Reflections on the Eve of All Saints' Day

I've been reading over, Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses seeking to gain a clearer picture of the issues he was confronting. First, the formal title and introductory paragraph which was omitted from the list I initially printed out last weekend clearly identifies Luther's purpose in writing out these theses. The formal title is Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences (1517). Here is the initial paragraph:

Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.

(Works of Martin Luther. Translated and edited by Adolph Spaeth, L.D. Reed, Henry Eyster Jacobs, et al. (Philadelphia: A. J. Holman Company, 1915), Vol.1, pp. 29-38; online here)

Second, I found and read Luther's Letter to the Archbishop of Mainz which properly introduces the Ninety-Five Theses. Luther explains his complaint:

Papal indulgences for the building of St. Peter's are circulating under your most distinguished name, and as regards them, I do not bring accusation against the outcries of the preachers, which I have not heard, so much as I grieve over the wholly false impressions which the people have conceived from them; to wit,—the unhappy souls believe that if they have purchased letters of indulgence they are sure of their salvation; again, that so soon as they cast their contributions into the money-box, souls fly out of purgatory.

(Works of Martin Luther. Translated and edited by Adolph Spaeth, L.D. Reed, Henry Eyster Jacobs, et al. (Philadelphia: A. J. Holman Company, 1915), Vol.1, pp. 25-28; online here)

Third, I pasted the text of the Ninety-Five Theses into the Wordle website and came up with these word pictures:

English text: Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences


Latin text: Disputatio pro Declaratione Virtutis Indulgentiarum.


A Few Conclusions:

A handful of the most frequently used words are:

• Those from the root venia (Eng. pardon) = 34
  
• Those from the root remissio (Eng. remission) = 17
• Those from the root purgatorium (Eng. purgatory) = 9
  
• Those from the root indulgentia (Eng. indulgence(s)) = 8
• Other words (with their derivatives) that appear frequently are pope, penalty, Christian, God, man, death, preach, teach, treasure, grace, contrition, Gospel, and assurance.
  

As you can clearly see, Luther was stirred up about the practice of the sale of indulgences for the supposed remission of sins—for those living and also for those who had already died. Luther, who had come to understand that sinners are justified by faith alone (sola fide), that believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, and that the canon of Scripture was the rule of faith (sola scriptura), was outraged that the purity of the gospel was being traded for the pennies of the poor. Some friars (monks who served the Church as traveling preachers) were offering pardon and assurance of salvation for sale.

The medieval period (500-1500), prior to the time of the Protestant Reformation, was a time of intense darkness. The Church had grown with the spread of the Roman Empire after the days of Constantine. Conquered peoples where added to the Church which introduced a multitude of problems. The breakdown of the Roman Empire allowed for the Church to gain unprecedented power. It continued to use its alliances with monarchs and emperors to exercise authority over the people; and, in a similar manner, monarchs and emperors took advantage of the power and position of the Church to justify crusades and wars. It was a dark period indeed.

Theologically speaking, these days were equally troublesome. Partly due to the mixture of the ecclesiastical and governmental powers, and the great disparity between the rich and the poor, the doctrines of grace became distorted into a merit-based system where people sought to earn their salvation. Some Christians, seeking to answer the age-old question of how to live a life of devotion in the midst of pagan society, turned to living as hermits, monks and nuns. In time, monasteries were established to house those who had committed themselves to a life of solitude, prayer and meditation. The popes blessed these devotees and the laity (common people) came to consider this as the sure way of salvation. It would be going too far to say that the clergy (monks, nuns and priests) were assured of their own salvation, but if anyone had a better chance, it was believed to be them. In light of this, the laity would request the clergy to pray for them. The laity sought to support the clergy in their lives of devotion in return for, at least, a temporary sense of pardon. The sale of indulgences was another way to support the clergy and the Church, and in return the laity were offered pardon for sins (either for their own, or for loved ones who were thought to be lingering in purgatory).

With the establishment of monasteries came an increase in the study of the Scriptures and the practice of theology. This discipline was called the practice of the sacred page (sacra pagina). In the twelfth century, a middle class began to emerge; schools and universities were established. This period of scholasticism brought about a shift from the practice of theology to the hammering out of sacred doctrine (sacra doctrina). This was the era of Thomas Aquinas when commentaries and theologies were written. The Bible began to be looked at as literature more than as a sacred text or even as sacred doctrine, and a period of humanism was inaugurated. The fifteenth century became known as the period of Renaissance, and it was near the end of this period that the printing press was invented.

With the invention of the printing press and the increased output of theological writings, the Scriptures where no longer seen as the source of the practice of theology. Rather, the Scriptures were used to lead in the effort to improve society, church and government. Luther, however, had come through the ranks of the monastery seeking to practice the sacred page (sacra pagina). He sought to approach the Scriptures for what the are rather than imposing his own agenda upon them.

Between 1512 and 1517, Luther had been lecturing in the University of Wittenberg on the books of Psalms (1513-15), Romans (1515-16), Galatians (1516-17), and Hebrews (1517). It was while lecturing on the book of Romans that Luther came to understand the doctrine of justification by faith alone (per solam fidem). He discovered that he had been misinterpreting the phrase in Romans 1:17, "the righteousness of God." He had considered this to be referring to God's exacting righteousness. However, through prayerful meditation on the logic of Paul's arguemnt in the book of Romans, Luther came to see that "the righteousness of God" is the righteousness secured by Jesus Christ alone. It is on the basis of Jesus' perfect righteousness that God declares sinners to be in the right. Sinners are justified, not on the basis of their own merits, but on the the merits of Jesus, the righteous One.

