In this episode, we welcome Dr. Matt O’Reilly to discuss his book Free To Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification. What is biblical holiness – and how does biblical holiness relate to the Gospel of Grace? What does it mean to “be holy” as God is holy, and what is the role of God, the Holy Spirit in the sanctification of the believer? From the Garden of Eden to Isaiah 6, and from the “Holiness Code” of Leviticus to our Savior’s Sermon on the Mount, Dr. O’Reilly argues that holiness is an “integrative doctrine” - aiding the attentive reader to understand one of the deep threads of Bible, from our creation in the image of God to being conformed to the image of Christ. How do we properly understand holiness and sanctification without compromising the Gospel of Grace? Does man have a “sin nature”? And when Christ calls us to “be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” – how do we properly understand the text, in context? Listen in as Dr. O’Reilly helps deepen our understanding of God, man, sin, nature – and the entire purpose God has for those who are made in his image and likeness.

Book: Free To Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification

Also, by Dr. O’Reilly:

Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church

Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice

Other resources:

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Against God and Nature: The Doctrine of Sin by Thomas McCall

Desiring the Kingdom; Imagining the Kingdom by James K. A. Smith

Paul and the Person: Reframing Paul’s Anthropology by Susan Grove Eastman

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee

The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Spencer W. Kimball (also here)

“Call to the Holy Apostleship” by President (then-Elder) Russell M. Nelson

1 Ne. 3:7; D&C 82:7; 130:20-21

Scourby: Romans; Isaiah; Matthew