First published in 1985, this book has gone through a number of editions and is a highly recommended treatment of God’s Holiness. At the time of its writing the author was lecturer in Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Reformed Theological Seminary. This fact should not prevent anyone from obtaining this book and reading it. The author writes with clarity, simplicity and humor, he is an engaging wordsmith, interesting to read and deeply instructive. The book is a profound and moving investigation of the character of God, namely His holiness. R.C.Sproul believes this matter affects every aspect of our lives. He looks at the meaning of holiness and in particular God’s holiness and why a Holy God should both fascinate and terrify people. The book draws on much in the scriptures which reveals God’s holiness, a chapter deals with the justice of God which will prove helpful to many as it examines some of the ‘hard actions’ of God like the summary deaths of Nadab and Abihu who offered strange fire in the presence of God. R.C.Sproul is able to handle some of these so-called ‘hard sayings’ of God with great clarity and God is magnified. As well as the biblical content he discusses prominent writers such as Rudolph Otto whose ‘mysterium tremendum’ description of God’s holiness provoked much thought in the early twentieth century. Luther’s so-called insanity which supposed madness is associated with his preoccupation with God’s righteousness and his own sinfulness and lack of personal righteousness is looked at as well as the famous sermon “Sinners in the hands of an angry God” preached by Jonathan Edwards in the 18th century. The final chapter is entitled ‘God in the hands of angry sinners’ and affirms that sound theology must have grace central to it. This book will carry you into a new understanding of the meaning of God’s anger at sin, His justice, mercy and grace, what is so good about it is its breadth. Though dealing with the most serious matters of eternal importance, its varied chapters approach the subject from different angles and the composite picture compels the reader to worship and adore the God who is Holy.
