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 PrintableVersion The message of holinessInspiration for the daily warTHE MESSAGE OF HOLINESS Christians have been given a clear command from God to ‘be holy as I am holy’ (Leviticus 11.44). But what does it mean to be holy? Often we have a rather negative, or at least distorted, view of what holiness means. When we hear the word ‘holy’ we associate it with concepts such as ‘religious’, ‘church’ or a ‘pious’ self-righteous kind of character. Derek Tidball, on the contrary, in his latest book presents an all-encompassing and attractive view of the Bible’s message of holiness. Having written the excellent little commentary on Leviticus, Tidball has done the church a great service by developing some of his insights in this latest offering from the Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes series, The Message of Holiness. Rather than attempting a systematic treatment of the subject, he organises his material around the examination of over 20 key biblical passages on holiness. Tidball rightly argues that the Christian’s holiness is ultimately derived from God himself in two respects. First, he is the one who decisively ‘sets us apart’ as his people for his exclusive service and, secondly, holiness is the imitation of his perfect character. Each chapter offers a careful and perceptive exposition with illuminating headings and divisions, and succinct summary paragraphs. Several chapters, such as those concerning the God of Glory (Isaiah 6), the Trinity (1 Peter 1) and the relationship between individual and corporate holiness in the church (Ephesians 4-5) stands out among others as being particularly instructive and edifying. Tidball firmly knocks on the head the idea, if we secretly harboured it, that God is only interested in what we do in our private devotions. Instead he challenges his readers to see that a commitment to holiness must radically impact every aspect of our lives: personal, relational, as well as our social and political obligations. In general, there is a warm devotional tone throughout the book, and his applications are wise and firmly grounded in the given passage of Scripture. The inevitable limitation of the chosen format, however, is that no space is found for systematic reflection and synthesis. The reader is left with a few loose ends. What is the relationship between holiness and cleanness; justification and sanctification; God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in holiness? I found myself wanting more help with these questions. I also remain unconvinced that the chapter on holiness as wisdom (Proverbs 2) was strictly relevant to the subject. These minor quibbles aside, this book should rank along side Ryle’s Holiness or Sproul’s Holiness of God as another inspiring and challenging volume to be read and reread as a source of vision and strengthening in the daily war on sin. I warmly recommend it. Lee Campbell,
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