Dr. J.I Packer gives a thorough explanation of the Puritan witness to the doctrine and practice of sanctification in this three part lecture series. Packer initially lays some general guidelines on how we should learn from Puritans or any other group of Christians of a bygone age. He starts with warning us on merely imitating the Puritans in their diction or dense speech. He rather exhorts us to apply the same truths in our age. Through out this series, Packer is characterized by a nuanced approach, which as always is the mark of a true scholar. He does not have any presupposition that the Puritans are always right in what they say, but rather seeks to weigh everything in light of the Scriptures. He calls his preaching a Biblical Historical method of preaching. In the end he does vindicate the teachings of the Puritans and calls it a classic. Through out this series, he takes mainly one Puritan – John Owen, whom he considers to be the greatest of all Puritans as the Puritan spokesperson for their understanding of sanctification.
The first in the series is an introduction to the theme of sanctification and so it is simply entitled “What is Sanctification”. Packer begins by unpacking what the shorter and larger Westminster Catechism says on sanctification. He then moves on to the Westminster confession and then to the Scriptures. This lecture is a very good introduction to this whole series.
In the second lecture, Packer concentrates on “Sanctification and the Fight”. Here he concentrates on why there is a fight involved in progressive sanctification. He first explains the reasons for the presence of this fight. For this he takes Owen’s writings on indwelling sin, Satan and our fallen bodies. The second part of this lecture then concentrates on how we can effectively fight. It is presented in military terms and is very practical and useful in one’s private battle against sin. Here again it is Owen's brilliant exposition and practical wisdom that is used by Packer.
The final lecture is titled “Assurance and Conduct” and focuses on what the Puritans thought about having “a well grounded assurance”. Here Packer explains from the Scriptures the different aspects of the doctrine of assurance and quotes what the Puritans said about each of these aspects. The precision and care that the Puritans displayed in their pastoral ministry is very evident in this study.
Highly recommend this series for all Christians.
Highly recommend this series for all Christians.
Puritan Understanding of Sanctification
- What is Sanctification? Listen | Download
- Sanctification and the Fight Listen | Download
- Sanctification and Assurance Listen | Download
