A Christian's Pocket Guide to Growing in Holiness

Written by Dr. John V. Fesko | Nov 21, 2012 6:00:00 AM

No true Christian wants to keep on sinning. Yet the battle seems unwinnable. For every slain opponent two more emerge from the shadows. And to make matters worse, an endless stream of pundits are on hand with conflicting combat tactics: 'Try harder. Do more.' 'It's a matter of mind over matter.' 'Imitate Christ. Ask, What would Jesus Do?' 'Take a break. Even if you yield to every known sin, you're still a winner because Christ has forgiven everything.' In the Bible we find a more coherent and realistic approach to growing in holiness. Victory over sin does not come to the spiritual sluggard. Effort is essential. Even so, self-transformation is not possible. 'Sanctification is by faith alone in Christ alone.' The gospel is not just for day one of the Christian life; it's for the whole journey. How do we grow in holiness? We grow through the word of God and prayer and sacraments. This book will help us find the benefits of growing in Christ for which there is no substitute.

Waters' offers a concise yet extremely helpful treatment of what Scriptural justification is, its practical value in the Christian life and how the doctrine is being challenged in our present day. I won't hestitate to give this little book to the university students under my pastoral care.

Aaron Messner, College Chaplain

Guy Waters is one of those rare treasures: a serious and able academician whose feet are grounded in the church. This primer on justification is a clear and sure-footed guide that is conversant with the latest scholarly issues. By reading this book, you will be grounded in this most important of doctrines and your faith will be enriched. If you are not absolutely certain about the biblical way of justification with God, then reading the Bible with this book in hand is your most urgent need.

Richard D. Phillips, Senior Minister

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