So, there Luther was, in the middle of the Renaissance Era in the University teaching the sacred page (sacra pagina), practicing theology. He had recently discovered that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone; and he had come to rest with full assurance that his sins were fully pardoned in Christ. The eve of All Saints' Day, October 31, 1517, had arrived. It was no doubt a cool night like tonight: approximately 40°F and cloudy. Luther had just learned from some of the town's folk that traveling preachers were in the area selling indulgences. These indulgences were for a worthy cause: the construction of St. Peter's in Rome which had been under construction for the previous 11 years (and would not be completed until 1626). In exchange for the purchase of indulgences, these friars were promising pardon for sins and the assurance of salvation.

The town must have been all a buzz with such news. However, Luther had retreated to his study to pray and to seek counsel from the Lord about how to address this situation. This was not good news at all, but a crisis. The very people to whom he had been ministering during these early years after his conversion were being duped into believing a damnable set of lies (see #32).

He decided to work through this issue carefully and exactly. He pulled out a large piece of paper and began to sketch out a numbered response. He began with the gospel call as Jesus announced it:

1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite [Repent], willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.

From this beginning point, Luther argued for the Scriptural definitions of repentance and pardon. The fruit of genuine repentance and divine pardon is assurance of salvation. Assurance cannot be bought (see #35). He argued against those who were preaching "man" (or "human doctrines," see #27; and "unchristian doctrines," see #35) and acted ignorantly and wickedly (see #10). Those who promised only what the hand of God can accomplish once money had been collected were charged with "greed and avarice" (see #27-28).

The gospel had not merely been sidelined, it had been utterly distorted. Men were being taught by servants of the Church that her treasures were in her authority (see #60-61) and merits (see #58). Luther argued that "The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God" (# 62). Nothing else is fit to be compared with "the grace of God and the piety of the Cross" (#68). "To say that the cross, emblazoned with the papal arms, which is set up [by the preachers of indulgences], is of equal worth with the Cross of Christ, is blasphemy" (#79).

He concluded his arguments with the following two theses:

94. Christians are to be exhorted that they be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hell;

95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven through many tribulations, rather than through the [false] assurance of peace.

With that, Luther penned a letter to the Archbishop of Mainz, expressing his deep concerns for the cause of the gospel and the testimony of the church. He took his list of theses, titled it, and carried it down to be posted to the Castle Church door. All of this was written in Latin, the language of the clergy, and was intended for his fellow clergymen to consider for academic debate. Unbeknown to Luther, the time was ripe and a chord of reform had been struck. In time, Luther's Ninety-Five Theses where printed up on the presses and distributed around Europe. Luther was summoned before Pope Leo X in 1518 and debated John Eck in 1519. In 1521, he was excommunicated from the Church.

The Lord spared his life, setting him aside under security, and he used that time to begin translating the Bible into the German tongue. He completed the New Testament in 1522 and the Old Testament in 1534.

What amazes me the most is what the Lord did by means of a young preacher taking heed to his calling by standing up and speaking out for the purity of the gospel. He saw the people in his congregation being troubled by false teachers and he fought for their souls. May we be willing and courageous enough to stand up and fight for the purity of the gospel and the souls of men. May we speak decidedly against the heresies of the prosperity preachers: they are preaching another gospel. May we speak out against all who preach cheap grace: it is another gospel. Sinners cannot earn it, cannot borrow it, and cannot buy it. Sinner can only receive it and then cling to it.

This is a very late addition to Tim Challies' Reformation Day Symposium - 2008.

Reflections on the Eve of All Saints' Day

Book Review: Polishing God's Monuments

This morning we posted a review of the following book written by Douglas Brown at SharperIron.

Andrews, James. Polishing God’s Monuments: Pillars of Hope for Punishing Times. Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd Press, 2007. Paperback, 286 pages. $14.95

Purchase: Shepherd Press | WTS | Amazon | CBD

ISBNS: 097675827X / 9780976758273

Read the full review here.

I hope that you will read take a few minutes to read this review as well as the comments in the discussion forum (here). This a pretty sensitive subject, but well worth a bit of careful discussion. If you have any other comments to add, please do so, or leave a comment here.

Book Review: Polishing God's Monuments

REFORMATION DAY - NOW AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY IN CHILE

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church debating the doctrine and practice of indulgences. Some celebrate this as Reformation Day. This day is now an official national holiday in Chile. Click here for more info.

HT: RTS E-Newsletter Issue #62 - October 30, 2008

REFORMATION DAY - NOW AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY IN CHILE

We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale

It is always a great joy to find books in the mailbox, but today I was especially pleased. I received from InterVarsity Press the following title:

G. K. Beale, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry (October 2008). Paperback, 341 pages. List: $26.00


I was heading out to a conference meeting when I found this book in the mailbox, so I took it along with me. I couldn't resist reading it along the way, as I could find opportunity to steal glances. I have now finished the Preface and Conclusion.

The Preface explains the title which is intentional, but could be misunderstood. Beale states that "The title We Become What We Worship is a metaphor, which is an implied simile, omitting the word like.... The point of the figuratively omitting the word like is to emphasize that the worshiper reflects some of the important qualities or attributes of the object of worship" (p. 12).

Beale also states that his hope is "that the biblical-theological perspective of this book will provide greater fuel to fire the church's motivation not to become conformed to the idols that surround it in order better to fulfill its mission to the world, which is to proclaim that people need to be conformed to Christ's image for the greater glory of God" (p. 12).

This caused me to want to know how he would conclude this study, so I did what my teachers told me never to do: I read the Conclusion first. As a reviewer, I have learned that clearly identifying the purpose of a book helps you move through the lines of argumentation with greater ease and speed. Sometimes you learn all you need to know about the book for the time being (or for good). Remember, books are servants, not masters. Readers ought not allow themselves to be enslaved to a book (particularly non-fiction).

Beale's Conclusion (pp. 284-311) is subtitled "So What Difference Does It Make?" Throughout this heart-probing chapter, Beale repeats the primary theme of this book: "people resemble what they revere, either for ruin or restoration." Beale moves from material to immaterial idols; from the entire cosmos and each of its individual parts (sun, moon, stars, trees, animals, etc.), to traditions, false teachings, fascination with "things upon the earth", self (ego), media, etc. He spends a lot of time on self-idolatry because of its pervasiveness and our difficulty with identifying it. He quotes Eugene Peterson who wrote in an article for Christianity Today, "One way to define spiritual life is getting so tired and fed up with yourself you go on to something better, which is following Jesus" and "we want to get people bored with themselves so they can start looking at Jesus" (p. 295). I love those quotes.

With regard to media Beale draws the following applications:

Many Christians watch television, and many watch it when they want to sit back and relax and not have to use their minds much. This can certainly be a form of relaxation, but it can also become an uncritical openness to the media's worldview. Subtly, unconsciously, we absorb this worldview by a kind of mental osmosis. And what is the typical TV worldview? It is a worldview with little to no awareness of, or sensitivity to, God's working in everyday life, in the details of our life.
...
This absence of God in mainstream media should alert us to the fact that when we uncritically leave ourselves open to the perspective of the media's worldview, then, slowly but surely, it leads us to cease thinking of the things of the Lord in the details of our everyday life.... I would dare say that many Christians have been more influenced by the media than they would admit. The media's worldview has subtly become an idol we easily reflect. And that mindset...can destroy us. What we revere we resemble, either for ruin or restoration. (p. 299)

Beale closes this book with a word of prayer. Here is the first petition:

... And so Lord, cause us to revere you so we resemble you and are blessed and restored to you, and not ruined ...

This book is going to the top of my reading list. I hope that this intro will help you as you consider adding it to your library.

We Become What We Worship by G. K. Beale

Ian Hamilton on Propitiation

This week I am attending a Bible Conference at Eastwood Presbyterian Church (Montgomery, AL). The speaker for these few days is the Rev. Ian Hamilton (see a brief introduction here), and the theme is the Glory of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday evening, Rev. Hamilton spoke on the doctrine of justification from Gal. 1 (for a few notes on this message, see here).

On Monday evening, he spoke on the doctrine of propitiation from Romans 3:25-26. In his introductory remarks, Hamilton quoted one of his favorite theologians, John Owen, who wrote:

Our greatest hindrance in the Christian life is not a lack of effort, but a lack of acquaintance with our privileges in Christ.

The Bible uses three different word pictures to help us understand the meaning of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Law Court - we are in the dock before God and we need to be acquitted
2. Slave Market - we need deliverance, redemption, rescue
3. Temple Sacrifice - the appeasement of God's wrath by the shedding of innocent blood

Hamilton offered the following definition of propitiation: "appeasement; turning away wrath or anger." From Romans 3:25-26, Hamilton developed the following four points:

1. It is God Himself who put forward His own Son to be the propitiation by His blood.
• God takes the initiative!
• Jesus did not come into the world to persuade the Father to love sinners.
• Rather, it was the Father’s love that sent the Son into the world.
• We never get beyond this, and we can never explain this.
2. Why do we need propitiation?
• Isn’t God love? Does he need to be propitiated?
• C. H. Dodd could not accept that God needed to be appeased. Thus, he argued for the use of the term expiation (the removal of sin) rather than propitiation.
• However, there is not linguistic argument to validate this claim.
• The cross answers both His love and His justice.
3. In what way is He a propitiation for our sins?
• By His blood.
• The marvel: God laid up His Son for us.
• He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
• God executes on the Son the wrath that is ours.
• Jesus Christ is the only covenant against the wrath of God.
4. How does the Lord Jesus Christ become my propitiation?
• Faith is a resting grace.

Conclusion - "Your greatest need is for the living God to be for us rather than against us."

Note: For an interesting study on the proper pronunciation of the word propitiation, see Phil Gons' three posts listed below.

1. The Proper Pronunciation of “Propitiation”
2. Update on the Pronunciation of “Propitiation”
3. The Pronunciation of “Propitiation”: The Mystery Solved

Ian Hamilton on Propitiation

New Jerry Bridges Book

NavPress announces a new book by Jerry Bridges, Holiness Day by Day: Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey. The book is a 328-page hardback and consists of selections from Bridges' previous books arranged as a daily devotional.

Publisher's Description: "We can begin each day with the deeply encouraging realization, I'm accepted by God, not on the basis of my personal performance, but on the basis of the infinitely perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ."

Read sample pages.

New Jerry Bridges Book

Reformation Resources (please read)

Cumberland Valley Bible Book Store has posted an annotated list of recommended reading in light of the fast approaching 500th anniversary (this year is the 491st) of the Protestant Reformation. Pastor Steve Martin breaks up the list into three sections: VIDEO HELP ON THE REFORMATION, ENTRY LEVEL BOOKS ON LUTHER AND THE REFORMATION, and MORE ROBUST (yet still readable) TREATMENTS OF THE REFORMATION.

Also, Renewing Your Mind (the broadcast ministry of Ligonier Ministries and R. C. Sproul) is offering a free genuine leather copy of The Reformation Study Bible (ESV) to all donors to their ministry. If you have been blessed by their ministry, I would encourage you to consider this opportunity. My wife has been using this Bible for a few years and has been helped by the notes. This is a very generous offer!!! Click here for more details.

Reformation Resources (please read)

Recommended Audio on The New Perspectives on Paul

Today, I joined a group of folks at noon at Eastwood Presbyterian Church (Montgomery, AL) for a time of discussion with Rev. Ian Hamilton (see here for a brief introduction). Prior to the formal session, a mother asked for a few book recommendations to help her know how to guide her teenage son with issues concerning covenant theology, the sacraments, and the New Perspectives on Paul.

Regarding critiques of the New Perspectives on Paul, Hamilton recommended the three lectures presented by D. A. Carson. Tim Ashcraft pointed these out to us one year ago today in his post "Critiques on the New Perspective on Paul." You can also find a couple other helpful posts under the label New Perspective on Paul.

