Holiness: God's Plan for Fullness of Life

by Henry T. Blackaby, Kerry L. Skinner

Contends that a fear of God is the only way to avoid sin, identifying an epidemic in holinessless in the Church today while inviting readers to experience true revival by looking inward and understanding God's standards for living a holy life.

Genres: Christianity, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Leadership, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living

128 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jerusha Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by all who name the name of Christ as their Lord. It is so challenging and so encouraging at the same time. I have changes to make..

[Sharon Cate · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is with much trepidation that I give this book only two stars. I have the utmost respect for Henry Blackaby and his work. However this work on holiness was not my favorite. I agree with him that there is a lack of an emphasis on holiness today. I fear that maybe I have been influenced by this and that is why the book seems to be on the legalistic side to me. I know that God calls us to be holy because He is holy. I view holiness as what I am because of God's grace, more than what I do. This is because I know that my actions cannot result in my holiness. With that being said, holy actions should spring forth from my union with Christ. When my actions do not line up with who I am in Christ then I must confess my sin and seek God's grace. Where I differ with the book is that I'm not sure that the confession needs to be more public than the offense. I also do not think that leaders who fall should be forever barred from service. Too many people in the Bible were restored after falling short to disqualify their service once they repent. I may have to go back and revisit this book. Maybe my view of holiness isn't as high as it should be. I would love to hear what other think.

[Lisa Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackaby did an amazing job sharing God’s Word, God’s character, and God’s ways that we might become the highway of His Holiness.

[Rodney J Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The awakening I needed!

I am thankful for this work of Dr. Blackaby for its deep and honest confronting of what separates us Christians from seeing the hand of God being manifested in our lives. It is essential teaching that we can only see God when we live a holy life. Yes, we are declared holy by the blood of Jesus, but we must make every effort to live in holy choices. And when that is not enough, ask God, trust God, depend on God to take away that which separates us from Him...our own sin, even in our thoughts.

[S. Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that reinforces the well-known doctrine of the necessity of prayer. 1 Thess 5:17 says "Pray without ceasing." While not literally imperative, it is a goal and path on which to drive until God closes His hand around our breath. This book promotes that proposition. No matter how strong the prayer life, we are all called to increase it but to not leave it to the amount of time we spend on it. We are called to work genuine repentance and purity of heart in accompaniment to it.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this little book several years ago and started to read it and became afraid. I had to quit after getting part way through the first chapter when he quotes Dr. J. Edwin Orr - "Revival is Like Judgment Day". Now years later I have picked it up again and read it. I have been blessed to hear a dozen or so sermons by Dr. B, some in person, and I have not heard many in his league. This book consists of three sermons by Henry Blackaby on Holiness. One - the Loss of the Fear of God. Two - Looking at Sin from God's Perspective. Three - The Highway of Holiness. To some extent, the sermons flow directly from the life-long ministry and experiences of Dr. Blackaby, but they were shaped in the subsequent Presence of God that came on Howard Payne University in 1996. If you are looking for solid and exhaustive theological treatise on holiness, look somewhere else. If you want to be on the anvil of the word of God read this one twice. He asks some very difficult questions, especially for pastors and teacher.

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repentance is for God's people.
People nowadays no longer:
- fear God
- fear sin
- seek holiness.

We should, if we want God's best and fullness of life. A life of repentance, brokenness and holiness is a 'highway of holiness' over which God moves in the life His people and the watching world.

God, in His holiness, is grieved by our lack of it. Blackaby urges believers to look inward, to see sin from God's perspective, and to live to the standard that He has set in Scripture.

2 Chronicles 7:14: Blackaby notes that the redemption of America lies in the repentance of the people of God. He challenges readers by adding, "If America depended on your prayer life, would there be revival?"

Revival waits on the holiness of His people.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many Holiness books from the Weslyan/Armenian background and I must admit I was a bit skeptical about picking this book up from a Southern Baptist. But, I am glad I did. One of the best books I have ever read on the subject. Heartfelt, convicting, and simple. Written to the spiritual leaders especially. And while there are a few portions I am not entirely in agreement it does provide plenty of food for thought. I would highly recommend this book.

"You will know if the Truth has reached your heart if it is bearing fruit in your life. When it bears fruit in your life then it will bear fruit in a world around you." (pg. 84). Lord I want a steady diet of more fruit in my life.

[Rick Metrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiness and sin do not belong together any more than a fountain that produces bitter and sweet water. However, mankind has a history of pursuing self-justification and rationalization when it comes to sin--accusing others and excusing self. The author's emphasis on holiness is appreciated and taken to heart. Living pure for God, through the power of His own purity is quite a task in an unholy world--but it is the call and we are to heed it

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listed to this as an audio book. It was excellent! For any longing and praying for revival in the church this would be my top recommendation. It was thoroughly convicting. I don't think it's possible to walk away from it unchanged.

[Daniel Tai · Rating 3 out of 5]

a longer explanation of this attribute in a small book.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. That it might bring our hearts before the throne of God really into perspective.