I highly recommend David Powlison’s How Does Sanctification Work?
How does sanctification work? is one of the more profound books I have read in recent years. In a short amount of space, Powlison provides a nuanced view of how Christians are conformed to the image of Christ.
Tim Challies summarizes what is excellent about this book. Those who are interested should read his review.
I won’t take time to consolidate my thoughts into a proper review. But here are selected quotes:
“I am convinced that our understanding of the process of the Christian life is greatly enriched by considering multiple mundane examples, both in Scripture and in our lives.” (20)
“If only there were some one thing to make Christian growth Certain! But there is no single key!” (23)
“You need stories.” (29)
“When practical and pastoral implications are deduced from a sweeping theological generalization and then buttressed by selected texts and a single-stranded personal testimony, important things are overlooked.” (30)
Seven “more obvious meanings” of the Cross: (1) We see the mercy and justice of God. (2) The Cross accomplishes salvation via atonement. (3) Christ defeated the powers of darkness. (4) Jesus sympathetically enters into suffering. (5) There is encouragement in the friendship of Christ. (6) Via communion, the Cross creates a fellowship of common life together. (7) We gain vision from how Jesus died and what he said. (35-37)
“Variants on these five factors [1. God changes you 2. Truth changes you. 3. Wise people change you. 4. Suffering & struggle change you. 5. You change] intertwine within every story of our discipleship.” (63)
“He is working out the ‘attitudinal forgiveness . . . that is the precondition for constructively approaching another person to work toward ‘transacted’ forgiveness.” (91)
“The reorientation of a human being never comes via pat answers or quick fixes.” (94)
“Change is a lifelong process in which we witness thematic continuities.” (100)
“The Christian Life typically lurches forward rather than marching uniformly in a straight line.” (102)
“Perhaps the most dramatic evidence of headway in sanctification is that you no longer think so much about yourself.” (112)
Thanks for sharing this post. I am finishing my preparations to preach a third sermon on 2 John and the quotes you shared have me thinking as I work on some application aspects of the message. This quote is especially worthy of more thought: “Perhaps the most dramatic evidence of headway in sanctification is that you no longer think so much about yourself.”
See Reformed500.ca. There is an article on the PCA which is Powlinson’s denomination that refuses to deal with sin.
Great to hear from you Wayne. I pray that the sermon on 2 John goes well.
Thats for sharing this lovely post.