God's Holiness: Greatness, Goodness, and Justice
Summary
In reflecting on the nature of God's holiness, we begin with a simple childhood prayer: "God is great, God is good." These two attributes, greatness and goodness, are encapsulated in the biblical concept of holiness. Holiness is often understood as purity, but its primary meaning is God's otherness—His transcendent majesty. While God's greatness is awe-inspiring, our focus here is on His goodness. The Scriptures affirm that God is the source of all goodness, and this is not a standard external to Him but is rooted in His eternal character.
The philosophical debate about whether God is subject to a standard of goodness or is a law unto Himself is resolved in Christian theology by affirming that God's nature is the ultimate standard of goodness. This means that God's actions are always consistent with His holy and righteous character. However, the presence of evil and suffering in the world raises questions about God's goodness. Critics like John Stuart Mill argue that if God is both all-powerful and good, the existence of evil suggests a contradiction. Yet, this overlooks the concept of divine justice. God's goodness does not preclude justice, and His judgments are always righteous.
The biblical narrative of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates God's justice. Abraham questions whether God would destroy the righteous with the wicked, and God assures him that He would spare the city for the sake of even a few righteous people. This narrative underscores the principle that God, as the Judge of all the earth, will always do what is right.
In addressing the problem of suffering, we must recognize that while bad things happen in the proximate sense, ultimately, for those who love God, all things work together for good. This is not to deny the reality of suffering but to affirm that God, in His sovereignty, uses even our trials for our ultimate good. The Christian hope is not in the absence of suffering but in God's redemptive purpose through it. Our vocation may include suffering, but it is never without purpose. Ultimately, every tragedy for the believer is a blessing, and every blessing for the unbeliever, if unacknowledged, becomes a tragedy.
Key Takeaways:
- God's holiness encompasses both His greatness and His goodness. His holiness is not just about purity but also about His transcendent majesty, setting Him apart from all creation. This understanding challenges us to see God's character as the ultimate standard of goodness. [02:49]
- The philosophical question of whether God is subject to a standard of goodness is resolved by recognizing that God's nature itself is the standard. His actions are always consistent with His holy character, affirming that He is a law unto Himself. [07:38]
- The story of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah highlights God's justice. God assures Abraham that He will not destroy the righteous with the wicked, demonstrating that divine justice is always aligned with righteousness. [19:40]
- While suffering and evil are real in the proximate sense, for those who love God, all things work together for good. This ultimate perspective offers hope and assurance that God uses even our trials for our ultimate benefit. [34:37]
- The Christian vocation may include suffering, but it is never without purpose. Every tragedy for the believer is ultimately a blessing, while every unacknowledged blessing for the unbeliever becomes a tragedy. This perspective challenges us to trust in God's redemptive purposes. [45:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:38] - Childhood Prayer and God's Attributes
[01:11] - Discovering God's Holiness
[02:09] - Understanding Holiness
[02:49] - God's Otherness and Majesty
[03:38] - Focus on God's Goodness
[04:14] - Philosophical Insights on Goodness
[05:24] - Theological Debates on God's Goodness
[06:06] - God's Nature as the Standard
[07:38] - God's Righteous Character
[09:08] - The Problem of Evil and Suffering
[12:21] - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom
[19:40] - God's Justice and Righteousness
[25:06] - The Misnomer of "Good People"
[31:06] - God's Promise of Ultimate Good
[34:37] - Romans 8:28 and Ultimate Good
[39:25] - God's Role in Suffering
[45:52] - Tragedy and Blessing for Believers
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 18:20-33
2. Romans 8:28
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Observation Questions:
1. In Genesis 18:20-33, what was Abraham's concern when he interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, and how did God respond to his questions? [12:21]
2. How does the sermon describe the primary meaning of God's holiness, and how is it different from the common understanding of purity? [02:49]
3. What philosophical question about God's goodness is addressed in the sermon, and how is it resolved according to Christian theology? [06:06]
4. According to Romans 8:28, what assurance do believers have about the events in their lives, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on suffering? [34:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah illustrate the concept of divine justice, and what does it reveal about God's character? [19:40]
