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Before the Throne: Reflections on God's Holiness
R.C. Sproul, A.W. Tozer, and Stephen Charnock, now all with the Lord, are among faithful men who penned classic works on God’s holiness. Others throughout church history, like Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Jonathan Edwards, preached powerfully on the glory and majesty of our great and holy God. In Before the Reflections on God’s Holiness, Pastor Allen Nelson presents to us the timeless truths of the holiness of God from a 21st-century perspective in an attempt to warm modern readers’ hearts toward the awesomeness of the triune God. Standing on the shoulders of a long line of faithful men, and fastened securely upon Holy Writ, Nelson helps us explore the immensity of God’s holiness and how it affects absolutely everything about us. Prepare to worship.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2019
58 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Allen S. Nelson IV
3 books4 followersAllen S. Nelson IV is the pastor of Perryville Second Baptist Church in Perryville, AR, where he resides with his wife Stephanie, and their 5 children. His other titles include blogger, rookie podcaster, and occasional conference speaker. Most importantly, he is a recipient of the undeserved grace of God.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 15, 2020
If you want to spend some time meditating on the holiness of God, then this is the book for you. It is clear that Nelson has spent a lot of time soaking in Isa 6 and Rev 4, as well as learning from authors like Tozer, Charnock, and Sproul. The result is a worshipful exploration of God’s holiness with pointed modern applications. At times I felt the book was repetitive, but I ended up concluding it was actually a helpful tool for meditation.
Minor critiques: My kindle edition was missing a table of contents. That would have been helpful. And he was a little trigger-happy on the footnotes.
Minor critiques: My kindle edition was missing a table of contents. That would have been helpful. And he was a little trigger-happy on the footnotes.
November 23, 2023
I found this to be a great devotional. The author admits that this book can only scratch the surface on his subject. The author places discussion questions at the end of each chapter, which is one reason why it would be a good devotional book or even a discipleship group study. I highly recommend because the holiness doctrine is disappearing at a rapid rate.
October 12, 2021
A good primer for those who may have never thought much about the holiness of God. Nelson writes a little repetitive in some chapters which is my main reason for three stars rather than four. Overall, there is something worth highlighting in almost every chapter. This would be a good book for a bible study group.
May 21, 2020
I connected with Allen on Twitter some time ago. I saw one of his Tweets, and I liked what I read. As I observed Allen on Twitter, I was impressed with his desire to serve God and help the church. Though he has helped in many ways, his most effective work comes from his pen. In addition to this book, Allen Nelson has authored From Death to Life: How Salvation Works. He also blogs at ThingsAbove.Us.
An Overview of Before the Throne
Allen Nelson wrote this book to help believers (and unbelievers) receive a glimpse of the holiness of God. In the preface, Allen remarks “Offering these meditations from the perspective of one writing in the 21st century is my way to warm the modern reader’s heart toward the greatness and glory of God.”[1] Allen’s book does just that.
Displaying his preacher-roots, Allen structures each chapter in an alliterated fashion. Ranging from undoubtable to unquenchable, all focus on the holiness of God. As Allen examines each facet of the holiness of God (a task he readily and regularly reminds us can only be done on a finite basis), he does so by examining two passages
of Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4:5-11. That is, his book is written by expounding upon and extrapolating the truths from two passages of Scripture, all from a book that describes or displays the holiness of God.
The chapters are around 18-20 pages in length. At the end of each chapter, Allen provides several questions for “Group Discussion or Family Worship.”[2]
97145946_1624117494404977_3101832880184098816_n
The Group Discussion or Family Worship. (p. 24)
In addition, Allen also cites additional Scripture for discussion and meditation.[3]
97524367_289876142179141_5374358496642859008_n
Scripture Review for further discussion and meditation. (p. 82)
Strengths of Before the Throne
From my perspective, Allen’s most significant contribution in this work is his ability to take the weighty Puritans and deep preachers of this age and bring them down to the average layman. This task is impressive, for the Puritans were deeply spiritual and incredibly academic. It takes work to read them, even for academics. Yet, Allen translates their thoughts in such a way that the grandmother in the pew can grasp the holiness of God.
