Book Review: The Doctrine of Sanctification, by A. W. Pink

Synopsis: The doctrine of sanctification is at the very heart of the gospel message; for it answers the mysterious and all-important question, “How can an impure sinner approach a holy God?”. It is also among the most difficult doctrines to study exhaustively, due to the hundreds of passages which speak to the topic, in a myriad of diversely complementary ways. Few persons have unraveled the threads in as comprehensive and practical a way as A.W. Pink. The Doctrine of Sanctification is highly recommended to anyone passionate about pursuing a life of true holiness!

Anyone who attempts a study of the scriptural teaching on holiness, sanctification, purity, and other related terms is apt to encounter a perplexing array of questions: How does sanctification relate to holiness? What is its relationship to justification? Is it an objective, imputed grace, or a subjective, infused grace, or else both? Is it a one-time occurrence or a progressive pursuit? A. W. Pink does not shy away from these and other difficult questions; he meets each head-on, at all times using scriptures to interpret and complement other scriptures. The result is a volume which is remarkably lucid, given the vast and involved nature of its subject.

Among the most intricate and difficult questions on this topic is the relationship of justification to sanctification. Pink considers the manifold effects of sin under the general headings of defilement and guilt, which demand, respectively, cleansing and clearing. Salvation from sin necessarily involves both of these gifts; the former of which is to be had in sanctification, the latter in justification. Sanctification is not, therefore, a by-product or result of salvation, but an integral and necessary component of salvation itself. We are not just saved from wrath, we are saved from sin – and thus our salvation both justifies and sanctifies: “Conclude we, then, that holiness in this life is absolutely necessary to salvation, not only as a means to an end, but by a nobler kind of necessity – as part of the end itself” (page 30).

Pink is utterly practical throughout this volume, expositing the true nature of holiness, instructing us how we might pursue it, and motivating us with reflections upon its necessity and desirability. But fortunately for the sin-stricken sinner, he does not stop there, but proceeds to demonstrate the remarkable and comforting truth that our perfect sanctification has already been accomplished for us in Jesus, and will certainly be applied by the power of his Spirit. The exposition of I Corinthians 1:30 (pages 116-119) is a thrilling, comforting, and motivating glimpse into this precious doctrine, itself worth the price of the book!

There is no doubt that the reason this book is so clear and helpful is that Pink does not hesitate to stand on the shoulders of thinking saints before him. Throughout the volume it is clear that he is heavily indebted to many of the old Puritans, most notably John Owen. And yet he is not restricted by their work, but feels free, when compelled by scripture and clear reason, to depart from their tradition at various points. The result is not merely a compendium of Puritan thought, but a refreshingly new and honest look at a most precious doctrine, in the Puritan spirit of scripture-leaning humility and worship.

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