2. The sermon mentions that God's nature is the ultimate standard of goodness. How does this understanding affect the way believers perceive God's actions in the world? [07:38]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that suffering can be part of a Christian's vocation, and how does this perspective challenge common views on suffering? [42:14]
4. How does the sermon reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with the belief in an all-powerful and good God? [09:48]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you questioned God's goodness due to personal suffering. How can the story of Abraham and God's assurance of justice help you view that situation differently? [19:40]
2. The sermon suggests that God's holiness includes both His greatness and goodness. How can this understanding influence your daily worship and relationship with God? [02:49]
3. Romans 8:28 assures believers that all things work together for good. How can you apply this promise to a current challenge you are facing? [34:37]
4. Consider the idea that suffering can be a vocation. How might this perspective change the way you approach difficult situations in your life? [42:14]
5. The sermon challenges the notion of "good people" by stating that none are righteous by God's standard. How does this affect your understanding of grace and your interactions with others? [25:06]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's redemptive purposes, especially when facing trials that seem purposeless or unjust? [45:13]
7. The sermon discusses the importance of gratitude for God's blessings. Identify one blessing in your life that you may have taken for granted, and consider how you can express gratitude for it this week. [45:52]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Holiness as Transcendent Majesty
God's holiness is not merely about purity but encompasses His greatness and goodness, setting Him apart from all creation. This transcendent majesty challenges us to see God's character as the ultimate standard of goodness. His holiness is a reflection of His otherness, a divine attribute that inspires awe and reverence. Understanding this aspect of God encourages believers to approach Him with humility and worship, recognizing that His ways and thoughts are far beyond human comprehension. [02:49]
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
Reflection: How does recognizing God's transcendent majesty change the way you approach Him in prayer and worship today?
Day 2: God's Nature as the Standard of Goodness
In Christian theology, the philosophical question of whether God is subject to a standard of goodness is resolved by recognizing that God's nature itself is the standard. His actions are always consistent with His holy character, affirming that He is a law unto Himself. This understanding assures believers that God's decisions and actions are inherently good, even when they are beyond human understanding. It invites us to trust in His character and align our lives with His will, knowing that His ways are perfect. [07:38]
Psalm 18:30 (ESV): "This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him."
Reflection: In what ways can you align your actions and decisions with the understanding that God's nature is the ultimate standard of goodness?
Day 3: Divine Justice and Righteousness
The story of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah highlights God's justice. God assures Abraham that He will not destroy the righteous with the wicked, demonstrating that divine justice is always aligned with righteousness. This narrative reassures believers that God, as the Judge of all the earth, will always do what is right. It challenges us to trust in His justice, even when circumstances seem unjust, and to seek His righteousness in our own lives. [19:40]
Genesis 18:25 (ESV): "Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?"
Reflection: How can you demonstrate trust in God's justice in a situation where you feel wronged or see injustice?
Day 4: God's Sovereignty in Suffering
While suffering and evil are real in the proximate sense, for those who love God, all things work together for good. This ultimate perspective offers hope and assurance that God uses even our trials for our ultimate benefit. The Christian hope is not in the absence of suffering but in God's redemptive purpose through it. This understanding encourages believers to find purpose in their trials and to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is working for their good. [34:37]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you seek to understand God's redemptive purpose in it today?
Day 5: Purpose in Christian Suffering
The Christian vocation may include suffering, but it is never without purpose. Every tragedy for the believer is ultimately a blessing, while every unacknowledged blessing for the unbeliever becomes a tragedy. This perspective challenges believers to trust in God's redemptive purposes and to find meaning in their suffering. It encourages a mindset that sees beyond immediate pain to the eternal blessings that God is preparing for those who love Him. [45:52]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: How can you find purpose and meaning in a current challenge, viewing it as part of your Christian vocation?
Quotes
"God is great, God is good and we thank Him for this food." I don't know who first composed that prayer, but I think the prayer somehow was supposed to rhyme, and when my grandmother said it, it did rhyme. She said God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for this "food," and I always thought that was strange and she used to call that thing that was on top of our house, the "roof," and that's just a different generation, but like many children, I memorized that table grace and would say it by rote without any deep meaning or appreciation for the words I was expressing. [00:00:21]
The holiness of God directs our attention to His transcendent august majesty, so that when we say that he is holy, we're not only saying that He is pure, we're not only saying simply that He is good, but we are saying that He is great. In fact, that's the primary reference to the word. But, what we're concerned about in this session is not so much His greatness, for the moment, but rather we're concerned for His goodness. [00:03:15]
The biblical concept is this, that there is a law of goodness that even God must obey, and by which God Himself is judged, and that goodness, however, is not something apart from Him, but the ultimate norm for goodness, the standard of goodness itself, is the eternal character of God Himself. When we say that God is a law unto Himself, we mean that God always acts and behaves according to His nature, according to His own character, and that character is altogether holy. [00:07:18]
The philosopher, John Stuart Mill, for example, said that Christianity and Judaism together both teach that God is all powerful and all good, and Mill's criticism was this, that Christianity wants to have its cake and eat it, too, that both of these propositions cannot be equally true. And the reason for the protest of John Stuart Mill was this, that Mill looked at a world that is filled with pain, with suffering, with grief, and with evil, and he says, "If God is all powerful and allows the pain that you know and that you experience, the suffering that has afflicted you, if God is all powerful and allows the degree of evil that casts a shadow over the joy of human life, then He cannot possibly be good." [00:09:20]
God is threatening to rain down judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham has friends that lived there and he said," God what are you going to do? Are you going to destroy innocent people? Are you going to punish the innocent, the righteous, along with the wicked?" Now, I know that Abraham did not have the benefit of New Testament theology. Abraham did not have the benefit of a contemporary seminary education, but Abraham is considered the Father of the faithful in sacred Scripture and we would expect that a man as close to God, a man as knowledgeable of the character of God as Abraham was would have bitten his tongue before he asked such an insulting question of the Almighty. [00:14:27]
"Shall not the Judge of all of the earth do what is right?" That is the prime assumption of the biblical concept of God and His justice, that this is one Judge, the supreme Judge, the Judge of heaven and the earth, shall He not do what is right? Ladies and gentlemen, that's all God knows how to do, because He is altogether righteous. And to be righteous, simply speaking, is to do what is right. God always does what is right and Abraham understood that, and that was the foundation for this almost humorous narrative of negotiations. [00:19:54]
Bad things don't happen to good people, because the Bible makes it very clear that there is none righteous, no not one, that judged by the ultimate standard of God's goodness, it is a misnomer to credit humanity with the epitaph "good." Do you remember the rich young ruler that rushed to the feet of Jesus saying to him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" and Jesus stopped him in his tracks and said, "Hey, why do you call Me good? Only God is good." [00:25:28]
Now, I've answered part of the question by saying ultimately there are no good people, but what I'm about to get into now I think you may find shocking and I'll ask you to put yourself on shockproof control for a few moments until I finish this lest you become so shocked with what I'm about to say that you won't even hear the explanation of it. Suppose in your wildest imagination, in your dreams, that Jesus walked in here right now and came up to you and looked you in the eye and said, "I'm going to make a promise to you, that for the rest of your days in this world, I'm not going to allow anything bad to happen to you, that all that's going to happen to you for the rest of your days will be good." [00:27:28]
We all know that verse, don't we? "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and who are called according to His purpose." You memorized that years ago, right? Well, at first blush that seems to say to us, "Okay, there are all kinds of things in the proximate realm that happen to us that are bad. But God stands over and above that proximate realm. God is on the vertical plane transcending this horizontal veil of tears in which we live, and He has the power to take every bad thing that happens to you and make it contribute ultimately to your good, doesn't He? Isn't that what that verse is saying? [00:34:38]
Ultimately, it is good that they happen to us, that the heavenly Father never allows anything to happen to you that is not for your ultimate good. If we could believe that, we could face anything. I wrote a book on suffering called Surprised by Suffering. I chose that title on purpose, because in this day and age there's a brand of Christianity that I believe is a serious distortion of biblical Christianity, that goes about the world teaching people that God only wills health and prosperity for people and that all of the sorrow and the pain in the grief and death and all of that is a result of the devil's work among us, as if the devil had the power ultimately to frustrate the sovereign authority of God. [00:36:23]
The Bible never promises that Christians will not suffer. Ladies and gentlemen, if you'd just read it once, you'll see that the Bible promises that we will suffer, but with that promise is the promise of God's triumph in our suffering, God's triumph over our suffering, God's triumph through our suffering, God working over and above. This ultimate should be reversed and put up here in control over the proximate, so that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and who are called according to His purpose. [00:40:52]
Now, I said in passing that every tragedy for the Christian is ultimately a blessing. That doesn't deny the reality of the tragedy at this level, but ultimately every tragedy in your life is a blessing and every blessing that the pagan receives from the hand of God for which that pagan does not respond in gratitude and repentance before God increases his guilt before God. Every good and perfect gift that God gives to an unbeliever that that unbeliever refuses to praise God for, becomes an occasion for judgment ultimately. [00:45:28]
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