On Meeting Joe Frazier: The Missing Element of Modern Theology
Ten Practical Reasons to Fight for Holiness Today
Cultivating holiness as a Christian is not an option. This article offers ten reasons for fighting for holiness.
Good Shepherds Always Point Their Flocks to the Great Shepherd
Shepherding God's people includes persuading them to pursue holiness. This article explains that sanctification can be seen in the church when believers are pointed in the right direction and their identity made clear.
The Believer's Consciousness of God's Holiness
The Christian's Great Interest
Personal Discipline and Holiness: Personal Discipline
Personal Discipline and Holiness: Means of Self-Discipline
Personal Discipline and Holiness
The ethical demand for holy living is inseparable from what is freely given in the gospel.
The serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world next to the power of God.
The First Epistle of Peter 1:13-21
The Sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit
Marks Of The Church: Church Discipline An Act of Love
The Call to Holiness in History and Practice
Be Ye Perfect Matthew 5:33-48
Why We Don't Need to Choose between Happiness and Holiness
This article interacts with the statement, "God calls us to holiness, not happiness," and finds it wanting. Scripture does not present the two in competition with one another. Rather, a gospel that promotes the one over the other is not good news, for holiness means recognizing Jesus as the source of life's greatest joy and pleasure.
The Sin That Hides behind Piety
God Is Holy School of Theology Series: Lecture 12
Preach Holiness, For We Are Not Frightened Enough
Does the call to holiness impact your life? This article explains a passage like Hebrews 12:14, “Pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord,” does not frighten us enough. It lists thirteen reasons why the Bible's emphasis on holiness does not often drive us to pursue holiness.
The Big Picture Our Rituals show our Beliefs, they must also Change the Way We Live
Precious Promises God’s Promises Promote Holiness in the Believer
Present Imperfect There is No Perfection in Holiness in this World, only a Target at which to aim
The Heart of Holiness
Holiness Is Not the Same as Forced Solemnity
This article explains that holiness is not a temperament, nor forced seriousness. One can be funny or dull, quiet or loud, and still be holy.
The Importance of Sanctification
Living in Christ
Christians have died, been raised, are seated in heaven, and will appear with Christ. This gospel narrative of being in Christ is crucial for Christian growth and holiness.
Four Ways to Apply Grace to Fight for Holiness
Christians are called to pursue holiness. How do we actually do it? This article says that by applying the grace of God in our life, we will grow in holiness, and it explains four ways to apply such grace.
Holy Living Marks of a Healthy Church 7
Three Lessons on Holiness from John Owen
Gospel holiness opposes legal holiness, it is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit, and it is an expression of God's grace. These are three lessons on holiness from John Owen.
Incarnation in the City
To understand the reason for the incarnation of Christ, one must understand the holiness of God. Both the holiness of God and the incarnation of Christ must shape how Christians live in the city. The article draws five implications of the incarnation for the Christian life.
Living as the New Covenant Temple
The church is the new covenant temple of God. This article explains the relationship between the heavenly temple where Jesus is as the High Priest and the earthly temple. It shows how the New Testament uses this imagery to morally exhort the church to holiness and to provide hope for sacrificial living.
Uncomfortable Holiness, and Why It’s Essential for Christian Community
Holiness is what distinguishes Christians from the world, and it strengthens Christian witness. But why is it that the church is uncomfortable to be known as holy? This article answers, explaining the importance of being counter-cultural.
The FOMO You Should Really Fear
Renewing the Battle: Drama, Television and Movies
Why Rebuke? To See Jesus
This article reflects on the purpose of admonitions: that we might share in the holiness of God.
Hope and Holiness
To John Calvin, Christian hope is rooted in the return of Christ. This article shows how this influenced Calvin’s view of holiness.
The Just Wrath of a Holy God
Because of his holiness, when God comes into contact with sin he must react with just wrath. 2 Samuel 6:1-7 demonstrates the truth of the wrath of God, shown in response to sin and by way of punishment.
God’s Mercy and God’s Wrath Meet at the Cross
The Essential: Holiness
What is holiness? Holiness can be defined in relation to God but also in relation to human beings. This article explains these two sides to holiness.
A Simple But Life-Changing Realization
It is a life-changing realization that you can be holier than you think. Fighting sin and striving for holiness are filled with new zeal when you realize God's promises for making you holy. The article explains this.
When Your Goodness Goes Splat
Why is it that our good works are never enough? The answer is God's standard of holiness. The article explains.
Philippians 4:8 – Whatever Is False, Whatever Is Dishonourable, Whatever Is Unjust...
Holiness is related to what you fill your heart and mind with. This article explains how pursuing the standard set in Philippians 4:8 impact growth in holiness.
It's Time to Take Your Medicine
Are you struggling from bad spiritual grammar? Do you often reverse the order of gospel logic, that the indicatives precede the imperatives? Your growth in holiness depends on understanding gospel logic. Let the article explain.
Holiness
On Holiness and Sanctification
Knowing God’s Holiness
The Holiness of God
Two Gifts You Give to Others in Your Sanctification
Sanctification is not just an individual matter. Your sanctification and pursuit of holiness is a gift to others. The article explains how.
Walking with God: Sanctification and the Gospel of Jesus
Understanding the biblical teaching on sanctification depends on how one understands the nature of the work of Christ. This article examines the relation between justification and sanctification and shows how different understandings flow to what the Christian life should be like. It argues that though justification and sanctification are distinct they must not be separated, as this is at the heart of understanding the call to holiness.
