The Doctrine of Sanctification

by Arthur W. Pink

Another quality eBook from Chapel Library.The Doctrine of Sanctification is one of Pink’s most insightful books, which is a high commendation indeed! In it he deals with the Biblical answers to the following questions poised in the Introduction, and more. “What is ‘sanctification’: is it a quality or position? Is sancti-fication a legal thing or an experimental?—that is to say, is it something the believer has in Christ or in himself? Is it absolute or relative?—by which we mean, does it admit of degree or no? Is it unchanging or pro-gressive? Are we sanctified at the time we are justified, or is sanctifica-tion a later blessing? How is this blessing obtained?—by something which is done for us, or by us, or both? How may one be assured he has been sanctified: what are the characteristics, the evidences, the fruits? How are we to distinguish between sanctification by the Father, sanctifi-cation by the Son, sanctification by the Spirit, sanctification by faith, sanctification by the Word?” May the reader be illumined by the Holy Spirit as he finds the answers herein!

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Christianity

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 1999

About the author

Arthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.

Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.

In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.

In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.

After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.

Reviews

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep dive into a Biblical view of sanctification. Pink is at his best here. He unpacks Scripture after scripture to give the reader a complete view of the doctrine of sanctification, particularly contrasting it with common errors of the day (namely, the "Higher Life" movement). He is laser-focused on Christ and crystal clear in his exposition and encouragement to the believers of the objective nature of sanctification in Him and by Him. I really enjoyed his unpacking of how sanctification is accomplished through the Trinity and Pink spends extensive ink writing about how each member of the Trinity has a role in the believers sanctification.

If there is any small critique I have, there are a few moments where Pink's individualism shine through in his writing, alluding that perhaps the believers don't need each other to grow, but just themselves, the Spirit and the Bible. So, I wish he would have spent more time unpacking how sanctification is encouraged through the communion of Christ's body, the church. Sadly, this view reflects how he finished his life, in isolation from the church, writing letters and articles for the church.

That aside, you won't find a much better thorough Biblical explanation of Sanctification anywhere else. I will be referencing this one for a long time anytime I am reflecting on sanctification or talking about it with other believers.


"The great mistake made by most of the Lord's people is in hoping to discover in themselves that which is to be found in Christ alone."

"There are no degrees and can be no 'progress' In this sanctification: an unconverted person is absolutely unholy, and a converted person dire God as the re is absolutely holy. God's standard of holiness is not what the is shoulders and Christian becomes by virtue of the Spirit's work in us herer the what Christ is as seated at his own right hand."

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arthur W. Pink was born in England in 1886. He found the Lord at the age of 22 and attended Moody Bible Institute in the United States for only 6 weeks. From there he pastored churches around the United States before moving to Australia, and then back to England. For many years he edited a Christian magazine and did much of his writing. Those writings were consolidated and became this book.

Pink was mostly unknown and unappreciated during his time. He promoted Puritan thought and reformed ideas that were not popular during his time.

This is not an easy read! The style and grammar require some effort to follow. However, it is well written and very good teaching for those ready to dig deep into sanctification! The chapters are loaded with scriptural references and germane Biblical verses. It answered many of my questions and then raised more questions to consider. It will have a place on my shelves for as long as I live!

[Cameron M · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does God work in growing believers? Can we expect to be holy in this life? Why do we still sin? What do we do about it? Can we do anything about it? This book helped me answer many of these questions by pointing to Scripture, addressing common errors and speaking with warmth to the Christian reader.

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an OK read and covers the subject matter well.

I found it hard to read in places and the structure felt a little constrained. However, I did get some good bits from it, the encouragement in latter chapters to rest on faith when we feel tried is an encouraging balm.

[Bob Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is direct in Sanctification. It's not an easy read.

[Keller Hackbusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is well written, biblically balanced and very thorough. Highly recommended.

[Terri]

This was a tough book! I decided to keep reading it in hopes that there would be little nuggets that I could take, and I wasn't disappointed. It is heavy reading, maybe that is because it was written in the early 1900's. They used a different vocabulary than we do and they also didn't write so that it flowed...We like flowing prose. I'm glad I read it. I should read it again in the hopes that I can get even more out of it...but I don't know that I will.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing writer. Pink's breakdown of the differences and relationship between justification (legal change) and sanctification (moral change) was as clear and concise as anything I have ever read. Pages are loaded with Scriptural references and his insight is remarkable. A true treasure.

[Steve Inchrist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good teaching. A little bit of a tough read though.

[Josh Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I taught through this book at one point. There are better books out there that are more explosive.

[Kathy]

Every believer should read this book!