The Supremacy of God's Holiness in Our Lives
Summary
In reflecting on the nature of God, it is crucial to recognize that while many of us might instinctively place love at the pinnacle of God's attributes, it is actually His holiness that stands supreme. Holiness is the defining characteristic of God, setting Him apart from all creation. This understanding of holiness is not merely an academic exercise but a transformative realization that shapes our relationship with God and our understanding of His nature. R.C. Sproul's journey exemplifies this transformation. Growing up in a church that did not teach the truth of the Bible, he experienced a profound conversion upon encountering the Word of God. This led him to a deep and abiding commitment to understanding and teaching the holiness of God.
Sproul's life was marked by a relentless pursuit of theological truth, which he shared through teaching and writing. His encounter with the holiness of God was not just a personal revelation but a message he felt compelled to share with others. This led to the establishment of the Ligonier Valley Study Center, a place where Christians could engage with difficult questions and deepen their understanding of God. Sproul's teaching emphasized the importance of recognizing the full trustworthiness of the Bible, culminating in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, a pivotal document affirming the authority of Scripture.
In a time of cultural and ecclesiastical upheaval, Sproul's message was clear: the holiness of God is foundational to understanding who God is and how we are to live in response. This message is as relevant today as it was then, calling us to a deeper reverence for God and a commitment to living out our faith with integrity and devotion.
Key Takeaways:
1. Holiness as the Apex of God's Attributes: While love is often highlighted, it is God's holiness that truly defines Him. This holiness sets God apart and calls us to a deeper understanding of His nature and our relationship with Him. [00:38]
2. The Transformative Power of Scripture: R.C. Sproul's conversion experience underscores the power of Scripture to reveal our need for a Savior and to transform our lives. Engaging deeply with the Bible leads to a profound understanding of God's holiness. [02:38]
3. The Importance of Theological Foundations: Sproul's life and work demonstrate the importance of a solid theological foundation. His commitment to teaching and defending the inerrancy of Scripture highlights the need for a robust understanding of God's Word in the face of cultural and ecclesiastical challenges. [08:53]
4. Living Theology as Doxology: Sproul believed that true theology leads to worship. Understanding who God is should naturally lead us to worship Him, as theology and doxology are inseparable. This perspective calls us to live out our faith in a way that honors God. [12:37]
5. Embracing the Presence of the Holy: We are called to be at peace with God's holiness, not threatened or merely fascinated by it. This involves a willingness to be in the presence of the Holy and to delight in it, allowing it to shape our lives and our worship. [13:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - God's Holiness Above All
- [01:17] - R.C. Sproul's Early Life
- [02:38] - A Life-Changing Conversion
- [03:19] - Encountering God's Holiness
- [04:03] - Academic and Pastoral Journey
- [04:46] - Decades of Preparation
- [05:30] - Founding the Ligonier Valley Study Center
- [06:10] - Engaging with Hard Questions
- [06:48] - Teaching the Holiness of God
- [07:27] - Isaiah's Reaction to Holiness
- [08:06] - Cultural and Ecclesiastical Crisis
- [08:53] - The Chicago Statement on Inerrancy
- [10:24] - The Doctrine of God
- [11:47] - The Legacy of R.C. Sproul
- [13:20] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 6:3 - "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