Another strength of the book is that it helps whet the appetite. As a pastor, I long for our people to know the holiness of God. And Allen’s work helps encourage that hunger for holiness. Each chapter provides a different glimpse of the holiness of God, and each chapter increases your hunger for holiness.
A third strength is Allen’s work in the Questions for Group Discussions or Family Worship. The questions are good questions, not the typical, “What does this mean to you?” questions often found in Bible studies. They are deep, thought-provoking, and soul-searching questions. As a father, I appreciate this as well because our family observes family worship. With that said, I think it would be better for maturing children (10 years old and upward).
The fourth strength of Allen’s work is the humility through which he writes it. Throughout the book, Allen acknowledges his inadequacies to write upon the holiness of God, not because of a lack of writing ability, but because of the incomprehensibility of God’s holiness. For instance, he writes, “It is impossible to comprehend God as He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture without understanding His holiness.”[4] His humility is also displayed in instances such as his footnote on page 21.
A final strength is the length of the book. Allen could have easily written a large tome or even volumes on the holiness of God. But Allen’s work is a little over two-hundred pages. This makes it more accessible to the average individual in the pew.
Opportunities of Before the Throne
The book is accessible for the layman, but this work shows that Allen is a capable theologian. I believe that he would benefit the church to devote a considerable treatment to God, not just His holiness, but all of His qualities and attributes.
Another opportunity that might help make the work even more practical is a glossary of terms. Though he defines uncommon words in the text, it might help increase the vocabulary of the average Christian.
Who Should Read Before the Throne
Everyone should read this book. For the pastor, it is a healthy reminder of Who our God is. Additionally, Allen distills the implications for pastoral and ecclesial ministry. In a convicting statement, Allen writes, “We’ve created an atmosphere of entertainment in the church today because we have found God boring.”[5]
99158873_259585905399142_5633725910881402880_n
“It is impossible to comprehend God He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture without understanding His holiness.” (p. 26)
Pastors, including myself, need to be reminded of the importance of following God’s command for His people, which undoubtedly includes church services (see Leviticus 19:2).
Sunday school teachers and small group leaders should read it well. In fact, they can purchase the book and use the group questions in the back! The lofty thoughts of which Allen writes will enable these individuals to minister on behalf of a thrice-holy God.
The average Christian should read this as well. When I say “average” I do not in any way mean that in a derogatory fashion. I simply mean the common Christian, the man who works at Walmart, the lady who manages the bank, the teacher, the mechanic, and so on. This book, as I have mentioned, it accessible to those without theology degrees.
Lastly, this book is for someone who is not a follower of Jesus Christ. Reading this book, saturated with Scripture, will provide you a glimpse into the greatness of God. I pray, as I know Allen does too, that this book will be a tool to bring you into a saving relationship with God.
Concluding Remarks
I want to thank Allen for his work in this book. My own soul has benefited from it, and now members of our church are benefiting from it as well.
An Overview of Before the Throne
Allen Nelson wrote this book to help believers (and unbelievers) receive a glimpse of the holiness of God. In the preface, Allen remarks “Offering these meditations from the perspective of one writing in the 21st century is my way to warm the modern reader’s heart toward the greatness and glory of God.”[1] Allen’s book does just that.
Displaying his preacher-roots, Allen structures each chapter in an alliterated fashion. Ranging from undoubtable to unquenchable, all focus on the holiness of God. As Allen examines each facet of the holiness of God (a task he readily and regularly reminds us can only be done on a finite basis), he does so by examining two passages
of Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4:5-11. That is, his book is written by expounding upon and extrapolating the truths from two passages of Scripture, all from a book that describes or displays the holiness of God.
The chapters are around 18-20 pages in length. At the end of each chapter, Allen provides several questions for “Group Discussion or Family Worship.”[2]
97145946_1624117494404977_3101832880184098816_n
The Group Discussion or Family Worship. (p. 24)
In addition, Allen also cites additional Scripture for discussion and meditation.[3]
97524367_289876142179141_5374358496642859008_n
Scripture Review for further discussion and meditation. (p. 82)
Strengths of Before the Throne
From my perspective, Allen’s most significant contribution in this work is his ability to take the weighty Puritans and deep preachers of this age and bring them down to the average layman. This task is impressive, for the Puritans were deeply spiritual and incredibly academic. It takes work to read them, even for academics. Yet, Allen translates their thoughts in such a way that the grandmother in the pew can grasp the holiness of God.
