A friend in our church recommended this book to me. I was a little afraid of tackling it just based on the title: The Holiness of God. I felt unworthy to even attempt to wrap my weak, human brain around it. God is holy, so holy that we cannot see Him in this flesh and live. Despite my fear, I decided I’d open it up and see what Dr. Sproul had to say. It only took one page. I was hooked.

Before I go any further, let me say that I’m not a Presbyterian, as is Dr. Sproul. I am a Baptist. It goes without saying (but I’m saying it anyway) that I do not agree with him on everything. However, the topic of God’s holiness is one with which all born again believers can agree. And I am certain you do not need to be a Baptist to go to be born again. Every believer will be blessed by this book.

Why was I blessed?

First of all, Mr. Sproul is a great writer. He engages all of the senses in a work of non-fiction, which is unusual. He explains his points using normal, everyday English. His book is written more as a conversation than as a lecture. I liked that.

Secondly, I learned several things that had baffled me in the past. I have read Jeremiah and Isaiah many times, but I have never fully understood them. Dr. Sproul helped me to organize some of the events of these books in my brain. He helped me make connections and see how things fit together.

Thirdly, Dr. Sproul painted an interesting portrait of Martin Luther. As a product of the Christian School movement of the 1980’s, I had read about Martin Luther, but only as a figure in history. I got the impression that Baptists weren’t supposed to “dwell” on the likes of Luther, Hess or Calvin. Therefore, I didn’t know about Luther’s childhood, his struggles with Catholicism, his attempts at finding God, (only to learn that God had found him), and his stand against the Catholic church. I felt that the light was being shined upon parts of history that had always been dark, cobweb-covered corners to me. How helpful light is! I believe it’s a shame that Luther didn’t find the Baptists of his era, which were then called Anabaptists, and join them. Regardless, he did the best he could at fighting the sins of the Church of Rome and I admire his courage.

Lastly, I love the way Dr. Sproul helps us realize how daunting the holiness of God is, but also, how beautiful Christ is! Christ the Lord – the One who bridges the gap for us, enabling us to stand boldly in prayer before the throne of this great and holy God we serve. I came away with a renewed reverence for my Heavenly Father, a fresh look at how vile I am, and a more passionate love for the Savior who claimed me for His own.

This review is not as clear on the screen as it is in my head. It’s so hard to put into words the work of the Spirit upon the soul. I cannot begin to do it justice. Please read this book and let the holiness of God change your life.