Book review: Devoted to God.
Sanctification: this is the work of the Spirit of God in the life of each and every Christian on this planet which God created. In the words of the 8th chapter of Romans 12: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (vs. 2) There is, as we are told, a dual activity: to not think and act in the ways of the world; but to think and act in the ways of God. It is a glorious truth. And best can be summed up in these most precious words to be conformed to the image of His Son. That is, of course, as you must recognise from Romans 8:29. We are to be heavenly minded rather than earthly minded (Col. 3:1-2).
The book I have chosen to review is one that I hold dear to my heart; for it gives a most welcoming treatment on this grand subject of the Faith. Now 'devoted to God' by Sinclair. B. Ferguson is a tremendous blessing for all whom takes the time to read it. It is known by another title or even subtitle which is 'blue prints for sanctification.' Opening up we see that there are ten main chapters each gives us a thorough treatment by means of exposition; and 5 appendices. All in all, we come to see that is a treasure for all who have it and all who want to know about this most important doctrine. Now to give a flavour what is to be expected we have the following chapters: (1) The ground plan. (2) All of me. (3) Prepositions of Grace. (4) A different kind of death. (5) Conflict zone. (6) The New rhythm. (7) In for the kill. (8) The law goes deep. (9) keep going. (10) The ultimate goal.
In each of these chapters, we have a text of scripture being expounded. And there is a very distinct puritan undertone to each one. My intention is to do two things in the remain of this post. Look at few of the chapters, in the first place. This will be noted along with citations. Then look at a few of the appendices as well.
A trio of chapters.
The first chapter I will make mention of is: The ground plan. The point in this sermon and chapter is to lay down the ground work, if you will, to provide a needed foundation for Christian living. How should one live this new life? What is to be expected? Let us take note of one statement from this chapter: "Sanctification, then, is God setting us apart for Himself .Thus as Saints we have already been sanctified by Him. Then gradually transforms us so that we begin to reflect His attribute and attractiveness. Jesus' life begins to be mirrored in our lives and personalities." (Pg. 13-14) This whole first chapter is an important one because it gives us a much needed introduction into this most blessed truth concerning our Christian lives. Now here some core foundations regarding sanctification he lays out between pages 14-31 which will be helpful: (1) The purpose of God the trinity. (2) The commandment of God to be holy. (3) exiles with the Saviour. (4) the ministry of the Holy Spirit. (5) The function of trials. (6) The glory to come.
The second chapter I will make mention of is: conflict zone. The objective set out in this sermon and chapter is to give us an in-depth understanding of the spiritual conflict which every Christian is embarking on. Let us note an important point: "Living the Christian life is not a sport. But if we are going to do it well there needs to be both negativity and positivity at a very profound level. After all, our entire Christian experience is built on the ultimate negativity-- the crucifixion, and the ultimate positivity-- the resurrection." (Pg. 95) In digging into this two way battle of the flesh and the Spirit; we are given five important lessons: (1) recognise the enmity between the flesh and the Spirit. (2) remember the new status you have been given.in Christ (3) realize the calling you have been given. (4) respond sensitively to the Spirit. (5) reap what you sow.
The third chapter I will make mention of is: The ultimate goal. I believe the title of this sermon and chapter does appro job of tell us what it is seeking to accomplish. to put it in a form of a question: where is it that we are heading? Let us note a few statements from this chapter: "From beginning to end being a Christian and being holy are virtually synonymous. we are, after all, 'called to be saints'. the gospel calls us to a new and transformed life in Christ." (Pg. 213) So Christians are called to distinct from the world around them. Think of it this way: if we are to be salt and light, how then can we be this if we are just like everyone else? It does not happen. we are told this about sanctification and Christlikeness: "God means to do this by taking us fully into his possession and then by a progressive process of sanctification in which we become de-conformed to the age and also transformed with a view of being finally conformed to the image of Jesus Christ-- God's son in our flesh." (Pg. 215). It is a great blessing.
A consideration of the appendices
In this work on the subject of Sanctification; we are given five appendices on various theological topics. It is not my intention to go into detail on these matter but briefly mention each one. First, we have an over-view of the Trinity from the New Testament. This has four categories in which passages are sorted into different thoughts. Second, we have a sermon on Romans 6 on a Christian relationship to sin being no more. Third, we have a brief article on the conversion of Paul from Romans 7:7. Fourth, we given the place of the sabbath in relation to sanctification. Fifthly, we have the 10 passages which form the basis of the 10 sermons which form the main chapters of this work we have been considering together.
I would strongly recommend this book for a thorough examination of this most important subject.
