That We Should Be Holy

TITLE: THAT WE SHOULD BE HOLY (1645)
Hanserd Knollys, Ephesians 1:4

Read by Jeff Massey

Hanserd Knollys was an influential leader among the 17th century
English Particular Baptists. A former priest in the Church of England, he came to Baptist convictions in 1643/44 and was instrumental in the formation of a Baptist church in Great Saint Helen-street, over which he was ordained the pastor in 1645 and served until 1691. He was a man acquainted with many persecutions and hardships, but was graciously sustained by God. Along with Benjamin Keach and William Kiffin, he was considered one of the 'first three' of the Baptist ministers in his day.

In this sermon, Knollys declares that God has called His people to be holy for His own praise, and for the honor and glory of His Son, Jesus Christ. Knollys clarifies what gospel-holiness is and what it is not, and he identifies three sorts of false professors who claim to be holy but who are not. Knollys then closes this sermon by comforting believers with the knowledge that God will ultimately perfect them in holiness.