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Holy, Holy, Holy: Proclaiming the Perfections of God
The angels in Isaiah's vision of God s heavenly temple (Isa. 6) used threefold repetition to praise His holiness, the superlative form of emphasis in the Hebrew language. Their cry tells us that nothing is as significant as the holiness of God.
Tragically, the holiness of God has been obscured in our time, and as a result, the church's doctrine and ethics have been tarnished, entertainment has replaced worship in many places, the Gospel is misunderstood and neglected, and the church assimilates itself to the culture instead of seeking to transform it through the preaching of God's Word.
Holy, Holy, Holy: Proclaiming the Perfections of God offers a corrective. Here, the holiness of God is defined, explored, and praised by a lineup of leading evangelical pastors and scholars, who show how it affects our worship, doctrine, and personal walks with Christ.
Adapted from the lectures at the 2009 Ligonier Ministries National Conference, Holy, Holy, Holy unfolds the character of God and the holiness that sets Him apart. Here is high theology in understandable language, bringing deeper knowledge of God and promoting love for Him.
Tragically, the holiness of God has been obscured in our time, and as a result, the church's doctrine and ethics have been tarnished, entertainment has replaced worship in many places, the Gospel is misunderstood and neglected, and the church assimilates itself to the culture instead of seeking to transform it through the preaching of God's Word.
Holy, Holy, Holy: Proclaiming the Perfections of God offers a corrective. Here, the holiness of God is defined, explored, and praised by a lineup of leading evangelical pastors and scholars, who show how it affects our worship, doctrine, and personal walks with Christ.
Adapted from the lectures at the 2009 Ligonier Ministries National Conference, Holy, Holy, Holy unfolds the character of God and the holiness that sets Him apart. Here is high theology in understandable language, bringing deeper knowledge of God and promoting love for Him.
145 pages, Hardcover
First published April 27, 2010
28 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
675 books1,994 followersDr. 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.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 25, 2017
A collection will of essays pointing towards one particular attribute of God. It is very freely said but sadly often overlooked characteristic of the Almighty. The book is done by Ligonier teaching fellows so it reads like most Ligonier products
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September 26, 2016Not nearly as good as The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul, but good nonetheless. The final chapter written by Sproul, himself was the best chapter. Thabiti and Carson's chapters were solid as well. The others were not bad. They were good. But there wasn't much in their approach that captured my heart.
January 31, 2023
Deep Insights into the Holiness of God
The holiness of God refers to two things, one communicable to human beings but the other non-communicable. On one level it refers to His moral purity, which is something that we are called to emulate, while on the other level it refers to His otherness, His being high and lifted up, exalted as Creator above His creatures. This latter meaning of holiness stresses His utter uniqueness from us.
In D.A. Carson’s chapter, he comments that in the past, even atheists understood this. But more recently, he notes, the whole notion of holiness is becoming increasingly foreign to non-Christians. And so he is seeing an objection against the Christian God emerge that he never saw as a younger man. It runs something like this: “This God you are trying to push on us, with his insistence on having all the attention and garnering all this praise, it sure sounds to me like he is insecure, egocentric, and morally defective.”
Dr. Carson’s response is one I have never heard before. As I could not say it any better, I would like to quote him at length:
“Of course it’s true to say something like this: ‘Yes, but God is so much more than we are. He’s not just another human being, slightly ‘souped-up.’ He is God. He is the Creator. He is to be cherished and revered. He is our Maker and our Sovereign and our providential King and our Judge.’ All of that is true.
But there is more….It is this: Because we have been made by this God and for this God, because our very self-identity when we are right with God is to love Him supremely, to adore Him and to worship Him, it is a supreme act of love on His part to keep demanding it – because it is for our good. What conceivable good would it do for us if God were to say: “Don’t give me too much worship. I’m just one of you guys. Slightly ratchet it up maybe, but don’t focus on Me too much.” That might satisfy some idolater’s notion of humility, but the humility that I see in this King of kings is on Golgotha. That He keeps directing attention to Himself is an act of supreme humility and grace, precisely because He stoops to remind us of what we ought to recognize, and because it is for our good.
