Holiness: The Author's Quest for Personal Sanctification

by H.A. Ironside

FOR over twelve years I have considered the advisability of penning these papers. There seemed some good reasons why it might not be wise; there seem to me now to be more why I should undertake it.The two chief reasons that have come before me to hinder my writing them heretofore are(a) The detailing of a large measure of personal experience is necessarily involved. This is distasteful to many, and to none more than to myself. But I have been much impressed lately with the many instances in which the chief of the apostles uses his own experience as a warning and lesson to others who would put confidence in the flesh. For this cause alone I am at last persuaded to narrate my own endeavors to attain perfection by following the so-called "holiness teaching." There can surely be no charge brought against me of glorying in self in so doing. The record is too humiliating for that. Nor do I desire to take a morbid satisfaction in detailing my failures. But for this recital of my past errors and present blessedness I have not only apostolic example, but the entire book of Ecclesiastes is a similar record; written only that others might be spared the anguish and disappointment of treading the same weary path.(b) It is difficult to write an account like this without apparent criticism of the organization to which I once belonged, both as to its methods and its doctrines. This I shrink from. I have the fullest sympathy with the great work being done among the "submerged" in the larger cities of the world by these self-denying workers, and I would not say or write a word to hinder any who thus seek to save the outcast and wayward. I only regret that the converts are not given a clearer gospel, and more scriptural instruction afterwards. Many of my old "comrades" are still toiling as I once toiled in what they believe is a God-raised-up and God-directed "Army"; whose teaching they consider to be fully in accord with Scripture; and I know this record must give some of them pain. I would spare them this if I could. But when I reflect that thousands are yearly being disheartened and discouraged by their teaching; that hundreds yearly are ensnared into infidelity through the collapse of the vain effort to attain the unattainable; that scores have actually lost their minds and are now inmates of asylums because of the mental grief and anguish resultant upon their bitter disappointment in the search for holiness; I feel I should not allow sentimental reasons to hinder my relating the unvarnished truth, in the hope that under the blessing of God it may lead many to find in Christ Himself that sanctification which they can never find elsewhere, and in His Cross that exhibition of perfect love which they will look for in vain in their own hearts and lives.Therefore I send forth these papers, praying that both the experimental and doctrinal parts may be helpful to many and hindrances to none; and in commending all to the reader's spiritual intelligence, I would earnestly beseech him to "prove all things, and hold fast that which is good."

Genres: Christian

114 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1912

About the author

Henry Allen "Harry" Ironside (October 14, 1876-January 15, 1951) was a Canadian-American Bible teacher, preacher, theologian, pastor, and author.

Ironside was one of the most prolific Christian writers of the 20th Century and published more than eighty books and pamphlets, many of which are still in print. As an editorial reviewer wrote of a 2005 republication, "Ironside's commentaries are a standard and have stood the test of time."

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What joy follows a Biblical understanding of sanctification! How wonderful to be free from our own struggles for perfection!
As Ironsides says…
“What a relief it is, after the vain effort to eradicate sin from the flesh, when I learn that God has condemned it in the flesh, and will in His own good time free me from its presence, when at the Lord’s return He shall change these vile bodies and make them like His own glorious body. Then redemption will be complete. The redemption of my soul is past, and in it, I rejoice. The redemption of my body is yet to come, when the Lord Jesus returns, and this mortal shall put on immortality.”
This book is not meant as a defense or explanation of the freedom we have from sin through Christ’s sacrifice. Instead, it refutes the idea that Christians will achieve sinless perfection here on earth. He is quite clear about our standing before God as completely, eternally justified in Christ, but He wants us to understand that until we will struggle with our sin nature until we reach heaven.
Because he was a proponent for the ‘second blessing’ or ‘holiness movement’, he starts this book with a brief summary of his own experiences in those movements. Then he moves on to a detailed refutation of their teachings of various portions of scripture. The final chapter explains the practical importance of understanding what the Bible actually teaches.
There were a few very, very minor things that annoyed me about this book. First, I do wish that he had included all of the arguments in this book instead of, rather offhandedly, saying, “This has been already taken up at some length in the paper on…” or similar statements. It’s not that he doesn’t clearly refute the perfectionist doctrine, but I would have liked longer discussions on different points. The style is a little bit dated as well. It took me a while to get used to it, but after that, it wasn’t too hard. It was a very good doctrinally, and I would recommend it for anyone who has been exposed to the idea that we can achieve sinless perfection here on earth.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!! This book helped me realize flaws in my own spiritual walk and emphasized the message Paul wrote to the Galatian church about!! Certainly a must read!

[Jerry Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really I rate it 3.5 stars.
Ironside gives his critique of the Holiness teachings that were very popular in the 1800’s into the mid 1900’s and are still around in many denominations. He draws from personal experience, and sound Bible teaching to refute the holiness teachings.
Having been written in 1947 the book is dated as far as the examples given but the Biblical arguments are still applicable. I have given the book a 4star rating, but would have given a 3.5 if the rating allowed for half stars. Mostly I would have given it that because I found some of his arguments hard to follow.
Much of the Biblical exegesis deals with refuting the holiness teaching. I wish more of it had dealt with laying out the Biblical doctrines of sanctification and holiness. He did this some but would have liked to see more.

[Lana Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth about the situation!

Thank God he revealed truth to Dr Ironside and that even though not popular wrote down these truths for future generations like me. It’s a short book but slow reading as you read and ponder the context of his thoughts, feelings and the Word of God which is the standard for all truth in this book. It’s deep/meat not milk! The false are still among us in 2021. Read and grow as you digest this little powerful book!

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great treatise on those that proclaim sinless perfection in this life and the true biblical teaching of sanctification. There are some typos but since this is printed on demand that can be overlooked. My only qualm is that in one quote of Scripture, Ironside's italics do not appear and the impact of his particular lesson is lost. Easily read in one sitting if you so desire.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book that gives not only the personal struggle of someone who has followed the false teaching of "second blessing" or Christian perfectionism but also gives a good teaching on what sanctification is and is not.

[Brian Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book of Ironside’s testimony and the error of ‘second blessing’ doctrine.