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The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification
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This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.
We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1692
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480 people want to read
About the author
Walter Marshall
57 books8 followersWalter Marshall (15 June 1628 – August 1680) was an English, non-conformist Puritan pastor and author best known for his book on the Gospel Mystery of Sanctification, which has been praised as perhaps the single greatest work on sanctification ever composed.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 7, 2022
While there was a point or two I disagreed with in this book, overall, I found it to be informative and enlightening.
August 18, 2025
Herman Bavinck once said, “In the same way that Christ is our righteousness, He is also our holiness.” This book by the Oxford Puritan Walter Marshall makes that argument—convincingly I might add!
My only mark against it is the archaic language and arrangement. A contemporary account should be written!
My only mark against it is the archaic language and arrangement. A contemporary account should be written!
June 16, 2022
This book was originally published in 1692, a decade after the death of its author, Walter Marshall (1628–1680). I am confident in claiming that it is one of the most *significant* books ever written on the topic of sanctification; it also happens to be quite edifying. Marshall was a little known English pastor in Hursley (England) and was graduate of Oxford. He was "ejected" from the Church of England by the Act of Uniformity (1662). Marshall struggled in his own life and ministry until he came to an evangelical understanding of free grace and the holiness that flows from it, and it was out of his own experiences that he wrote this book.
Since its original publication, the book was almost constantly being reprinted, new editions appearing nearly every 5 years. It repeatedly became the center of controversy, especially any time the issues of antinomianism and legalism were being debated. It was a central part of the conflict in Scotland around the The Marrow of Modern Divinity (Marshall is quoted in that book); it became a central part of the evangelical "pamphlet wars" it the middle of the 18th century, with figures like John Wesley, James Hervey, William Cudworth, Robert Sandeman, and many others joining the fray. It was translated into Dutch (1745, 1772), and became part of the "Nadere Reformatie" on the continent. The hymn-writer William Cowper said this: "Marshall is an old acquaintance of mine ... I think Marshall one of the best writers, and the most spiritual expositor of the Scriptures, I ever read."
It was reprinted in the 19th century by "higher life" theologians like Andrew Murray; A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian Missionary Alliance was awakened by this book; John Murray at Westminster called it the most important book on sanctification that had ever been written. and it has been recently reprinted and recommended by the neo-reformed strain of evangelicalism (Joel Beeke, John Piper). In fact, who has the "right" to claim Marshall has become a point of debate, with a Westminster Theological Seminary dissertation ("Sanctification by faith: Walter Marshall's doctrine of sanctification in comparison with the Keswick view of sanctification"), claiming that he belongs to the Reformed tradition, not the Keswicks. I'm sure future generations will continue to wrestle with Marshall's book, and I hope it will find its way into even more streams of the Christian tradition.
I read "A New Version, Put into Modern English by Bruce H. McRae." It was okay. Probably a better modern reprint is the one by Reformation Heritage Books . There are a dozen free versions available on Google Books, some of which include the "old ftyle Englifh fpelling," as well as a number of edited or abridged versions (William Cudworth, Christ our True Principle of Holiness (1753); Andrew Murray, Sanctification or The Highway of Holiness (1887), McRae (2005).
Regardless of where you fall, this is a significant book, and worth wrestling with. No single Christian tribe "owns" Marshall; take him up and claim him for yourself!
Since its original publication, the book was almost constantly being reprinted, new editions appearing nearly every 5 years. It repeatedly became the center of controversy, especially any time the issues of antinomianism and legalism were being debated. It was a central part of the conflict in Scotland around the The Marrow of Modern Divinity (Marshall is quoted in that book); it became a central part of the evangelical "pamphlet wars" it the middle of the 18th century, with figures like John Wesley, James Hervey, William Cudworth, Robert Sandeman, and many others joining the fray. It was translated into Dutch (1745, 1772), and became part of the "Nadere Reformatie" on the continent. The hymn-writer William Cowper said this: "Marshall is an old acquaintance of mine ... I think Marshall one of the best writers, and the most spiritual expositor of the Scriptures, I ever read."
It was reprinted in the 19th century by "higher life" theologians like Andrew Murray; A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian Missionary Alliance was awakened by this book; John Murray at Westminster called it the most important book on sanctification that had ever been written. and it has been recently reprinted and recommended by the neo-reformed strain of evangelicalism (Joel Beeke, John Piper). In fact, who has the "right" to claim Marshall has become a point of debate, with a Westminster Theological Seminary dissertation ("Sanctification by faith: Walter Marshall's doctrine of sanctification in comparison with the Keswick view of sanctification"), claiming that he belongs to the Reformed tradition, not the Keswicks. I'm sure future generations will continue to wrestle with Marshall's book, and I hope it will find its way into even more streams of the Christian tradition.
I read "A New Version, Put into Modern English by Bruce H. McRae." It was okay. Probably a better modern reprint is the one by Reformation Heritage Books . There are a dozen free versions available on Google Books, some of which include the "old ftyle Englifh fpelling," as well as a number of edited or abridged versions (William Cudworth, Christ our True Principle of Holiness (1753); Andrew Murray, Sanctification or The Highway of Holiness (1887), McRae (2005).
Regardless of where you fall, this is a significant book, and worth wrestling with. No single Christian tribe "owns" Marshall; take him up and claim him for yourself!
June 4, 2025
It's a good case for Gospel-centered sanctification. Theologically sound, encouraging but can feel a bit repetitive and not always as concise, some of which is likely due to the fact that it's a 400+ year old book that's been put in modern English. Dane Ortlund's "Deeper" functions as the modern work that I'd more readily recommend.
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August 16, 2021John Murray (1898-1975) once claimed this was the "most important book on sanctification ever written." J. I. Packer has written that it is among the best books written on the Reformed doctrine of sanctification.
May 25, 2015
This is one of the best books on sanctification from the Puritan era, with a robust focus on the gospel and the doctrine of the believer's union with Christ by faith. Chapter 13 is especially insightful, giving directions for how to use the means of grace "only in this way of believing in Christ and walking in Him, according to your new state by faith." But the whole book is really necessary for fully grasping Marshall's argument. One interesting side note is Marshall's implicit critique (see ch. 6) of the theology of other Puritans, especially the neonomians and Richard Baxter (though Marshall never calls him by name).
September 6, 2017
So good! This is one of those books that you could read over and over again and learn more from it every time. It was truly a balm to my soul. Just to be reminded of the riches of Christ's grace, and the ongoing strength of His Spirit within me! What a gift. I will say that the book is quite repetitive; he comes at his theme from a lot of different angles, but always concluding with the same idea of sanctification through faith in God and not through works. I read the modern translation and it was a little clunky, but the original language was so archaic as to create a barrier for me, so I just made do with Bruce McRae's version. Still a great book and a great help to me.
November 30, 2013
"Walter Marshall (15 June 1628 -- August 1680) was an English, non-conformist Puritan pastor and author best known for his book on the Gospel Mystery of Sanctification, which has been praised as perhaps the single greatest work on sanctification ever composed."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_M...
I would agree. This was a very good book. It seems that perhaps Donald S. Whitney's "Spiritual Disciplines For the Christian Life" may have been inspired from this book, but I found this book much better.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_M...
I would agree. This was a very good book. It seems that perhaps Donald S. Whitney's "Spiritual Disciplines For the Christian Life" may have been inspired from this book, but I found this book much better.
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November 26, 2018Profound. Beautiful. Tough sledding. Considered the greatest single work ever produced on sanctification. Will validate the effort and investment, but is certainly not for the faint of heart. Here’s Marshall’s closing sentence of this great work:
“Sanctification in Christ, is glorification begun; as glorification is sanctification perfected.”
“Sanctification in Christ, is glorification begun; as glorification is sanctification perfected.”
September 7, 2021
This book was really a great encouragement, especially chapter 10. It is repetitive, but he repeats good points. It is wordy, but to better expound each of his points.
December 19, 2023
Marshall maintains that the approach many take to the doctrine of sanctification in the Christian life is fundamentally backwards. Rather than deriving assurance from their works, Christians should be regarding assurance as the fountain of good works.
The key, then, to sanctification is assurance of God's grace and the assurance of God's grace arises from union with Christ.
The key, then, to sanctification is assurance of God's grace and the assurance of God's grace arises from union with Christ.
October 31, 2018
In this book Marshall steers a sure course between the two rocks antinomianism and legalism. It is a tour de force. Patient, careful reading of this work pays large dividends, because it is so dense with Scripture truths. It is devotional theology at a high level.
November 17, 2020
Very repetitive, but to a good end. Excellent treatise on the topic. Chapter 8 is pure gold!
May 26, 2024
I must be missing something with this book. It seemed less about actual sanctification and more about getting rightly started on sanctification through coming to faith in Christ, and also avoiding legalism in sanctification.
Maybe I need to reread it.
Nevertheless, a lot of helpful material in it.
Maybe I need to reread it.
Nevertheless, a lot of helpful material in it.
January 7, 2025
Excellent and pastoral explanation of a challenging but essential idea. Marshall repeats himself quite a bit, but this is for good reason. His exhortation and theological work should be read by more Christians today.
January 31, 2025
A.B. Simpson’s favorite book on holiness
Comprehensive, complete, consistent. Even from his perspective from the 17th century, there is much to be valued here. Not for the casual reader, be prepared to take your time with this one. God will speak to you.
Comprehensive, complete, consistent. Even from his perspective from the 17th century, there is much to be valued here. Not for the casual reader, be prepared to take your time with this one. God will speak to you.
February 5, 2025
Very helpful in demonstrating that all our growth in holiness comes from growth in union with Christ through faith, and that faith grows by the means of grace that God has appointed.
Quite repetitive though, so only 4 stars.
Quite repetitive though, so only 4 stars.
June 13, 2018
This is a good one.
