A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original review appears below. Designed for Holiness. Peter E. Gillquist. Servant Books, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
As Christians we are ready to accept that we are made in the image of God and we are exhorted in Scripture to seek perfection in our lifestyle. The love of the Father in sending his Son to be our example is one which is readily accepted but all too often we permit the sinful nature to shine through. How often do we stop to reflect on our lifestyle and recognize just how far short we fall of the commitments we have made to our Lord?
The edition of Designed for Holiness used for this review had the cover illustration of the potter’s working with clay and words “God’s Plan to Shape and Use You for His Kingdom.” This serves as a reminder that we are indeed clay in the Master’s hands and if anything meaningful is to come from our lives then we need to endeavour to clear the imperfections. Peter Gillquist provides a meaningful opportunity to examine ourselves as he develops a biblical evaluation in the pages which follow. The emphasis is placed on getting our priorities straight by putting first things first and then letting the rest fall into place.
We are reminded that evangelistic enterprises in the late twentieth century Church are not producing the change we all expect and this is due predominantly to four problems:
- failure to impact our culture;
- theological thinness;
- lack of Christian discipline;
- individualism.
Peter Gillquist goes on to expand on these areas but states “Two areas in particular present themselves in which the Church of our time has lost its saltiness: holiness and righteous All the evangelism in the world from a Church that is not herself holy and righteous will not be worth a hill of beans in world-changing power.” While there may be a diversity of opinion on some of the statements made there can be no disagreement that if the Church is to be effective in today’s society then there must be a true return to holiness and righteousness in the lives of the individuals within the body. Too many are caught up in seeking to please man rather than God. We need to be motivated and develop the recognition God designed us to be holy. “He created us, and when we turned from him, he came and brought us back.” God also calls us to righteousness. “When God instructs his holy ones to live righteous lives, to behave in a godly manner, we need to know precisely what he has in mind. For at this point it is easy to substitute the commands of men for the truth of God.”
As he continues in the following pages, Peter Gillquist gives some guidance on subjects such as “The Sanctification of Time: A Body Set Apart”; and then goes on to develop three basic principles. The latter provide food for thought and assist in truly examining our lives in the light of Scripture. Clearly, this book is one which will raise some questions in the mind of the individual and we may not agree with all that is said. However, the book does challenge and when we are challenged then we can grow. This will undoubtedly lead to a strengthening of the Church in its mission to be the salt and light of this troubled world.
Jack Charleson is an elder and Chairman of Evangelism, Bridlewood Presbyterian Church, Agincourt, Ont.; Bank Manager; Chairman, Mission Ontario.