This study’s main contribution is its aim to reorient the common perception surrounding M’Cheyne’s pursuit of holiness. It argues that rightly understanding M’Cheyne’s spirituality must begin with the fundamental issue of why he pursued the means of grace as he did, before reckoning with how he used those means. Such a reorientation reveals that loving communion with Christ was the driving force for M’Cheyne’s vision of the Christian life. Chapters 1 through 5 lay the foundation for understanding M’Cheyne’s spirituality. Chapters 6 through 10 expand on that foundation by demonstrating how M’Cheyne’s piety manifested itself in various spheres of his life and ministry. Chapter 1 states the project’s thesis and surveys the history of studies on M’Cheyne. Chapter 2 offers an overview of M’Cheyne’s life and ministry. Chapter 3 places M’Cheyne in the various contextual streams of his day. Understanding the ecclesiastical, philosophical, cultural, and pastoral contexts in which M’Cheyne lived aids an understanding of M’Cheyne’s spirituality and its subsequent appeal. Chapter 4 analyzes the essential contours of M’Cheyne’s theology. Importantly, his theology was that of the Westminster Standards. Chapter 5 systematizes M’Cheyne’s key thoughts on devotion to Christ. The Song of Songs provided the grammar that marked his conception of pursuing holiness. To grow in Christ is to know the Rose of Sharon, and to commune with the Beloved. Chapter 6 considers M’Cheyne’s practice of communion with Christ through the means of grace, specifically God’s Word, the sacraments, and prayer. Chapter 7 examines M’Cheyne’s preaching of Christ. His sermons exalted Christ, focusing on Christ as our Surety, Savior, and Judge. Chapter 8 shows M’Cheyne’s dedication to evangelism through his work with children, method of visitation, longing for revival, and strategies for church extension. Chapter 9 highlights an oft-neglected pillar of M’Cheyne’s pursuit of holiness: his Sabbatarian zeal. Chapter 10 assesses M’Cheyne’s eschatology and its effect on his spirituality.

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Text in Afrikaans / Die indikatiewe (inisiele) aspek van die heiliging word genadiglik deur God aan die gelowiges geskenk tydens hul regverdiging en wedergeboorte sodat die imperatiewe (voortgaande) aspek daaruit kan voortspruit. God ken in eersgenoemde aspek aan die gelowiges die nuwe status van heiliges as gawe toe, en rig hulle op Homself deur hulle met Christus te verenig in mede-sterwe vir die sonde, en in mede-opstanding in sy nuwe lewe. In kontinui'teit hiermee leef die gelowiges die implikasies van hul ontvangde status uit deur in die Militia Christiana die sonde(s) toenemend af te le, en hulle toenemend met Christus te beklee, en in sy krag deur die Gees vir God te lewe. So groei hulle in laasgenoemde aspek. Die Gereformeerde leer, waarvolgens geglo word dat 'n tweede genadewerk of 'n latere Geesdoop onnodig is vir effektiewe groei, laat die beste reg geskied aan die kontinui'teit tussen die twee aspekte. / The indicative (initial) aspect of sanctification is graciously given to the believers by God when they are justified and regenerated, so that the imperative (ongoing) aspect can flow therefrom. In the first-mentioned aspect God confers upon the believers the new status of saints, and focuses them on Himself by uniting them with Christ in co-crucifixion for sin, and in co-resurrection with Him in his new life. In continuation thereof, the believers live out the implications of their received status in the Militia Christiana by putting away sin, and by putting on Christ in an ever-increasing measure, and in living for God in Christ's power by the Spirit, thus growing in the latter aspect. The Reformed teaching, according to which it is believed that a second work of grace or a subsequent baptism with the Spirit is unnecessary for effectual growth, is most in accordance with the continuation between the two aspects. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Systematic Theology)

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Text in Afrikaans / Die indikatiewe (inisiele) aspek van die heiliging word genadiglik deur God aan die gelowiges geskenk tydens hul regverdiging en wedergeboorte sodat die imperatiewe (voortgaande) aspek daaruit kan voortspruit. God ken in eersgenoemde aspek aan die gelowiges die nuwe status van heiliges as gawe toe, en rig hulle op Homself deur hulle met Christus te verenig in mede-sterwe vir die sonde, en in mede-opstanding in sy nuwe lewe. In kontinui'teit hiermee leef die gelowiges die implikasies van hul ontvangde status uit deur in die Militia Christiana die sonde(s) toenemend af te le, en hulle toenemend met Christus te beklee, en in sy krag deur die Gees vir God te lewe. So groei hulle in laasgenoemde aspek. Die Gereformeerde leer, waarvolgens geglo word dat 'n tweede genadewerk of 'n latere Geesdoop onnodig is vir effektiewe groei, laat die beste reg geskied aan die kontinui'teit tussen die twee aspekte. / The indicative (initial) aspect of sanctification is graciously given to the believers by God when they are justified and regenerated, so that the imperative (ongoing) aspect can flow therefrom. In the first-mentioned aspect God confers upon the believers the new status of saints, and focuses them on Himself by uniting them with Christ in co-crucifixion for sin, and in co-resurrection with Him in his new life. In continuation thereof, the believers live out the implications of their received status in the Militia Christiana by putting away sin, and by putting on Christ in an ever-increasing measure, and in living for God in Christ's power by the Spirit, thus growing in the latter aspect. The Reformed teaching, according to which it is believed that a second work of grace or a subsequent baptism with the Spirit is unnecessary for effectual growth, is most in accordance with the continuation between the two aspects. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Systematic Theology)