experience in this forum. I only want to do what brings Glory to the Lord. In the name of Jesus, I pray that this contribution will bring Glory to His Kingdom and that I can learn more about His Holiness.

Having been raised in a tradition that simplified the Lord’s Prayer (or more accurately the Disciple’s Prayer) to the pattern of “Praise, Petition, Praise” I found Sproul’s discussion of Jesus’ first priority in the prayer very interesting. I realized I have been guilty of praying “Hallowed IS thy Name” instead of “BE thy name,” if not in words certainly by intention. It is subtle but important. It made me realize that Jesus’ purpose wasn’t necessarily to teach us to pattern our prayers with praise first (as we love to put what WE do for God first!) but to have as our first petition the holiness of God. If Jesus put God’s holiness as His first priority, so should we as His people.

Just scraping in this week with my response:http://andrewfinden.com/findothinks/2010/10/the-holiness-of-god-chapter-1/