Book Review: studies in the Atonement

 

The Atonement, without a shadow of doubt, happens to be one the most important themes of both scriptures and history. But what does it actually mean? who is it made on behalf of? Well, the answer to that is that it is the sole means to which man is made right before God; or perhaps more correctly, is declared to be right by God.  And when a man comes to that cross rods in life of recognising that He is sinner truly; and that nothing he can do will remedy this. He will ask: how can I find peace? The answer is readily available to him in these words: "Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place." (Dan. 9:24) That is the only way through the work of the prince.

In this work, Dr Bob Morey sets out to show the greatness of the atonement, and he does so, by providing what is a common rundown of the elements involved (it can be found in John Murray's excellent work "redemption accomplished and applied); however, this work is a much more expanded treatment. Why must people read this then? It is completely up to you; but still I recommend it to those who have a desire. Let us take note of the structure of this book.

(1) we have the basis of redemption: the atonement. He provides 5 chapter on this matter. a) guiding principles. b) the necessity of the atonement. c) the nature of the atonement. d) the perfection of the atonement e) the extent of the atonement. On page 17 we have the first principle: the doctrine of the atonement is exclusively a subject of special revelation, and thus we are entirely dependant upon the scriptures. which he tells us that "Christianity is unique and singular in its concept of the atonement. We will search history in vain to find another religion which developed the concept of God becoming a man to die as the sinners substitute."  (pg.17) 

(2) we have the application of the atonement. He provides us with 11 chapters on the matter which go through each doctrine of the faith from our union with Christ to our preservation and perseverance in the faith. But it is the 6th and 7th chapter that need to be noted: in the 6th chapter we have a discussion concerning the Trinity which is point v he says: "we can say that the Father did the planning... The Son accomplished it... the Spirit is the one who applies it."  (pg.111)  then in the seventh chapter we see the 4th principle: the necessity of each doctrine being connected together: "one element is never said to be in isolation from the other elements in the process of salvation. it is simply unscriptural." (Pg.118)   (3) Objections to the atonement answered. this chapter the final 3 chapters and an appendix. 

This is one work that can provide a lot of great insight on many matters; therefore, I warmly recommend it. 

Popular posts from this blog

The insidious Gnosticism in Feminism

This title may be a little confusing because it is strange concept; yet I believe it is correct.  Now what Do I mean?  Let me explain:  Preliminary thought While what can be called "classical feminism" had an aim; no matter how misguided it may have been as what it was trying to fight for was a good thing just that it never needed to do such a thing; in the first place.  There had always been equality for the sexes due to the Christian faith-- just not identical rights-- for both men and women were equal before God in all thing pertaining to the faith. However, this equality did not rule  distinctive trait that defined each sex rather worked to enhance those wonderful points.  let me ask this:  did women gaining the vote ever do any good to society?  my answer is simple: NO.  the good it may have done was far overshadowed by the evils that were to seep through because of it being a slippery slope. for example: the vote was the catalyst to the dysfunction and utter break-down
Read more

Book Review: something must be known and felt.

Image
  Here we have a book which should be taken seriously by all serious minded Christians; who if they are are protestant in their thinking must always be willing to adapt their current understanding on doctrinal truths and practical issue (think of 'sempre-reformanda' which means always reforming). And if this were taken seriously then it should always welcome deeper understanding on certain issues. Let us always be of this frame of mind:  we should never say that the previous generations was in error; but that because of certain things being put in the spot light; therefore, many other areas which are equally important did not get as much coverage-- they were either taught upon in a foundational manner or simply assumed to be agreed upon. And this is the case at every high period of Church History. And it means some points will eventually have their moment at a later date. Take note of these words from Stuart Olyott . He writes: "In true Christianity God's revealed trut
Read more

The problem that Christians face.

  What is the primary thing that is consistently destroying the life of the ecclesia?   It is the institutional usurpation of the way things were meant to be carried out in the body of Christ. Let me make this point clear-- for much of the last 1800 years (but more so, from 325ad onwards) everything that we assume to be the correct manner is not only error; it is a danger to the health of the church.  In other words, the hierarchical system has no scriptural bearing.  The church as it was brought into existence through Christ and His Spirit by means of His apostles was an organic reality and not an institutional system. Take note of the following passages and tell me that what we have today in Evangelicalism (Today: institutional Christendom)  is what Christ put in place.  Paul teaches us that the function of the church is an internal all body dynamic-- and that all believers are to be participants and not spectators of some grand show: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the
Read more