Sanctification

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The holy has been defined existentially and sociologically, and churches too often allow their expectations regarding holiness to be prompted by existential aspirations or the social mores of the Christian community. Perhaps it is not surprising that many view holiness as accidental or expendable, even as a legalistic and conformist posture opposed to the freedom of the gospel. But sanctification is one of the gifts of the gospel of Jesus Christ, so we must think about the way in which he makes his redeemed holy as a grace.

The Sanctification course, featuring lessons by Michael Allen, patiently defines holiness in theological terms by tending to its connections with core Christian doctrines such as the character of God, the nature of creation, and the covenantal shape of life with God. Units then consider the ways in which the gospel of Jesus not only prompts us to holy action but provides holiness as one of its blessings. Finally, it attends to the ways in which the gift of sanctification relates to various human instruments and means, so that we can appreciate its connection to human nature, creaturely responsibility, and the pedagogy of exemplars and of law.

All course material—instructional videos, readings, practical exercises, and quizzes—is available online for study at your own convenience.

Course Outline

1. Sanctification and the Gospel
2. God
3. Creation
4. Covenant
5. Incarnation
MIDTERM EXAM
6. In Christ
7. Justification and Sanctification
8. Grace and Nature
9. Grace and Responsibility
10. Grace and Discipline
    FINAL EXAM