The way of holiness: A study in Christian growth

By Kenneth Francis William Prior

Book Overview

Revised This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877843805
• ISBN13: 9780877843801
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Length: 172 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Good things in small packages

Brevity. That is the keynote of Prior's work on the subject of holiness. In short, concise chapters, he takes us through a brief but powerful synopsis of the Biblical theme of holiness as it relates to God and men, salvation, and the Christian life. We cover the differences between justification and sanctification, the errors of perfectionism and permissivism, and the proper balance between pietism and quietism. Although his book is sprinkled with occasional quotes of theologians from the past, and especially from John Owens, the primary emphasis is what the Scriptures have to say about holiness. The first five chapters deal with sanctification in general with a special focus upon positional sanctification. The central portion of the book deals with progressive holiness and, toward the end of this section, the focus narrows to the practical question of how the believer is to accomplish this work. The final chapter turns to a brief look at the goal of ultimate sanctification in the glorification of the believer. John Owens is perhaps the most quoted author in the book. This is delightful, for rather than being burdened with the full weight of Owens' laborious style of writing, we are treated to his short, pithy statements. I have already utilized this book as the basis for a home Bible study on the subject of holiness. Its simple style is perfect for both the new believer as well as the serious Bible student. Prior is a master of the contrast. He reminds us that "faith is our response to God's grace while our love is our response to his love" (P 78). He balances the principle of faith and God's sovereignty with the obligation of godly living and man's responsibility.