Another strength of the book is that it helps whet the appetite. As a pastor, I long for our people to know the holiness of God. And Allen’s work helps encourage that hunger for holiness. Each chapter provides a different glimpse of the holiness of God, and each chapter increases your hunger for holiness.
A third strength is Allen’s work in the Questions for Group Discussions or Family Worship. The questions are good questions, not the typical, “What does this mean to you?” questions often found in Bible studies. They are deep, thought-provoking, and soul-searching questions. As a father, I appreciate this as well because our family observes family worship. With that said, I think it would be better for maturing children (10 years old and upward).
The fourth strength of Allen’s work is the humility through which he writes it. Throughout the book, Allen acknowledges his inadequacies to write upon the holiness of God, not because of a lack of writing ability, but because of the incomprehensibility of God’s holiness. For instance, he writes, “It is impossible to comprehend God as He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture without understanding His holiness.”[4] His humility is also displayed in instances such as his footnote on page 21.
A final strength is the length of the book. Allen could have easily written a large tome or even volumes on the holiness of God. But Allen’s work is a little over two-hundred pages. This makes it more accessible to the average individual in the pew.
Opportunities of Before the Throne
The book is accessible for the layman, but this work shows that Allen is a capable theologian. I believe that he would benefit the church to devote a considerable treatment to God, not just His holiness, but all of His qualities and attributes.
Another opportunity that might help make the work even more practical is a glossary of terms. Though he defines uncommon words in the text, it might help increase the vocabulary of the average Christian.
Who Should Read Before the Throne
Everyone should read this book. For the pastor, it is a healthy reminder of Who our God is. Additionally, Allen distills the implications for pastoral and ecclesial ministry. In a convicting statement, Allen writes, “We’ve created an atmosphere of entertainment in the church today because we have found God boring.”[5]
99158873_259585905399142_5633725910881402880_n
“It is impossible to comprehend God He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture without understanding His holiness.” (p. 26)
Pastors, including myself, need to be reminded of the importance of following God’s command for His people, which undoubtedly includes church services (see Leviticus 19:2).
Sunday school teachers and small group leaders should read it well. In fact, they can purchase the book and use the group questions in the back! The lofty thoughts of which Allen writes will enable these individuals to minister on behalf of a thrice-holy God.
The average Christian should read this as well. When I say “average” I do not in any way mean that in a derogatory fashion. I simply mean the common Christian, the man who works at Walmart, the lady who manages the bank, the teacher, the mechanic, and so on. This book, as I have mentioned, it accessible to those without theology degrees.
Lastly, this book is for someone who is not a follower of Jesus Christ. Reading this book, saturated with Scripture, will provide you a glimpse into the greatness of God. I pray, as I know Allen does too, that this book will be a tool to bring you into a saving relationship with God.
Concluding Remarks
I want to thank Allen for his work in this book. My own soul has benefited from it, and now members of our church are benefiting from it as well.
July 20, 2019
A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” While he uttered those words almost sixty years ago, Tozer could sense the rapid decline and deterioration in the church. He sensed a lack of reverence; almost an antipathy for God. Tragically, things have not improved. The decline only continues.
Allen Nelson IV, picking up where Tozer left off, writes with the same sense of resolve and urgency in his recent book, Before the Throne: Reflections on God’s Holiness. These reflections are firmly anchored to Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4:10-11. Nelson argues that there is a great need to recover the biblical view of God – a transcendent and majestic vision of the triune God.
The author’s focus, however, is on the holiness of God. He makes a three-fold argument for gaining a clear understanding and appreciation of God’s holiness:
If we get God wrong, we get everything wrong.
God’s holiness is misunderstood, misapplied, and underemphasized.
We are commanded to be holy as God is holy.
