Synopsis: John Owen’s Biblical Theology is unique in that, in a very real sense, it stands at the head of the modern biblical-theological method of studying the scriptures. The comprehensiveness with which it treats of natural and special revelation, combined with the eminently practical exhortations with which it concludes, makes it well worth reading, not just by virtue of its unique place in history, but in its own right.

The recently translated Biblical Theology of John Owen is perhaps the prototypical model of a fully developed redemptive-historical method of organizing theology. The heart of the work, in which the unfolding of evangelical theology is traced from the Fall to the coming of Christ, is thorough, clearly-organized, and scripturally-sound – in a word, it is both biblical and helpful. Nevertheless, it has been updated and expanded upon by later biblical theologians, who have brought the discipline to bear on more recent attacks against pure theology. But the initial and concluding portions are where Owen truly shines; and in these portions, he remains, even today, unsurpassed.

The first book of this volume, in which Owen treats of natural revelation, is simply astounding in the comprehensiveness of its scope, and the succinctness with which it is set forth. Owen draws on a staggering array of the outstanding histories and writings of the ancient and medieval worlds, and, from them, demonstrates his thesis that, in the pursuit to regain the natural theology which was lost at the Fall, men succeeded only in ensnaring themselves in the most intricate and vain philosophies; which failure, by wisdom, to know God, led to the fullness of times in which God would be pleased to restore true theology through the foolishness of gospel-preaching. Owen’s vast knowledge of profane history cannot fail to be thoroughly enjoyable to those of us who enjoy such historical studies; and the manner in which he draws this profane history into its proper relationship to unfolding revelation cannot fail to be profitable to all of us alike.

The sixth and last book of the volume J.I. Packer has aptly termed “pure gold.” In this book, Owen paints a picture of evangelical theology as the true knowledge of God, which Christ alone revealed in the gospel. Owen then proceeds to demonstrate that, while the propositions of evangelical theology may be pursued intellectually, the essence of theology – an immediate knowledge of God himself – is nothing other than a gift of the Spirit. The final chapter in particular, setting forth in practical principles the means by which a student of theology (which is just another name for Christian) may advance in his knowledge of God, is Owen at his best – worshipful, applicational, biblical, and Christ-centered.

If I may paraphrase J. I. Packer, anyone who has a taste for biblical theology or for John Owen will be well-pleased with this overdue arrival. I would only add to the list a taste for history. And those of us who enjoy all three will find this a tasty treat indeed.

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Synopsis: Thomas Boston, a Scottish Puritan of the eighteenth century, produced at the beginning of his ministry what was to become a classic expression of the Puritan, and indeed the Reformed, attitude towards evangelism. Today we know this passionate and soul-searching meditation as The Art of Manfishing. Anyone who has ever been brought to despair by the lack of success attending his ministry, or the dullness of heart which he often finds seeping into his soul, would find much balm in these weighty words, written by one who truly feels that of which he speaks; and who knows, moreover, where the healing and hope is to be found.

The caricature of Puritanism as a condemnatory and passionless religion of self-satisfied curmudgeons could scarcely be further from the reality, as Boston’s little treatise convincingly demonstrates. Within its pages are to be found deep humility, a passion for souls, and a desperate desire that God be glorified. This is Puritanism at its best; and even at its worst, Puritanism has much to offer the modern church, as she pursues her task of evangelizing the lost. It is primarily in two particulars that we, as modern evangelists, stand to learn from the scripturally-saturated reflections of Thomas Boston.

The first of these is humility. True humility, which ever despairs of oneself and looks to Christ alone for succor, is always in short supply. Thomas Boston habitually and systematically taught himself to remember his own weakness and apply to Jesus for aid. He did not consider his own conversion as certain, unless the Savior should lay hold of him; and so he was ever mindful not to base the likelihood of the conversion of those to whom he preached on their own merits. Precisely in proportion as he despaired of all human effort in evangelism, he leaned upon Christ; which is an attitude as likely to be put to much use as it is unlikely to be found.

The second particular is genuine fervor for lost souls. Rare is the man who can cry out with true and empathetic passion for the lost sheep of his homeland. This the apostle Paul did, as you may remember from Romans 9:1-5. More to the point, this is what Christ did, when he wept for Jerusalem, and was stricken with compassion for the scattered multitudes. If we would follow Christ, we must be affected as he was affected. This eminently Christ-like love is a sovereign gift that serves always as the foundation for a Christ-honoring evangelism. If we would be true “manfishers,” let us cry out to Christ for a measure of this same spirit!

Perhaps this humility and passion, which are so evident in Boston, sprang from his conception of the ministry of evangelism. He saw conversion not as a glib, one-time decision, but an often long and always weighty process of being broken down by the law, so that one might be bound up by the free grace of the Savior. And he saw this process, moreover, as a supernatural affair, impossible to be counterfeited by human measures, and occurring ever as a testimony to God’s surprising power and grace. This may well be why Boston, who loved Jesus much, so desperately desired the conversion of souls. It may be why he was so ardently devoted to pursuing Christ in his evangelistic office. It is certainly why he was so humbly inclined to despair of himself as he looked instead to the one who alone is able, for all his strength both to persevere, and to preserve the gospel free from corrupting influences and motivations. In all of these particulars, we would all do well to drink deeply from the same spring.

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Synopsis: The American Puritan Jonathan Edwards is well known for his keen insight into theological matters, his brilliant rational mind and the logical precision with which he explores every question he encounters in the text of scripture, and the flame of soul-deep passion and ardor which those minute biblical explorations fuel. These characteristics are seen nowhere more clearly than when he is speaking of the person and work of Christ. To Edwards, the beautiful mystery of Jesus Christ is the only illimitable and eternal source of heart-thrilling meditation and worship. And when so gifted a theologian and so passionate a Christ-lover as Jonathan Edwards turns the fire of his heart and the brilliance of his mind to the subject of the glory and excellency of Jesus, the result is a profound celebration of joy and an exhilarating foretaste of the very blessedness of heaven. Altogether Lovely, from the pen of America’s most exact thinker and heavenly-minded theologian, is a rich, rich book. If it cannot stir your heart to rejoice in the Savior, then your heart must be utterly dead indeed!

When one reads many theological works which are good, true, and helpful, it takes a very unusual book to capture his attention in a way that sets it apart from any other of its kind. Altogether Lovely, by Jonathan Edwards, is one of those books that stands apart from others in its class. It is unusual both for the exactness of its precision and the beauty of its descriptive language. It is a commingling of the most minute science with the most inspired art, which both work together to paint a portrait of the altogether lovely Savior that cannot but thrill the souls of them who likewise love him. There is no class of Christian and no sort of earthly problem that cannot be helped by a clearer view of Jesus Christ. And there is almost no one more capable of directing the eyes of men to Jesus Christ than Jonathan Edwards. Whoever you are, and whatever your struggle may be, read this book! It will be a help to you, no matter what sort of help you might need.

Because the chapters of this book are taken from the various sermons which Edwards preached in his time as a minister of the gospel, they are eminently pastoral and applicational. Edwards did not just exposit the truth of God’s word, he applied it with remarkable skill to all classes of people. He had an unusual wisdom in discerning the various heart-conditions in which men approached the preaching of the word, and a way of unerringly exposing those hidden states of the heart, and applying the truths of the scriptures in the manner most likely to correct the problems he had exposed. Edwards believed that the doctrine of Christ held forth the answer to the needs of any person, whether an arrogant false professor, an unbeliever terrified by his guilt and sin, a believer who had become complacent, or a smoldering wick, ready to be extinguished by the slightest breath of reproach; and he was very careful to show just how Christ’s excellently diverse attributes posed the perfect solution to every various situation. Today, almost three hundred years later, people are still the same, and the skill with which Edwards applied the truth of Jesus will break down self-sufficiency and bind up sin-brokenness in our own hearts just as surely as it did in the hearts of his congregants.

Although space forbids a thorough catalog of all the highlights of the collection, here are a few at least, to whet the potential reader’s appetite: “God the Best Portion of the Christian” cuts away the foundation of every false religion, and unveils the stunning beauty of genuine Christianity’s true riches. “The Excellency of Christ” is a thorough examination of the gloriously complementary nature of Jesus’ “lion-like” and “lamb-like” perfections, and shows how perfectly the admirable conjunction of those diverse excellencies meets every kind of need in fallen mankind. “Safety, Fullness, and Sweet Refreshment in Christ” is a profoundly comforting and glory-filled exposition of Isaiah 32:2. “Christ the Example of Ministers” is an absolute must-read for every pastor or minister of the gospel, and for anyone considering the ministry. And “Praise One of the Chief Employments of Heaven” is one of the most well thought-through descriptions of the glories and blessedness of the saints’ eternal state of joy that one could ever encounter. This is a book to be read, re-read, and savored. It is solid spiritual food, full of energizing nutrition for the long journey home to the glories of heaven, that most blessed place where we will finally see our Savior face to face.

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Synopsis: The books of the Pentateuch are among the most foundational for understanding the message and significance of the biblical story. They are also among the least understood. A clear, in-depth, and Christ-centered introduction to these books is, therefore, a pressing need. And The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses is admirably suited to fill that need.

Most Christians, if they are honest, would admit that the Pentateuch, with its elaborate descriptions of the tabernacle and sacrificial systems, and its intricate ceremonial and moral law code, can be, at times, a difficult and alien landscape for the modern Westerner to journey through. However, they must also admit that it lays a necessary foundation for understanding the biblical story of redemption in Christ the King. For those Christians who have experienced this dilemma, as I suspect most of us have, few volumes would be more practical and beneficial than a rigorous, and yet easy-to-follow, analysis of the various elements contained within the Pentateuch. Poythress’ rich introduction to the Mosaic portion of the scriptures is the single most helpful volume I have encountered to that end.

