Christians generally recognize the need to live a holy, or sanctified, life. But they differ on what sanctification is and how it is achieved. How does one achieve sanctification in this life? How much success in sanctification is possible? Is a crisis experience following one's conversion normal--or necessary? If so, what kind of experience, and how is it verified? Five Views on Sanctification--part of the Counterpoints series--brings together in one easy-to-understand volume five major Protestant views on sanctification: Wesleyan View - represented by Melvin E. Dieter Reformed View - represented by Anthony A. Hoekema Pentecostal View - represented by Stanley M. Horton Keswick View - represented by J. Robertson McQuilkin Augustinian-Dispensationalism View - represented by John F. Walvoord Writing from a solid evangelical stance, each author describes and defends his own understanding of the doctrine sanctification and then responds to the views of the other authors. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

According to Scripture, humankind was created in the image of God. Hoekema discusses the implications of this theme, devoting several chapters to the biblical teaching on God's image, the teaching of philosophers and theologians through the ages, and his own theological analysis. Suitable for seminary-level anthropology courses, yet accessible to educated laypeople. Extensive bibliography, fully indexed.

'In a day when thoroughgoing study of the doctrine of salvation has been jettisoned as impractical and irrelevant by the church at large, Saved by Grace serves an essential purpose...If you want your mind challenged by the lucid exposition of Scripture in relationship to the technicalities of God's saving work, if you want your passion rekindled regarding the manifold grace of God in the salvation of sinners, this book is for you. Buy it. Absorb it. Make its contents the preeminent message of your ministry.'--Reformation and Revival

What kind of self-image should Chritians have? Should they see themselves primarily as unworthy sinners before a holy God? The biblical view, Anthony A. Hoekema argues in this readable study, is that humanity, having been made in God's own image, was the capstone of God's creation. Even when we fell, God considered us of such worth that he gave up his only Son to redeem humanity. And in Christ, as Paul makes plain, we are made into new creatures. This does not mean that the redeemed live a life of sinless perfection; it does mean that what is most distinctive about them is the new life they have in Christ. And this new life entitles Christians to a self-image that is essentially positive. Accepting the biblical view of our worth can be difficult for Christians burdened with feelings of guilt. How can such Christians learn to see themselves in better light? And how can others in the Christian community - preachers, counselors, teachers, and parents - help fellow members to attain the positive self-image that is essential to the Christian faith? Part Two of The Christian Looks at Himself offers concrete answers to these questions and in doing so points up the social dimension of being in Christ. As Christians accepts themselves as creatures made new in Christ, so in love they must also fully accept fellow Christians as recreated in that same Christ. ANTHONY A. HOEKEMA (1913-1988) was former professor emeritus of systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His other books include Created in God's Image, Saved by Grace, and The Bible and the Future.