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The doctrine & practice of holinessSerious about sanctityTHE DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE OF HOLINESS ‘In terms of holiness every Christian is a professional’, writes the author in his introduction. His personal concern for holiness, as well as for the holiness of the church, is evident. The author’s purpose is ‘to provide the doctrinal structures for holiness’. He argues that lack of holiness in the church can often be traced to false teaching or even a lack of teaching, especially concerning justification and sanctification. In a study of 24 chapters (each of a very manageable size), he sets out a survey of the subject that is thorough and engaging. Preacher’s heartThe book began as a series of sermons. Sometimes this comes through as you sense the preacher’s heart behind it and appreciate the clear explanations and helpful illustrations. Occasionally we follow or analyse an issue more than seems necessary for the purpose of the book. Nevertheless it deals helpfully with just about every aspect of the subject. Chapter titles include: Positional Sanctification, Holiness and the Mortification of Sin, Holiness and the Ten Commandments, Holiness and the Problem of Worldliness. Between the chapters is a series of ‘windows’ briefly introducing subjects such as Holiness and Islam, John Owen on Sanctification, and The Qualities of the Resurrection Body. Among the most helpful chapters for me were the one on God’s character building discipline and the historical overview. I recommend this book to any who are serious about getting to grips with the Bible’s teaching on the subject, especially to those who lead or teach others in the church. Timothy Reynolds, © Evangelicals Now - January 2012 |