The book is comprised of twelve chapters, all of which are designed to alert, guide, instruct, challenge, and admonish followers of Christ. These chapters are like different facets of a stunning diamond. They draw the attention of readers and lead them to worship God in his resplendent holiness.
Many churches have succumbed to the spirit of the age. Some have subtly softened the attributes of God; others have brazenly sought to remove Him from His throne. Open theism, Pelagianism, and Pluralism are not only accepted; they are celebrated. Large numbers of people who profess to be Christians are failing to exercise biblical discernment. The warnings in Scripture to steer clear from false teachers is either neglected or ignored. It is in this context that Before the Throne is a much-needed breath of fresh air. Indeed, this book is a bold challenge and a biblical antidote to the apostasy that engulfs us the postmodern generation.
Allen Nelson’s Before the Throne is a labor of love that should be read and digested by Christians everywhere. The result will be hearts and minds which are consumed with knowing and worshiping the LORD, who is holy, holy, holy. May worshipers find themselves before the throne in the proper posture of humility, with hearts of contrition, and trembling at His Word (Isa. 66:2).
Allen Nelson IV, picking up where Tozer left off, writes with the same sense of resolve and urgency in his recent book, Before the Throne: Reflections on God’s Holiness. These reflections are firmly anchored to Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4:10-11. Nelson argues that there is a great need to recover the biblical view of God – a transcendent and majestic vision of the triune God.
The author’s focus, however, is on the holiness of God. He makes a three-fold argument for gaining a clear understanding and appreciation of God’s holiness:
If we get God wrong, we get everything wrong.
God’s holiness is misunderstood, misapplied, and underemphasized.
We are commanded to be holy as God is holy.
The book is comprised of twelve chapters, all of which are designed to alert, guide, instruct, challenge, and admonish followers of Christ. These chapters are like different facets of a stunning diamond. They draw the attention of readers and lead them to worship God in his resplendent holiness.
Many churches have succumbed to the spirit of the age. Some have subtly softened the attributes of God; others have brazenly sought to remove Him from His throne. Open theism, Pelagianism, and Pluralism are not only accepted; they are celebrated. Large numbers of people who profess to be Christians are failing to exercise biblical discernment. The warnings in Scripture to steer clear from false teachers is either neglected or ignored. It is in this context that Before the Throne is a much-needed breath of fresh air. Indeed, this book is a bold challenge and a biblical antidote to the apostasy that engulfs us the postmodern generation.
Allen Nelson’s Before the Throne is a labor of love that should be read and digested by Christians everywhere. The result will be hearts and minds which are consumed with knowing and worshiping the LORD, who is holy, holy, holy. May worshipers find themselves before the throne in the proper posture of humility, with hearts of contrition, and trembling at His Word (Isa. 66:2).
March 23, 2020
God is holy. All Christians affirm this. But what does it mean to say that God is holy? What does it mean to say that we should be holy as He is holy? After reading this book, I'm still not sure. That's not Mr. Nelson's fault, though. Well, in part it is. But that's only because he opened my eyes to the vast depth of the term holy, and while in my arrogance I may offer a succinct definition of holy, I now see that my simple, though theologically correct, definition is inadequate. By a long shot!
Viewing twelve facets of God's holiness, Mr. Allen walks us through what he admits is a surface-scratching look at the holiness of God. What I appreciate most about his writing style is that A) it is easy to digest and absorb while being eye-opening, and B) it is so positive. I can't put my finger on any one model sentence to show how encouraging and uplifting his writing is, but every time I finished a chapter I was led to praise God for His holiness. Some books I've read about the attributes of God leave me with a vague sense of finger-wagging and shame for not attaining to His perfect standard, but Before the Throne left me feeling a sense of awe of God for allowing me to know Him and be a little bit like Him.
Mr. Allen is a gifted storyteller, and he brings to light the story aspect of Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4:5-11, the two passages he focuses on to uncover what it means to say God is holy. This was especially helpful in grasping holiness and God's character.
Written in an easily accessible and encouraging manner, Before the Throne is at once light reading but filled with heavy concepts and a book that will lead you to praise God.
[I received this book free from the publisher. Other than the free book, I received nothing in return for this review, nor was I required to write this review.]