July 4, 2024
This is the best book I've ever read and probably will ever read on the doctrine of sanctification.
May 2, 2025
good content, just overly repetitive .
yet good thrust on Law/Gospel distinction
yet good thrust on Law/Gospel distinction
September 9, 2020
This book has been so immensely helpful to me. It seems like one that gets often missed and overlooked but I would recommend it to every Christian.
Walter Marshall masterfully explains the doctrine of sanctification, which Paul calls a mystery.. that is, Christ in us!
Because we are often so legalistically minded we need to be constantly reminded of what our walk of faith is! Simple faith in Christ, by the Gospel, receiving of His fullness freely. It's the same faith by which we are justified and must come from a confident assurance in our Saviour. Then we will walk in the right manner before God, in love to Him. Marshall shows the common errors of his day which are the same common errors of our day and goes on to show us how to rightly use the means of grace from gospel principals. Our salvation is all of grace from beginning to end. All glory be to God!
It was written in the 17th century but I think there is a more modern version available.
Walter Marshall masterfully explains the doctrine of sanctification, which Paul calls a mystery.. that is, Christ in us!
Because we are often so legalistically minded we need to be constantly reminded of what our walk of faith is! Simple faith in Christ, by the Gospel, receiving of His fullness freely. It's the same faith by which we are justified and must come from a confident assurance in our Saviour. Then we will walk in the right manner before God, in love to Him. Marshall shows the common errors of his day which are the same common errors of our day and goes on to show us how to rightly use the means of grace from gospel principals. Our salvation is all of grace from beginning to end. All glory be to God!
It was written in the 17th century but I think there is a more modern version available.
May 2, 2015
Next to John Owen's "Mortification of Sin" this is one of my favorite Puritan books on sanctification.
Marshall eloquently and biblically points to our union with Christ as the source of the grace of sanctification. With Christ as the fountain of this grace in the gospel, we have the means to walk dutifully toward godliness.
Along with Marshall's emphasis on union with Christ and the gospel principles and means of growth, I enjoyed his Direction 13 on the right use of the means of grace. Often, Reformed folk sound snobbish and unattractive when speaking about the means of grace, but Marshall has a tone that made me read this chapter carefully. It isn't that God doesn't work through other means, but the most ordinary and powerfully normative means of God's communicative grace are his Word, sacraments, prayer, praise, and fellowship.
This good is dense, but it a great read for those wanting a faithful, basic introduction to how the gospel drives one's growth in holiness.
Marshall eloquently and biblically points to our union with Christ as the source of the grace of sanctification. With Christ as the fountain of this grace in the gospel, we have the means to walk dutifully toward godliness.
Along with Marshall's emphasis on union with Christ and the gospel principles and means of growth, I enjoyed his Direction 13 on the right use of the means of grace. Often, Reformed folk sound snobbish and unattractive when speaking about the means of grace, but Marshall has a tone that made me read this chapter carefully. It isn't that God doesn't work through other means, but the most ordinary and powerfully normative means of God's communicative grace are his Word, sacraments, prayer, praise, and fellowship.
This good is dense, but it a great read for those wanting a faithful, basic introduction to how the gospel drives one's growth in holiness.
October 9, 2015
This old Puritan work is the best treatment of sanctification I have ever read. Although Marshall is not as quotable as some other Puritans, the clarity, organization, and power of his writing moved me and confirmed in me commitment to progressive sanctification through union with Christ and the power of the Spirit working through the Word.
Here's a brief sample: "Men show themselves strangely forgetful, or hypocritical, in professing original sin in their prayers, catechisms and confessions of faith, and yet urging on themselves and others the practice of the law, without the consideration of any strengthening, enlivening means--as if there were not want of ability, but only of activity."
Here's a brief sample: "Men show themselves strangely forgetful, or hypocritical, in professing original sin in their prayers, catechisms and confessions of faith, and yet urging on themselves and others the practice of the law, without the consideration of any strengthening, enlivening means--as if there were not want of ability, but only of activity."
February 7, 2023
Clear and Convincing
Very good. Sanctification is not only complex but disputed. This book clearly lays out the author's views and defends them.
I don't agree with everything shared but I understand it and have been convinced on some topics.
Very good. Sanctification is not only complex but disputed. This book clearly lays out the author's views and defends them.
I don't agree with everything shared but I understand it and have been convinced on some topics.
July 9, 2024
Clearly the best book on the subject. So good to learn that it is in union with the Savior that we will be sanctified and that the responsibility is His even as we endeavor toward that upward call of God.
May 24, 2014
Amazing teaching on sanctification. If you are looking for an extended treatment on sanctification by faith this is THE book for you. Definitely one I will re-read.
November 28, 2014
Good read. Gets to be a bit repetitive, but definitely lays a good foundation of sanctification from justification. The 13th direction is very helpful practically as well.
January 1, 2017
Absolutely fantastic. I recommend it to anyone.
August 22, 2020
Teaches sanctification by grace through faith!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews