TRACK: SANCTIFICATION
A Student’s Guide to Sanctification
By Ligon Duncan and John Perritt
Christian Focus. 80 pages. £2.99
ISBN 978 1 527 104 518
In A Student’s Guide to Sanctification Ligon Duncan and John Perritt aim to explain what sanctification is, and encourage us to pursue it in our lives. Their book forms part of a series of short books aimed at students, seeking to explain doctrinal issues in a way that’s informative and accessible.
In a short 60 pages, Duncan and Perritt clearly outline what sanctification is and why we should seek it in our lives. They are clear that we are saved only through faith in Jesus, but still show us the necessity and the beauty of growing in godliness. Each chapter is grounded in Scripture to explain different aspects of sanctification.
It has been a few years since I was a student, but I think most students would find it quick and easy to read, without feeling patronised. Duncan and Perritt have structured their book carefully to make it easy to follow; the chapters end with a summary of the main point, which I found helpful in solidifying the key idea in each chapter before moving on to the next. They also include a glossary of theological words, which makes it accessible to anyone who might not have read much Christian literature before, without cluttering the book itself with endless definitions. The book is rich in illustrations which in many cases helped clarify key points, and made it lighter and easier to read, but sometimes there were so many I found myself getting slightly lost, and in need of the summary sentences at the end of the chapter to reorientate me.
On the whole, I finished the book feeling encouraged and wanting to pursue sanctification. Books on sanctification can sometimes leave us feeling burdened or guilty, but this left me feeling delighted by the prospect of living a more godly life. It’s definitely worth a read, and it will probably only take you an hour.
