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Sanctification: The Christian's Pursuit of God-Given Holiness
Christians cannot afford to be confused about the doctrine of sanctification. That is because it is where we all live. All believers in Christ live in between the time of our past justification and our future glorification-in the present pursuit of Christlikeness. If we are concerned to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel (Phil 1:27), if we desire to please the Lord in all respects (Col 1:10), if it is our ambition to put the sanctifying power of Christ on display to the world, then we need to be clear on how we go about growing in holiness. In this concise yet compelling book, Michael Riccardi helps believers navigate the question of how the Christian is to pursue God-given holiness. Focusing on key implications from the text of Scripture, Riccardi shows how all of our efforts in sanctification must be shaped and driven by the glory of Jesus.
"With an unwavering devotion to the text of Scripture, as well as drawing from the rich theological heritage of the brightest lights in church history, Riccardi captures the biblical dynamic of sanctification....This book is so needed. I eagerly commend it to you and to every Christian reader." - John MacArthur
"With an unwavering devotion to the text of Scripture, as well as drawing from the rich theological heritage of the brightest lights in church history, Riccardi captures the biblical dynamic of sanctification....This book is so needed. I eagerly commend it to you and to every Christian reader." - John MacArthur
78 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 26, 2023
Incredibly concise! How he manages to encapsulate the heart of the thing into so few words is astounding, and astoundingly helpful. I particularly appreciated the Q&A in chapter 6 - great clarifications and things to further discuss. Was a great book for a book discussion with friends.
March 9, 2016
This is a short book on sanctification by Michael Riccardi, the pastor of local outreach at Grace Community Church where John MacArthur is the Senior Pastor. It is true that you shouldn’t just a book by its cover—nor by its size. While it is only 78 pages long, the content of the book is packed with biblical truths that would sanctify readers. Riccardi’s chief purpose in the book is to argue that beholding the glory of Christ is foundational and the motivation that fuel Christian sanctification. His thesis is well argued and for the last two weeks since reading the book it has left me renewed and in awe of Christ’s glory and it’s connection with our sanctification.
It seems every page of the book was well use of space; even in the first page of John MacArthur’s preface, I was fed spiritually with the verses that MacArthur shared on the beholding the glory of God and Christ which would transform us. In the introduction Riccardi briefly summarized the sanctification debate between Kevin DeYoung and Tullian Tchividjian, both who were a part of the Gospel Coalition back in 2011. Riccardi’s book. In the second chapter Riccardi establishes three truths concerning sanctification: That sanctification is fundamentally internal and supernatural, that it is the sovereign work of the Spirit and that the Spirit employs means in believers’ sanctification. Riccardi definitely reject the method of “Quietism,’ or the “let-go-and-let-God” approach towards holiness since there is a call for believers’ to respond with their volition and emotions (by the way a very nuance discussion of the role of emotions in sanctification is discussed quite beautifully in the questions and answers portion at the end of the book). Chapter three discusses the means of sanctification which Riccardi states as Scripture, prayer, fellowship, providence and obedience. I think the strength of the book is chapter four in which Riccardi argues that the means of sanctification aren’t just disconnected assorted ad-hoc tools, but rather all of them are means towards the end of beholding the glory of Christ. Riccardi’s chief text is 2 Corinthians 3:18. I loved how he connected the beholding of Christ’s glory with the prescribed means of sanctification.
I think many people would benefit reading this book. I was recently in an event where the speaker showed the book to an audience of pastors and the speaker said this was the best book on sanctification that he has read in a long time. The speaker made it clear he didn’t necessarily like MacArthur (he thinks MacArthur can be mean) but nevertheless the speaker liked the book and has benefited from it. I imagine others that are outside the MacArthur camp would appreciate and benefit from this book as well. After reading this book I look forward to future works by this author. If I remembered correctly he’s currently working on his thesis for his masters of theology related to the topic of the face of God and if this book was a sample of things to come, I’m anticipating reading more from him.
