Key Takeaways
1. God's holiness encompasses both moral perfection and transcendent otherness
God is holy, holy, holy is to say that God is most holy. He is totally holy. Completely holy. Unwaveringly holy. Utterly holy.
Holiness defined: God's holiness is not just about moral purity, but also His absolute uniqueness and separateness from creation. This "otherness" sets Him apart as the supreme being, utterly distinct from everything else that exists.
Moral perfection: God's holiness means He is morally perfect in every way. He cannot sin, lie, or act unjustly. His actions always align with His righteous character.
Transcendence: God's holiness also refers to His transcendence – His existence beyond and above the created universe. He is not bound by time, space, or any limitations that affect His creation.
- Independent: God exists by Himself, needing nothing outside of Himself
- Self-sufficient: He has life in Himself and is the source of all life
- Sovereign: He rules over all creation with supreme authority
2. Understanding God's holiness transforms our perspective on sin and judgment
If God is holy, then He can't sin. If God can't sin, then He can't sin against me. If He can't sin against me, shouldn't that make Him the most trustworthy being there is?
Sin's gravity: Recognizing God's absolute holiness helps us understand the true gravity of sin. It's not just breaking rules, but an offense against the very nature of a perfectly holy God.
Divine judgment: God's holiness necessitates His judgment of sin. A holy God cannot overlook or ignore evil without compromising His own nature.
Trust in God's character: Understanding God's holiness should lead us to trust Him more deeply. His perfect nature means He can never act unjustly or maliciously towards us, even when we don't understand His ways.
- Sin: Any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect holiness
- Judgment: God's righteous response to sin, upholding His moral perfection
- Trust: Confidence in God's character, even amid suffering or confusion
3. Idolatry: Exchanging the glory of God for created things
Idolatry always involves an exchange. It is a magician's act in which the holy is traded for the profane. The unique for the common. The transcendent for the earthly. The Creator for the creature.
Definition of idolatry: Idolatry is not just worshiping statues, but giving ultimate value and trust to anything other than God. It's a fundamental orientation of the heart away from the Creator and towards created things.
Modern idols: In contemporary society, idols often take the form of money, relationships, success, comfort, or even our own autonomy. These things become "functional saviors" we look to for identity, security, and fulfillment.
Consequences of idolatry:
- Disappointment: Created things can never fully satisfy our deepest longings
- Bondage: We become enslaved to the very things we worship
- Spiritual blindness: Idolatry distorts our view of God and reality
- Loss of true identity: We forget who we are as image-bearers of God
4. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to pursue holiness
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Regeneration: The Holy Spirit's work in giving spiritual life to those who were spiritually dead. This is the foundation for all growth in holiness.
New nature: Through regeneration, believers receive a new nature with new desires and inclinations towards God and holiness.
Empowerment for obedience: The indwelling Holy Spirit provides the power and motivation for Christians to live holy lives in accordance with God's will.
- New heart: A transformed inner being with new affections and motivations
- New spirit: A revitalized spiritual life, sensitive to God's leading
- Obedience: The outward fruit of an inward transformation by the Spirit
5. Beholding God's glory leads to spiritual transformation
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.
The transformative power of vision: Spiritual growth happens as we continually "behold" or contemplate the glory of God revealed in Christ. This focused attention on God's character shapes us into His likeness.
Progressive sanctification: Transformation into Christ's image is a gradual process. We grow "from one degree of glory to another" as we consistently fix our gaze on God's revealed glory.
Practical application:
- Scripture study: Regular, deep engagement with God's Word
- Worship: Both personal and corporate celebration of God's attributes
- Meditation: Thoughtful reflection on biblical truths about God
- Prayer: Intimate communion with God, aligning our hearts with His
6. God's justice and mercy meet at the cross of Christ
It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
The dilemma resolved: The cross of Christ demonstrates how God can be both perfectly just (punishing sin) and merciful (forgiving sinners) without compromising His holiness.
Substitutionary atonement: Jesus, the sinless Son of God, bore the punishment that our sins deserved. This satisfied God's justice while making a way for mercy to be extended to those who trust in Christ.
Key aspects of the cross:
- Justice upheld: Sin is fully punished
- Mercy displayed: Forgiveness is made available
- Love demonstrated: God provides the sacrifice Himself
- Holiness maintained: God remains true to His nature
7. Sanctification is an active process of cooperating with the Holy Spirit
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Divine-human partnership: While sanctification is ultimately God's work in us, we are called to actively participate in the process. This involves intentional effort and discipline on our part.
Means of grace: God has provided various "means of grace" through which we cooperate with the Spirit's sanctifying work. These include Scripture study, prayer, worship, fellowship, and service.
Practical steps for growth in holiness:
- Cultivate spiritual disciplines: Regular prayer, Bible reading, fasting, etc.
- Engage in community: Accountability and encouragement from other believers
- Practice obedience: Choosing to act on God's commands, even when difficult
- Pursue God's presence: Seeking intimate communion with God daily
- Confess and repent: Quickly turning from sin when we become aware of it
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FAQ
What's "Holier Than Thou" about?
