Growing in Holiness by R. C. Sproul

Growing in Holiness by R. C. Sproul ISBN-13: 9780801075926 Paperback: 192 pages Publisher: Baker Books Released: January 21st 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The Christian life is a process of growing in holiness, our natural response to the good news of our redemption in Christ. This kind of growth is gradual, and obstacles are plentiful. What is the nature of our own personal involvement in the process? And how do we know if we are making progress? Drawn from the lectures of beloved theologian R. C. Sproul, Growing in Holiness explores the doctrine of sanctification, offering insightful commentary on themes such as developing perseverance, overcoming barriers to growth, cultivating love for others, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, and much more.


My Review:
Growing in Holiness talked about sanctification and justification. He started off with some basics, like how growing in holiness takes a lifetime. He suggested setting goals with deadlines; basically, a 'to do' list like: master the Scriptures, be more active in prayer, attend church regularly, etc., and that simply doing these "means of grace" will sanctify you and produce fruit. He talked about some struggles and obstacles that stand in the way of sanctification and how we should reflect God's character and imitate Christ. He made it clear that Christ's righteousness is what justifies us and saves us, and it's by faith in what Christ did that we are saved. He talked about how people can think they are saved when they are not and how to tell if you're saved. He talked about how God's love for us allows us to love others, the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13), and using the Fruit of the Spirit to measure our spiritual growth.

Throughout the book, he made the process of growing in holiness sound like a duty you do in gratitude and in your own strength. On only one occasion did he mention doing good works out of love for God. He also didn't discuss deepening your relationship with God, just obediently doing activities that will sanctify you along with following His commands.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.