2. Ecclesiastes 11:3 - "If a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie."
3. Psalm 51 (alluded to in the sermon)
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the repetition of "holy" in Isaiah 6:3 signify about God's nature? How does this compare to other attributes of God mentioned in the sermon? [11:47]
2. How did R.C. Sproul's encounter with Ecclesiastes 11:3 lead to his conversion, and what realization did it bring about his spiritual state? [02:38]
3. What role did the Ligonier Valley Study Center play in R.C. Sproul's mission to teach about God's holiness and engage with difficult theological questions? [05:30]
4. How did R.C. Sproul's teaching on the holiness of God impact those who attended his lectures and engaged with his work? [06:48]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the holiness of God be considered the most defining attribute, as opposed to love or mercy, according to the sermon? How does this understanding affect one's view of God? [00:38]
2. In what ways did R.C. Sproul's "second conversion" experience at Westminster College shape his theological journey and teaching focus? [03:19]
3. How does the concept of "theology as doxology" reflect R.C. Sproul's belief about the purpose of understanding God's nature? [12:37]
4. What significance does the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy hold in the context of cultural and ecclesiastical challenges, as discussed in the sermon? [09:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own understanding of God's holiness. How does this attribute influence your daily life and relationship with God? [00:38]
2. R.C. Sproul's conversion was sparked by a seemingly obscure verse. Have you ever had a moment where a specific Bible passage profoundly impacted your faith journey? Share your experience. [02:38]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a solid theological foundation. How can you deepen your understanding of Scripture to better face cultural and ecclesiastical challenges? [08:53]
4. Consider the idea that true theology leads to worship. How can you incorporate this perspective into your personal or communal worship practices? [12:37]
5. R.C. Sproul was known for engaging with difficult questions. What challenging theological question have you been avoiding, and how can you begin to explore it with others in your community? [06:10]
6. The sermon calls us to be at peace with God's holiness. What steps can you take to cultivate a sense of delight and reverence in God's presence, rather than feeling threatened or merely fascinated? [13:20]
7. How can you apply the principle of "living theology as doxology" in your interactions with others, ensuring that your understanding of God leads to actions that honor Him? [12:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Holiness as the Defining Attribute of God
God's holiness is the central attribute that sets Him apart from all creation. While love is often emphasized, it is His holiness that truly defines His nature. This holiness is not just an abstract concept but a transformative reality that shapes our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. Recognizing God's holiness calls us to a deeper reverence and awe, inviting us to live in a way that reflects His purity and righteousness. It challenges us to see God not just as a loving Father but as the Holy One who is worthy of our utmost respect and devotion. [00:38]
Isaiah 6:3-5 (ESV): "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!' And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'"
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God's holiness in your daily life, and how might this change the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Scripture
Scripture has the power to reveal our need for a Savior and to transform our lives. Engaging deeply with the Bible leads to a profound understanding of God's holiness and our own need for redemption. This transformative power is not just about gaining knowledge but about experiencing a change of heart and mind that aligns us more closely with God's will. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are invited to encounter God in a way that challenges and changes us, leading to a life that reflects His holiness and love. [02:38]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Reflection: How can you make time this week to engage more deeply with Scripture, allowing it to transform your understanding of God and your relationship with Him?
Day 3: The Importance of Theological Foundations
A solid theological foundation is crucial for navigating the challenges of life and faith. Understanding the inerrancy and authority of Scripture provides a firm basis for our beliefs and actions. In a world where cultural and ecclesiastical upheaval is common, having a robust understanding of God's Word helps us remain steadfast in our faith. This foundation is not just about intellectual knowledge but about grounding our lives in the truth of who God is and what He has revealed to us through His Word. [08:53]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your theological understanding and ensure that your faith is grounded in the truth of Scripture?
Day 4: Living Theology as Doxology
True theology leads to worship. Understanding who God is should naturally lead us to worship Him, as theology and doxology are inseparable. This perspective calls us to live out our faith in a way that honors God, recognizing that our knowledge of Him should inspire awe and reverence. As we grow in our understanding of God's nature, we are invited to respond with lives of worship, allowing our theology to shape our actions and attitudes in a way that glorifies Him. [12:37]
Psalm 29:2 (ESV): "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness."
Reflection: How can you integrate worship into your daily routine, allowing your understanding of God to inspire and shape your actions and attitudes throughout the day?
Day 5: Embracing the Presence of the Holy
We are called to be at peace with God's holiness, not threatened or merely fascinated by it. This involves a willingness to be in the presence of the Holy and to delight in it, allowing it to shape our lives and our worship. Embracing God's holiness means recognizing His otherness and allowing that recognition to transform our hearts and minds. It invites us to live in a way that reflects His purity and righteousness, finding joy and peace in His presence. [13:20]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to embrace God's holiness in your life, allowing it to shape your thoughts, actions, and relationships with others?
Quotes
SPROUL: When we talk about God's holiness, we're tempted to think in terms of God's attributes. His justice, His knowledge, His wisdom, His power, et cetera. And invariably, the attribute of love is placed at the top of the list, indicating that we should understand all of God's nature, all of His activity, in light of His love. And that everything else about God has to be subsumed beneath the category of love. However, and this may seem like the technical distinctions of the theologian that you may find annoying, but I think if we examine the Scriptures, if there's any one attribute that belongs at the apex, at the zenith, at the top of the list of God's attributes, it is not the love of God. It is not the mercy of God. It is not the wisdom of God, but it is the holiness of God. [00:07:21]
Early in his freshman year, he was converted. It was probably the most unlikely verse that someone was ever converted on. It’s Ecclesiastes 11:3, “. . . if a tree falls in the woods, there it lies.” And when Dr. Sproul saw that verse, he said, “That’s me. I am that dead tree lying, rotting, on the ground.” And he knew instantly of his need for a Savior. So as soon as he’s converted, the first thing he wants to do is get to know God. And he gets to know God by reading the Bible. And he spoke about this so many times, of the impact of that first time that he read through the Bible, especially the Old Testament. [00:58:32]
And he came to this conclusion—or maybe this conclusion came to him—that this is a God who plays for keeps. It was shortly after that, that he had what he calls his second conversion. He was in his dorm room and he was restless and couldn’t get to sleep. And he just felt compelled to get up out of his bed and out of his dorm and make his way to the chapel on the campus of Westminster College. He made his way right up to the altar there of the chapel. And he was overwhelmed by the holiness of God. He was gripped by the holiness of God. That experience was transformative for Dr. Sproul. [01:05:44]
One person, after hearing Dr. Sproul preach on Psalm 51 said to him, “How long did it take you to prepare that sermon?” And Dr. Sproul said with a wink, “Five minutes," but then he added, “and thirty years.” And what he meant by that was behind that five minutes that he spent thinking about that text were decades of study and decades of pouring over God’s Word. [04:41:68]
What R.C. wanted this place to be was a place of discipleship, where Christians could come and not run from the hard questions, but run into the hard questions, because R.C. knew that there were answers for these questions. So as you were here at the Study Center, one of the things that you would definitely get would be lectures. And you had folks who would just come in for a Bible study or just come in for one of the most popular things they did here was the Gab Fest, which was just an open Q&A with R.C. Sproul. [05:54:64]
SPROUL: What’s the reaction of Isaiah in the presence of holiness? Does he run out of the temple in excitement, run down to the town and say, “Hey, everybody, you’ve got to come up to the temple and see what's happening,” or does he look at this and he says, “Well, this is interesting. I’m going to have to think about this, and come to some theological conclusions of what this is all about?” No. The seraphim cries “Holy, holy, holy.” Isaiah cries, “Woe is me.” And he was on his face. [07:27:60]
And R.C. knew how important it was to have a view of the Bible, of its entire trustworthiness. We speak of the doctrine of inerrancy, and as he looked across the denominations, and as he looked across at many seminaries, he saw, there were so many people in those seminaries, in those positions of leadership, that were not teaching an inerrant Bible. Well, all of that led to what is probably Ligonier’s first big conference in the fall of 1973. R.C. gathered a handful of scholars at Laurelville Retreat Center to present the topic of the full trustworthiness of the Bible. [08:44:88]
That was the seed of what would become the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy, the ICBI. And in the next year, the ICBI produced what is probably one of the most important confessional statements of the twentieth century, The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. R.C. kept a lot of notebooks. And in one of those notebooks, he was writing out an outline on inerrancy. And towards the end of this outline, R.C. writes, “We need an evangelical summit. It might fail, but we must try.” Well, in God’s kindness and in God’s providence, they didn’t fail. It was truly a success, The Chicago Statement. It continues to be a success for the church. [09:57:12]
SPROUL: Only one time in Scripture is an attribute of God emphasized by this principle of repetition, not to the second degree, but raised to the third degree. The seraphim do not sing that God is “Holy, holy.” But the seraphim declare that God is “Holy, holy, holy.” The Bible doesn’t say that God is “love, love, love,” or “mercy, mercy, mercy,” or “wise, wise, wise,” or “just, just, just,” or “wrath, wrath, wrath.” But the Bible does say that God is “Holy, holy, holy.” [11:30:00]
One of the phrases that he loved, this phrase that he learned early on, and that is simply “Theology is doxology.” And I think in many ways, that gets at the true legacy of Dr. Sproul. He wouldn’t want us talking about him. He wouldn’t want us talking about his legacy. He doesn’t want people to know who R.C. Sproul is. He wanted people to know who God is. Not the God of our making, but the God of the Bible. To know who God is, “theology,” is to worship God, “doxology.” [12:32:24]
SPROUL: Let’s close this session then with prayer. Forbid, oh Lord, that we should ever seek to ostracize the Holy One of Israel from our midst, because He makes us uncomfortable. Help us to be at peace with holiness. Not threatened, not fascinated, but delighted to be in the presence of the Holy. For we ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. [13:04:24]
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