Practical Godliness
A reader wrote to Iain Murray: “I have a request. I am seeking Puritan or Reformed authors and books that deal with the pursuit of holiness, practical godliness and a deeper walk with Christ. I want more experimental power over sins, attitudes and the core inner failures that plague me. Any authors that you may recommend would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
Iain Murray replied:
You are asking me a great question – the question we all need to be pursuing daily, and, however much we attend to it, we will still be so very far short – ‘groaning within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our bodies’ (Rom. 8:23).
One thing I have learned is that the very trials, disappointments, etc. that we face in our lack of personal growth in grace are, in a hidden way, all part of God’s teaching us. On holiness, there are two main and continuing needs:
1. To grasp the objective truth as it relates to sanctification, especially in such chapters as Romans 6. Do you have John Murray’s Principles of Conduct? The chapter on the ‘Dynamic’ is very important. Lloyd-Jones expounds it in his Romans 61 – wonderful material though in places, I think, going a little beyond what is warranted. Murray’s commentary on Romans is invaluable for careful accuracy. I would put Owen on the Holy Spirit (Works, volumes 3 and 4)2, 3 in the same category. Faith has to rest on these objective truths: by faith we live, not by feelings. Walter Marshall’s Gospel Mystery of Sanctification is strong in that regard.
2. The transmitting of the objective truths into our daily experience – our duties, self-denial, prayer, care for others, etc. Here so many of the Puritans are strong, as seen in Thomas Brooks’ Works, vol. 4, for instance.4 He and others press the conscience but also give the necessary encouragement.
The inculcation of holiness is sometimes presented on an insufficiently evangelical basis, and when that happens we can simply become more burdened. Mind you, there is a type of burden (Romans 7) which is a sign of health, not defeat. Two more suggestions would be A. A. Hodge in his Evangelical Theology,5 where there is valuable material on ‘Sanctification and Good Works’, and I am assuming you know J. C. Ryle’s classic, Holiness.6
What a comfort for us to know that the Holy Spirit is the personal teacher of every believer and that Christ indwells us and will not leave his work unfinished!
I hope these few thoughts may be of some help.
Notes
Romans 6
Volume 5: The New Man
price Original price was: $29.00.$26.10Current price is: $26.10.Description
The longest series of expositions preached in Westminster Chapel during Dr Lloyd-Jones’ 30-year ministry there was on this the greatest of the New Testament Epistles. 238–528pp.
The Works of John Owen
Volume 3: The Holy Spirit
price Original price was: $28.00.$25.20Current price is: $25.20.Description
Volume Description ‘Our understanding of the Holy Spirit is sadly beset with aberrations, exaggerations and over-reactions. Many Reformed believers, rightly troubled by various excesses and abuses, may be in danger of knowing all that the Holy Spirit is not, and all the things which he does not do. Let John Owen correct and instruct you! […]
The Works of John Owen
Volume 4: The Work of the Holy Spirit
price Original price was: $28.00.$25.20Current price is: $25.20.Description
Book Description Despite his other achievements, Owen is best famed for his writings. These cover the range of doctrinal, ecclesiastical and practical subjects. They are characterized by profundity, thoroughness and, consequently, authority. Andrew Thomson said that Owen ‘makes you feel when he has reached the end of his subject, that he has also exhausted it.’ […]
The Works of Thomas Brooks
Volume 4
price Original price was: $30.00.$27.00Current price is: $27.00.Description
Book Description Brooks’ popularity lies both in his subjects – practical truths, central to the Christian life – and in the manner of his presentation. He is ever direct, urgent, fervent, full of Scripture and able to choose words which make his sentences as memorable as melodies. Table of Contents Expand ↓ CROWN AND GLORY […]
Evangelical Theology
Lectures on Doctrine
price Original price was: $29.00.$26.10Current price is: $26.10.Description
Within this volume readers will find ‘the learning of a scholar and the enthusiasm of a loving Christian’. Hodge gave his students ‘theology, exposition, demonstration, orthodoxy, learning, but giving all this to them warm.’ 456pp.
- Published by the Trust since this article was posted:
Holiness
Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots
price From: $15.00Description
Endorsements ‘A book I think every Christian should read. It is so readable, so accessible, a very simple style of presentation, but absolutely forceful, and discerning. Every time I read it the Lord uses it to press upon me the importance and the possibility of holiness. It’s one of those books that makes you feel […]
This correspondence appeared in The Banner of Truth magazine, January 2007. Since that time, the author’s own Evangelical Holiness has been published by the Trust:
Evangelical Holiness
and Other Addresses
price From: $7.00Description
Iain Murray has sought in his book ‘Evangelical Holiness’ to continue the practice of awakening a younger generation to big spiritual issues.
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