Viewing twelve facets of God's holiness, Mr. Allen walks us through what he admits is a surface-scratching look at the holiness of God. What I appreciate most about his writing style is that A) it is easy to digest and absorb while being eye-opening, and B) it is so positive. I can't put my finger on any one model sentence to show how encouraging and uplifting his writing is, but every time I finished a chapter I was led to praise God for His holiness. Some books I've read about the attributes of God leave me with a vague sense of finger-wagging and shame for not attaining to His perfect standard, but Before the Throne left me feeling a sense of awe of God for allowing me to know Him and be a little bit like Him.
Mr. Allen is a gifted storyteller, and he brings to light the story aspect of Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4:5-11, the two passages he focuses on to uncover what it means to say God is holy. This was especially helpful in grasping holiness and God's character.
Written in an easily accessible and encouraging manner, Before the Throne is at once light reading but filled with heavy concepts and a book that will lead you to praise God.
[I received this book free from the publisher. Other than the free book, I received nothing in return for this review, nor was I required to write this review.]
January 1, 2026
The content itself is very good. The author does a dive into the inexhaustible holiness of God, what that truly means, and how it should move and motivate His people. The study itself was great and beneficial. I highlighted a lot of things. More importantly, it gave me a lot to chew on.
However, as with many other Calvinist writers, the author cannot keep himself from inserting Calvinism into everything. It shows up at least 3 times in this book. He dismisses counter arguments using straw men or just glazes over legitimate concerns. To his credit, this wasn't a book on salvation or election / predestination so he couldn't spend the time diving into full arguments, but that's precisely why it didn't need brought up at all. Other things could have been used to make the same points on God's holiness that he was trying to make.
That said, when sticking to the topic at hand, the content was very good and I enjoyed it. Just cannot recommend to others to read unless I'm confident in their ability to discern.
However, as with many other Calvinist writers, the author cannot keep himself from inserting Calvinism into everything. It shows up at least 3 times in this book. He dismisses counter arguments using straw men or just glazes over legitimate concerns. To his credit, this wasn't a book on salvation or election / predestination so he couldn't spend the time diving into full arguments, but that's precisely why it didn't need brought up at all. Other things could have been used to make the same points on God's holiness that he was trying to make.
That said, when sticking to the topic at hand, the content was very good and I enjoyed it. Just cannot recommend to others to read unless I'm confident in their ability to discern.
August 17, 2019
Excellent book. Upon reading it to its conclusion, Allen Nelson ends it beautifully (with Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4:5-11 in view) with quoting Psalm 40:5 "You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wonderous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare to you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told."
What a unfathomable and beauty is this holy God!
If you haven't yet, grab a hold of this book and read it and meditate on the God who it points to. It is practical, yet theologically rich. For the laymen and the pastor. Come and behold your God!
"Behold our God seated on His throne
Come let us adore Him
Behold our King, nothing can compare
Come let us adore Him!" - Sovereign Grace Music, Behold our God
What a unfathomable and beauty is this holy God!
If you haven't yet, grab a hold of this book and read it and meditate on the God who it points to. It is practical, yet theologically rich. For the laymen and the pastor. Come and behold your God!
"Behold our God seated on His throne
Come let us adore Him
Behold our King, nothing can compare
Come let us adore Him!" - Sovereign Grace Music, Behold our God
May 29, 2019
A wonderful look at God’s overall holiness. I can’t wait to recommend this book to people looking for a place to start reading more theology and learning more about God, it’s written simply but edifyingly.
June 5, 2021
A Primer on the Holiness of God
Holiness is often a misunderstood subject. Even Christians can confuse holiness for legalism. In short but powerful chapters, Nelson describes holiness, why it is important, and why it is important to God
Holiness is often a misunderstood subject. Even Christians can confuse holiness for legalism. In short but powerful chapters, Nelson describes holiness, why it is important, and why it is important to God
September 26, 2022
Great read to help me further reflect and meditate on the holiness of God and from different angles. To a certain extent I think it’s a bit repetitive and redundant. Personally, I think you could condense some of the chapters and it would make a great 6-8 week small group Bible study.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews