God's Way of Holiness Paperback – September 22, 2017

Horatius Bonar the 19th century Scottish minister's published writings focus on central Christian teaching.They are as fresh and relevant today as when they were first penned.Fanny Crosby's beloved hymn 'Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross' was published in 1869.I wonder if that hymn had any influence on the following comment by Bonar "it is not merely that we 'glory...in the cross'(Galatians 6:14)but we draw strength from it. ...He that would be holy or useful,must keep near the cross."The chapter 'The Saint And The Law' has some of the most helpful material on what the Christian's relationship to the law of God is,that can be found.Mr.Bonar's reasoning is Biblically airtight.The Christian is not justified before God by their own keeping of the law.The law of God itself is perfect and does not change.One of the changes that does take place is the believers attitude toward God's law.They now view 'the law' the way their Savior does(He kept it perfectly for them so that the law of God is no longer a terror to them,it can no longer condemn them).Their attitude toward it should now be the same as that of their Savior and King:"does He not say,'I delight to do thy will,O my God;yea thy law is written within my heart'?(Psalm 40:8)." Even though no one that is saved by Christ deserves what God has done for them 'in Christ',and there is nothing in them that commends them to God(salvation is not anything is not that we can earn by our own merits or deeds)but though this is all true,and we are saved by God's free and Sovereign grace(we are now debtors to Him for the mercy that has been shown to us).The author correctly and boldly asserts " the greatest of all debtors in the universe is the redeemed man." Their Sovereign Lord has re-created them anew 'in the inner man' so that they now desire with all their hearts 'to live by faith of the Son of God,who loved me(them)and gave Himself for me(them).' This one chapter alone in H.Bonar's work on Holiness can have a liberating effect on those who have struggled with their understanding and application of this issue.The ministry of Chapel Library in Pensacola Florida has published in booklet form two chapters from Bonar's important classic on Holiness: The Cross And Its Power' and 'The Saint And The Law'.Upon reading these chapters one cannot help but see the wisdom in so doing.Two of the strongest correctives(or apologetics if you will)against the view that the Apostle Paul in Romans Chapter seven was writing about his experience as an unconverted Pharisee are:The Christian in Romans Seven by A.W.Pink and chapter seven in this treatise on 'Holiness' -'The Saint And The Law'.The author poignantly observes (speaking of Romans chapter 7)"it is God's recognition of the saints inner conflict... strike out that chapter,and the existence of sin in a soul after conversion is unexplained.It accounts for the inner warfare of the forgiven man." Pastor Bonar seems astonished that one could miss the apostle's reasoning here. I must say that I share that sentiment.It is encouraging to see that this important work remains in print(currently several editions are in print)and it is my hope and prayer that it has usefulness in the lives of God's people for many years to come.

Holiness is more than the observance of rules, regulations and religious rituals. Holiness is the out working of the relationship we enjoy with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Holiness tends to be the fruit of correctly understanding the righteousness that is ours by the completed and finished work of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Bonar is unequaled in presenting the full picture of the nomenclature of all that holiness is to the inquiring and hungry heart.

This book gives good nitty gritty wisdom on the way of holiness. Well worth the read it serious about your walk with Jesus.

I love his books, adore his hymns, and embrace his theology. God has been doing a work in me to produce holiness and I really like this book. I also recommend Walter Marshall, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification.

I found "God's Way of Holiness" insightful and consistent with other books of the same topic. I enjoyed the read and recommend it to anyone seeking to know about how to be Holy.

Horatius Bonar is such a good read. This book is no exception.

Bodnar is a deep thinker with profound observations

Excellent companion book to Way of Peace. It is from God's peace that we desire holiness of life. Very practical.