One of the things that has consumed me for the last few years is the task of finding the gospel in the Old Testament. Having studied the OT for years as a dispensationalist, that task has not come easily. After being introduced to the doctrines of grace, my view of theology proper changed, and is still changing (I suppose you could say I am semper reformanda). My leaky dispensationalism is rapidly becoming empty, and some sort of covenant theology is slowly taking its place. Part of this is finding, as I said, the gospel in the OT.
I recently ran across a review on the 9Marks website about a new book that may help with that quest. The whole review can be found here. The book is God's Glory in Salvation Through Judgment by James Hamilton, Jr. It is an overview of how judgment, looked upon by many Christians as a topic not to be discussed, and by others as a myth, is shown in the OT to be a manifestation of God's character and a picture of unity with the NT view of God on sin and salvation. If covenant theology is true, then the God of the OT is not only the same God of the NT, but his work and activity then reflect the same goals and objectives that his work and activity did at the time of Christ, and of today. Reading the OT in this light makes a huge difference in how one interprets the events found there, and even how one interprets why certain events are included in the OT narrative. (For example, read the story of David and Mephibosheth as an Arminian dispensationalist, then re-read it as a Calvinist covenantarian...see what I mean?)
I'm adding this book to my Amazon wish list...and look forward to getting into it in the near future. (My stack of 'must' reading is about 15 inches high now...I gotta get busy!)
Showing posts with label calvinism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calvinism. Show all posts
06 January 2011
14 July 2010
The Truth of the Cross (book review)
I'm always on the lookout for a certain type of book- a book that explains the gospel (or critical parts of it) that isn't overly scholarly, isn't too simplified, and most of all, is short enough that someone who wasn't planning to read a book like that would choose to read it upon request.
R. C. Sproul's name comes up automatically in such a search, as he has empirically shown over 40-plus years that he has a gift of making difficult and controversial topics simple and understandable. The effect of his ministry on my own life is hard to measure, as his books and audio/video sermons and conference messages have increased both my understanding of and love for the gospel, the bible in general, and evangelism as a whole.
When I saw this book become available, I quickly requested a PDF copy from Ligonier.org for review. (FCC note: the publisher provided me with a free copy of the book for review purposes; no other benefit or payment was or is forthcoming). I wanted to know if this book fit the bill as a book I could hand to folks who don't have a good understanding of need for the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross (whether new believers or old ones who really haven't heard much gospel preached in their lives).
It does.
The book is short (167 pages), has a lot of good stuff in it, and is accessable by the new believer. Anyone with a high-school education can understand it, as the more complex theological arguments are, typical of Dr. Sproul, made accessible in terms and word-pictures that are easy to understand. There are nine chapters plus a chapter at the end called, 'Questions and Answers'. I have learned over time that the Q&A sessions at the Ligonier (and other) conferences can be some of the best teaching times, so the Q&A chapter in the book is particularly helpful. And, Dr. Sproul is really at his best when dialoging one-on-one with students.
In chapter one, 'The Necessity of an Atonement' Dr. Sproul moves the reader's view of the cross from a religious symbol to a necessary response to the seriousness of sin (that we usually underemphasize). He describes the three basic views of historic Christian theology (Pelagianism, Semi-pelagianism, and Augustinianism) and how the mindset found in each pre-determines one's view of the cross.
In chapter two, 'The Just God' Sproul talks about the holiness of God and how it would be unjust (and therefore un-God-like) for God to ignore sin rather than deal with it.
Chapter three talks about our place (nature) in the debate about sin, and Dr. Sproul uses his idea of Cosmic Treason that he has developed previously to describe the seriousness of sin before God.
Chapters four and five describe Christ as a ransom and a substitute (respectively). Here the importance of substitutionary atonement is developed.
Chapter six is on the humanity of Christ, and the importance to us of his perfect, sinless obedience to God. Without this, his substitution wouldn't mean much to us.
Chapter seven, 'The Suffering Servant' is a development of the old testament view of the messiah. It ties together the two testaments and serves to show the plan of God from the beginning was a salvation by faith alone.
Chapter eight is on the crucifixion itself. Importantly, Sproul points out the curse of God, not the pain of the cross itself, should be the focus of the passion event. Many people were crucified in this era, but only one suffered the full wrath of God at the same time.
Chapter nine is on the limited nature of the atonement (how the atonement applies to the elect). Sproul does an excellent job of communicating that the atonement wasn't a potential atonement actuated by the sinner, but an actual atonement initiated by the savior.
In summary, I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an overview of the cross and its meaning to the Christian and not wanting a highly technical, seminary-intended-audience coverage of the subject. I've never given a bad review to an R. C. Sproul-authored book, and this one is no exception. I've bought several to hand to folks who are interested. I'll probably make an outline of it for a series of Sunday School lessons for my adult SS class; it is small enough and inexpensive enough to be purchased as 'notes' for such a study. You won't be disappointed in this book.
Five stars.
.
R. C. Sproul's name comes up automatically in such a search, as he has empirically shown over 40-plus years that he has a gift of making difficult and controversial topics simple and understandable. The effect of his ministry on my own life is hard to measure, as his books and audio/video sermons and conference messages have increased both my understanding of and love for the gospel, the bible in general, and evangelism as a whole.
When I saw this book become available, I quickly requested a PDF copy from Ligonier.org for review. (FCC note: the publisher provided me with a free copy of the book for review purposes; no other benefit or payment was or is forthcoming). I wanted to know if this book fit the bill as a book I could hand to folks who don't have a good understanding of need for the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross (whether new believers or old ones who really haven't heard much gospel preached in their lives).
It does.
The book is short (167 pages), has a lot of good stuff in it, and is accessable by the new believer. Anyone with a high-school education can understand it, as the more complex theological arguments are, typical of Dr. Sproul, made accessible in terms and word-pictures that are easy to understand. There are nine chapters plus a chapter at the end called, 'Questions and Answers'. I have learned over time that the Q&A sessions at the Ligonier (and other) conferences can be some of the best teaching times, so the Q&A chapter in the book is particularly helpful. And, Dr. Sproul is really at his best when dialoging one-on-one with students.
In chapter one, 'The Necessity of an Atonement' Dr. Sproul moves the reader's view of the cross from a religious symbol to a necessary response to the seriousness of sin (that we usually underemphasize). He describes the three basic views of historic Christian theology (Pelagianism, Semi-pelagianism, and Augustinianism) and how the mindset found in each pre-determines one's view of the cross.
In chapter two, 'The Just God' Sproul talks about the holiness of God and how it would be unjust (and therefore un-God-like) for God to ignore sin rather than deal with it.
Chapter three talks about our place (nature) in the debate about sin, and Dr. Sproul uses his idea of Cosmic Treason that he has developed previously to describe the seriousness of sin before God.
Chapters four and five describe Christ as a ransom and a substitute (respectively). Here the importance of substitutionary atonement is developed.
Chapter six is on the humanity of Christ, and the importance to us of his perfect, sinless obedience to God. Without this, his substitution wouldn't mean much to us.
Chapter seven, 'The Suffering Servant' is a development of the old testament view of the messiah. It ties together the two testaments and serves to show the plan of God from the beginning was a salvation by faith alone.
Chapter eight is on the crucifixion itself. Importantly, Sproul points out the curse of God, not the pain of the cross itself, should be the focus of the passion event. Many people were crucified in this era, but only one suffered the full wrath of God at the same time.
Chapter nine is on the limited nature of the atonement (how the atonement applies to the elect). Sproul does an excellent job of communicating that the atonement wasn't a potential atonement actuated by the sinner, but an actual atonement initiated by the savior.
In summary, I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an overview of the cross and its meaning to the Christian and not wanting a highly technical, seminary-intended-audience coverage of the subject. I've never given a bad review to an R. C. Sproul-authored book, and this one is no exception. I've bought several to hand to folks who are interested. I'll probably make an outline of it for a series of Sunday School lessons for my adult SS class; it is small enough and inexpensive enough to be purchased as 'notes' for such a study. You won't be disappointed in this book.
Five stars.
.
22 April 2010
Splintering in Neo-Calvinism
I've been taken aback recently by several comments I've read on blogs, and maybe more so by a particular blog and the direction it has taken. The comments that have bothered me have had to do with those in reformed churches calling many folks in the, "young, restless, and reformed" (YRR) movement illegitimate with respect to being reformed. There are two important considerations that are not being taken into account by these people- (1) their definition of 'reformed' isn't shared or known by those new to the doctrines of grace, and (2) they don't understand how much damage their attitudes can do in those who are new to the doctrines of grace.
First, look at the flap over John Piper's invitation to Rick Warren to speak at Bethlehem's national conference. No, Rick Warren isn't reformed, nor even a proponent of the doctrines of grace, but the way Piper has been treated by some in the blog world has been truly mind-boggling. They are attacking him as if he'd denied the faith itself.
Second, look at the popular Internet Monk blog. The founder of the blog, Michael Spencer, recently died of cancer. The person (or people) who took over the blog have turned it into a cheerleading platform for evolution. It is supposed to be a reformed blog, but it is rivaled only by Hitchens and Dawkins in its fervor for evolutionary origins of humanity.
Michael Horton posted on the White Horse Inn page, just today, a blog which helps to clear up some of this confusion. At least, it will if enough people read it. Now, Horton has made some comments in the past that (in my mind) put him in the group calling YRR folks illegitimate. His work, particularly Christless Christianity and Gospel-Driven Life have been very influential on me, so I was certainly bothered by his apparent attitude. The new blog today has cleared up some of my concerns by clarifying some of what he has said. Getting the 'big picture' is always a good idea, and Horton has helped with that by his latest post.
