From Glory to Glory: An Unnatural History of Sanctification by Abraham Kuruvilla

From Glory to Glory: An Unnatural History of Sanctification is a biblical theology of spiritual formation from the pen of a preacher.  After all, preaching is, effectively, spiritual formation from the pulpit, seeking to bring to bear the thrust of a portion of Scripture upon the lives of believers. This work is a careful integration of God’s grand purpose for his glory with the means for accomplishing that divine plan through humanity, centered upon a vigorous interaction with Romans 6–8.

Chapter 1: Sin details how the original God-glorifying intent in the creation of humans was hijacked and derailed. Chapter 2: Salvation portrays the intervention of God to correct matters, his saving plan in Jesus Christ put into action, rendering believers capable of “good works” (holiness in thoughts, words, and deeds). Yet the flesh still remains in the ones saved, dragging them downward, causing them to commit sins. Chapter 3: Spirit introduces the divine Person who enables the people of God to overcome the flesh and fulfill God’s demands. Chapter 4: Scripture points out what those demands are, and how preaching enables them to be exposited for life change—the doing of “good works,” the development of holiness, the conformation to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And thus is God’s grand purpose for his glorification through humanity restored and accomplished!

Now to the One who is able to keep you unfallen
and to stand [you] before his glory blameless [and] with exultation,
to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all ages, and now, and unto all ages.
Amen!
Jude 24–25

Chapter Extract

Extract of Chapter 3: Spirit. Download Free Extract

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 Endorsements

How we tell the story of our lives matters. Am I a character in a heroic adventure, a senseless tragedy, an absurdist farce, an animal in a documentary—a naked ape—with a natural history only? What is the meaning of life? Abe Kuruvilla’s book is a timely reminder that the Bible tells a very different story, an unnatural history, a story of amazing grace. It’s a divine comedy in which God gives us, through the Spirit, a share in the glory of Jesus Christ, the eternal radiance of the Father’s glory: from glory to glory indeed!”

Kevin J. Vanhoozer
Research Professor of Systematic Theology
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois

Abraham Kuruvilla in From Glory To Glory: An Unnatural History of Sanctification has written a superb defense of the biblical doctrine of sanctification. This is nothing less than a coup d’etat against the many contemporary books on discipleship which effectively renders sanctification as nothing more than “sin management.” Kuruvilla reminds us afresh that God has a divine destiny for us which is nothing less than the full restoration of His glory in us. I recommend this book—you will find it clear, helpful, hopeful and inspiring!”

Timothy C. Tennent
Methodist Chair of Divinity and Professor of World Christianity
Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

How should we understand sanctification as Christians? What does it mean to live the Christian life? Abraham Kuruvilla takes us on a scriptural tour in this beautifully written and biblically faithful book, showing us what it means to be disciples of Christ. As believers we desire to glorify God, and Kuruvilla unpacks for us what glorifying God looks like in our daily lives. Highly recommended for pastors, students, and all who aspire to grow in Christ.”

Thomas R. Schreiner
James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Someone, somewhere suggested that the reading of many books brings consternation, even bewilderment. While that perception may be valid, I also find what I would call “a pearl of great price” often. This one is an exceptional gem. It offers an overarching metanarrative of the meaning of Holy Scripture through the lens of divine redemption accomplished in our ultimate sanctification, the divine purpose being to gather a people to dwell in His presence, glorifying him forever. The clarity of the literary composition is excellent, the exegesis of relevant passages precious, the depth of insight rare, the structure of the chapters easily grasped, the methodology executed throughout that of a seasoned homiletical practitioner. I think it is one of the best books I have ever read and seriously recommend it to you.”

John D. Hannah
Distinguished Professor of Historical Theology
Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas

In a work hermeneutically sensitive and homiletically shaped, Kuruvilla again shows himself a masterful expositor and communicator, drawing the reader in and expounding his theme with many valuable insights.”

Craig S. Keener
F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies
Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky

In this classic yet contemporary study of the glory of God, Abraham Kuruvilla compellingly argues that the glory of God is also the very goal of God. Written with a light touch but drawing on deep resources of biblical and theological insights, Kuruvilla demonstrates that through intervention to put right humanity’s predicament, God not only restores individuals so they might offer praise but also shows that all things work towards displaying the glory of the ever-loving God. This book is essential reading for all seeking a deeper understanding of purpose and goal of God.”

Paul Foster
Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity
School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland

Deeply scriptural, deeply pastoral, deeply honest and sensitive, Abe Kuruvilla’s From Glory to Glory is a homily to the children of God in the likeness of a book. It should draw the ears, eyes, and hearts of those who struggle against sin and the flesh; who believe that the Bible reveals God’s guidance and consolation; who desperately feel their need for the Spirit’s ministry, and who yearn to worship God by their holiness.”

D. Jeffrey Bingham
Jesse Hendley Professor of Biblical Theology
Southwestern Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

With his usual astute eye for exegetical detail and structural resonances, Abraham Kuruvilla leads us through a fresh approach to salvation and sanctification. In a culture in which everything revolves around the self, Kuruvilla, rightly, makes everything revolve around the glory of God. It made me helpfully re-examine the texts, on which I have often preached, on more than one occasion. All this makes this book both vital for preachers and a provocative challenge to our normal, even our normal church, agendas. It will make you think!”

Derek J. Tidball
Formerly Principal
London School of Theology, London, England

In this book Abraham Kuruvilla, both a theologian and medical doctor, examines the malady of sin and its known prescription—a spiritual remedy through incarnational intervention. Using his excellently honed analytical tools, he creates a theological tapestry weaving the threads of canonicity and redemptive history; creation and the new creation; sanctification and glorification; and revelation and application to present a prescription accessible by laity and clergy, relevant to scholars and students, and applicable in the academy and the church. It is my privilege to highly endorse this masterpiece.”

Robert Smith, Jr.
Distinguished Professor of Divinity
Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Informed by careful biblical exegesis but also accessible and engaging, From Glory to Glory: An Unnatural History of Sanctification will inform and inspire readers to worship the God who is transforming them progressively into the image of his Son.”

Robert L. Plummer
Collin and Evelyn Aikman Professor of Biblical Studies
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

An engaging overview of redemptive history from biblical origins to ultimate destiny. A thorough-going biblical theology well worth careful study. Highly commendable!”

Timothy George
Distinguished Professor
Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Thanks be to God, the Creator intervened and provided an unnatural solution to the natural condition of sinfulness. God not only cured the disease of sin, but he also positively added health to these sin-sufferers so that their latter state is infinitely better than their life in the original creation. Kuruvilla tells the biblical story of this redemption, from glory to glory, as the narrative of sanctification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Readers will be challenged by this book to be conformed increasingly to the image of Christ and to be more appreciative of the extent to which a gracious God will go to save his creatures.”

Glenn R. Kreider
Professor of Theological Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas

Here is a narrative that captures the struggle and delight of each believer. From deviant rebels trapped in the sordid ruin of our sin, to a community of God’s beloved children rescued and raised to the cosmic heights of being united with Christ and heirs of the new creation, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to face the wicked traitor of the flesh and become like Jesus. Like a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide, Professor Kuruvilla directs our sights to the great landmarks of salvation history so that the real hero of story, God, is glorified.”

David C. Wright
Dean of Students and Lecturer in Practical Ministry
Bible College of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia

Reflecting Kuruvilla’s homiletical and hermeneutical expertise, From Glory to Glory traces the biblical story line, wonderfully framed from Sin to Salvation to Spirit to Scripture. It contains expected emphases on, for example, Scripture, which the author both brilliantly exegetes and clearly communicates through helpful visuals, but also less anticipated yet greatly appreciated treatments on, for example, the Holy Spirit as the necessary doctor-director of our sanctification. This book is readily accessible to church members, and its depth of insight will additionally attract the attention of pastors and Christian educators. Highly recommended!”

Gregg R. Allison
Professor of Christian Theology
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

The story of sanctification is a journey in restoration of what sin cost humanity. God in His goodness and grace did not give up on humanity but worked to restore us. This work traces the theology of God doing this amazing work. It is a serious topical study of both glory lost and restored, all through Christ. It is a read that will instruct, encourage, and guide for the growth not just of us as individuals, but also as a church.”

Darrell L. Bock
Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas