Book Recommendation: Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots By. J. C. Ryle

Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots. By. J. C. Ryle

This treasure is still in print today (paper, kindle, and pdf).  I have worked through it several times.  It still serves as a refreshing source for combating what much of evangelicalism is passing off today as correct doctrine and practice.  Progressive Sanctification is simply not taken as serious as it should in today's Christian circles.  Much of what is passed off today under the guise of grace, liberty, and relevance is infecting the lives of Christians for their harm.  Code words such as legalist, antinomian, neo-nomian and judgmental have been used far to long by present-day evangelical writers.  Christians today need to return to time-tested books that have served God's people for many years not the trendy and faddish books quickly printed and disappearing from print almost as fast.

Consider the table of contents below:

Ch. 1 Sin
Ch. 2 Sanctification
Ch. 3 Holiness
Ch. 4 The Fight
Ch. 5 The Lost
Ch. 6 Growth
Ch. 7 Assurance
Ch. 8 Moses-An Example
Ch. 9 Lot-A Beacon
Ch. 10 A Woman to be Remembered
Ch. 11 Christ's Greatest Trophy
Ch. 12 The Ruler of Waves
Ch. 13 The Church which Christ Builds
Ch 14 Visible Churches Warned
Ch. 15 Lovest Thou Me?
Ch. 16 Without Christ
Ch. 17 Thirst Relieved
Ch. 18 Unsearchable Riches
Ch. 19 Wants of the Times
Ch. 20 Christ is All
Ch. 21 Extracts from Old Writers

I highly recommend this book to any and all who desire to take the doctrine of progressive sanctification seriously.

Christian Growth: Misnomer or Personal Necessity? (Series on Sanctification) Part One

Christian Growth: Misnomer or Necessity? (Series on Sanctification) Part One

Believe it or not every form of religion teaches and practices some form of growth or maturing process (even if dying, rebirth, or rituals).  It is not my intention nor purpose to encourage or teach on the belief and practices of what I consider to be false religions.  It is however my intention here to discuss the differing views of sanctification within what is called Biblical Christianity (yes many use the name but have dramatically different definitions for the term).

So before we can dive into this topic I need to elaborate on several specific terms (mentioned already above).

(Caveat: I am well aware of many textbooks (written or electronic), systematic theologies, creeds, confessions, lectures, sermons, etc.  that begin their topics with definitions.  Many times their entire argument is a defense of their own definitions, which have been carefully crafted, whether they be self-derived straw men, either/or,  or other fallacies is another question entirely).  So with that in mind let me craft some straw-men, how well they burn is up to others.  I will list some recent publications at the end of this article.

Click link here to review the previous article on informal fallacies.     Informal Fallacies Article

First, in reference to the term Christian growth.  I am referring to what is known in broader evangelical Christian circles to what we call progressive sanctification.  I wish it were true, but not all Christians actually believe sanctification is progressive (chances are, you've got some of their books and aren't aware of what they actually say--a hidden danger).  We will address this issue in time.

Second, in reference to sanctification.  I am referring to the traditional three-part division.  It commonly is divided with the use of adjectives (you should be concerned if the speaker/author denies one of these three).  Consider the terms, you'be probably heard before: (1) initial (maybe even "definitive" sanctification perhaps chronological placed near justification), (2) progressive sanctification (actual daily Christian growth and maturing), and (3) final sanctification (related to issue of glorification).  These three terms can also be identified with actual Greek verb tenses.  Many verbs related to this topic occur in the past tense (both aorist and perfect tense).  In a similar way a vast selection of verbs appear in the present tense (now).  Lastly, verbs associated with this issue occur as future tense verbs (things that will happen).

Third, many polarizing terms appearing under this theological umbrella have multiple meanings (equivocation, see blog post on Informal Logic).  These different meanings have actually changed over time.  Someone can be accused of one definition of the term but not the other definitions of the term.  Let's consider one example here of a term which does not appear in scripture: antinomianism.  Does this mean only "against the law" or "no law" (easy bullet to dodge if definition is restricted only here)?  Does it mean that part of the Mosaic law doesn't apply today or all the mosaic law doesn't apply today?  Is there a sanctifying or even teaching purpose for the law?  Does it mean obedience to NT commands/imperatives is not necessary or required of believers?  Does it mean I should use the term grace in every other sentence so that I'm not accused of being a legalist (whatever this term means)?   Can it be both a theological and practical concept?  You decide.