There is no insecurity in this God. After all, He is the God of aseity. He has no needs. In eternity past, the Father loved the Son, the Son loved the Father, and They were perfectly content. God is not demanding that we love Him so that we can meet the needs of His psychological profile this week. His focus on Himself is not only because He is God, but because, out of love, that is what we need. That is what we must see. That is the point to which our adoration must come. If it does not, we wallow in idolatry again and again and again.
But there is a second detail in this purpose clause of singing His excellencies. Not only is there the sheer God-centeredness of our purpose, there is the sense of sheer privilege in this purpose when we see what He has done. We are His chosen people, His royal priesthood, and so forth, so that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. Now we are tied into the Bible’s storyline. We are the people who shook our puny fists in God’s face in Eden. We are the people who rightly stand under the curse. We are alienated from God, without hope, to use Paul’s language (Eph. 2:12). We are by nature objects of wrath (Eph. 2:3). We are in darkness without purity, cut off, but calling it freedom even though it spells death. But God has rescued us from this darkness and brought us into wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). What a privilege is ours to sing His praises” (p.85-86).
The holiness of God refers to two things, one communicable to human beings but the other non-communicable. On one level it refers to His moral purity, which is something that we are called to emulate, while on the other level it refers to His otherness, His being high and lifted up, exalted as Creator above His creatures. This latter meaning of holiness stresses His utter uniqueness from us.
In D.A. Carson’s chapter, he comments that in the past, even atheists understood this. But more recently, he notes, the whole notion of holiness is becoming increasingly foreign to non-Christians. And so he is seeing an objection against the Christian God emerge that he never saw as a younger man. It runs something like this: “This God you are trying to push on us, with his insistence on having all the attention and garnering all this praise, it sure sounds to me like he is insecure, egocentric, and morally defective.”
Dr. Carson’s response is one I have never heard before. As I could not say it any better, I would like to quote him at length:
“Of course it’s true to say something like this: ‘Yes, but God is so much more than we are. He’s not just another human being, slightly ‘souped-up.’ He is God. He is the Creator. He is to be cherished and revered. He is our Maker and our Sovereign and our providential King and our Judge.’ All of that is true.
But there is more….It is this: Because we have been made by this God and for this God, because our very self-identity when we are right with God is to love Him supremely, to adore Him and to worship Him, it is a supreme act of love on His part to keep demanding it – because it is for our good. What conceivable good would it do for us if God were to say: “Don’t give me too much worship. I’m just one of you guys. Slightly ratchet it up maybe, but don’t focus on Me too much.” That might satisfy some idolater’s notion of humility, but the humility that I see in this King of kings is on Golgotha. That He keeps directing attention to Himself is an act of supreme humility and grace, precisely because He stoops to remind us of what we ought to recognize, and because it is for our good.
There is no insecurity in this God. After all, He is the God of aseity. He has no needs. In eternity past, the Father loved the Son, the Son loved the Father, and They were perfectly content. God is not demanding that we love Him so that we can meet the needs of His psychological profile this week. His focus on Himself is not only because He is God, but because, out of love, that is what we need. That is what we must see. That is the point to which our adoration must come. If it does not, we wallow in idolatry again and again and again.
But there is a second detail in this purpose clause of singing His excellencies. Not only is there the sheer God-centeredness of our purpose, there is the sense of sheer privilege in this purpose when we see what He has done. We are His chosen people, His royal priesthood, and so forth, so that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. Now we are tied into the Bible’s storyline. We are the people who shook our puny fists in God’s face in Eden. We are the people who rightly stand under the curse. We are alienated from God, without hope, to use Paul’s language (Eph. 2:12). We are by nature objects of wrath (Eph. 2:3). We are in darkness without purity, cut off, but calling it freedom even though it spells death. But God has rescued us from this darkness and brought us into wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). What a privilege is ours to sing His praises” (p.85-86).
March 11, 2020
This book is okay. There's certainly nothing wrong or incorrect with this book.
But some reasons why I can't say "I like this book":
- It lacks punch on final or sub theses.
- The function and flow of thoughts feels almost "watery", lacking clearly pronounced structure
- I did not find it edifying due to some subdued language and lack of poetic delivery exchanged for increased accessibility
overall this strikes me as an ok Sunday school lesson book or a book club book to start or launch a good discussion,
But some reasons why I can't say "I like this book":
- It lacks punch on final or sub theses.
