The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union with Christ

by Walter Marshall

'The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification' by Walter Marshall, first published in 1692, is one of the classic works of Christian spirituality. It is a deep and rich biblical study of sanctification - how Christians grow in holiness and become more like Jesus. In a day when Christians are very prone to pursue self-help methods to grow in obedience to Christ, Walter Marshall lays out the biblical way of growth: obedience comes as Christians live by grace, in union with Christ, by faith. Growth comes, as Paul says in Galatians 2:20, through "Christ living in me." The message of this book is so important for Christians today, it is essential that it be rewritten in contemporary English.

"How can we command holiness without causing despair among saints who know that they are still sinners? Walter Marshall's answer to this 'mystery' not only saved lives in his time, but continues to bring renewed zeal for God to believers in the generations since. The relief and resolve of grace are the Gospel mystery that elude so many but find rejuvenating expression in the firm grasp of Marshall."

- Dr. Bryan Chapell, President, Covenant Theological Seminary

"In this extremely insightful book, Marshall reminds us that our union with Christ by faith is the wellspring of the transforming power of the gospel. Following in the steps of the Reformers, he explains the biblical view of true faith in sanctification - a faith in Christ manifested through a proper use of the means of grace (such as prayer, the word, sacraments, and the church). Marshall's discussion is balanced - he avoids the common extremes that lead to errors frequently found in works on this subject."

- Dr. Steven L. Childers, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida

"As Marshall states at the beginning of the book, there is no argument that we should obey God's law. The question is - how do we actually do it? In great detail Marshall explains how faith and the gospel are actually the means to accomplish what is required for the Christian life. This is a book that takes its place alongside key books like 'The Marrow of Modern Divinity' in defining the nature of the Christian life. It is part of the Reformed church always reforming itself, and as such it deserves to be kept before the Christian public."

- Rev. Steve Smallman, Pastor, New Life Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Classics

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1692

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there was a point or two I disagreed with in this book, overall, I found it to be informative and enlightening.

[Ben Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Daniel Kleven · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ryan Broadhurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica]

John 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.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

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).

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Todd Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[J. J.]

Profound. 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.”

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Richard Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Shawn Ritenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Keith Tolbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very repetitive, but to a good end. Excellent treatise on the topic. Chapter 8 is pure gold!

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Matt Gass · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Commissioner James Knaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Joel Zartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good one.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've ever read and probably will ever read on the doctrine of sanctification.

[Erik Hallworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

good content, just overly repetitive .

yet good thrust on Law/Gospel distinction

[Alex Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Daniel Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[David Saxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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."

[Terence · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nathan Douthit · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Iversenandrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. I recommend it to anyone.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaches sanctification by grace through faith!