Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Holiness and Justice
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Speaker: R.C. Sproul, with Host Nathan W. Bingham
Series: The Holiness of God (40th Anniversary Edition)

1. Introduction

In the January 29, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Nathan W. Bingham, listeners are presented with a profound exploration of God's holiness and justice. This episode is part of Dr. R.C. Sproul's classic series, "The Holiness of God," commemorating the 40th anniversary of the landmark book. Bingham introduces the episode by framing the discussion around the enduring themes of God's justice and mercy, emphasizing that God's mercy is not obligatory but a voluntary expression of His character.

2. Understanding God’s Mercy and Justice

Timestamp: [00:00]

Dr. R.C. Sproul opens the discussion by asserting the foundational truth about God's mercy:

"The minute you think that God owes you mercy, a bell should go off in your brain that warns you and tells you that you're no longer thinking about mercy. For by definition, mercy is voluntary. God is never obligated to be merciful to a rebellious creature. He doesn't owe you mercy. A holy God is both just and merciful, never unjust."
— R.C. Sproul [00:00]

Sproul emphasizes that mercy stems from God's unmerited favor, not from any debt or obligation. This perspective sets the stage for a deeper examination of God's righteous judgment and holiness.

3. Historical Theological Perspectives

Timestamp: [01:44]

Sproul delves into the historical context of theological thought, tracing the evolution of perceptions regarding God's nature:

• 18th Century – Great Awakening: Preachers focused on human sinfulness and God's wrath, often employing what Sproul terms a "scare theology."

• 19th Century: A reaction emerges, softening the emphasis on human sin and portraying God as less wrathful, highlighting His love and man's inherent goodness.

• Early 20th Century – Crisis Theology: A resurgence in acknowledging God's wrath, arguing that true biblical fidelity requires recognizing the severity of divine judgment.

Sproul critiques extremist views that misinterpret God's anger as irrational or demonic, arguing instead that these are expressions of His holiness and justice.

4. Challenging Views on God's Wrath

Timestamp: [01:44–10:45]

Addressing controversial interpretations, Sproul confronts the notion that depictions of God's wrath in the Old Testament are evidence of an irrational deity:

"Some of the passages that are in view would include a narrative that we read in the book of Leviticus, which I'll read briefly for you... a sort of a scare theology that dominated that period."
— R.C. Sproul [01:44]

He rejects the idea that God possesses a "shadow side" or a "demonic element," asserting instead that His actions are consistently just and holy. Sproul uses the example of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, to illustrate God's swift and righteous judgment.

5. Case Studies: Nadab and Abihu, Uzzah

Timestamp: [02:36–14:30]

Sproul examines two pivotal Old Testament stories to elucidate God's justice:

• Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10):
  Aaron's sons offer unauthorized fire before the Lord, leading to their immediate death. Sproul highlights Aaron's initial confusion and Moses' stern reminder of God's holiness:

  "This is what the Lord spoke of when he said, among those who approach me, I will be regarded as holy... And I'll close with this. A holy God is both just and merciful, never unjust."
  — R.C. Sproul [10:45]

• Uzzah and the Ark of the Covenant:
  Uzzah touches the Ark to prevent it from falling, resulting in his sudden death. Sproul argues that Uzzah violated explicit divine instructions, emphasizing that his actions were not out of malice but ignorance:

  "Uzzah broke the law of God and God killed him."
  — R.C. Sproul [11:15]

Through these narratives, Sproul underscores that God's judgments are not arbitrary but uphold His holiness and the sanctity of His commands.

6. Hans Kühn’s Insights on God’s Justice

Timestamp: [15:30–20:50]

Sproul references theologian Hans Kühn to further articulate the interplay between God's justice and mercy:

"He said, you know, the real mystery of iniquity, the real puzzle is not that a holy and righteous God should exercise justice. What is mysterious... is why God... tolerates rebellious creatures who commit cosmic treason against his authority."
— R.C. Sproul [18:05]

Kühn posits that the true enigma lies not in God's righteous punishment but in His enduring patience despite continual rebellion. Sproul agrees, emphasizing that God's mercy does not negate His justice but is a manifestation of His glorious character.

7. The Balance of Mercy and Justice

Timestamp: [20:50–23:30]

Sproul reconciles God's mercy with His justice, asserting that mercy does not equate to injustice. He reiterates that God’s withholding of mercy is based on His sovereign choice, not human entitlement.

"A holy God is both just and merciful, never unjust... There is never an occasion in any page of sacred scripture where God ever, ever punishes an innocent person."
— R.C. Sproul [22:10]

He warns against presuming entitlement to God's mercy, reminding listeners that true repentance aligns the heart with God's character, which is fundamentally just and merciful.

8. Conclusion

Timestamp: [23:30–24:25]

In his concluding remarks, Sproul emphasizes living by grace rather than demanding justice:

"But we live, beloved, by grace, by his mercy. And let's never forget it."
— R.C. Sproul [24:25]

He encourages believers to embrace God's mercy and grace, recognizing that His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration rather than punitive justice.

Key Takeaways

• Mercy is Voluntary: God’s mercy is a gracious act, not a response to obligation or human merit.

• God’s Holiness and Justice: God's actions, even those that seem severe, are reflections of His perfect holiness and unwavering justice.

• Historical Context Matters: Understanding historical theological shifts helps in comprehending contemporary interpretations of God's nature.

• Case Studies Illustrate Principles: Stories like Nadab and Abihu or Uzzah underscore the seriousness of God's commands and the consequences of violating them.

• Mercy and Justice Coexist: God's mercy does not undermine His justice; instead, they coexist harmoniously in His divine character.

• Call to Humility: Believers are reminded to humbly receive God's mercy without presuming entitlement, fostering a genuine relationship based on grace.

Notable Quotes

• "The minute you think that God owes you mercy, a bell should go off in your brain that warns you and tells you that you're no longer thinking about mercy."
  — R.C. Sproul [00:00]

• "There is never an occasion in any page of sacred scripture where God ever, ever punishes an innocent person. God simply doesn't know how to be unjust."
  — R.C. Sproul [22:10]

• "But we live, beloved, by grace, by his mercy. And let's never forget it."
  — R.C. Sproul [24:25]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Renewing Your Mind serves as a compelling reminder of the intricate balance between God's holiness, justice, and mercy. Dr. R.C. Sproul masterfully navigates complex theological concepts, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of God's unchanging nature. By understanding that God's mercy is a deliberate and gracious choice, believers are encouraged to approach Him with reverence, humility, and gratitude.

For those seeking to delve deeper into these themes, Ligonier Ministries offers a special 40th anniversary edition of "The Holiness of God," along with expanded teaching series and study guides. These resources aim to further enrich the understanding of God's majestic character and His desire for a redeemed relationship with humanity.