Here, again, are links from The Gospel Coalition website:

Jan 1 2008	The New Perspective on Paul, Lecture 3	mp3
Jan 1 2008	The New Perspective on Paul, Lecture 2	mp3
Jan 1 2008	The New Perspective on Paul, Lecture 1	mp3

Recommended Audio on The New Perspectives on Paul

Reflections on Reformation Sunday

Today was the first time my family has ever had an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful heritage we have in the Protestant Reformation. This morning we worshiped at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, AL. My wife had the privilege of singing in the choir which entered the auditorium in procession behind men carrying six flags bearing watchwords of the Reformation (sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, solo Christo, sola Dei gloria, and sola cruce). As they entered the auditorium the congregation triumphantly sang Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." The sermon was a topical message on Sola Cruce - The Cross Alone (1 Cor. 1:18; Rom. 3:25; 1 John 1:7; and Rom. 8:1). Praise the Lord for the cross of Jesus! On that cross Jesus appeased God's wrath against my sins, restored me to a place of friendship with God, cleansed my heart from the guilt and stain of my sins--all in my place.

For the evening service, the local PCA churches gathered together at Eastwood Presbyterian Church (Montgomery, AL) for a joint Reformation Day worship service. What a joy it was to see this large sanctuary filled with families from all across the area who had come to celebrate the gospel of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

The order of service was based upon John Calvin's Form of Church Prayers (included in Liturgies of the Western Church selected and introduced by Bard Thompson). Six local ministers participated in the different aspects of the service. The unity in the truth and fraternal love displayed by these ministers was commendable. The singing was also hearty and reverent (Psalm 100 and John Calvin's "I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art").

The speaker for the evening was the Rev. Ian Hamilton, pastor of Cambridge Presbyterian Church (Cambridge, England), a congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales. Rev. Hamilton is also a trustee of the Banner of Truth Trust. This was a pleasant surprise. I first heard Rev. Hamilton speak at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary's Spring Theology Conference about 6 years ago (summary provided here). I was so blessed by his ministry then that I purchased the recordings of that conference and re-listened to his lectures at least a half-dozen times over the next year.

Rev. Hamilton spoke this evening on the doctrine of justification and it's importance for experiential Christianity. He began by stating two powerful reasons for considering this topic:

1. When the doctrine of justification disappears from the church, Christianity dies.
2. This biblical, reformed doctrine is being questioned and restated.

John Calvin spoke of justification as "the main hinge on which religion turns."
Martin Luther spoke of justification as "the head and cornerstone of the church."

In conclusion, Rev. Hamilton stated three reasons for being filled with evangelical rage over those who pervert the doctrine of justification:

1. The teaching of those who pervert the doctrine of justification dishonors Jesus.
2. The teaching of those who pervert the doctrine of justification imperils the lives of others.
3. Christian assurance is based upon the doctrine of justification

In summary, justification is "the cardinal doctrine of experiential Christianity."

(The transcript of a similar message titled "No Other Gospel" has been made available at the Banner of Truth website.)

Having visited the website of Cambridge Presbyterian Church and viewing the recent sermons page, I learned that Rev. Hamilton has been preaching on this grand theme for a number of weeks. I have begun to listen to these sermons, and highly recommend them to you! Rev. Hamilton is in town for the week and will be speaking at Eastwood Monday through Wednesday and then at Trinity next Sunday morning. I will link to the audio of these messages as soon as they are uploaded to the web.

UPDATE: The audio of these sermons and talks is available at the Eastwood Presbyterian Church website (here).

Reflections on Reformation Sunday

“What’s God Got to Do With It?”

Newsweek has an interesting article on Victoria Osteen and her new book, Love Your Life. Ms. Osteen and her husband Joel are pastors of one of the largest churches in America, and tens of thousands are buying into their idea of religion as “appreciating what God's given us. He's given us this life, and he wants us to live it to the fullest” (from Lisa Miller's interview with Victoria). The writer’s response to Victoria’s prosperity-gospel: “All this is fine, in the pages of a women's magazine or a self-help book. But what has God got to do with it?”

I don’t know the writer of the article or if she is a true believer in Christ, but what was striking to me was that an editor of a news source not known for its adherence to evangelical belief would come to that conclusion. That seems to show more discernment than many of the followers of prosperity-gospel philosophy. Despite the counsel of much contemporary Christianity, I think the world is looking for something different in Christians, especially ministers. If Christianity has nothing transcendent to offer, why bother?

Everyone wants to be happy and live life to the fullest. But how would we counsel a seeker or practice it ourselves? John Piper puts it this way in the opening words to his book, The Supremacy of God in Preaching:

People are starving for the greatness of God. But most of them would not give this diagnosis of their troubled lives. The majesty of God is an unknown cure. There are far more popular prescriptions on the market, but the benefit of any other remedy is brief and shallow. Preaching that does not have the aroma of God’s greatness may entertain for a season, but it will not touch the hidden cry of the soul: “Show me thy glory!” (The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. 1990, p. 9)

In times like these, when the economy is down and people are losing their jobs, how do we find comfort and practice our faith? By looking inside ourselves? How about gazing on God in His greatness and believing that since He gave us His Son, He will provide us with everything we need! That's the essence of the Christian life: to trust and enjoy God now amidst suffering and uncertainty and to be willing to wait for our best life then, when we're with Him.

How would you summarize Christianity? What is religion all about?

(HT:JT)
______________________________
Also by John Piper on happiness and the greatness of God—

• Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Portland, OR: Multnomah, 1986)
• The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God (Portland, OR: Multnomah, 2000)

“What’s God Got to Do With It?”

Reviews of Packer and Dever's In My Place Condemned He Stood

In My Place Condemned He Stood: Celebrating the Glory of the Atonement. J. I Packer and Mark Dever. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008, 192 pp., $16.99, paperback.