Lastly, when I use the term Biblical, I am referring to the idea that all of our theology and practice must find its source within the scriptures.  Much disagreement happens with people who don't agree on acceptable proof texts, exegetical methodology, or systematic theology grids.  This is just my opinion but I would challenge you if you claim to believe sola scriptura (then do you actually believe it includes every area of life (theology, daily living, morality, ethics, music, culture)?  Or is it only the convenient to believe this when I can self-create adiophora boxes (think: "things indifferent").

Let's take one of these terms just as an example to show the varying degrees of difficult grappling with this topic.  Consider the term: believe.

It appears as both a substantive (think: noun or subject) and as a verb.
The verb can appear as a command and as past, present, and future verbs (including infinitives and participles).
The verb for believe has varying relationships to the word repentance (vast groups disagree here).
The verb has multiple chronological and theological positions in relation to the ordinance of baptism (both with water and spiritually).
The verb even has moods and motivations (this is a key area where ad hominems emerge--think name-calling).

And yes, all these examples for this one term are related to the concept of Christian growth.  How it starts, presently occurs, and finishes.  Even the continued concepts of prescriptive and descriptive verses comes into play in this conversation.  Consider some abuses (even informal fallacies) made from the above data:

1.  I could present sanctification as though it is completely past tense (making no reference to present or future verbs)?  This turns it into a indicative only form of sanctification (little room if any for obedience).

2.  I could present sanctification as though it is completely present tense (making no reference to past tense verbs)?  This creates a imperative only form of sanctification with what motive?

3.  I could take a verse here or there and create a mood or motivation that trumps even direct biblical statements in many other places (then call others names for disagreeing with my motivations).

4. I could accuse others of not being Christians for not seeing all the specifics of salvation just the way I do (insert terms like faith/repentance, faith/regeneration, faith/baptism, etc...).

5.  I could make up my own list of tasks and/or beliefs for sanctification then evaluate my progress based on my own list (even worse I could evaluate others sanctification based on my list).  Principles derived either through a descriptive and/or prescriptive means have dramatic implications in this area.

Please consider a sample listing of the following recently published books directly addressing this issue in relation to progressive sanctification.  Most of these were written directly or indirectly to address an error they perceive on this subject--some more helpful, others less (listed in alphabetical order).  I have deliberately selected broader conservative or new evangelical sources to show they are struggling with this issue as well as Biblical Fundamentalists.

Bridges, Jerry. The Pursuit of Holiness: Run in Such a Way as to Get the Prize 1 Corinthians 9:24. (NavPress, 2006).

DeYoung, Kevin. The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness. (Crossway, 2014).

Ferguson, Sinclair.  The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance--Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters.  (Crossway, 2016).

Jones, Mark. Antinomianism: Reformed Theology's Unwelcome Guest? (P&R Publishing, 2013).

Piper, John. Acting the Miracle: God's Work and Ours in the Mystery of Sanctification. (Crossway, 2013).

Ryle, J. C. Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots (Multiple Printings).

Tchividjian, Tullian. Jesus + Nothing = Everything. (Crossway, 2011).

Hope this helps some.  Hope you are growing (whatever this means).

There will be much more to come in this thread.

Thoughts and comments encouraged.

The Lord's Day or Sabbath: Prescriptive, Descriptive, or Just a Matter of Christian Liberty? Part One

The Lord's Day or Sabbath: Prescriptive, Descriptive, or Just a Matter of Christian Liberty?

I have gathered some thoughts here after reading many books on this topic.  Sadly, a growing many in Evangelical Christianity treat this day like any other day of the week.  Consider your church attendance, which service is the most attended?  Least attended?  Is there a dramatic drop off on Wednesday night (assuming there is still a prayer meeting/Bible study still held)?  Ever wondered why?  Perhaps your the victim or proponent of the latest post-modern fad: small groups.  We will address this topic in another article.  But for now just consider it in relation to the Lord's day.

Just by way of reminder, prescriptive texts are more command based in nature.  Descriptive texts showed what was going on in that point in history.  Christian Liberty and conscience is greatly affected by these two categories.

As we begin consider the view of our past.  Chapter 21, para. 7 of the Westminster Confession of Faith: Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day,

"As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in His Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, He hath particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto Him: which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, which, in Scripture, is called the Lord's Day, and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath."

Lets not forget, this one of the main driving forces causing the Pilgrims to flee all they knew and come to the new world.  Packed on the Mayflower sailing across the ocean, for one of many reasons: the liberty and license of practice displayed on the Lord's day (and that was nearly 400 years ago).  I'm sure they would role over in shame for what goes on in many evangelical churches in the name of worship on the Lord's day.

