Chapter Two: The Holiness Of God
CHAPTER TWO: THE HOLINESS OF GOD
[1] Holiness “is characteristically Godlikeness” (G. B. Stevens, in Hastings Bible Dictionary, as quoted by W. E. Vine in An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words [1940; single volume edition, London: Oliphants, Ltd., 1957], p. 227). Charles Hodge, writing on the phrase in Romans 6:19, righteousness unto holiness, said, “The proximate result of obedience to God is inward conformity to the Divine image” (Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans [1886; reprint edition, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1955], p. 209). A. W. Pink said, “Holiness . . . consists of that internal change or renovation of our souls whereby our minds, affections and wills are brought into harmony with God” (The Doctrine of Sanctification [Swengel, Pa.: Bible Truth Depot, 1955], p. 25).
[2] Attributes as applied to God refer to His essential qualities and are inferred from Scriptures describing God. His attribute of holiness is taken from such passages as Exodus 15:11; Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 89:35; Isaiah 57:15; and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
[3] Stephen Charnock, The Existence and Attributes of God (reprint edition, Evansville, Ind.: Sovereign Grace Book Club, 1958), p. 449.
[4] For examples see Psalm 89:18; Isaiah 40:25; 43:14; Hosea 11:9; Habakkuk 3:3; Jeremiah 51:5; and Ezekiel 39:7.
[5] Charnock, Existence and Attributes, p. 448.