Sanctification

352 Pages·2017·2.64 MB·English

by  Michael Allen (author)

PRAISE FOR SANCTIFICATION
Here is learned and extensive dogmatic exposition in the grand old European
academic style. Weaving together both biblical and systematic theological
perspectives, Professor Michael Allen leads us, his students, in a genuine
theological discussion rooted in wide reading and mature reflection.
Sanctification thus points us beyond a bare textbook-style accumulation of
information to the higher goal of a genuine knowledge of God and
transformation into the image of Christ. A very worthy addition to what already
promises to be an impressive series.
Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology,
Reformed Theological Seminary
Michael Allen believes that the gospel is large enough to cover not only the guilt
but the dominion of sin. This volume gives further evidence of the author’s
reliability as a faithful steward of the mysteries of God. Learn, mark and
inwardly digest this rich feast.
Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology
and Apologetics Westminster Seminary California
Allen delivers a work of classical Reformed theology. He irenically
differentiates the Reformed position on sanctification from some Lutheran
positions, through careful biblical exegesis and retrieval of Calvin, Augustine,
Berkouwer, and others. From a more traditionally Reformed perspective, Allen
here inherits the mantle of John Webster. As a Catholic, I am deeply grateful for
Michael Allen’s vision, with the ecumenical conjunctions that it reveals.
Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology,
Mundelein Seminary
Holiness is good news, Allen reminds us, for sanctification is all about God
sharing his own holiness with us in Christ. As he unpacks this gospel of holiness,
Allen presents a marvelous “minor dogmatics,” ranging through a variety of
doctrines, and grounding our holiness in the one and only place where it must
originate—the eternal being of God himself. Steeped within Reformed
catholicity, Allen’s biblical retrieval draws from a wide range of sources:
patristic, medieval, and modern. The result is an irenic and deeply thoughtful
book.
Hans Boersma, J. I. Packer Professor of Theology, Regent College
One of the great strengths of Michael Allen’s work is that he resists the
temptation of treating sanctification in isolation; instead, he calls attention to
how this vital doctrine draws upon and informs a multitude of other doctrines.
Consequently, Allen provides a rich and distinctive account of holiness that
certainly deserves our attention and thanks.
Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theological studies, Covenant College
In Sanctification, Michael Allen presents a lucid dogmatic portrait of the
glorious mystery of new life in Christ. Allen’s book offers a feast for readers to
feed upon this truth. Framed in conversation with the best of contemporary
scholarship, Allen brings together scriptural exegesis, patristic and Protestant
commentary, and wide-ranging theological exposition. Sanctification is a model
of biblical, Reformed catholicity, which both breaks new ground and retrieves
insights from the past. Highly recommended for students, scholars, and others
who hunger for a theological account of sanctification in Christ!
J. Todd Billings,, Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed
Theology, Western Theological Seminary

SERIES EDITORS
Michael Allen, John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic
Theology and Academic Dean, Reformed Theological Seminary,
Orlando, Florida, USA Scott R. Swain, President and James
Woodrow Hassell Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed
Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida, USA.
ADVISORY BOARD
John B. Webster,† Professor of Divinity, St Mary’s College,
University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK
Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology,
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, USA
Katherine Sonderegger, Professor of Theology, Virginia
Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Virginia, USA Henri
Blocher, Professor of Systematic Theology, Faculté Libre de
Théologie Évangélique, Vaux-sur-Seine, France
ZONDERVAN EDITORIAL ADVISOR
Katya Covrett, Executive Editor, Zondervan Academic

ZONDERVAN
Sanctification
Copyright © 2017 by Michael Allen
Requests for information should be addressed to: Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
ePub Edition © September 2017: ISBN 978-0-310-49147-7
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®).
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of
the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Cover Design: Micah Kandros
Interior design: Kait Lamphere and Denise Froehlich 17 18 19 20 21 DHV 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
In memoriam J. Knox Chamblin.
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CONTENTS
Series Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Sanctification and the Gospel
Thinking the Holy
Locating Holiness Theologically
Orienting Contexts: Trinity, Covenant, and the Double Grace in Christ
Concluding Comments on the Volume’s Method
2. God
The Divine Holiness—From Morals to Metaphysics and Back Again
Divine Holiness and Metaphysics: The Oneness and Otherness of God
Divine Holiness and Communication
Divine Holiness and Morals
3. Creation
Thinking the Human
Imaging God
4. Covenant
The Centrality of Fellowship
The Form of the Covenant
The Calling of the Human and the Course of Holiness
5. Incarnation
Covenant, Cleanliness, and the Sacred