This is how good and godly men thought of this day.  How do we think of it today in 2016?  What do we offer up in the name of worship on this day?  I would simply like to overview the scriptural data on the subject, because quite frankly most people have not be taught concerning this subject.  On the other hand, many others know its content but are governed by another principle known simply as Christian Liberty (which is appropriate in Biblical proportion but unfortunately today is simply another category under the title of grace).

So with that aside, let's consider some basics of the Biblical data.  This is the first area of debate: the origin of the Sabbath.  And yes this has been disagreed upon throughout church history (the puritans and reformers didn't even agree on this one).

Is it based on the original creation?  "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:2-3).  Is this the foundational text needed to establish that sabbath existed before the giving of the Mosaic law (which could then be dismissed as only a civil or ceremonial law)?  To be fair with those who see no connection, there is no command in this verse to observe the sabbath.

Consider two different study Bible comments here, first the ESV Study Bible (Zondervan), "These words provide the basis for the obligation that God placed on the Israelites to rest from their normal labor on the Sabbath day."  Notice how the notes don't make any application directly from this text, not even a principle for humanity, but tie it to Israel and the Mosaic law.  On a similar note the KJV Study Bible (Zondervan), "The first record of obligatory sabbath observance is of Israel on her way from Egypt to Sinai (Ex 16, and according to Neh 9:13-14 the sabbath was not an official covenant obligation until the giving of the law at mount Sinai."

Notice the opposite from the notes from the Reformation Heritage Study Bible, "The principle of setting apart one day in seven for rest and devotion to God is a creation ordinance" and then again later "the establishment of the Sabbath at creation shows that its moral obligation was not limited to the law of Moses, but abides as long as creation."

Note the key difference: when does the obligation begin for humans.  Does it begin in the creation account (Gen 2) or in the giving of the law (Ex 20)?  I would suggest based on Ex 16:22-30, the principle for a day of rest has started before the giving of the Mosaic Law.

I would suggest this fundamental disagreement finds itself later played out in applications toward the Lord's day, especially worship services and liberty of conscience.  There are many texts and topics to discuss in relation to this issue.

We will pick up this topic next in relation to the giving of the Decalogue (the ten commandments).  Especially the fourth commandment, "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exo 20: 8).

Comments and discussion encouraged.

Book Recommendation: Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness By Kevin DeYoung

Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness By Kevin DeYoung 

This book was a rather refreshing read several years back.  It is a welcome reflection upon a great deal of false teaching in the area of progressive sanctification (that is assuming you believe your sanctification can progress) in growth.  Many do not.  Many chaff at the idea of imperatives, holiness, godliness, and piety.  It is much too easy for way to many people influenced by today's trendy authors to whip out the straw man, ad hominems (you know: legalism, judgmental, etc...).  

I recommend this book to any seek how to grow in holiness and sanctification.  Yes, there is more to sanctification than rehearsing some indicatives over and over and over.  Far too many churches today have the doctrinal ducks in a row but the way they live.  Well if you didn't know otherwise, you wouldn't know they were followers of Christ at all (and that's putting it charitably).

I am including a very meaty and detailed outline from the text.  Please fell free to comment on the issue of progressive sanctification.

1.      Chapter One: Mind the Gap

1.1. Holiness is the New Camping

1.2. Who Says?

1.2.1.      Is Our Obedience known to All?

1.2.2.      Is Our Heaven a Holy Place?

1.2.3.      Are We Great Commission Christians?

1.3.Why so Holey?

1.4. But he (may) have this against you

1.5. Chapter One Study Questions

1.5.1.      What come to mind when you hear the word “holiness”?  Are your thoughts primarily positive?  Negative?  Encouraging?  Discouraging?  Burdensome?  Freeing?

1.5.2.      Growing up, how did your church, family, and friends speak of holiness?

1.5.3.      Is the holiness of heaven of delightful thought for you?  Does it equal the delight you have in thinking about heaven as a place of love, peace, enjoyment, and happiness?  Why or why not?

1.5.4.      Why does there appear to be a “hole in our holiness” today?  Which of the reasons given by the author resonate with your own struggles with holiness?

1.5.5.      What have been the major themes of your Christian life?  Has holiness

2.      Chapter Two: The Reason for Redemption

2.1. A Necessary Good

2.2. A Necessary Explanation

2.3. Chapter Two Study Questions:

2.3.1.      What reasons come to mind when you think about why God saved you?

2.3.2.      What are some passages in Scriptures that have impacted your life of holiness?  Why do these hold significance?

