The Reading Warehouse

The holy has been defined existentially and sociologically, and churches too often allow their expectations regarding holiness to be prompted by existential aspirations or the social mores of the Christian community.

In Sanctification, A Video Study, theologian Michael Allen offers thoughtful, concise, and understandable lessons that explore the doctrine of sanctification.

Perhaps it is not surprising that many view holiness as accidental or expendable, even as a legalistic and conformist posture opposed to the freedom of the gospel. But sanctification is one of the gifts of the gospel of Jesus Christ, so we must think about the way in which he makes his redeemed holy as a grace.

In this video study, Michael Allen defines holiness in theological terms by connecting it to core Christian doctrines such as the character of God, the nature of creation, and the covenantal shape of life with God. He then considers the ways in which the gospel of Jesus not only prompts us to holy action but provides holiness as one of its blessings. Finally, he attends to the ways in which the gift of sanctification relates to various human instruments and means, so that we can appreciate its connection to human nature, creaturely responsibility, and the pedagogy of exemplars and of law.

Sanctification, A Video Study is part of the Zondervan Beyond the Basics Video Series, which is dedicated to bringing expert teaching from world's best biblical scholars and theologians directly to interested learners. Sanctification, A Video Study offers the chance to learn about one of the central tenants of the Christian faith from one of today's premier theologians.

Session Titles and Runtimes:

1 - Sanctification and the Gospel, Part 1 (9 min)

2 - Sanctification and the Gospel, Part 2 (10 min)

3 - God, Part 1 (11 min)

4 - God, Part 2 (11 min)

5 - Creation, Part 1 (10 min)

6 - Creation, Part 2 (12 min)

7 - Covenant, Part 1 (10 min)

8 - Covenant, Part 2 (10 min)

9 - Incarnation, Part 1 (9 min)

10 - Incarnation, Part 2 (11 min)

11 - In Christ, Part 1 (10 min)

12 - In Christ, Part 2 (9 min)

13 - Justification and Sanctification, Part 1 (10 min)

14 - Justification and Sanctification, Part 2 (11 min)

15 - Grace and Nature, Part 1 (11 min)

16 - Grace and Nature, Part 2 (11 min)

17 - Grace and Responsibility, Part 1 (11 min)

18 - Grace and Responsibility, Part 2 (11 min)

19 - Grace and Discipline, Part 1 (11 min)

20 - Grace and Discipline, Part 2 (10 min)

Michael Allen (PhD, Wheaton College) is the John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, FL.