It seems every page of the book was well use of space; even in the first page of John MacArthur’s preface, I was fed spiritually with the verses that MacArthur shared on the beholding the glory of God and Christ which would transform us. In the introduction Riccardi briefly summarized the sanctification debate between Kevin DeYoung and Tullian Tchividjian, both who were a part of the Gospel Coalition back in 2011. Riccardi’s book. In the second chapter Riccardi establishes three truths concerning sanctification: That sanctification is fundamentally internal and supernatural, that it is the sovereign work of the Spirit and that the Spirit employs means in believers’ sanctification. Riccardi definitely reject the method of “Quietism,’ or the “let-go-and-let-God” approach towards holiness since there is a call for believers’ to respond with their volition and emotions (by the way a very nuance discussion of the role of emotions in sanctification is discussed quite beautifully in the questions and answers portion at the end of the book). Chapter three discusses the means of sanctification which Riccardi states as Scripture, prayer, fellowship, providence and obedience. I think the strength of the book is chapter four in which Riccardi argues that the means of sanctification aren’t just disconnected assorted ad-hoc tools, but rather all of them are means towards the end of beholding the glory of Christ. Riccardi’s chief text is 2 Corinthians 3:18. I loved how he connected the beholding of Christ’s glory with the prescribed means of sanctification.
I think many people would benefit reading this book. I was recently in an event where the speaker showed the book to an audience of pastors and the speaker said this was the best book on sanctification that he has read in a long time. The speaker made it clear he didn’t necessarily like MacArthur (he thinks MacArthur can be mean) but nevertheless the speaker liked the book and has benefited from it. I imagine others that are outside the MacArthur camp would appreciate and benefit from this book as well. After reading this book I look forward to future works by this author. If I remembered correctly he’s currently working on his thesis for his masters of theology related to the topic of the face of God and if this book was a sample of things to come, I’m anticipating reading more from him.
December 10, 2022
Riccardi provides an extremely helpful, clear, and stirring work on sanctification. Though the book is quite short, it is immensely rich. Riccardi presents a basic walk through of defining sanctification, the reason for sanctification, the means of sanctification, and the ‘how’ of sanctification.
Riccardi does not waste time or words with trivial examples, stories, wordy paragraphs, or unhelpful rabbit-trails; but rather provides concise and clear teachings from Scripture, and a few vivid quotations from those who have come before him, on the subject.
The meat and benefit of this book is primarily in chapter 4 (the last chapter of substance and argumentation—ch. 5 a brief conclusion, and ch. 6 a series of Q&As that are helpful for further consideration). In this chapter, Riccardi provides the reader with the thrust of his argument. Sanctification is derived from one’s beholding the beauty and glory of Christ through the five primary means of sanctification (Scripture, Prayer, Fellowship, Providence, and Obedience).
This book is a quick read. Most should be able to finish it between 20-45minutes, and they will be all the more enriched and edified for stewarding their allotted time to read this wonderful work by Riccardi.
Furthermore, from a ministry and discipleship standpoint, I would require this to be read for any I’m entrusted to minister to and disciple. Likewise, this book’s contribution to the topic will forever be a monumental foundation for my own understanding and growing in sanctification personally, as well as a teaching I will pass on to those the Lord places in my path to disciple.
A true ‘must read.’
Riccardi does not waste time or words with trivial examples, stories, wordy paragraphs, or unhelpful rabbit-trails; but rather provides concise and clear teachings from Scripture, and a few vivid quotations from those who have come before him, on the subject.
The meat and benefit of this book is primarily in chapter 4 (the last chapter of substance and argumentation—ch. 5 a brief conclusion, and ch. 6 a series of Q&As that are helpful for further consideration). In this chapter, Riccardi provides the reader with the thrust of his argument. Sanctification is derived from one’s beholding the beauty and glory of Christ through the five primary means of sanctification (Scripture, Prayer, Fellowship, Providence, and Obedience).
This book is a quick read. Most should be able to finish it between 20-45minutes, and they will be all the more enriched and edified for stewarding their allotted time to read this wonderful work by Riccardi.