The Holiness of God: Awakening to His Character
What are the Communicable Attributes of God?
What are the communicable attributes of God? After defining communicable attributes, this article explains the holiness, love, goodness, justice and righteousness, and wisdom of God and how they relate to knowing God.
A Theology of Ezekiel: God's Name and Israel's History
The prophet Ezekiel had a great interest in history. The focus of this article is on Ezekiel's concern for the holiness of the name of the Lord.
The Attributes of the Church
Sanctification
You Can Change – Why Would You Like to Change?
Chapter 2 considers Christians' motivations for change, holiness and sanctification. The author first notes three non-evangelical motives for sanctification. Next he notes the evangelical reality of a new identity that Christians receive in Jesus Christ.
Overcoming Sin and Temptation – Life in the Midst of Battle: John Owen's Approach to Sin, Temptation, and The Christian Life
This chapter is an introduction to John Owen and his most important works on sanctification. Sanctification meant for Owen that Christians are called to learn the art of battle. To fight the battle of faith Owen wants his readers to understand the nature of sin, the complexity of the human heart, and the goodness and provision of God.
God's Holiness and Ours
Christ and Sanctification Octavius Winslow 1808-1878
John Wesley's Concept of Sin
John Wesley's doctrine of Christian perfection makes it necessary for him to make clear how he understands the doctrine of sin. He had a specific view of holiness. In this paper the author's intention is to clarify Wesley's concept of sin.
Acting the Miracle – Incentives for Acting the Miracle: Fear, Rewards, and Multiplicity of Biblical Motivations
This chapter wants to correct a too-narrow focus on motivations for sanctification. DeYoung believes that preachers and counsellors are too limited in the tools available to encourage biblical holiness. He feels that commands, gratitude, and duties are unhelpful on their own. Believers are motivated in different ways. He illustrates from Colossians 3 that there is a wide array of motivations for holiness.
The Law as God’s Gracious Guidance for the Promotion of Holiness
Kaiser reflects first on the function of the law as a guide for the promotion of holiness and Christian living, and then on the relationship between law and gospel. Romans 9:30-Romans 10:13 is used as illustrative material.
Sanctification
Sanctification is growth. This article explains by showing the relationship between sanctification and regeneration, and how regeneration leads to holiness.
With Reverence and Awe – The Church and the World
Chapter 1 is an exposition of Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 21, Q&A 54. The authors seek to understand from the Catechism what the relationship between the church and the world is in worship. Should the aim of the church be to make worship accessible to the world? Should worship be one occasion where the church displays her otherworldliness?
Hearts Aflame: Reformed Piety
The author attempts to show that Calvinism is not divorced from the piety that Scripture exhorts believers to have. The article does this by showing that the doctrines of Reformed theology do not hinder the pursuit of holiness.
Holiness Is Essential
Holiness and Happiness
A Tale of Two Pieties Reformational Holiness
No Mere Memory
What is a Holy Life?
What does it mean to live a holy life? True holiness is summed up in the command of Matthew 22:37-40.
Reverent Conduct
Our Reformed Heritage (3): Practical Holiness
A Doorkeeper in the House of My God
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be viewed in two ways: negative pressure that leads one to disobey God, and positive pressure that leads one to obey God. This article encourages positive peer pressure among Christian young people. Church youth should encourage each other to pursue holiness.
Holy Pilgrims
Holiness and Sanctification
Don't Go to Church!
This article discusses the true definition of the church, as well as the chief characteristics of the church: holiness and fellowship.
The Way of Holiness
The way of holiness starts with conversion, when the Holy Spirit applies the promises of God to the believer.
What God Has Joined Together
This article makes a distinction between spirituality and holiness. The modern emphasis on spirituality has undermined holiness. As a result, worldliness has been accepted in God's church.
Practising Holiness
The Importance of Holiness
Holiness is important for the Christian life because it is God's will that we should be holy. Holiness is the result of Christ and the Holy Sprit's work, is the fruit of true faith and love, is a form of witnessing for Christ, and provides comfort and prepares the believer for heaven.
Beauty
Looking at God is foundational to building a theology of beauty. God is beautiful in His glorious holiness; however, because of sin we fail to see His beauty. In Christ we are given restoration and are called to ourselves be holy. Understanding this is crucial to curbing the modern threats to seeing this beauty.
Ephesians 6:14 – The Breastplate of Righteousness
According to Ephesians 6:14, Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare. This article discusses what it means to put on the breastplate of righteousness. The author discusses the righteousness we have in Christ and the holiness we must display as Christians.
Sanctification - Its Basis
Working from 1 Corinthians 1:2, 5, this article shows that Jesus as the Passover Lamb has freed us from the slavery of sin. As a result, our holiness, or sanctification, before God rests in the work of Christ.
A Spotless Bride - The Holiness of the Church
Charles Simeon: On the True Christian
The Description of Church Discipline
Concerning the Holiness of the Church
Christians, Holiness, and Popular Entertainment
Looking Good
Toronto Blessing or Temples of the Holy Spirit?
Anytime Christianity
The power of His glory
"You want to know what your problem is? You don’t love Jesus enough. I know this not because I know you, but because I know me. I’ve got the same problem. My wife has the same problem, as do my kids. The sheep in my flock suffer from the same problem". This article looks at the relation of love for God and sanctification.
Progressive Sanctification
This article is on the doctrine of progressive sanctification, and also discusses holiness and perfectionism. At the core the article lies Lord's Day 44 of the Heidelberg Catechism.