- The function and flow of thoughts feels almost "watery", lacking clearly pronounced structure
- I did not find it edifying due to some subdued language and lack of poetic delivery exchanged for increased accessibility
overall this strikes me as an ok Sunday school lesson book or a book club book to start or launch a good discussion,
October 13, 2022
Wonderful multifaceted view of the Holiness of God and its implications in our lives.
January 6, 2026
Great book on the Holiness of God. My favorite chapter is the one by Dr. Thomas. He talks about how God's holiness helps us in sanctification. Great book with many wonderful theologians.
June 8, 2013
Anyone who wishes that the church in America today would have a clearer focus on Holiness needs to read this book. But a word of caution, be careful what you wish for. A quote from the preface gives a foretaste of the ten marvelous chapters;
“By raising our gaze, we come to understand the universal testimony of holy men in the pages of sacred Scripture, who, having had a momentary glimpse of the character of God, were reduced to trembling in dust and in ashes. I believe the church desperately needs this perspective like never before.” -R.C. Sproul
Each of the chapters of this little book is rich for devotion, meditation, and study. I have benefited greatly by my reading of it and I plan to keep it close for further reflection. These words are powerful with scripture and worthy of second and third helpings.
Ligonier Ministries has in these pages assembled some of the finest pastors and scholars in in America (and the Cayman Islands)
Contributors include: Thabiti Anyabwile, Alistair Begg, D.A. Carson, Sinclair B. Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Steven J. Lawson, R.C. Sproul, R.C. Sproul Jr., Derek W.H. Thomas
In chapter 1 titled “I Am the Lord”: The Only God, R.C. Sproul gives an excellent background on the nature of God and His uniqueness contrasting scripture with popular thought.
The chapters that follow are also excellent. I was especially moved by Sinclair Ferguson's comments in chapter 2 about unfolding the mystery. “God has made us not only to have communion with Him, but in such a way that we can grasp and appreciate what that communion is like. . . . No man else may lock eyes with my wife and gaze at her the way I am privileged to do and say, “I love you with all of my being.” (pg 21.)
Thabiti Anyabwile in chapter 5 speaking about sin as treason says, “Beware the evidence of treason that resists correction. Resolve now, while you are in your right mind, while you are sober, that if at any
point a brother or sister should speak to correct you, you will receive that correction with God’s help. You cannot develop holiness of character in a pinch.” (pg. 69.)
Lastly I'd like to mention that D.A. Carson gives much to chew on when he writes, “there is no biblical passage that says “be omnipotent, for I am omnipotent.” Let’s face it, omnipotence is an incommunicable attribute of God. On the other hand, there are many passages that enjoin us to love. God is love, and love is a communicable attribute of God.” and “holy means “separate” and they point out that God is utterly separate. But did the voices around the throne in Isaiah 6:3 really cry, “Separate, separate, separate is the Lord Almighty”? and “Moral, moral, moral is the Lord Almighty”? No. At its core, in the tightest concentric circle, holy is almost an adjective for God.” (pg 80.)
As you can see this book offers much to think about no matter what your tradition. If you value the scriptures you will be built up by reading this work. I commend it to all.
Reformation Trust Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes for which I am eternally grateful.
“By raising our gaze, we come to understand the universal testimony of holy men in the pages of sacred Scripture, who, having had a momentary glimpse of the character of God, were reduced to trembling in dust and in ashes. I believe the church desperately needs this perspective like never before.” -R.C. Sproul
Each of the chapters of this little book is rich for devotion, meditation, and study. I have benefited greatly by my reading of it and I plan to keep it close for further reflection. These words are powerful with scripture and worthy of second and third helpings.
Ligonier Ministries has in these pages assembled some of the finest pastors and scholars in in America (and the Cayman Islands)
Contributors include: Thabiti Anyabwile, Alistair Begg, D.A. Carson, Sinclair B. Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Steven J. Lawson, R.C. Sproul, R.C. Sproul Jr., Derek W.H. Thomas
In chapter 1 titled “I Am the Lord”: The Only God, R.C. Sproul gives an excellent background on the nature of God and His uniqueness contrasting scripture with popular thought.
The chapters that follow are also excellent. I was especially moved by Sinclair Ferguson's comments in chapter 2 about unfolding the mystery. “God has made us not only to have communion with Him, but in such a way that we can grasp and appreciate what that communion is like. . . . No man else may lock eyes with my wife and gaze at her the way I am privileged to do and say, “I love you with all of my being.” (pg 21.)