2.3.3.      Do you find the pursuit of holiness intimidating?  Why or why not?

2.3.4.      Does it seem disagreeable to stress personal holiness?

3.      Chapter Three: Piety’s Pattern

3.1.Got and still growing

3.2. Cheap Imitations

3.2.1.      Holiness is not mere rule keeping

3.2.2.      Holiness is not generational imitation

3.2.3.      Holiness is not generic spirituality

3.2.4.      Holiness is not “finding your true self”

3.2.5.      Holiness is not the way of the world

3.3. The Real Deal

3.3.1.      Holiness looks like the renewal of God’s image in us

3.3.2.      Holiness looks like a life marked by virtue instead of vice

3.3.3.      Holiness looks like a clean conscience

3.3.4.      Holiness looks like obedience to God’s commands

3.3.5.      Holiness looks like Christlikeness

3.4.Chapter Three Review Questions

3.4.1.      What assurance and confidence does definitive sanctification give?

3.4.2.      Where has the church in previous generations gone wrong in its pursuit of holiness?  What errors do you see today?  Are some of them present in your own understanding of holiness?

3.4.3.      As you read through the list of virtues and vices in this chapter, what are some of the vices in your life that you need to get rid of?  What are some of the virtues you see and need to continue to encourage?

3.4.4.      Of what things in your life would you have trouble saying, “I can thank God for this?”

3.4.5.      Do you know the Ten Commandments?  Do they shape your living?  How?

4.      Chapter Four: The Impetus for the Imperatives

4.1.What’s Left for the Law?

4.2. The Grace of Law

4.3. The Law of Love and the Love of Law

4.4. The Medicine for our Motivation

4.5. Chapter Four Review Questions:

4.5.1.      Do you delight in the law of the Lord?  Do you see the law as an expression of God’s grace?  Why or why not?

4.5.2.      What motivations for holiness listed in this chapter are currently the “best medicine” for you?

4.5.3.      Which motivations for holiness have you seldom heard in sermons or within the church?  Why do you think that is?

4.5.4.      Think of a sin you are struggling with.  Which biblical motivations for holiness provided in this chapter are an encouragement to you to pursue holiness and to mortify this sin?

5.      Chapter Five: The Pleasure of God and the Possibility of Godliness

5.1. A Gospel-Centered Pancake

5.2. Imagine the Possibilities

5.3. A Perfect Storm

5.4. Filthy Rags or Fully Pleasing?

5.5. The Hazard of Moral Equivalence

5.6. Sons, not Illegitimate Children

5.7. Feeling Clean

5.8. Chapter Five Review Questions:

5.8.1.      Has your pursuit of personal holiness been short-circuited in certain ways?  How?

5.8.2.      When you are told that the Scriptures teach that righteousness is possible, that you truly can do good works, and you can please God, what is your reaction?  Does it surprise you?  Encourage you?

5.8.3.      Do you allow yourself not only to be convicted while reading the Scriptures, listening to sermons, and reading Christian books, but also to be encouraged at the progress and “success” within your Christian life?

6.      Chapter Six: Spirit-powered, Gospel-driven, faith-fueled effort

6.1. Holiness by Holy Spirit Power

6.2. Good Deeds based on Good News

6.3. Standing on the Promises

6.4. Effort is not a Four-letter word

6.5. Chapter Six Review Questions

7.      Chapter Seven: Be Who you are

7.1. Jesus Christ and Union Station

7.2. Union Confusion

7.3. From Being with Christ to Being Like Christ

7.4. Making the Reality Real

7.5. The Other Romans Road

8.      Chapter Eight: Saints and Sexual Immorality

8.1.Run, Baby, Run!

8.2. Members of Christ

8.3. Holiness in a Hookup World

8.4. Not even a hint

8.5. Fit for a King

8.6. A Pastoral Post-script

9.      Chapter Nine: Abide and Obey

9.1. Union and Communion

9.2. Keeping Commandments, Abiding in Love

9.3. Four Practices for Oneness with Christ

9.3.1.      We pursue communion with Christ through prayer.

9.3.2.      We pursue communion with Christ through the word of truth.

9.3.3.      We pursue communion with Christ through fellowship with other Christians.

9.3.4.      We pursue communion with Christ through partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

9.4. Extraordinary Holiness through Ordinary Means

10.  Chapter Ten: That All May See Your Progress

10.1.        Repentance as a way of Life

10.2.        What Kind of Grief?

10.3.        Growing into a Good-Looking Christian