Understanding the Holiness of God in Biblical Perspective
The immutable and transcendent holiness of God forms a foundational cornerstone of biblical theology. Scripture unequivocally declares God's absolute righteousness, goodness, and purity. His nature is fundamentally incapable of sin or the perpetration of evil. His actions, enigmatic or perplexing to finite minds, arise out of the wellspring of His perfect character.
The Nature of God's Actions
When actions or providential decrees attributed to God seem to contradict our limited human understanding or moral sensibilities, it is not due to a deficiency in divine attributes but rather a mirror reflecting the inherent sinfulness and ignorance present in our fallen nature. As creatures marred by sin, we tend to judge God according to human standards, failing to recognize the vast chasm between His divine holiness and our finite morality.
Divine Sovereignty and Our Understanding
Christian theology underscores the doctrine of God's sovereign and righteous rule over all things. Every event, no matter how tragic or inexplicable, is ordained by God for His glory and the ultimate good of His people. Tragic moments in human history are part of God's perfect will being accomplished. Our inability to comprehend divine purpose behind suffering or adversity calls for trust rather than doubt.
Seeking Faith Over Doubt
The impossibility of fully grasping divine wisdom and goodness in every situation reveals the depth of our sin and the necessity of repentance. Questioning the righteousness of God by elevating human judgment above divine decrees betrays a proud and rebellious heart. The solution lies not in diminishing God's holiness or excusing our doubts but in submitting our minds to the infallible Word of God. By faith, we are to recognize that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts.
A Divine Paradox: Holiness and Redemption
The apostle R.C. Sproul emphasizes this paradox in his work, "The Holiness of God," as part of his broader theological framework. The Bible reveals the immutable nature of God, where His wisdom and guidance infuse every aspect of life. For instance, in Genesis 50:20, Joseph states, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."
Examples from Scripture
Other examples from Scripture highlight God's sovereignty and wisdom, such as Psalm 50:21 and Isaiah 6:3. In these passages, God's holiness and the profundity of His ways are clearly illustrated. God speaks to Job in Job 38-42, addressing the depth of His wisdom and authority over Creation, challenging Job's understanding and humility.
Reflecting the Perfection of God
Deuteronomy 32:4 calls God "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are judgment. A God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and just is He." This perfection is further expounded in Ephesians 1:11, which states, "In whom also have obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will." Romans 8:28 speaks to this perfect working of God, stating, "And we know that He in all things works together with those who love God for Good to those who are called according to His purpose."
Divine Redemption and Justice
The perfection of God as the Judge of all and the Redeemer of His people is also evident in 2 Corinthians 5:21, which reads, "He made Him who knew no sin to be a sin offering in our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." God's perfection does not diminish in the face of human sin and imperfection.
Conclusion
The holiness of God stands as a beacon of divine wisdom, guiding and spreading grace and redemption in the face of human sin. As believers, we are called to respect and submit to this divine wisdom, recognizing that His ways and thoughts are much higher than our own.