When we say that God is holy we do not simply mean that He does not sin. That is true, of course. God’s holiness has an ethical dimension. The Bible says that “the holy God will show Himself holy by His righteousness” (Isa. 5:16b). God is undefiled in all His ways. He is the supreme, the superlative moral majesty in the universe. But God’s holiness refers to more than His ethics. Holiness refers to everything that distinguishes the Creator from His creation. It is the infinite distance between His deity and our humanity. Holiness is the very “Godness” of God, the sum total of all His glorious perfections.
— Philip Graham Ryken (b. 1966), Theologe, Pastor & Präsident des Wheaton College
Related Bible passage: ISA.5.16
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Wisdom & Understanding
Occasions: For Reflection
Philip Graham Ryken
Philip Graham Ryken (* 1966) ist ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Theologe, ehemaliger leitender Pastor der Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia und seit 2010 Präsident des Wheaton College. Er steht für eine evangelikal-reformierte Theologie und verfasste zahlreiche Bibelkommentare sowie theologische Schriften zur Gnadenlehre und Kultur. Bibellesern dient er als systematischer und praxisnaher Schriftausleger, dessen Leitungswirken jedoch auch von Kontroversen um Bekenntnistreue und Kritik am Umgang mit Missbrauchsvorwürfen in seiner früheren Gemeinde begleitet wird.
All quotes by Philip Graham Ryken (37)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo