Book Reviews

 

The Vanishing Conscience

The Vanishing Conscience: Drawing the Line in a No-Fault, Guilt-Free World by John F. MacArthur, Thomas Nelson Publishers (2005)

Even though originally publishing in 1994, the book packs a powerful punch in describing the fallen nature of humanity and the suppression of the truth. The word “sin” has become a vile and offensive world, and the consciences of man has been ignored. As sinners, we tend to live life as if God did not exist, and make a feeble attempt at becoming autonomous. Dr. MacArthur points out that “True believers must realize that the state of our society is the result of the righteous judgment of God.” We are not called to change culture; we are called to proclaim the freedom of Jesus Christ found only in the gospel. MacArthur further states: “Christ’s atonement fully satisfied the demands of God’s righteousness, so forgiveness and mercy are guaranteed to those who receive Christ in humble, repentant faith.” This is an important book for this present age.

Made in Our Image

Made in Our Image: The Fallacy of the User-Friendly God by Steven J. Lawson was
published in 2000, and it explores the depth of understanding of God that has been lost due to what Lawson called the “user-friendly God.” The modern evangelical church is no longer interested in the God of Scripture, but has created a god that is likable and easy to understand, fitting in with all their modern notions and lifestyles. This is a timely book, and is excellently presented. The true God of the Bible is expounded throughout the book.

 

Doctrine and Practice in the Early Church

Doctrine and Practice in the Early Church by Stuart G. Hall is a concise history of the first four centuries of the church which covers the major church councils of Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), and Chalcedon (451). These were to determine the orthodox and doctrinal truth, particularly in the area of Christology and the relationship among the Trinity. The major doctrines were 1) that the Son is of the same substance as the Father; 2) that the Holy Spirit shares the honor and dignity of the Father and Son; and, 3) that Jesus Christ is fully divine and fully human.

This is a great book to study the first three ecumenical councils of the church, the confusions and heresies that arose, and the working out of these problems through the scriptures.

Trinity and Reality

Trinity and Reality: An Introduction to the Christian Faith is a book by Ralph A. Smith (2004, Canon Press) which we have been reading, discussing, and studying in Sunday school. The book, originally written for high school students, is quite comprehensive in it exposition of the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. Each chapter progressively explains basic trinitarian belief, then further expounds upon those beliefs in the areas of covenant, revelation, creation, history, kingdom, the Church, and eternity. Chapter 10 (Trinity and Eternity) contains the most descriptive overview of heaven and hell that I have ever read.