Sanctification

(Paperback)

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Sanctificationthe act or process of becoming holyis one of the gifts of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but it's often misunderstood by the modern church. Sanctification offers a Christ-centered and clear account of the doctrine by viewing it within its wider biblical and historical context.

Churches too often allow their definitions of holiness to be prompted by existential goals or the social mores of the Christian community. It's not surprising, then, that many view holiness as accidental or expendable, even as a legalistic posture opposed to the freedom of the gospel and separate from the gift of grace.

Sanctification (part of the New Studies in Dogmatics series), defines holiness in theological terms by:

• Providing a framework by discussing the core Christian doctrines associated with it, such as the character of God, the nature of creation, and the covenantal shape of life with God.
• Considering the ways in which the gospel of Jesus not only prompts us to holy action but provides holiness as one of its blessings.
• Attending to the ways in which the gift of sanctification relates to human means, so that we can appreciate its connection to human nature, responsibility, and the pedagogy of exemplars and of law.

-ABOUT THE SERIES-

New Studies in Dogmatics seeks to retrieve the riches of Christian doctrine for the sake of contemporary theological renewal. Following in the tradition of G. C. Berkouwer's Studies in Dogmatics, this series provides thoughtful, concise, and readable treatments of major theological topics, expressing the biblical, creedal, and confessional shape of Christian doctrine for a contemporary evangelical audience.

The editors and contributors share a common conviction that the way forward in constructive systematic theology lies in building upon the foundations laid in the church's historic understanding of the Word of God as professed in its creeds, councils, and confessions, and by its most trusted teachers.

Reviews

'Here is learned and extensive dogmatic exposition in the grand old European academic style. Weaving together both biblical and systematic theological perspectives, Professor Michael Allen leads us, his students, in a genuine theological discussion rooted in wide reading and mature reflection. Sanctification thus points us beyond a bare textbook-style accumulation of information to the higher goal of a genuine knowledge of God and transformation into the image of Christ. A very worthy addition to what already promises to be an impressive series.' * Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellors Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary *
'Michael Allen believes that the gospel is large enough to cover not only the guilt but the dominion of sin. This volume gives further evidence of the authors reliability as a faithful steward of the mysteries of God. Learn, mark and inwardly digest this rich feast.' * Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics Westminster Seminary California *
'Allen delivers a work of classical Reformed theology. He irenically differentiates the Reformed position on sanctification from some Lutheran positions, through careful biblical exegesis and retrieval of Calvin, Augustine, Berkouwer, and others. From a more traditionally Reformed perspective, Allen here inherits the mantle of John Webster. As a Catholic, I am deeply grateful for Michael Allens vision, with the ecumenical conjunctions that it reveals.' * Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary *
'Holiness is good news, Allen reminds us, for sanctification is all about God sharing his own holiness with us in Christ. As he unpacks this gospel of holiness, Allen presents a marvelous minor dogmatics, ranging through a variety of doctrines, and grounding our holiness in the one and only place where it must originate---the eternal being of God himself. Steeped within Reformed catholicity, Allens biblical retrieval draws from a wide range of sources: patristic, medieval, and modern. The result is an irenic and deeply thoughtful book.' * Hans Boersma, J. I. Packer Professor of Theology, Regent College *
'One of the great strengths of Michael Allens work is that he resists the temptation of treating sanctification in isolation; instead, he calls attention to how this vital doctrine draws upon and informs a multitude of other doctrines. Consequently, Allen provides a rich and distinctive account of holiness that certainly deserves our attention and thanks.' * Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theological studies, Covenant College *
'In Sanctification, Michael Allen presents a lucid dogmatic portrait of the glorious mystery of new life in Christ. Allens book offers a feast for readers to feed upon this truth. Framed in conversation with the best of contemporary scholarship, Allen brings together scriptural exegesis, patristic and Protestant commentary, and wide-ranging theological exposition. Sanctification is a model of biblical, Reformed catholicity, which both breaks new ground and retrieves insights from the past. Highly recommended for students, scholars, and others who hunger for a theological account of sanctification in Christ!' * J. Todd Billings, Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology, Western Theological Seminary *

Author Bio

Scott Swain is Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is author of several books, including The God of the Gospel: The Trinitarian Theology of Robert Jenson, and Trinity, Revelation, and Reading: A Theological Introduction to the Bible and its Interpretation. He serves as general editor (with Michael Allen) for T&T Clark's International Theological Commentary and Zondervan's New Studies in Dogmatics series. He is a regular blogger at Reformation21.