The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
Week 7: Chapter 6 — The Presence of the Holy
Read Chapter 6 of The Holiness of God. Key Scripture: Exodus 3:1–6; Numbers 16.
Previewing Week 7 of The Holiness of God
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 9-week guide when you’re ready.
Sproul examines several Old Testament narratives in which ordinary people come into unexpected contact with the holiness of God — often with devastating results — and asks what those stories are meant to teach us. Read with an open mind; some of these stories are deeply unsettling.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Sproul looks at the story of Moses and the burning bush, where God commands Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. What is the significance of that command? What does it communicate about the relationship between God's presence and ordinary physical space?
2.Sproul addresses the troubling story of Uzzah, who reached out to steady the ark of the covenant and was struck dead (2 Samuel 6). Many readers find this story deeply offensive. How does Sproul explain it, and do you find his explanation satisfying?
a.What was Uzzah's actual offense, according to Sproul? Was it merely touching the ark, or something deeper?
b.Sproul argues that the real shock is not that God struck Uzzah dead, but that God doesn't strike all of us dead. Do you find that argument convincing or troubling? Why?
3.Sproul also examines the rebellion of Korah in Numbers 16, where the earth opens and swallows the rebels. What was the nature of Korah's sin, and how does it connect to a failure to honor the holiness of God?