Customer Reviews

Rediscovering Holiness with Book

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J. I. Packer's strength, I am convinced, lies in his understanding of sanctification. His depth of Biblical insight and practical counsel makes this an excellent volume on Christian holiness.

Various areas of the subject are discussed at length. Packer shows how sanctification relates to the entire salvation process, putting the pursuit of holiness in the context of God's overall saving purposes. He also provides some excellent bounderies in his discussion, which will keep us from many an extreme.

Of particular value is a chapter called "Holiness: The Panoramic View" which focuses on six different strands of teaching regarding sanctification that are often presented in isolation from each other, taking part for whole. Packer shows that each tradition emphasizes aspects of truth - and when they are all taken together, a very comprehensive, Biblically-oriented, and well-rounded theology of sanctification emerges.

The seven propositions concerning holiness developed in Keep In Step with the Spirit (see my review) are gone over more briefly here. But there is much which is new. An excellent chapter focuses on repentance as a lifestyle, using the saintly English Reformer/martyr John Bradford as a model. There is also a sustained focus on the necessity of God's empowering us in our pursuit of holiness - and of our need for endurance - thus, a balance between a life of dependence and a life of perseverance is maintained.

As is so characteristic of Dr. Packer, this book combines deep theology with lucid style, simple illustration, and Biblical exposition, leaving us with a very readable rediscovery of a vital biblical truth. I highly recommend it!

This is one of those books that you have to take your time with. It is of average readability and best suited in my opinion to a study group. The subject matter is interesting but dry, I found it hard to focus after a while. The lessons are applicable and challenging and the premise cannot be denied, we've certainly lost something over the centuries since Christ lived on earth. Getting us Christians back to obedience is noble and certainly needs to be said, hence the book.

Although I found this book at times long in getting to the point, one can certainly come away from the reading with a desire for reverence to God. Therefore, I suggest that should you decide to purchase this book, find someone to share it with and take your time, you will then not be disappointed. Even more important, learn to follow the advice and be patient in doing so, for this subject does not come quickly to most of us.