Man, Sin, and Salvation
Book Reviews by
Fred G. Zaspel
If you are in love with the doctrines of grace, as I am, then you'll be even more in love with them after reading J. I. Packer's Introductory Essay to John Owen's The Death of Death (Banner of Truth). Owen's work, of course, is the brilliant, compelling, and still unanswered defense of definite atonement, but Packer's introduction also is a marvelous overview of what is called "Calvinism" given with compelling passion and Biblical force. Must reading in soteriology.
Every pastor should read and re-read John Murray's Redemption Accomplished and Applied (Eerdmans) until the entire book is completely digested and has thoroughly affected his entire frame of reference. It is one of the most helpful little volumes on the work of Christ you can ever get your hands on. Evangelicalism of our day of our day is marked by fuzzy thinking about what salvation is and how it was accomplished and how it is applied; given a fair reading this little book could all by itself clear up that confusion and restore Biblical precision to Evangelical preaching. Read it and digest it – all of it.
Leon Morris has provided two indispensible works: The Cross In the New Testament and The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross (both from Eerdmans). The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross is more technical than Murray's Redemption Accomplished & Applied, mentioned above, but more thorough as well. Morris has explored in depth the basic themes of Redemption, Covenant, Blood, The Lamb of God, Propitiation, Reconciliation, and Justification – all in their Biblical (and often extra-Biblical) usages and contexts as well as in light of (and often opposed to) contemporary scholarship. A uniquely valuable contribution to the study of soteriology. And, if you would like the popularized version of this, get Morris' The Atonement: Its Meaning and Significance (IVP). As the title implies, The Cross In the New Testament is a Biblical-theological treatment of the various themes of soteriology as presented by each of the NT writers. It is marvelous for its clear unfolding of these great subjects. Both of these are extremely helpful. Very highly recommended.
Sinclair Ferguson's The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction (Banner of Truth) is a true gem. I have mentioned already that Sinclair is a theologian of the heart, and you will find this very evident here. It has long been a complaint of mine that Evangelical pastors lack both the understanding of and the passion for the great Biblical themes of salvation. This book helps on both scores. Ferguson gives a clear, rich, and accurate exposition of major soteriological themes, such as regeneration, the plan of redemption, conviction of sin, calling, faith, justification, union with Christ, perseverance, and glorification – all with the precision of a theologian and the heart of a fervant Christian and pastor. We keep this available on our book racks at church and encourage everyone to read it. Highly recommended. Read and enjoy!
Michael Horton's Mission Accomplished and Richard Belcher's A Journey In Grace are hard to beat for popular explanations of the doctrines of grace which we call Calvinism. Both are excellent for giving to any believer who has questions about these things or who is seeking merely to understand them more fully. Belcher's A Journey in Grace is particularly effective in its novel-like approach (Many have read it assuming it was actually a true biography!). We try to keep these available here at church also for anyone willing to read. Highly Recommended.
The God Who Justifies by James White (Bethany House)
That God in grace justifies ungodly people through Jesus Christ and by faith alone is both the central theme of the Christian gospel and the whole ground of the believer's hope. Until our Lord comes again this message must be made clear to every generation, and James White has done us a favor in providing a careful articulation of it – Biblically, theologically, and evangelistically. It is a pleasure to recommend his new book as a reliable resource for deepening your understanding of this great theme.
The Assurance of Salvation by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Crossway Books)
An exposition of Jesus' "high priestly prayer" recorded in John 17. John 17 is on any count one of the high points of Scripture. It is one of those passages which cries out for a thorough exposition -- and who better suited for such a task than Lloyd-Jones. Thoroughly aware of the various Biblical and theological issues involved, he gives here his typically insightful and stirring sermons expounding our Lord's prayer for us. Thorough and full -- vintage Lloyd-Jones!
Christ's Call to Discipleship by James M. Boice (Kregel)
This is Boice's contribution to the "Lordship" controversy. Valuable not only in its reaffirmation of Christ's lordship and of the believer's necessary submission to Him, but also in its clear, simple, and effective challenge to believers to live as Christ has called them. A most relevant theme treated by a most respected and helpful Bible teacher.
The Glory of God's Grace by James M. Boice (Kregel)
Packer calls this "vintage Boice." In his usual clear and intriguing way, Boice treats thoroughly the meaning of God's grace and how it can change your life. Another wonderful series of bible study lessons and great "keeper" for the church booktable. Highly recommended.
God's Riches: A Work-Book on the Doctrines of Grace, by John Benton and John Peet (Banner of Truth), is a very nice little workbook designed to present the doctrines of grace in the simplest and clearest way. Perfectly suited for Sunday School or home or small group Bible studies, this book carefully guides the student through relevant Biblical passages to a better understanding of God's grace in salvation. The questions asked are pertinent and clear and directed to the various Scripture passages. The book begins with foundational matters of the character of Scripture and the glory and sovereignty of God and proceeds on to the specific matters of man in sin, election and calling, the atonement of Christ, and perseverance in holiness. I am always concerned that God's people understand the workings of God's grace and am happy to see another helpful tool to accomplish that purpose. I intend to provided it for some of our Sunday School classes (perhaps best suited for Junior High through adult). Highly recommended.
If you have not read All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon, then you are cheating yourself. Few, if any, ever preached the gospel so well as Spurgeon, and this book, designed as an appeal to the lost, will warm – if not melt – the heart of any believer. This was the first book D. L. Moody selected to publish at Moody Press, and a good choice it was. Get it. Read it. Today!
