Meaning: The quote "No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness" by Matthew Henry, a clergyman, encapsulates the concept of divine holiness as a source of fear and awe for those who have transgressed. Matthew Henry, a renowned theologian, and commentator, lived in the 17th and 18th centuries and is best known for his comprehensive and influential commentary on the Bible. In this quote, Henry highlights the profound impact of God's holiness on sinners, emphasizing the daunting nature of encountering a divine presence that embodies absolute purity and moral perfection.

Holiness, as a divine attribute, represents the absolute moral perfection and purity of God. It encompasses His transcendence, righteousness, and separateness from all that is sinful and impure. Throughout religious traditions, the concept of holiness has been central to understanding the nature of the divine and the relationship between humanity and the sacred. In Christianity, holiness is often associated with the moral perfection of God and serves as a standard against which human actions and intentions are measured.

When Henry asserts that God's holiness is "dreadful to sinners," he is pointing to the inherent tension between human fallibility and divine perfection. For individuals who have transgressed moral or ethical boundaries, the thought of encountering a holy and righteous God can evoke feelings of fear, guilt, and inadequacy. The contrast between human imperfection and divine holiness creates a sense of unworthiness and apprehension in the face of a transcendent and morally perfect deity.

The fear of God's holiness has been a recurring theme in religious and theological discourse. It reflects the profound awareness of human sinfulness and the recognition of a moral standard that exceeds human capacity. In the Hebrew Bible, the concept of holiness is closely tied to the experience of awe and reverence in the presence of God. The prophet Isaiah's vision of God in the temple, as described in Isaiah 6, exemplifies the overwhelming sense of unworthiness and fear in the presence of divine holiness.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the apostle Paul emphasizes the universal sinfulness of humanity and the daunting reality of standing before a holy God. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This acknowledgment of human fallibility in the light of God's holiness underscores the profound impact of divine purity on the human conscience.

The quote also speaks to the transformative potential of encountering God's holiness. While it may evoke fear and trepidation in sinners, the experience of divine holiness can also lead to repentance, spiritual renewal, and a deeper appreciation for the moral perfection of God. Throughout religious history, individuals have sought purification and atonement in response to the overwhelming presence of divine holiness, recognizing the need to address their own moral failings in light of God's absolute purity.

In conclusion, Matthew Henry's quote "No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness" encapsulates the profound impact of divine holiness on human consciousness and moral awareness. It reflects the tension between human imperfection and divine perfection, evoking feelings of fear and awe in the face of a holy and righteous God. The recognition of God's holiness serves as a catalyst for spiritual introspection, repentance, and the pursuit of moral transformation. Henry's words remind us of the enduring significance of divine holiness in shaping religious thought and the human experience of the sacred.