I have been going back and forth with a good friend recently, regarding sanctification. He wasn’t so sure that it was progressive, citing certain scriptures and his own personal experience. In my attempt to come to the defense of progressive sanctification, I ordered a few books on the topic. Five Views on Sanctification (FVS) edited by Stanley Gundry was a valuable addition to my research. I will be honest; I didn’t finish the book. However, it was tremendous in clearing up the key issues for the doctrine.
FVS has five authors each espousing his own view. The five views are Wesleyan, Reformed, Pentecostal, Keswick, and Augustinian-Dispensational. Practically, after reading the first three views, I got tired of reading a lot of the same stuff. This is especially true for me, because all of the authors agreed on sanctification being progressive. However, it is incredibly helpful to read through each view seeing the key terms and issues for the entire doctrine—like old self, new self, sin, perfection, etc.
FVS gets a 3/5 for me.
If you are looking to understand the doctrine of sanctification, this is a great place to start! While I was able to defend the progressive nature of sanctification, its static aspect was highlighted as well. I would argue remembering that our ultimate sanctification is already totally secured by the work of Jesus Christ is the most essential point to remember. Christian, because of Jesus, you are already innocent by the blood of Jesus! Remember that!
In fact, here is a quote from page 72: “John Murray, in fact, observes: “It is a fact too frequently overlooked that in the New Testament the most characteristic terms that refer to sanctification are used, not of a process, but of a once-for-all definitive act.”