« CVBBS: Expert Book Advice
12/26/2011
Recently I have seen more out about the doctrine of union with Christ. Two books have recently come on union with Christ, one is Robert Letham's Union with Christ: In Scripture, History, and Theology and the other is J. Todd Billing's Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church. Would your read one of these first or believe one better than the other and also where else would you recommend one start in study with this doctrine. The only thing I have read so far is the Free Grace Broadcaster on Union and chapters our of Murray's redemption accomplished and applied and Fergusons The Christian life. Thank You for your Help Kenneth Clayton
Kenneth,
Thank you for your good question on an important subject. Periodically throughout church history, this doctrine has been ignored or twisted beyond biblical dimensions.
I recommend the following in the order given.
Robert Spinney, NOT THE WAY I USED TO BE (The
Bible's Large Doctrine of Regeneration); Tulip
Booklets--a great primer on the profound nature
of regeneration. Along the way, Dr. Spinney shows
the relationship of regeneration to union with
Christ and why believers are inwardly compelled
to change.
Anthony Hoekema, SAVED BY GRACE; Eerdmans--a
contemporary classic by a theologian who was
never less than clear. Shows in chapter four how
union with Christ is a major part of our salvation.
Edward Donnelliy, LIFE IN CHRIST; Evangelical Press
originally sermons given at the annual evangelical
movement of Wales summer conference. Very
good sermons showing the interconnectedness of
union with Christ and our salvation.
Maurice Roberts, UNION AND COMMUNION WITH
CHRIST; Reformation Heritage--Scottish minister
who was formerly editor of the BANNER OF TRUTH
MAGAZINE whose monthly devotionals were gems.
Shows the interrelationship between union with
Christ and communion with God.
John Owen, COMMUNION WITH THE TRIUNE GOD;
Crossway--edited with updated language and
outlined by Kelly Kapic--a Puritan classic made
more accessible by Dr. Kapic's editorial work.
John Owen, COMMUNION WITH GOD; Banner of Truth
(edited by R. K. Law); a Puritan classic made
accessible by Dr. Law's skillful editing.
Robert Letham, UNION WITH CHRIST (in Scripture,
History and Theology); P & R--very helpful work by
by a very helpful contemporary Reformed
theologian.
J. Todd Billings, UNION WITH CHRIST (Reframing
Theology and Ministry for the Church); Baker
Academic--also very good but aimed at a more
academic audience.
That would be my suggested order of reading too. I hope this list is helpful. You have a feast ahead of you.
I also made this issues the object of my BLOG for today so if you go there you can read even more on the subject and its importance.
Your Book Servant,
Pastor Steve Martin
Posted: 09:46:00 AM :: permalink