Furthermore, from a ministry and discipleship standpoint, I would require this to be read for any I’m entrusted to minister to and disciple. Likewise, this book’s contribution to the topic will forever be a monumental foundation for my own understanding and growing in sanctification personally, as well as a teaching I will pass on to those the Lord places in my path to disciple.
A true ‘must read.’
June 24, 2026
Read for class. Found it a helpful summary of the main tension in the debate: how do I grow in Holiness? Tension best seen in Philippians 2:13-14. I found his last chapter on "dynamics" really life giving plus his Q and A section at the end.
January 1, 2024
A great book for discipleship, very practical.
Easy read and only 78 pages but rich content.
Easy read and only 78 pages but rich content.
March 29, 2015
This short book is packed with a powerful message! I was blessed by it, and have so much clearer understanding of what sanctification is and how we are sanctified and who does it. It is very clearly written, and I found myself convicted and encouraged and blown away by how much glory it gives to God! It left me longing to have His glory be the focus of everything I do. I will be recommending this to all of my friends for sure.
March 12, 2015
A helpful short book on sanctification. It's presented in a clear format with distinct points to help believers build toward a biblical understanding of God's desire to make each believer into the image of Jesus Christ. It's a precious book that'll have a spot in my bookshelf.
May 23, 2016
I found this book a great blessing! It is short but very powerful. I would be happy to ready it again as it has so much truth saturated on the pages and it encourages and challenges believers to examine their Christian walk.
June 3, 2015
This is a wonderful little book about holiness. Certainly the best brief biblical presentation on living a life that is most like Christ that I have seen.
November 29, 2017
This is a great little introduction to sanctification (becoming more like Jesus). Clearly writen. Pulls from some good sources (Owen, Warfield, Edwards, etc) yet keeps it simple.
July 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sanctification: The Christian Pursuit of God-Given Holiness by Michael Riccardi is an absolute must-read for every Christian.
As the Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” This book beautifully unpacks what it looks like to pursue that calling throughout the Christian life. From the moment of our justification, through the lifelong process of sanctification, until our future glorification, every season of the believer’s life is meant to be one of growing in Christlikeness by God’s grace.
It’s vital for Christians to have a proper understanding of the doctrine of sanctification. As we pursue holiness, we need to be grounded in what Scripture teaches about how God accomplishes that work in us. Riccardi faithfully walks readers through this doctrine with careful exposition of Scripture and wisdom from some of the church’s greatest theologians and Reformers.
Though it’s a relatively short book, it’s incredibly rich. I found myself slowing down, underlining passages, and wanting to open my Bible alongside it. This is definitely one of those books I’ll come back to again and again.
Sanctification: The Christian Pursuit of God-Given Holiness by Michael Riccardi is an absolute must-read for every Christian.
As the Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” This book beautifully unpacks what it looks like to pursue that calling throughout the Christian life. From the moment of our justification, through the lifelong process of sanctification, until our future glorification, every season of the believer’s life is meant to be one of growing in Christlikeness by God’s grace.
It’s vital for Christians to have a proper understanding of the doctrine of sanctification. As we pursue holiness, we need to be grounded in what Scripture teaches about how God accomplishes that work in us. Riccardi faithfully walks readers through this doctrine with careful exposition of Scripture and wisdom from some of the church’s greatest theologians and Reformers.
Though it’s a relatively short book, it’s incredibly rich. I found myself slowing down, underlining passages, and wanting to open my Bible alongside it. This is definitely one of those books I’ll come back to again and again.
July 31, 2018
This is an excellent read. I highly recommend it for all who are wrestling with the issue of how one changes, the responsibility of God and man in bringing about change, and for those who have questions that need to be answered about pursuing holiness, joy, etc.
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January 24, 2022A brief exposition on a Scripture-based view of Sanctification and it's application to life in our current culture. Added to that the testimony of Christians from past centuries: Church fathers, Puritans, Reformers and contemporary christian voices.
