Pastor Bill Mayk provides an introduction to Saved by Grace by Anthony Hoekema.
The study of salvation is known as the doctrine of Soteriology. To the surprise of many Christians, this subject covers much more than the idea that a person must believe on Jesus to go to heaven. Numerous believers are unfamiliar with topics such as the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation, regeneration, repentance, and the nature and power of faith. Others find it difficult to distinguish between justification and sanctification, or to know whether salvation is secure or if it can be lost. Due to a lack of understanding about these issues, the spiritual life of many Christians is a constant struggle for the assurance of God’s love.
In his well written book, Saved By Grace, Anthony Hoekema clears up much of the ambiguity surrounding salvation. Using a rich array of scriptural references, citations from Church History, and a writing style that makes his material easy to understand, the author provides scholarly insight into this important theological doctrine.
I highly recommend this easy-to-read, yet rewarding volume for anyone interested in understanding the fullness of our salvation.
Review | Purchase
Forgiveness, grace and spiritual transformation are subjects about which every Christian studies and desires. Nevertheless, many of us find it not only difficult to receive these in their own lives, but to extend them to others.
Banner of Truth Trust hit another home run when it updated the language and reprinted John Owen’s masterful work The Glory of Christ. Written near the end of his life, Owen penned this work from his own personal meditations on his Savior. Looking upon Christ from various theological angles, the author beckons the reader to see Jesus as being precious to the soul. Throughout each chapter he draws us closer to Christ so that we might gaze upon His glory by faith in the confident hope that, one day, we will gaze upon Him by sight. Having used this book as a devotional, I found it to be like cold water to a thirsty soul. I encourage anyone to read this short work (168 pages) so that by viewing the glory of Christ, He might “revive our souls and cause our spiritual lives to flourish and thrive.”
Tim Keller is a prolific author whose works never seem to grow stale. Although King’s Cross can be classified as a commentary on the Gospel of Mark, Keller avoids getting bogged down in overly technical jargon that might make for slow reading. Written to people in our contemporary culture the author applies the teachings of Christ in a manner that goes straight to the reader’s heart. Filled with excellent illustrations, pertinent historic observations, and relevant biblical references Keller brings out the essence of this Gospel, presenting Jesus (and our need for Him) in a fresh and compelling manner.
ertain books are sometimes purchased only to sit on a shelf for a long period of time. Such is the book being recommended this August. I bought Call The Sabbath A Delight a number of years ago but refrained from reading it because I had anticipated a legalistic approach to the Sabbath/Lord’s Day. However, due to circumstances, I recently decided to put away my prejudice and give this volume a read.
In this interesting work, Stephen Nichols points out that the musical genre known as the blues, specifically the Delta blues, might be “America’s only truly indigenous music form.” The popularity of the blues can be seen in the variety of musical styles that it has influenced. What many people don’t know is the background of the genre and the biblical significance imbedded in the fabric of the Delta blues.
As one of the most famous puritan works, this allegory of a man’s journey of faith should be read by every Christian. That being said, the unfamiliarity of 17th Century language does not make Pilgrim’s Progress and easy read for most 21st Century people. Nevertheless, it is a great literary classic that describes the Christian experience through the use of colorful characters and amusing metaphors. Our family has used this work as a devotional that brought the Christian journey to life for our children. For those that find Elizabethan English too tedious to tackle, I would suggest purchasing the 3 disc set narrated by Max McLean. This can be listened to on one’s way to work or even during those long vacation trips this summer. Working your way through Pilgrim’s Progress is well worth the effort.
As a collection of essays that were written to celebrate the 500th birthday of John Calvin, this book is a great summary of the teachings and life of one of the most important figures in the Protestant Reformation. Written by some of today’s best known theologians, pastors and Bible teachers it gives a comprehensive overview of Calvin by appealing to his letters, sermons, commentaries and his Institutes of Christian Religion.
The Apostle Paul prayed that the Colossians would increase in the knowledge of God. All Christians probably echo that desire for their own lives. A study on the qualities of God, as revealed in Scripture, can help us to reach that goal.