- Exploration of God's Holiness: The book delves into the concept of God's holiness and how it is central to understanding His nature and actions.
- Trust in God: Jackie Hill Perry argues that understanding God's holiness helps believers trust Him more deeply, as His holiness ensures He cannot sin against us.
- Personal Journey: The author shares her personal journey and insights gained through studying God's holiness, aiming to inspire readers to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
Why should I read "Holier Than Thou"?
- Deepens Understanding of Holiness: The book provides a comprehensive exploration of what it means for God to be holy and how that impacts our faith.
- Encourages Trust in God: By understanding God's holiness, readers are encouraged to trust in His goodness and faithfulness.
- Personal and Relatable: Jackie Hill Perry shares personal anecdotes and reflections, making theological concepts accessible and relatable.
What are the key takeaways of "Holier Than Thou"?
- God's Holiness is Central: God's holiness is not just an attribute but the essence of who He is, influencing all His actions and decisions.
- Holiness and Trust: Understanding God's holiness leads to a greater trust in Him, as it assures us of His moral perfection and reliability.
- Transformation Through Holiness: The book emphasizes that beholding God's holiness transforms believers, making them more like Him.
How does Jackie Hill Perry define God's holiness?
- Transcendence and Moral Purity: God's holiness is defined by His transcendence—being set apart from creation—and His moral purity.
- Inseparable from His Being: Holiness is not just an attribute of God but is intrinsic to His very nature.
- Source of All Goodness: God's holiness is the foundation of His goodness, love, and justice, ensuring that He is always righteous in His actions.
What role does trust play in "Holier Than Thou"?
- Foundation of Faith: Trust in God is presented as a fundamental aspect of faith, rooted in the understanding of His holiness.
- God's Sinlessness: Since God is holy and cannot sin, He is the most trustworthy being, incapable of acting against us.
- Overcoming Unbelief: The book addresses how unbelief often stems from a misunderstanding of God's holiness and encourages readers to trust in His character.
How does "Holier Than Thou" address idolatry?
- Contrast with God's Holiness: Idolatry is presented as the worship of unholy gods, which are incapable of providing what only the holy God can.
- Exchange of Glory: Idolatry involves exchanging the glory of God for created things, leading to spiritual futility.
- Call to Repentance: The book calls readers to turn from idols and place their trust in the living God, who alone is holy and sufficient.
What is the significance of God's justice in "Holier Than Thou"?
- Justice as an Aspect of Holiness: God's justice is a natural extension of His holiness, requiring Him to act righteously against sin.
- Misunderstanding of God's Love: The book challenges the notion that God's love negates His justice, emphasizing that true love includes righteous judgment.
- Mercy and Justice: God's mercy is highlighted as being consistent with His justice, demonstrated through the sacrificial work of Christ.
How does Jackie Hill Perry describe the process of sanctification?
- Work of the Holy Spirit: Sanctification is described as a work of the Holy Spirit, purifying believers and renewing them in the image of God.
- Beholding and Becoming: The process involves beholding God's glory, which transforms believers into His likeness.
- Active Participation: While the Spirit initiates sanctification, believers are called to actively participate in their spiritual growth.
What are the "glories to behold" in "Holier Than Thou"?
- Love, Peace, and Kindness: The book highlights the love, peace, and kindness of God as aspects of His glory that believers are to behold.
- Transformative Vision: By seeing these attributes in Christ, believers are transformed into His image.
- Fruit of the Spirit: The glories of God are reflected in the fruit of the Spirit, which believers are called to cultivate.
What are the best quotes from "Holier Than Thou" and what do they mean?
- "If God is holy, then He can’t sin. If God can’t sin, then He can’t sin against me." This quote encapsulates the central argument of the book, emphasizing God's trustworthiness.
- "Holiness makes honesty an obligation." This highlights how God's holiness demands truthfulness and integrity from His followers.
- "Beholding, we become." This phrase underscores the transformative power of focusing on God's holiness, leading to personal sanctification.
How does "Holier Than Thou" address the concept of unbelief?
- Rooted in Misunderstanding: Unbelief is often rooted in a misunderstanding of God's holiness and character.
- Challenge to Trust: The book challenges readers to confront their unbelief by trusting in God's holiness and His promises.
- Faith and Transformation: By placing faith in God's holiness, believers are transformed and empowered to live holy lives.
What is the relationship between holiness and love in "Holier Than Thou"?
- Holiness as the Foundation of Love: God's holiness is the foundation of His love, ensuring that His love is pure and selfless.
- Misconceptions of Love: The book addresses common misconceptions of love that exclude God's holiness, leading to a distorted view of His character.
- Call to Reflect God's Love: Believers are called to reflect God's holy love in their relationships, embodying His character in their actions.
Review Summary
Holier Than Thou receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising Jackie Hill Perry's poetic style and deep exploration of God's holiness. Many find the book insightful and transformative, appreciating its biblical foundation and practical application. Some readers note the repetitive nature and occasionally unfocused structure. The audiobook, narrated by Perry herself, is highly recommended. Critics suggest the book may be more impactful for newer Christians, while others find it a valuable resource for all believers seeking to understand God's holiness and its implications for their faith.
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