May 24, 2022
Short, brief book about the importance and means of our sanctification. Though brief it's poignant nature packs a punch. Highly recommend any Christian to read and begin a holy pursuit by the Lord's grace.
January 11, 2022
What an excellent booklet on sanctification! Read it.
January 17, 2024
Yes! What a blessing to read!
March 27, 2024
The best book on sanctification, bar none. Dr. Riccardi is one of the clearest theologians of our day. Read everything of his you can get your hands on.
February 17, 2026
A short, yet concise book full of doctrinal truths.
May 21, 2026
10/10 every believer should read this book! beautiful and encouraging summary on how and why we should run the race well!
June 10, 2026
Dense but mercifully short. It's a good primer for someone asking questions about our role in sanctification
April 25, 2024
Excellent small read with careful care on what the scriptures speak of sanctification! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the author’s fixation on Christ’s glory!
“As the glory of Christ is the foundation of both the beginning and the end of the Christian life, so also it is the foundation of everything in between”.- John Macarthur
“We must pursue holiness by a diligent effort. Scougal illustrates this. He says: “ all the art and industry of man cannot form the smallest herb, or make a stalk of corn to grow in the field; it is the energy of nature, and the influences of heaven, which produces a fact; “it is God who causeth the grass to grow and the herb for the service of man” (Psalm 104:14); and yet nobody will say that the labors of the {farmer} are useless or unnecessary.”
“ Let us live in the constant contemplation of the glory of Christ, and virtue will proceed from Him to repair all our decays, to renew a right spirit within us, and to cause us to abound in all duties of obedience… It will fix the soul unto that object which is suited to give it delight, complacency, and satisfaction… When the mind is filled with the thoughts of Christ and His glory, when the soul thereon cleaves unto him with intense affections, they will cast out, or not give admittance unto, those causes of spiritual weakness and indisposition… And nothing will so much excite or encourage our souls hereunto as a constant view of Christ and his glory.” John Owen
“So when I am confronted with my sinful heart that doesn't feel like doing my duty, I exercise my faith in Christ’s Word, which tells me all sinning will get me is fleeting, false pleasure that destroys rather than satisfies; and that obedience will bring me a greater vision of the glory of my Savior, who is the greatest joy my heart can experience.”
“We want to have sanctified affections as well as sanctified actions-because God commands us not only to behave righteously; he also commands us to be holy.”
“As the glory of Christ is the foundation of both the beginning and the end of the Christian life, so also it is the foundation of everything in between”.- John Macarthur
“We must pursue holiness by a diligent effort. Scougal illustrates this. He says: “ all the art and industry of man cannot form the smallest herb, or make a stalk of corn to grow in the field; it is the energy of nature, and the influences of heaven, which produces a fact; “it is God who causeth the grass to grow and the herb for the service of man” (Psalm 104:14); and yet nobody will say that the labors of the {farmer} are useless or unnecessary.”
“ Let us live in the constant contemplation of the glory of Christ, and virtue will proceed from Him to repair all our decays, to renew a right spirit within us, and to cause us to abound in all duties of obedience… It will fix the soul unto that object which is suited to give it delight, complacency, and satisfaction… When the mind is filled with the thoughts of Christ and His glory, when the soul thereon cleaves unto him with intense affections, they will cast out, or not give admittance unto, those causes of spiritual weakness and indisposition… And nothing will so much excite or encourage our souls hereunto as a constant view of Christ and his glory.” John Owen
“So when I am confronted with my sinful heart that doesn't feel like doing my duty, I exercise my faith in Christ’s Word, which tells me all sinning will get me is fleeting, false pleasure that destroys rather than satisfies; and that obedience will bring me a greater vision of the glory of my Savior, who is the greatest joy my heart can experience.”
“We want to have sanctified affections as well as sanctified actions-because God commands us not only to behave righteously; he also commands us to be holy.”
Read
July 10, 2024The best intro to sanctification you can find. Clear, helpful, direct, and biblical. Riccardi answers questions clearly, and paints a picture of sanctification with the sight of Christ's glory at the centre. Beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews