The Christian’s Pursuit of God-Given Holiness by Michael Riccardi @Mriccardi23
I received this book as a gift from John MacArthur – OK it was one of the books given away at the 2015 Shepherds Conference.
This is a Biblically faithful view of sanctification. Before I continue reviewing the book, allow me to provide a definition of the term “sanctification” from the Desiring God Blog (found here)
progressively becoming like Jesus. Gradually becoming like Jesus, or becoming holy. Becoming conformed to the image of Christ. Little by little, over time — from conversion till Jesus comes back, or you die — you are in the process of sanctification, becoming sanctified, becoming holy. @DavidCMathis
The book, “Sanctification”
- often stands solidly on the shoulders of dead (and sometimes living) saints,
- is written as a contemporary response to a confused Christian environment that muddies Sanctification – actually much of the impetus comes from this blog series between Kevin DeYoung and Tullian Tchividjian,
- and seeks to clarify the divine and human roles in sanctification
The Layout
This is a 5 chapter book which follows up with a fictitious Questions and Answers section, that is helpful within our cultural context. The chapter layout of the book is as follows:
- Introduction
- The Christian’s Pursuit of God-Given Holiness
- The Means of Sanctification
- Beholding Glory: The Dynamics of Sanctification
- Conclusion
- Questions and Answers
A Joyful Approach
This book isn’t a light read in comparison with Osteen’s opus “Every Day A Friday.” However, it purpose doesn’t seem to be designed academic read it . “Sanctification” is refreshingly accessible without losing the truth and richness of Scriptures revelation regarding sanctification.
It is however short and within those few pages are some treasures to your sanctifying walk. A summation for the books thrust comes for me in page 52 during a response to a question on joy where the author responds, “whereas joy is the fuel of sanctification, faith is the instrument of sanctification. And we need both if we are going to make adequate progress“.
This book launches off of Philippians 1:12-13 and 2 Corinthians 3:18 and so too should our understanding of our own Christian sanctifying walk.
If you’re a believer and you’re interested in understanding more about both the process of sanctification and your role in your own sanctification – this book is a mercifully short but helpful work on the topic.
Let me know if you read this book, and what you though along with any questions it may have raised for you. Sanctification can be found, here; https://www.gracebooks.com/isbn/sanctification
Grace and peace,
Pastor John Weathersby