I hope the YRR movement can come together better on some of these issues before too many 'seekers' of the doctrines of grace are driven away by the in-fighting. There are huge differences between reformed ecclesiology and Calvinistic soteriology/christology. Some in the reformed churches seem ready to cast out all those who believe in the doctrines of grace and support the solas of the reformation unless they also adopt covenant theology in its entirety. I don't think that's a wise choice. Horton has advocated calling the movement of non-reformed adherents to the doctrines of grace, "Calvinistic evangelicalism". I don't know if that's the best choice, since 'Calvinism' has been given an unfortunate baggage of derision by the Arminian movement, but if it keeps the splintering to a minimum, I'll take it.
First, look at the flap over John Piper's invitation to Rick Warren to speak at Bethlehem's national conference. No, Rick Warren isn't reformed, nor even a proponent of the doctrines of grace, but the way Piper has been treated by some in the blog world has been truly mind-boggling. They are attacking him as if he'd denied the faith itself.
Second, look at the popular Internet Monk blog. The founder of the blog, Michael Spencer, recently died of cancer. The person (or people) who took over the blog have turned it into a cheerleading platform for evolution. It is supposed to be a reformed blog, but it is rivaled only by Hitchens and Dawkins in its fervor for evolutionary origins of humanity.
Michael Horton posted on the White Horse Inn page, just today, a blog which helps to clear up some of this confusion. At least, it will if enough people read it. Now, Horton has made some comments in the past that (in my mind) put him in the group calling YRR folks illegitimate. His work, particularly Christless Christianity and Gospel-Driven Life have been very influential on me, so I was certainly bothered by his apparent attitude. The new blog today has cleared up some of my concerns by clarifying some of what he has said. Getting the 'big picture' is always a good idea, and Horton has helped with that by his latest post.
I hope the YRR movement can come together better on some of these issues before too many 'seekers' of the doctrines of grace are driven away by the in-fighting. There are huge differences between reformed ecclesiology and Calvinistic soteriology/christology. Some in the reformed churches seem ready to cast out all those who believe in the doctrines of grace and support the solas of the reformation unless they also adopt covenant theology in its entirety. I don't think that's a wise choice. Horton has advocated calling the movement of non-reformed adherents to the doctrines of grace, "Calvinistic evangelicalism". I don't know if that's the best choice, since 'Calvinism' has been given an unfortunate baggage of derision by the Arminian movement, but if it keeps the splintering to a minimum, I'll take it.
22 September 2009
Being a Reformation Fan in a Baptist Church
I am currently teaching through the book of Hebrews in my Sunday School class. I teach the Adult 10 class at the First Baptist Church. Thanks to folks like R C Sproul, Wayne Grudem, Michael Horton, James R. White, John Piper, John MacArthur (and quite a few others) I have come to a realization of the truth of the doctrines of grace and the essential nature of the pure gospel in the life of the church.
Teaching the doctrines of grace in a Baptist church can be a challenge. While many of the founders of the Baptist faith were Calvinistic in their outlook early in the church, the Baptist faith has been long dominated by an Arminian outlook on the world. I grew up in another denomination (church of Christ) that is even more Arminian in nature, so I have seen that side of the theology coin very clearly. Both aspects (Baptist history and my background) add to the challenge of teaching the doctrines of grace (the TULIP) to my class.
However, I've seen the negative effects of the substitution of a form of the Law for the Gospel on my current denomination, and I feel a strong calling to be a part of the solution to this problem. In Hebrews, we are in chapter two, and if you recall, verse 9 of chapter 2 is a great teaching moment for the idea of definite atonement ('limited', if you use the TULIP). This lesson is coming up on October 4th. I am very grateful I have the Logos system in place to help prepare for this lesson, as the volume of material is overwhelming. Logos makes the volume manageable.
This won't be the last time one of the TULIPs comes up in Hebrews. It is an interesting, but worthwhile, challenge.
Teaching the doctrines of grace in a Baptist church can be a challenge. While many of the founders of the Baptist faith were Calvinistic in their outlook early in the church, the Baptist faith has been long dominated by an Arminian outlook on the world. I grew up in another denomination (church of Christ) that is even more Arminian in nature, so I have seen that side of the theology coin very clearly. Both aspects (Baptist history and my background) add to the challenge of teaching the doctrines of grace (the TULIP) to my class.
However, I've seen the negative effects of the substitution of a form of the Law for the Gospel on my current denomination, and I feel a strong calling to be a part of the solution to this problem. In Hebrews, we are in chapter two, and if you recall, verse 9 of chapter 2 is a great teaching moment for the idea of definite atonement ('limited', if you use the TULIP). This lesson is coming up on October 4th. I am very grateful I have the Logos system in place to help prepare for this lesson, as the volume of material is overwhelming. Logos makes the volume manageable.
This won't be the last time one of the TULIPs comes up in Hebrews. It is an interesting, but worthwhile, challenge.
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