____ is the foundation of goodness and our Holy God is the eternal foundation of all that is good.

• A. Holiness
• B. Mercy
• C. Love
• D. Wisdom

Answer: (A)

Holiness undergirds the idea that goodness comes from God; His nature is perfectly pure, set apart from sin, and the standard by which everything good is measured. Because God is holy, all that is good originates in and reflects that holy character. Mercy, love, and wisdom are valuable expressions of who God is, but they derive their authority and fullness from holiness. Mercy shows kindness within the holy standard, love animates that mercy toward others within God’s holy purpose, and wisdom governs how all of God’s actions align with that standard. Without holiness as the grounding standard, these attributes could lose their moral footing. Therefore, holiness is the foundation of goodness and the eternal foundation of all that is good.