Crossway | WTS | Amazon (Kindle edition) | CBD

• ISBNs: 1433502003 / 9781433502002
• Browse this book online here
  
• Contents
• Excerpt: Foreword, Preface, and Introduction - 120K PDF

Here are a few links to some noteworthy reviews:

• Erik Raymond (posted May 20, 2008 @ Irish Calvinist) - A short, positive review.


Another positive of this book is the thoughtful and thorough bibliography by Ligon Duncan. Duncan highlights great books that are available to us on the work of Christ. This is truly helpful.

• Brad Loser (posted June 17, 2008 @ Think Worship) - A short, positive review that offers some enticing quotes such as the following:


"a gospel without propitiation at its heart is another gospel than that which Paul preached." - Packer, pg 32

• Allen Mickle (posted October 22, 2008 @ Working out Salvation with Fear and Trembling) - A lengthier, positive review.
  


At the heart of the ministry is the atoning work of Christ. As Paul said, we preach Christ and Him crucified. No pastor, ministry leader, or Christian for that matter, can afford to not think through the scriptural teaching on the atonement. Particularly we need to see the reality of the death the unbeliever is in. Our synergistic approach to salvation, so prevalent in today’s society, needs to be eradicated from our thoughts. Dead means dead. The unbeliever has no power to save himself or even to participate with God in saving him. He is dead in trespasses and sins. He has angered God and that anger needs to be appeased. The ultimate sacrifice necessary to appease the anger of an infinite God is in the matchless death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He stood in our place condemned so we could be redeemed. He paid the penalty in our stead. This is the very foundation of salvation.

Reviews of Packer and Dever's In My Place Condemned He Stood

ESV Study Bible | Intro & Review

The following review is being simul-posted here and at SharperIron.
The ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles, 2008. Jacketed Hardcover, 2,752 pages. $49.99
(Review copy courtesy of Crossway Bibles.)

Purchase:  

www.esvstudybible.org (Features, Formats, Contributors, Endorsements & Blog)
Video Resources
Samples: Introduction to Psalms | Introduction to Isaiah | Introduction to Ezekiel | Jonah (full book) | Introduction to Luke | Introduction to Ephesians | Introduction to Colossians | Introduction to Revelation | Article: Reading the Bible
The ESV Study Bible (hereafter ESVSB) is now available for purchase, and reviews are popping up across the Internet. Crossway Bibles was kind enough to supply us with a review copy, and I would like to introduce it to you and offer a brief review.
To begin, the ESVSB combines contemporary evangelical scholarship with the text of the English Standard Version (hereafter ESV), an “essentially literal” translation. This translation, first published in 2001, was updated in 2007. This review does not deal with the ESV translation itself, but considers the presentation and overall soundness of some study notes and articles.
As I began reading through the articles and notes in this study, I realized that there was no possibility of my reading all the notes in time to post this review. I also questioned my ability to sniff out liberalism in a traditional fundamentalist manner, but considered that I needed to try anyway. I am a layman with Bible training and about ten years of lay-ministerial experience. Therefore, I do not write this review from the viewpoint of a scholar critiquing scholars, nor as a pastor watching out for a specific flock. Rather, I write as a brother in Christ who loves the Word of God and sound theology, and who seeks to serve you in your choice of profitable materials.
With these thoughts in mind, I began to read and was happily surprised to find that the contributors and editors of the ESVSB have truly strived not only to maintain a traditional, conservative theological perspective but also to identify and carefully critique interpretations that are inconsistent with this perspective. In the Preface, the editors definitively state,

The doctrinal perspective of the ESV Study Bible is that of classic evangelical orthodoxy, in the historic stream of the Reformation. (p. 10)

Within this broad “stream” the editors have sought “to represent fairly the various evangelical positions on disputed topics” (p. 11). Considering that many previous study Bibles, especially those by single individuals, present a distinct and sometimes inflexible position on matters disputed among orthodox evangelicals and that other study Bibles give way to some critical-liberal views, the ESVSB fills an important gap.
In regard to aberrant interpretations, the editors of the ESVSB state,

In passages where errors or contradictions have been alleged, possible solutions to these challenges have been proposed. At time the notes also summarize interpretations that are inconsistent with classic evangelical orthodoxy, indicating how and why such views are in conflict with Scripture. (p. 11)

We will check them on this claim to see if they truly deliver.

Presentation

The presentation of this Study Bible is superb. I have only handled the hardcover edition, but as I have followed bloggers who have purchased the other editions (calfskin, TruTone, and Genuine Leather), the common reaction seems to be the same: WOW! This study Bible is a big deal, no pun intended. At 2,752 pages, this Bible weighs more than four pounds. The ESV Literary Study Bible is listed at 2.9 pounds. Other study Bibles (NIV Study Bible, Reformation Study Bible, and Thompson Chain Reference Bible) weigh in at about 3.2 pounds. As you see, the ESVSB is a true heavyweight, but don’t consider this detail to be a negative. This Study Bible is heavy, but it more than makes up for the extra weight in valuable content. At nearly two million words of text and notes, the editors equate this resource to “a 20-volume Bible resource library” (p. 9). Considering that your average theological hardback weighs approximately two pounds or more, four pounds is a welcome trade in place of forty to fifty pounds!
The nine-point text type in single-column, book-text format is clear, crisp, and easy to read. The paragraphed view also aids readability and is especially helpful in the poetic sections. The cross-references (80,000-plus) are included in the inside margins. I have found them to be superior to any other cross-reference system I have used. The usefulness of this system is what originally drew me to make the ESV my “everyday” Bible eight years ago. Now I carry it because I prefer the translation too.
The editors of the ESVSB show that they have carefully listened to what features the average Christian wants in a study Bible. This Study Bible hits a home run with excellent cross-references; full-color maps (200-plus); full-color dimensional views of key structures, cities, and objects; charts (200-plus); illustrations (40) spread throughout the notes; the words of Christ in black; an expansive and easy-to-manage concordance; carefully written and harmonized articles (50-plus); and the lack of a thumb index (which would take away from the little margin space available for note-taking).
Articles are scattered throughout this Study Bible. Each book is introduced with discussions of Author and Title; Date; Theme; Purpose, Occasion and Background; Key Themes; History of Salvation Summary; Literary Features; and an Outline. Study notes include a highlighted summary of each major section following the outline. Words from the text of Scripture are displayed in bold letters for easy location.

Content

What about the content of the notes and articles? As I mentioned above, I have not been able to read every word of the notes and articles. Rather, my plan was to read up on a few key texts, a few important book introductions, and select articles. I am assuming that you want to know, just as I do, the editors’ and contributors’ view of Scripture, God, supernatural events, Israel and the church, soteriology, eschatology, and so on.
I began with Vern Poythress’ “Overview of the Bible.” Poythress is a reformed scholar who teaches at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia). His article is excellent and consistent with classic evangelical orthodoxy. It is clear that this article is not a typical Reformed presentation (you will not read about the covenant of grace or the covenant of redemption). However, it leans closer to a Reformed view of God’s plan for history than to most dispensational perspectives. Poythress clearly states that “God has a unified plan for all of history” (p. 23). I believe that this initial article sets the tone for the rest of the notes and articles. In most cases the weight of the arguments are given at least a moderately Reformed position. Moderate and progressive dispensationalists will be at ease with the notes and articles. Some classic and hyper-dispensationalists may find themselves frustrated with the same.
The next issue I was concerned about was authorship and unity of the Pentateuch and Isaiah. Gordon J. Wenham’s article, “Introduction to the Pentateuch,” argues for Mosaic authorship with an allowance for “some slight revision in later eras so later readers could understand its message and apply it to their own situations” (p. 36). T. Desmond Alexander, who wrote the study notes for Genesis, also argues for Mosaic authorship and allows for “post-Mosaic elements, such as the place names ‘Dan’ and ‘Ur of the Chaldeans’ (Gen. 14:14; 15:17)” (p. 39) and some slight modernization of the Hebrew.
The notes in Exodus, thankfully, do not explain away the ten plagues upon Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea in naturalistic terms. Rather, on Exodus 14:22, the notes firmly state, “Thus the text is clear that this is not a purely natural event” (p. 168).
Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., contributed the notes for the book of Isaiah. In his introduction, Ortlund explains how critical scholarship has tried to divide the book into two or three sections, claiming that each section was most likely authored by different scribes at different periods of time. Ortlund criticizes these critics and concludes, “These reasons for dividing the book suffer from severe shortcomings, and it is better to take the heading (1:1) as indicating that the entire book comes from Isaiah, the son of Amoz” (p. 1234).
Other issues I searched out are as follows:

Egalitarian or complementarian?

The notes are clearly complementarian.

• 1 Cor. 11:7-9—“Paul does not deny that the woman was also made in God’s image, something that Gen. 1:27 explicitly affirms, nor does he deny that the woman reflects God’s glory.”
• 1 Cor. 11:14—“Although the norms of appropriate hair style (and dress) may vary from culture to culture, Paul’s point is that men should look like men in that culture, and women should look like women in that culture, rather than seeking to deny or disparage the God-given differences between the sexes.”
• Gal. 3:28—“There is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female does not imply that there are no distinctions in how these groups should act, for Paul elsewhere commands slaves (“bondservants,” ESV footnote) and masters differently (Eph. 6:5–9), and husbands and wives differently (Eph. 5:22–33). Paul clearly is not advocating the elimination of all distinctions nor the acceptability of same-sex marriage or homosexual relations (see Rom. 1:26–27). Rather, he teaches that old divisions and wrongful attitudes of superiority and inferiority are abolished, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. He does not take away the distinction between men and women but says they are ‘united,’ joined together in ‘one’ body, the church. The verse teaches unity within diversity but not sameness.”

Monergism or synergism?
The notes clearly state that regeneration precedes faith.

• Eph. 2:5—“Since Christians were dead, they first had to be made alive before they could believe (and God did that together with Christ). This is why salvation is by grace alone” (p. 2264).
• 1 Jn. 5:1—“Regeneration precedes faith (cf. 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; note on Eph. 2:5)” (p. 2436).
• Biblical Doctrines: An Overview—Salvation—“God’s calling produces regeneration, which is the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in which a spiritually dead person is made alive in Christ (Ezek. 11:19–20; Matt. 19:28; John 3:3, 5, 7; Titus 3:5). The revived heart repents and trusts Christ in saving faith as the only source of justification” (p. 2531).

Amillennial, Pre-millennial, or Post-millennial?
The notes attempt to present each position in a fair manner. I have not found an overwhelming bias.

• See especially the Introduction to Revelation, which includes sections on Schools of Interpretation and Millennial Views. See also the notes on 1 Thess. 4:16-17 and Rev. 20.

The role of women in the church?
The notes clearly and consistently argue for male leadership in the church.

• 1 Cor. 14:34–35—“The women should keep silent in the churches. Since Paul seems to permit wives to pray and prophesy (11:5, 13) as long as they do not dishonor their husbands by the way they dress (11:5), it is difficult to see this as an absolute prohibition (cf. Acts 2:17; 21:8–9). Paul is likely forbidding women to speak up and judge prophecies (this is the activity in the immediate context; cf. 1 Cor. 14:29), since such an activity would subvert male headship. Law also says. Paul is probably thinking of the woman’s creation ‘from’ and ‘for’ the man (see 11:8–9; Gen. 2:20–24), as well as a general pattern of male leadership among the people of Israel in the OT.”
• 1 Tim. 2:11—“Women are not to teach men in the church but are to submit and defer to male leadership (see notes on vv. 12, 13, 14).”

Many other issue could be cited or need to be searched out or both, but these will need to suffice for this review.

Conclusion

I have often heard people ask, “Which one book would you want, above all others, if you were stranded on a desert island?” The Christian naturally answers, “The Bible!” Well, that would suffice, but it would by no means be ideal. We were created to be dependent upon God, who through His Holy Spirit illuminates believers’ minds so they are able to discern spiritual matters. We were also created to be inter-dependent upon each other. Proverbs 13:20 reads, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Study notes and scholarly articles are no substitute for the living Word of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but they are a help. I like to think of it as a way of walking with wise men. Here’s the Bible I would choose to have with me if I am ever stranded on a desert island.
Now, please excuse me, I have about four more pounds left to read.

ESV Study Bible | Intro & Review

ESV Study Bible | on Theology

Reading through the articles in the ESV Study Bible, I just came upon the following statement by Erik Thoennes (Talbot Theological Seminary, Biola University) in his article Biblical Doctrine: An Overview, sub-article titled "True Theology: Knowing and Loving God," which I thought to be appropriate to share here on TheoSource:

Knowledge without devotion is cold, dead orthodoxy. Devotion without knowledge is irrational instability. But true knowledge of God includes understanding everything from his perspective. Theology is learning to think God's thoughts after him. It is to learn what God loves and hates, and to see, hear, think, and act the way he does. Knowing how God thinks is the first step to becoming godly. (p. 2505)

ESV Study Bible | on Theology

The Lord Will Provide | John Newton (Olney Hymns)

The church we have been attending for the past month or so is in the midst of a Bible Conference. The theme is "Grace Abounding," and both sermons today by Dr. Benton were a blessing. This evening's message was based upon John 16:33,

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)

The logic of Jesus' argument, Dr. Benton explained, is that:

A) If the world is the source of our trouble (i.e. accident, adversity, and anxiety), and
B) Jesus has already overcome the world, then
C) In Christ there are no such things as accidents, adversities, and anxieties.

God's providence is at work in all incidents ("In God's world there are no 'What if's'.").
Yes, we have an Adversary, but he can not destroy us.
We have no Gospel-reason for being anxious.

We closed with the following hymn found in Olney Hymns. It seemed to fit the theme of the message very well.

Hymn 7
John Newton
10,10,11,11
The LORD will provide.

Though troubles assail
And dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail
And foes all unite;
Yet one thing secures us,
Whatever betide,
The scripture assures us,
The Lord will provide.

The birds without barn
Or storehouse are fed,
From them let us learn
To trust for our bread:
His saints, what is fitting,
Shall ne’er he denied,
So long as ’tis written,
The Lord will provide.

We may, like the ships,
By tempest be tossed
On perilous deeps,
But cannot be lost.
Though Satan enrages
The wind and the tide,
The promise engages,
The Lord will provide.

His call we obey
Like Abram of old,
Not knowing our way,
But faith makes us bold;
For though we are strangers
We have a good Guide,
And trust in all dangers,
The Lord will provide.

When Satan appears
To stop up our path,
And fill us with fears,
We triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us,
Though oft he has tried,
This heart–cheering promise,
The Lord will provide.

He tells us we’re weak,
Our hope is in vain,
The good that we seek
We ne’er shall obtain,
But when such suggestions
Our spirits have plied,
This answers all questions,
The Lord will provide.

No strength of our own,
Or goodness we claim,
Yet since we have known
The Savior’s great name;
In this our strong tower
For safety we hide,
The Lord is our power,
The Lord will provide.

When life sinks apace
And death is in view,
This word of his grace
Shall comfort us through:
No fearing or doubting
With Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting,
The Lord will provide.

This hymn is coupled with William Cowper's Jehovah-Jireh, The LORD will provide (Hymn 6) based upon Genesis 22:14. This particular hymns concludes with the following two stanzas:

Blest proofs of pow’r and grace divine,

That meet us in his word!

May every deep–felt care of mine

Be trusted with the Lord.

Wait for his seasonable aid,

And though it tarry wait:

The promise may be long–delayed,

But cannot come too late.

The Lord Will Provide | John Newton (Olney Hymns)

How Welcome is the Day of Rest!

The Lord's Day
by John Newton

How welcome to the saints, when pressed
With six days noise, and care, and toil,
Is the returning day of rest,
Which hides them from the world awhile?

Now, from the throng withdrawn away,
They seem to breathe a different air;
Composed and softened by the day,
All things another aspect wear.

How happy if their lot is cast,
Where statedly the gospel sounds
The word is honey to their taste,
Renews their strength, and heals their wounds!

Though pinched with poverty at home,
With sharp afflictions daily fed;
It makes amends, if they can come
To GOD'S own house for heav'nly bread!

With joy they hasten to the place,
Where they their Savior oft have met;
And while they feast upon his grace,
Their burdens and their griefs forget.

This favored lot, my friends, is ours,
May we the privilege improve;
And find these consecrated hours,
Sweet earnests of the joys above!

We thank thee for thy day, O Lord,
Here we thy promised presence seek;
Open thine hand, with blessings stored,
And give us Manna for the week.

~from Olney Hymns, published this day in 1779

How Welcome is the Day of Rest!

ESV Study Bible | First Impressions

After my initial reaction of "WOW," I thought of more substantial things to say about the new ESV Study Bible. I've been a fan of well-planned study Bibles for nearly thirty years, so I've been anticipating this one all year long. Since its arrival Thursday evening I've been getting acquainted with my new friend.

The first thing I noticed about this new study Bible, obviously, is its size. It's big, but not bloated. In addition to copious explanatory footnotes the ESV Study Bible provides meaty introductions to books and short summaries of sections within individual chapters in the NT to help the reader grasp the flow of thought. Some of these summaries suggest application. Charts, maps, and illustrations adorn many sections of the footnotes as visual aids. A lengthy section on "Articles and Resources" appears in the back before the concordance and maps at the end.

