Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary

Podcast Title: Renewing Your Mind
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Episode: The Importance of Holiness
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Speaker: R.C. Sproul

Introduction

In the January 27, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, Nathan W. Bingham introduces a profound message from R.C. Sproul's classic series, The Holiness of God. This episode, part of a 40-year legacy celebrating the landmark book The Holiness of God, delves deep into the paramount attribute of God—His holiness. As Sproul elucidates, understanding God's holiness is essential for Christians seeking a deeper relationship with Him and a renewed mind aligned with His Word.

Biblical Foundation: Isaiah 6 – A Vision of Divine Holiness

R.C. Sproul begins by examining Isaiah 6:1-7, a pivotal scripture where the prophet Isaiah recounts his vision of God. He emphasizes the unique portrayal of God's holiness in this passage:

[00:00] Sproul: "There is only one characteristic of Almighty God that is communicated in the superlative degree from the mouths of angels, where the Bible doesn't simply say that God is holy or even that he's holy holy, but that he is holy holy holy."

Sproul interprets this triple affirmation—"holy, holy, holy"—as a profound declaration of God's supreme holiness. He argues that this distinction signifies a level of sanctity unparalleled in Scripture, setting God apart from all other attributes.

The Nature of God's Holiness

Sproul delves into the Hebrew terms translated as "Lord" in Isaiah 6, highlighting the significance of different titles used for God:

[02:06] Sproul: "Anytime you see capital L, capital O, capital R, capital D, you can be fairly confident that the Hebrew term that is being translated is the name Yahweh, the name that God revealed to Moses in the Midianite wilderness when he said, 'I am who I am.'"

He contrasts this with "Adonai," another Hebrew term translated as "Lord," which denotes the supreme title reserved for God. Sproul connects this to New Testament references, particularly Psalm 110, where Paul identifies Jesus with the title "Lord Adonai," underscoring His divine sovereignty and eternal majesty.

Seraphim and Their Role in Divine Worship

The conversation shifts to the celestial beings known as seraphim, described uniquely in Isaiah's vision:

[02:06] Sproul: "Above him were the seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying, and they were calling to one another. 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory.'"

Sproul explains the seraphim's distinctive features—six wings symbolizing their complete devotion and their response to God's overwhelming glory. He suggests that their covering of faces and feet represents reverence and humility in the presence of divine majesty.

Theological Significance of God's Holiness

Sproul underscores that holiness is not just an attribute of God but encompasses His very essence. This holiness profoundly impacts creation and humanity:

[24:37] Sproul: "There is only one attribute of God that is ever raised to the third degree of repetition in Scripture. There is only one characteristic of Almighty God that is communicated in the superlative degree from the mouths of angels... that he is holy. Holy. Holy."

By repeating "holy" three times, Scripture emphasizes that God's holiness consumes His essence, making it impossible for creation to remain indifferent to His majesty. Sproul illustrates this by referencing how even inanimate objects react to God's presence, as seen when the temple doorposts and threshold shook in Isaiah's vision.

Repetition as a Tool for Emphasis in Scripture

Sproul draws parallels between Hebrew literary techniques and their use in Scripture to highlight the utmost importance of certain truths. He notes that repetition serves as a powerful method to ensure key messages are not overlooked:

[02:06] Sproul: "There is only one attribute of God that is ever raised to the third degree of repetition in Scripture. Holy. Holy. Holy."

This mirrors Jesus' teaching style, where He often begins significant statements with repetition to underscore their importance. For instance, Jesus frequently used phrases like "Truly, truly, I say to you" to highlight critical teachings.

The Manifestation of Holiness in Human Experience

Sproul connects the concept of divine holiness to human encounters with God, referencing Moses' experience on Mount Sinai:

[02:06] Sproul: "Moses went up there into the clouds and was sort of swallowed up on that mountain... He had a backward glance of the refracted glory of God."

Through this narrative, Sproul illustrates that any human encounter with God's holiness is fleeting and overwhelming, often leading to profound reverence and awe, much like the seraphim in Isaiah's vision.

The Impact of God's Holiness on Creation

Sproul highlights how God's holiness not only affects celestial beings but also extends to all of creation:

[24:37] Sproul: "He is given many titles in the Old Testament. This is the supreme title that is given to him... how majestic is your name in all of the earth."

The manifestation of God's holiness causes even inanimate objects to respond, showcasing the pervasive influence of His divine presence.

Conclusion

In this episode of Renewing Your Mind, R.C. Sproul masterfully articulates the supreme importance of understanding God's holiness. By unpacking Isaiah's vision and exploring the theological depth of Scripture, Sproul invites listeners to appreciate the profound nature of God's sacredness. This renewed understanding challenges believers to align their minds with God's Word, fostering a deeper reverence and relationship with Him.

As Sproul poignantly states:

[00:00] Sproul: "Holy. Holy. Holy. This is a dimension of God that consumes his very essence."

This emphasis on God's holiness serves as a foundational truth for Christians, urging them to pursue holiness in their own lives as a reflection of their Creator's divine nature.

Notable Quotes:

• Sproul [00:00]: "There is only one characteristic of Almighty God that is communicated in the superlative degree from the mouths of angels... that he is holy holy holy."

• Sproul [02:06]: "Holy. Holy. Holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory."

• Sproul [24:37]: "There is only one attribute of God that is ever raised to the third degree of repetition in Scripture... that he is holy. Holy. Holy."

This comprehensive exploration of God's holiness not only enriches the listener's theological understanding but also encourages practical application in daily Christian living, embodying the mission of Ligonier Ministries to proclaim, teach, and defend the holiness of God.