[We are] not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Book Recommendations on the Subject of Sanctification

by Matthew

Somebody once criticised this blog for having nothing to say about Christian living. Well, I am not great at writing about Christian living, so I am going to recommend some books on the subject.

Victory in Christ by Charles Trumbull

A good short book. It shows that essentially, sanctification is by faith. Trumbull's classic Keswick approach can be summarised as 'let go and let God.' Admittedly, this is a little simplistic, but it is essentially the starting point.

He That is Spiritual by L.S. Chafer

This should be essential reading. It is a very in-depth study of all aspects of the Christian experience. There is so much rich teaching in here.

The only problem is Chafer's quirky denial of growth and maturity in the Christian life. He taught that one could acheive instant maturity, which is rather unbalanced.

The Complete Green Letters by Miles Stanford

Stanford corrects Chafer's fault by showing the progress of growth in the Christian life. Focused on the cross, which is God's answer to the flesh.

Balancing the Christian Life by Charles Ryrie

The strengh of this book is in the wide variety of topics that Ryrie discusses. Perhaps the problem with the previous books on this list is the tendency to ignore practical issues.

Ryrie is keen to address what he sees as a lack of balance in the classic Keswick approach to sanctification. Perhaps, Miles Stanford may be right in arguing that Ryrie goes to far in the opposite direction in overemphasising dedication in the Christian life.

This book addresses the vital issue of Lordship Salvation, which the author rejects.

Grace in Eclipse by Zane Hodges

Antonio might be disappointed if I do not mention any books by Zane Hodges.

One failing of so much writing on Christian living is the failure to show rewards as an incentive for holiness. This book is so inspiring in showing the importance of seeking rewards.

Short Papers by C.H. Mackintosh

This list would not be complete without some Brethren writings. Mackintosh provided a wealth of instruction in the Christian life.

4 Comments:

  • Just excellent choices bro. Matthew!! I've read most of Stanford's "Green Letters" & Ryrie's "Balancing". Also read some Chafer & Mackintosh. Heard good things about Trumbull. Of course, bro. Zane is up there too!

    By Blogger David Wyatt, at Thursday, July 19, 2007 6:23:00 PM  

  • One of the best books I've ever read on living the Christian life is "Six Secrets of the Christian Life-- (The Miracle of Walking with God)" by Zane Hodges. This is not a read once and "got it" book. It's chewing book. You have to think and meditate on the truths presented from Scripture. I'm a changed person as I do that. It's a WONDERFUL book. I highly recommend it.

    By Blogger Diane, at Thursday, July 19, 2007 6:54:00 PM  

  • Thanks Matthew, I really enjoyed the Green Letters.

    By Blogger Jim, at Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:04:00 PM  

  • Jim and David, thanks.

    Diane, not read that book, but I would like to. Zane Hodges' books are very hard to obtain in the UK. I am very fortunate to have read five of them.

    By Blogger Matthew Celestine, at Saturday, July 21, 2007 1:57:00 AM  

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