Don J Payne

J.I. Packer has wielded widespread influence on evangelicalism for more than three decades. This study pursues a nuanced understanding of Packer's theology of sanctification by tracing the development of his thought, showing how he reflects a particular version of Reformed theology, and examining the unique influence of theological anthropology and theological method on this area of his theology.

This study offers a critical analysis of J.I. Packer's theology of the Christian life. Packer has achieved international acclaim and wielded widespread influence within evangelicalism for more than three decades, particularly through his writings on the doctrine of sanctification. His approach to sanctification is examined in light of the theological anthropology and theological method that constitute its unique structure and assumptions. J.I. Packer has been one of the most recognized evangelical theologians of the late twentieth century. Among his theological passions is anchoring the Christian life in the legacy of Reformed theology, particularly that expressed by seventeenth-century English Puritanism. Yet, his treatment of the doctrine of sanctification is shaped by two other influences: theological anthropology and theological method. This hermeneutical exploration of Packer's treatment of sanctification offers fresh insight into his thought and demonstrates the often unnoticed impact of theological anthropology and theological method within evangelical theology.

This study offers a critical analysis of J.I. Packer's theology of the Christian life. Packer has achieved international acclaim and wielded widespread influence within evangelicalism for more than three decades, particularly through his writings on the doctrine of sanctification. His approach to sanctification is examined in light of the theological anthropology and theological method that constitute its unique structure and assumptions. J.I. Packer has been one of the most recognized evangelical theologians of the late twentieth century. Among his theological passions is anchoring the Christian life in the legacy of Reformed theology, particularly that expressed by seventeenth-century English Puritanism. Yet, his treatment of the doctrine of sanctification is shaped by two other influences: theological anthropology and theological method. This hermeneutical exploration of Packer's treatment of sanctification offers fresh insight into his thought and demonstrates the often unnoticed impact of theological anthropology and theological method within evangelical theology.

Are we following Jesus the wrong way? Do you ever wonder if maybe following Jesus has been a little too complicated? Like there are too many badges to earn or bridges to cross to be a disciple? What happens in many churches is very rarely discipleship. More often it is a nice religious service or class. It should be very concerning to us that we are not making disciples. If we can't even define what a disciple is and yet we have thousands of disciple-making ministries, shouldn't that at least cause us to question if we've actually defined the problem that discipleship is intended to solve? It seems like there is a different definition of discipleship for every Christian you talk to. If we can't even agree on a definition, is it any surprise that churches are creating disengaged Christians who can't answer basic questions of Christianity, don't seem to care about Christian ethics, and don't really seem to experience the presence of God? This book is an attempt to create a common definition based on one of the most foundational Christian doctrines--the Trinity--to help churches and people obey the command to make disciples.

How does the doctrine of sanctification shape the Christian life? Offering a fully developed treatment of "accomplished" sanctification, Don Payne explains that the primary biblical focus in sanctification is not progressive growth but that which has already occurred for Christians to make growth possible, necessary, and grace-driven. As Payne explores the significance Scripture attributes to the accomplished aspect of sanctification, he helps us understand that we are already sanctified. Sanctification is not synonymous with transformation but undergirds strategies and resources related to Christian discipleship and formation.