Zondervan’s “New Studies in Dogmatics” series has been a treat for the church and the academy. Michael Allen has contributed to this series with his volume on Sanctification. Allen is also a General Editor.
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Sanctification
Allen does a phenomenal job in this book of tackling the tough topic of sanctification, keeping in step with his Reformed heritage. This book is unlike any other that I’ve personally read on the topic of sanctification. It doesn’t have the same flavor as a Jerry Bridges book or even a chapter from a systematic theology book. It’s quite unique. Instead, Allen provides a very unique treatment on the topic, one that is connected to Christian doctrines like the character of God, covenant, and the nature of creation. Perhaps this shouldn’t be as unique as it is. After all, shouldn’t the doctrine of sanctification be talked about in the same breath as the character of God and covenant?
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This book comes in at 10 chapters and just under 300 pages. Within its pages, Allen looks backward to the past, examining insights from those who have gone before us, but he is largely dealing with the Word of God and its teaching on this topic. Allen covers such excellent topics in this book! He begins by discussing the relationship between the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sanctification. Allen says this:
“The Gospel is the glorious news that the God who is Himself holy freely shares that holiness in covenant with us and, when we refuse that holiness in sin, graciously gives us holiness yet again in Christ. While justification is the ground of this participation in Christ, sanctifying fellowship is the goal of the gospel.”
Michael Allen
Ever heard sanctification described like that?
Allen then moves in to a chapter on God and His holiness. Chapter four on covenant is one my favorite chapters in this book, as Allen shows us the connection between the covenant of works, the covenant of grace, and the topic of sanctification. This is a gigantic topic that is often left out when discussing sanctification. Allen also provides a chapter on the incarnation (excellent!), the relationship between justification and sanctification, and grace. Allen shows us how sanctification is truly a gift of the gospel, helping to guide the way and keep us away from both legalism and antinomianism.
This is an excellent book on sanctification, and one that ought to be read by every pastor, Bible teacher, and serious student of the Bible. This book is more advanced than your average book on this topic, but it is such a great resource, and I highly recommend it!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Zondervan Academic for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Other Book Reviews in the “New Studies in Dogmatics” Series:
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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