The Work of Christ by Robert Letham (IVP)
An excellent study of the work of Christ from a thoroughly Reformed perspective. His treatments of the nature and the intent of the atonement are particularly enjoyable reading. A very good textbook for the subject.
The Cross and Salvation by Bruce Demarest (Crossway Books)
An excellent textbook covering the main branches of soteriology. I could wish he were a bit clearer on his treatment of the extent of the atonement, but other than that this is a study well worth consulting. A very informative read.
The Atonement by A. A. Hodge
The copy I have is from Baker, but it is currently out of print. If you can get your hands on one, buy it. Perhaps the best study in substitution you will read.
The ABC's of Assurance by John Gerstner (SDG)
Not trite but a brief yet solid exposition of the doctrine of assurance. Nor is it a presumptuous grasp on to a doctrine of "eternal security." Rather, within the context of the Calvinistic doctrine of perseverance, this is a sober presentation of the assurance that is offered toand expected to be the experience of every believer. Short, simple, clear, and within the grasp of anyone.
Truth Unchanged Unchanging by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Crossway Books)
As it should be said of every preacher, Lloyd-Jones was at his best when preaching the gospel -- and this is something he seemed always to be able to do! But of course some sermons and some books -- as some Biblical passages -- are more specifically given to a gospel presentation, and this is clearly Lloyd-Jones' agenda here. The chapter titles tell his approach -- 1) What is Man? 2) What is Wrong with Man? 3) Sincerity Versus Truth, 4) The Simple Gospel, and 5) Is the Gospel Still Relevant? Like a good physician, "the doctor" here carefully analyzes the problem and then prescribes the only remedy. Would that all preachers were so gifted as to preach the gospel so clearly and so well! Reading this will be a blessed experience. And if you have a lost friend who will read it, it will be the best thing for him.
Baptism: The Believer's First Obedience by Larry Dyer (Kregel)
A very, very good treatment of all the prominent questions regarding baptism. Concise and pleasantly brief, yet comprehensive enough to be of real value. A very good book for general distribution in church and for instruction for new believers. Highly recommended.
Justification by Faith Alone edited by Don Kistler (Soli Deo Gloria, 1995)
A series of timely essays by John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, Joel Beeke, John Gerstner, and John Armstrong in affirmation of this cardinal tenet of the Christian faith and in response to the infamous Evangelicals and Catholics Together. The strongest chapters are by Beeke and Armstrong, although all throughout there could have been more exegetical work for such a definitive book – particularly from the key passage of Romans 3:21ff . Also, it was ironic that while arguing the contrary (and correct) position the disappointing NASB translation was used throughout: "reckoned as (eis) righteousness." The theology of justification, however, is clearly presented and enthusiastically affirmed. Overall, a very helpful and relevant book.
Justification By Faith Alone by Charles Hodge (The Trinity Foundation, 1995 reprint)
Few expounded the doctrine of justification with such clarity as Charles Hodge. This book consists of Hodge's chapters on Justification from his The Way of Life and Systematic Theology. This doctrine is foundational and a clear exposition of it is as needful today as ever. Trinity has done a service in making these available to those who don't have Hodge's works. Very good reading.
A Treatise of Effectual Calling and Election by Christopher Love (SDG)
A Puritan exposition of the theme of assurance of salvation. Taking 2 Peter 1:10 ("Giving all diligence to make your calling and election sure") as his text, Love both warns of false assurance and expounds the need for assurance, the nature of assurance, and the means to attaining it. In classic puritan style, Love labors perhaps longer on the theme of false assurance than true, but his insigts and applications to the elect are warm and rich.
The Triumph of Grace: Augustine's Writings on Salvation edited by N. R. Needham (Grace Publications)
Augustine is certainly one of if not the most towering theologian since the apostles. His influence lives on strong, but few today have any first-hand acquaintance with him. Needham has done us a favor in collecting and collating the best of Augustine on the themes for which he is most famous. These quotations are not simply "one liners" but paragraph- and multi-paragraph-length quotations on the subjects of the fall, original sin, free will, law and grace, incarnation and atonement, new life in Christ, predestination, and the perseverance of the saints. The selections are well-chosen and to the point. Augustine deserves a hearing on these topics, and this is the easiest way to it.
The Enemy Within by Kris Lundgaard (Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing)
A very, very good book -- most needful and extremely helpful. A condensed and popularized presentation of Puritan John Owen's famous volume 6 -- Indwelling Sin and The Mortification of Sin. Owen analyzed the human heart in light of the Scriptures perhaps more carefully than any. His work, however, is often difficult for most to plow through. Now, he's back and within grasp of every reader.
Not the Way It's Supposed to Be by Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. (Eerdmans)
An intriguing popular analysis of human sin. While almost completely lacking in exegetical work, Plantinga is Biblically informed, and while almost no Biblical passages are analyzed to any degree at all, he does expound several Biblical ideas well. His emphasis on responsibility is a note that always needs resounding, and his overview of the "wrongness" of this world in sin is helpful. And overall it is enjoyable reading to boot!
Original Sin by Henri Blocher (Eerdmans)
I'm more impressed with Blocher each time I read him. This sophisticated treatment of the biblical teaching on original sin offers a robust response to modern thinking on the subject. Blocher is theological, exegetical, and very insightful. Even for the few places where I cannot quite follow him, this book is most valuable reading.
Possessed By God: A New Testament Theology of Sanctification and Holiness, by David Peterson
A very important study of the "holiness" language of the New Testament and an excellent corrective to our standard theological lingo regarding practical godliness. Required reading on the subject!
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