Thabiti Anyabwile in chapter 5 speaking about sin as treason says, “Beware the evidence of treason that resists correction. Resolve now, while you are in your right mind, while you are sober, that if at any
point a brother or sister should speak to correct you, you will receive that correction with God’s help. You cannot develop holiness of character in a pinch.” (pg. 69.)
Lastly I'd like to mention that D.A. Carson gives much to chew on when he writes, “there is no biblical passage that says “be omnipotent, for I am omnipotent.” Let’s face it, omnipotence is an incommunicable attribute of God. On the other hand, there are many passages that enjoin us to love. God is love, and love is a communicable attribute of God.” and “holy means “separate” and they point out that God is utterly separate. But did the voices around the throne in Isaiah 6:3 really cry, “Separate, separate, separate is the Lord Almighty”? and “Moral, moral, moral is the Lord Almighty”? No. At its core, in the tightest concentric circle, holy is almost an adjective for God.” (pg 80.)
As you can see this book offers much to think about no matter what your tradition. If you value the scriptures you will be built up by reading this work. I commend it to all.
Reformation Trust Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes for which I am eternally grateful.
October 31, 2012
What a great study done by great teachers. One of the strengths of this study was how each writer of each chapter came together that was cemented in the scripture and the character of God. It really does not get any better than this. I was very blessed in reading this. I loved RC Sproul's Jr. sharing the importantance of family worship. Not devotionals which can harden our hearts to the meaning of what we worship. My kids are grown up now and I would have love to do this and have this done when I was grown up. However, the spiritual leader (the father) needs to take leadership and ownership of this type of family worship. There is a blessing there that is missed without the father's leadership. RC Sproul also had a great chapter on the grace of God and how we have taken it for granted. He shared as a professor, how his students abused that grace and demanded justice. He then proceeded to teach them what justice is. We confuse justice and grace when we take grace for granted. We take grace for granted when we assume and demand it.
Another great teaching is learning to be. A great example of this is if you are married and others ask you what you and your spouse like to do? I love this answer for my relationship to the Lord but also my husband. "The truth of the matter is that I just like to look at my wife and wonder how it can be that she has devoted her life to me. A relationship that of mutual affection, admiration and devotion that is marked by open self giving to one another and total satisfaction in one another.
Another great strength in this study was the use of the trinity. It so lost anymore the value of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and how they work together in the Gospel. This was done so well. This alone is well worth the read of this book. This is a short read and as of right now on kindle a great price.
It went into great detail of the contempt of God. The nature of contempt is not retaining the knowledge of God in our lives, in our hearts and in our affections. Only when we are retaining the knowledge of God, then we are consumed by him. He is a consuming fire. It is much easier to declare war on our sin when we are consumed by the Lord.
Love this book. Get it, read it, majesty in the Lord and be blessed.
Another great teaching is learning to be. A great example of this is if you are married and others ask you what you and your spouse like to do? I love this answer for my relationship to the Lord but also my husband. "The truth of the matter is that I just like to look at my wife and wonder how it can be that she has devoted her life to me. A relationship that of mutual affection, admiration and devotion that is marked by open self giving to one another and total satisfaction in one another.
Another great strength in this study was the use of the trinity. It so lost anymore the value of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and how they work together in the Gospel. This was done so well. This alone is well worth the read of this book. This is a short read and as of right now on kindle a great price.
It went into great detail of the contempt of God. The nature of contempt is not retaining the knowledge of God in our lives, in our hearts and in our affections. Only when we are retaining the knowledge of God, then we are consumed by him. He is a consuming fire. It is much easier to declare war on our sin when we are consumed by the Lord.
Love this book. Get it, read it, majesty in the Lord and be blessed.
September 4, 2015
This book contains the messages presented at the 2009 Ligonier Ministries National Conference: ‘The Holiness of God.’ Each of the contributors approaches that topic from varying angles. Some of the chapters likely flowed more smoothly as oral messages, but the content is solid (which is to be expected when the list of authors reads like a ‘who’s-who’ of Reformed theology). We too often neglect God’s holiness, thus this collection is especially helpful in refocusing our thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews