'n Kerkhistoriese ondersoek na die begrip heiligmaking by die N.G. Kerk met besondere verwysing na De (Gereformeerde) Kerkbode 1849-1899 - Keller, Leon (University of the Free State, 2004)
In this study theology of sanctification in the Dutch Reformed Church is looked at from 1849-1899. As a result of the specific historical context sainthood has played a prominent roll in the theology of the Dutch Reformed Church. It was a century in which there was a great interest in the sanctification movements and revivals. What also contributed towards this interest was the declining state of the church and the rising of the liberal movements. The revival experienced by the Dutch Reformed Church in 1860 and everything associated with it, led to a need for a more profound spiritual life. Several ministers who had served in the Dutch Reformed Church were influenced by Methodism and Reveil movements during their lives. The emphasis on prayer and the search for revival was an important part of their ministry. The prominent figure who had a great influence in the forming of the sainthood theology was the Reverend Andrew Murray. He played a prominent roll during the demarcation time of this study. His influence was not only felt during 1849-1899, but for decades to follow. His influence was not only in South Africa, but also in other parts of the world. He was an international well known author of 250 publications and his works were translated into 15 different languages. He played a prominent roll at the Keswick conferences which focussed on the theme of sanctification. In the search for answers for the situation in the church, a solution in different forms of sanctity is looked upon. It is influenced by various people and movements in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, these searches have led to incorrect interpretation of some points, which have left their mark on the Dutch Reformed Church. The different and various views have come up for discussion in this study. As basis for evaluation the reformed articles of faith was used.

In die studie is gekyk na die teologie van heiligmaking in die N.G Kerk vanaf 1849 – 1899. As gevolg van die spesifieke historiese konteks het heiligmaking 'n baie prominente rol in die teologie van die N.G. Kerk gespeel. In die 19de eeu was daar groot belangstelling in die heiligheidsbewegings en herlewings. Wat ook meegewerk het aan die belangstelling was die vervalle toestand van die Kerk en die opkoms van die liberale bewegings. Die herlewing wat die N.G Kerk in 1860 beleef het en alles wat daarmee gepaard gegaan het, het gelei tot 'n behoefte aan 'n diepere lewe. Verskeie van die leraars wat in die N.G Kerk gedien het, was in hulle teologie beïnvloed deur die Metodisme, Reveil en die Puriteine. Die klem op gebed en die soeke na herlewing was 'n belangrike deel van hulle bediening. Die uitstaande figuur wat 'n baie groot invloed op die vorming van die heiligmakingsteologie gehad het, was dr. Andrew Murray. In die afgebakende tyd van die studie speel hy 'n prominente rol. Sy invloed was nie alleen gevoel in die tyd 1849-1899 nie, maar vir baie dekades daarna. Sy invloed was nie net in Suid-Afrika nie, maar ook in ander dele van die wêreld. Hy was 'n internasionaal bekende skrywer met 250 publikasies en sy werke is in 15 verskillende tale vertaal. Hy het 'n prominente rol gespeel by die Keswick-konferensies wat gefokus was op die tema van heiligmaking. In die soeke na antwoorde vir die toestand van die Kerk is die oplossing in die verskillende vorme van heiligmaking gesoek. Dit is beïnvloed deur verskillende persone en bewegings in ander dele van die wêreld. Ongelukkig het hierdie soeke ook gelei tot die verkeerde verstaan van die heiligmaking op sommige punte wat ook sy merk in die NG Kerk gelaat het. Die verskillende sieninge het in die studie aan die orde gekom. As basis vir beoordeling is die gereformeerde belydenisskrifte gebruik.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Church History and Polity))--University of the Free State, 2004
Keywords: Dutch Reformed Church; Sanctification; Church history; Theology; Murray, Andrew 1828-1917; N. J. Hofmeyr; Revival; Prayer; Higher life; Christ; Preachers; Holy Spirit; Inner life; Articles; Books; Sin; Bible; Christianity; Songs; Sanctification; Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk -- South Africa -- History