Renewing Your Mind — “Blazing with Glory”

Podcast: Renewing Your Mind by Ligonier Ministries
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Speaker: Dr. R.C. Sproul
Date: January 31, 2026

Episode Overview

In this impactful episode, Dr. R.C. Sproul unpacks the majestic vision of God’s holiness described in Isaiah 6. Focusing on Isaiah’s heavenly encounter and the presence of the seraphim, Sproul explores the otherness of God, the significance of divine glory, the symbolism of the seraphim’s anatomy, and the meaning behind their worshipful cry: “Holy, holy, holy.” The episode calls listeners to a reverent awe of God and a renewed awareness of their dependence on His mercy and grace.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historical and Scriptural Context (02:35)

• Sproul introduces Isaiah’s vision, tying it to the pivotal year "King Uzziah died," a time of upheaval and uncertainty for Israel.

• The death of Uzziah coincided historically with the founding of Rome, highlighting a significant shift: the decline of Israel and the rise of a new world power.

  • Quote:
    "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on the throne, high and lifted up, and the train of his robe filled the temple." — R.C. Sproul [03:40]

• Emphasizes Isaiah’s privilege: seeing—not just hearing or imagining—the enthroned Lord in His cosmic authority.

2. Understanding Divine Names (06:05)

• Explains the difference between “Lord” (Adonai) and “LORD” (Yahweh) in English Bibles.
  • “Adonai” denotes sovereign authority.
  • Even kings are subject to Adonai; He is the Sovereign over all kings.
  • Quote:
    "The title Adonai is higher than the title king because even the king in Israel was subject to Adonai, to the sovereign God of heaven and earth, who raises up kings and who brings down kings." — R.C. Sproul [08:25]

3. Majesty Symbolized: The Train of the Lord’s Robe (09:50)

• Symbolism of royal robes underscores the splendor and transcendence of God’s presence.
• Sproul recounts personal and modern rituals of royalty to contrast with the overwhelming magnitude of God’s glory.
  • Quote:
    "The robe that Isaiah saw...completely engulfing the whole of the heavenly temple. There’s never been a robe like that on earth. The image and the symbolic significance of what Isaiah gazes upon here...calls attention to a kind of majesty that knows no parallel on earth." — R.C. Sproul [13:45]

4. The Seraphim: Nature and Purpose (15:20)

• Seraphim are described as creatures with six wings—two covering the face, two covering the feet, and two used to fly.
• This anatomy is not arbitrary. The wings specifically serve to shield them from God’s glory (face), acknowledge their creatureliness (feet), and serve their movement (flight).
• Even sinless beings must shield themselves from God's "blazing, burning glory."
  • Quote:
    "Even the angels must shield their eyes from the light that is brighter than the noonday sun." — R.C. Sproul [18:55]

5. No Man Can See God and Live (19:25)

• Recalls Moses’ request to see God’s glory and God’s reply—humans cannot see His face and live, not because of a flaw in vision, but a deficiency in the human heart due to sin.
• Even seraphim, although pure, must also shield themselves before God.

6. The Cry of the Seraphim: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (21:35)

• The seraphim’s task isn’t merely to display their anatomy, but to herald God’s nature.
• Explores how the word “awesome” is misapplied in modern language. True awe belongs to God alone.
  • Quote:
    "Awesome is that which provokes by its sheer being a sense of dread, a sense of reverence, a hushed stillness, a sense of awe. Properly speaking, only God deserves that epitaph." — R.C. Sproul [22:35]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the seraphim’s function:
  "Fish have fins, birds have feathers, and the seraphim, they have a pair of wings with the sole purpose of covering their face from the immediate presence of God. This is the God we serve, and this is the God who loved us and chose a people for Himself." — Nathan W. Bingham [23:29]

• On the holiness of God:
  "What Isaiah sees and what Isaiah feels is a joining into the awe of the angels themselves as they contemplate the presence of God." — R.C. Sproul [22:10]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:35] Historical context: the year King Uzziah died; decline of Israel, rise of Rome.
• [06:05] Clarifying the Hebrew names: Adonai vs. Yahweh.
• [09:50] The symbolism of the Lord’s garment filling the temple.
• [15:20] Description and significance of the seraphim.
• [18:55] Why seraphim cover their faces and feet.
• [19:25] Moses and the impossibility of seeing God’s face.
• [21:35] The song of the seraphim and the meaning of true awe.
• [23:29] Application: Reflecting on God’s holiness and our own need for grace.

Tone and Language

R.C. Sproul uses vivid illustration, thoughtful analogies, and scriptural precision. The tone is deeply reverent and expository, aiming to instill awe, humility, and worship in his listeners. The language is both poetic and accessible, making profound theological truths approachable.

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully casts listeners into the holy presence described by Isaiah, urging awe and reverence before God’s transcendent majesty. Through Sproul’s teaching, Christians are invited to ponder the sheer otherness and glory of God—a holiness so radiant that not even the seraphim can bear its full brilliancy—and to reflect deeply on the grace that allows anyone to draw near to such a God through Christ.

For deeper study: Refer to Isaiah 6 and meditate on the heavenly vision. Consider how understanding the holiness of God shapes your worship, humility, and gratitude for His mercy.