Poythress is a scholar of no little authority. He also has a gift for framing deep truth in simple and comprehensible language. His one-volume introduction to the Pentateuch demonstrates a remarkable grasp of the thorny issues surrounding the interpretation of various Pentateuchal elements; and at the same time, displays a genuine concern that the simple Christian be deeply instructed of Christ through the law of Moses. His profound insights never give the impression of a desire to display his own erudition for the admiration of the scholarly community, as the writings of so many gifted men do. On the contrary, his extensive learning is always subordinated to the goal of edifying the Church. And God has richly blessed his humble motivation with a truly edifying volume.

Through an intense examination of the tabernacle structure, the sacrifices, and the multi-faceted law code, Poythress arrives at the conclusion, as well-supported as it is thrilling to those who have a taste for their Savior, that the Pentateuch, in every conceivable way, was designed to point its readers to Christ. When the hungry Christian is not discouraged from an ardent pursuit of wisdom of God, which leads to salvation, by the difficulties inherent in its strange and foreign nature, the Law of Moses will certainly hold forth an immense and satisfying treasure – in a word, it will hold forth the treasure of seeing and savoring Christ.

Of particular interest is the final chapter on the “Fulfillment of the Law in the Gospel According to Matthew”. The Law-Gospel distinction is one of the most difficult questions of evangelical theology. Poythress’ analysis of Matthew has much to contribute to the ongoing debate; and always in a manner which is easy to follow and practically beneficial.

There are few books which are, in colloquial terminology, “must-reads” for seminarian and layman alike. This is one of them.

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Synopsis: As unpleasant and heart-wrenching as controversy in the Church might be, it may nevertheless be put to very useful ends, when handled appropriately. The new ideas that become the subject of scrutiny may have some elements of truth by which to nuance more accurately old, beloved doctrines. The refutation of all which rings false in those new ideas calls for new arguments and a more involved and minute understanding of the doctrines under question. In either case, the end result is that the truth is understood more clearly, provided the controversy is approached with the wisdom and Christian grace and sobriety that ought to characterize the leaders of the Church. Polemical works which reflect these qualities (rare as they may be!) are an indispensable help in addressing the contemporary needs of the Church. The Future of Justification, by John Piper, is one of those works – clear-minded, fair, gracious, and sober – which turns a controversy into an opportunity for growth. It is all but indispensable for the pastor or Christian leader who would be up to date on the current issues within Christianity.

Anyone who does not know of N.T. Wright, his teachings on justification, second temple Judaism, etc., and the ways – good or bad – which they affect the historic Protestant understanding of justification, should do what he can to acquaint himself with these matters. These are probably not simply faddish ideas that will pass away in a few years. They are having a tremendous effect on an entire generation of believers, and it is likely that the effect will remain. But not only should believers be familiarizing themselves with these teachings, they should also be subjecting them to a scrutinous examination, in the light of biblical teaching and the historic formation of doctrine. Anytime a new idea begins to challenge an entrenched understanding within the Church, whether that idea is right or wrong, much serious consideration ought to be employed before accepting it. This rigorous consideration, like it or not, is highly difficult work. But I believe that Piper’s book will prove to be a significant help in that task, for the following reasons:

First, it is scrupulously fair. Piper has gone to much labor to ensure that he is understanding Wright as accurately as possible. He is not dealing with straw men here, but the very ideas of N.T. Wright, presented in the way that N.T. Wright would present them. This quality is as rare as it is laudable.

Second, it is profoundly insightful. Piper has an ability to trace foundational propositions to their logical outcomes in a very helpful way. He has an unusual knack for detecting the difference between semantic and substantive quarrels. He not only presents Wright’s ideas, he then subjects them to a careful critique, backed by a lifetime of serious reflection on the texts under consideration.

Third, it is forward-looking. Piper is concerned, not just with what is being said, but also with the trajectory upon which the Church is being put through what is being said. His concern is not merely with the ideas as they are now being expressed, but also with the effect that the original propositions will have upon the people of God, as they develop along logical lines, and as they are liable to be misunderstood because of any imprecision in wording.

Fourth, it is eminently pastoral. Ideas have an effect on how people see and pursue and feel and hope in the precious realities of the gospel. With the heart of a lifelong shepherd, Piper has approached the controversy with this question always on his mind: “When a believer buys into these ideas, and the worries and cares of life assault his faith, will he be emboldened by them to cling more closely to Christ and his cross, or will he be driven back upon himself and his own works?”

For these and other reasons, this book is a must-read for Christian leaders, who would be knowledgable on the issues of the day, and the effect they will have on the sheep under their care; for believers who share Wright’s point of view, and who would be acquainted with the best arguments for a serious alternative; and for believers who do not share or are not familiar with Wright’s point of view, but desire a well thought-through summary and analysis of the basic controversy. The Future of Justification is a model blend of graciousness, passion, and intellectual acumen that cannot fail to be helpful to anyone who gives it a careful read.

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