The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification

by Walter Marshall

Publisher:

Southwick and Pelsue

, 1811

Overview

Christians are saved by grace, but how is that salvation manifested in daily life? Sanctification deals with this process of salvation—being united with Christ, living a holy life, and growing in obedience to God.

The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification has become one of the most influential works on the subject. First published in 1692, Walter Marshall’s treatise has been reprinted continually for more than four hundred years. Generations of Christians have drawn wisdom and inspiration from it, and countless theologians have been influenced by Marshall’s classic work. John Murray called it “the most important book on sanctification ever written” and J. I. Packer has written that it is among the best books written on the Reformed doctrine of sanctification.

Marshall’s work is divided into fourteen sections—each one describing a direction toward Christian holiness. Each section contains a detailed explanation, and draws from Scripture to provide practical insight for daily Christian living.

Key Features

• Time-tested discussion of sanctification
• Perfect for students, pastors, and anyone wishing to gain a greater understanding of holiness

Contents

Top Highlights

“In the first place, I assert, that an inclination and propensity of heart, to the duties of the law, is necessary to frame and enable us for the immediate practice of them.” (Page 34)

“Fifth. God hath abundantly discovered to us, in his word, that his method in bringing men from sin to holiness of life, is, first to make them know that he loveth them, and that their sins are blotted out.” (Page 43)

“The second endowment necessary to enable us for the immediate practice of holiness, and concurring with the two others that follow, to work in us a rational propensity to this practice, is that we be well persuaded of our reconciliation with God. We must reckon, that the breach of amity which sin hath made between God and us, is made up by a firm reconciliation to his love and favour.” (Pages 37–38)

“The principal duties of love, to God above all, and to each other, for his sake, from whence all the other duties flow are so excellent, that I cannot imagine any more noble work for the holy angels in their glorious sphere. They are the chief works for which we were first framed in the image of God, engraved upon man in the first creation, and for which that beautiful image is renewed upon us in our new creation and sanctification by Jesus Christ, and shall be perfected in our glorification.” (Page 23)

“The last endowment, for the same end as the former, is, that we will be persuaded of sufficient strength both to will and perform our duty acceptably, until we come to the enjoyment of the heavenly happiness.” (Page 48)

Praise for the Print Edition

The most important book on sanctification ever written.

—John Murray

I think Marshall one of the best writers and the most spirited expositor of the Scriptures I have ever read.

—William Cowper

To those who make living religion their study, and are anxious to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Marshall’s treatise . . . rightly used, will be of extensive benefit.

—J. M. Mason

Product Details

• Title: The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, Opened, In Sundry Practical Directions, Suited Especially to the Case of Those Who Labour Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling-Sin, To Which Is Added, A Sermon of Justification
• Author: Walter Marshall
• Publisher: Southwick and Pelsot
• Publication Date: 1811
• Pages: 312

About Walter Marshall

William Marshall was an influential Presbyterian minister in England. He was born in 1628, and entered Winchester College at the age of 11 before enrolling in New College at Oxford. Upon graduation, he became a fellow at Oxford in 1650, and later a fellow at Winchester in 1657. As a preacher, he was deeply influenced by the writings of Richard Baxter and by Thomas Goodwin, with whom he formed a close friendship. Marshall died in 1690.