What does it truly mean to be holy? This conversation dives into the depths of holiness, revealing its essence as being separate and transcendent. Discover the dual emotions of awe and fear it inspires and its relevance in prayer. The discussion also touches on the Ten Commandments' role in society and the growing disregard for God's reverence. Finally, there's an emphasis on how embodying God's character can transform our lives, especially through the insights from R.C. Sproul's renowned work.
God's holiness reflects His transcendence and superiority, distinguishing the sacred from the ordinary through divine impact and presence.
Human responses to the holy are complex, embodying both fascination and fear, revealing a deep emotional engagement with the sacred.
Deep dives
Understanding God's Holiness
God's holiness primarily emphasizes His transcendence, magnificence, and superiority over all creation. This concept of holiness means that God is fundamentally different from everything within the creaturely realm, making what is holy distinct from the common. While holiness is often associated with moral purity, its deeper meaning refers to separation and the idea of being other or different. Thus, when examining God's holiness, it is important to recognize it as a reflection of His grandeur and not merely as a marker of moral excellence.
The Significance of the Holy
The distinction of the holy lies not in the intrinsic value of objects or moments but in God's divine touch that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Everyday experiences can become sacred when they are infused with significance due to God's presence. Historical examples include altars built by figures like Noah and Abraham, highlighting that locations and actions become holy due to God's influence. This understanding showcases the difference between the earthly and the heavenly, where moments touched by God become infused with unique importance.
The Duality of Human Response to the Holy
Humans exhibit conflicting feelings toward what they perceive as holy, experiencing both fascination and fear. The notion of the 'mysterium tremendum' emphasizes that encounters with the holy provoke deep awe and apprehension simultaneously. While some individuals may respond to the divine presence with exuberance, others might retreat into silence and introspection. This ambivalence underscores the complexity of human interaction with the sacred, revealing both an attraction to and a repulsion from the holiness of God.
What effect should the holiness of God have on our lives? Today, R.C. Sproul explains that the Lord desires for His people to reflect His holy character to a lost and dying world.
Request the new 40th-anniversary edition of R.C. Sproul’s book The Holiness of God, plus lifetime digital access to both the classic teaching series and the extended teaching series, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3885/donate
Meet Today’s Teacher: R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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