One of the articles, "Biblical Ethics: An Overview," seems geared toward arming the Bible student with the knowledge necessary for serving God in today's postmodern age. I use the word postmodern because this article addresses many of the latest challenges to evangelical Christianity, which target the believer's basis for faith and practice—biblical authority. For instance, in dealing with the topic of abortion the ESV Study Bible first presents scriptural support for protecting the unborn, and then concludes:

A strong argument can in fact be made for this even apart from biblical revelation, for the only differences between babies in utero and babies that are born are: (1) their location; (2) their size; (3) their level of dependence; and (4) their level of development—but these are not morally relevant factors that would allow death for one set of babies (the preborn) and life for the other (those who have been born). (p. 2539)

The feature that the ESVSB contributors emphasize the most is the Word of God itself. They tell us that the “best way to use a study Bible … is always to begin and end with the words of the Bible” (p. 9). Read and meditate on the Scriptures, use the study helps to aid our understanding, and then “return again to the Bible itself, reading it with a new and deeper understanding, asking God to speak through his Word to the situation of our life and to draw us near to himself” (p. 9). May the Lord see fit to use this rich resource in bringing honor to Himself and in “helping people to come to a deeper understanding of the Bible, of the gospel, and of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior” (p. 12).

ESV Study Bible | First Impressions

ESV Study Bible | A Pictorial Introduction

Today, I watched the mailbox for the mailman and the front door for the UPS man with childlike anticipation for the delivery of a review copy of the newly published ESV Study Bible (Crossway Bibles). Tim received his copy yesterday, so we are both equipped and ready to dig through it and blog on it.

To get this started I would like to share with you some photos of this new ESV Hardcover edition.

(This seems like the only proper thing to due in light of the pattern set by a couple other bloggers:

• Tony Reinke at Miscellanies (formerly The Shepherd's Scrapbook) unboxing a TruTone Classic Black edition
• TC Black at Truth is Still Truth unboxing a Premium Calfskin Leather edition)

Click on this collage to view each picture individually.

From ESV Study Bible

I realized before I went to bed that I should have included the ESV Children's Bible (hardcover). I purchased one for each of my children earlier this year. They truly enjoy reading it.

ESV Study Bible | A Pictorial Introduction

Latimer and Ridley Light a Candle

On October 16, 1555 English ministers Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were burned at the stake in Oxford by Queen Mary I. Along with Thomas Cranmer, who was burned 5 months later, they became known as the "Oxford martyrs." While these were not "ignorant and unlearned" men (they were educated and influential) they had the same spirit as the apostles, who rejoiced to suffer shame for the name of Jesus Christ.

Both men held positions of honor in the Church of England. Latimer was imprisoned for a time by Henry VIII but was restored after Henry's young son Edward VI came to the throne and the Church instituted more reforms. When Edward's sister Mary succeeded him, Latimer stood trial for his beliefs and went back to prison to await execution.

Ridley seems to have suffered worse in the flames than did his friend. "Latimer encouraged his fellow-sufferer with the famous words: 'Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle by God's grace in England as I trust shall never be put out'" (S.M. Houghton, Sketches from Church History, p. 114). Despite Mary's insatiable thirst for Protestant blood, the Gospel fire continued to burn and give light to England. To this day a memorial marks the spot outside Oxford where these choice servants suffered.

The changing fortunes and fiery end of God's witnesses illustrate the text that says, "Here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come" (Hebrews 13:14). Those words in Hebrews occur in a context of encouraging believers that are suffering persecution for their faith in Christ. Latimer's words to Ridley about lighting a fire in England proved true and remind us of those that were scattered abroad preaching the Word as a result of the persecution that arose from the stoning of Stephen (Acts 11:19-21). Though His servants are treated so shamefully, Christ's Gospel triumphs gloriously. The patient endurance of God's people is nothing short of fuel poured on the Gospel fire.

Latimer and Ridley Light a Candle

Eerdmans' Library of Religious Biography

I would like to commend to you Eerdmans' Library of Religious Biography. This series is edited by Mark A. Noll, Nathan O. Hatch and Allen C. Guelzo. As you will note, the series is very broad, including individuals from various ends of the spectrum of American and British religious history.

This morning we have posted Doug Brown's review of the following volume in this series:

Tyson, John R. Assist Me to Proclaim: The Life and Hymns of Charles Wesley. Library of Religious Biography. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2008. Paperback, 328 pages. $22.00

Purchase: Eerdmans | Amazon | CBD

A Limited Preview is available via Amazon’s Online Reader: here.

Book Review: Assist Me to Proclaim (Reviewed by Doug Brown)

The Publisher's Description of this Series:

The Library of Religious Biography is a series of original biographies on important religious figures throughout American and British history.

The authors are well-known historians, each a recognized authority in the period of religious history in which his or her subject lived and worked. Grounded in solid research of both published and archival sources, these volumes link the lives of their subjects — not always thought of as “religious” persons — to the broader cultural contexts and religious issues that surrounded them. Each volume includes a bibliographical essay and an index to serve the needs of students, teachers, and researchers.

Marked by careful scholarship yet free of footnotes and academic jargon, the books in this series are well-written narratives meant to be read and enjoyed as well as studied.

Titles in this Series:

Billy Sunday [1862-1935]

Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Sunday and the Redemption of Urban America (Eerdmans, 1991) - Eerdmans | Amazon (Note: this title has since been republished by Mercer University Press in 2004.)

George Whitefield [1714-1770]

Harry S. Stout, The Divine Dramatist: George Whitefield and the Rise of Modern Evangelicalism (Eerdmans, 1991) - Eerdmans | Amazon

William Ewart Gladstone [1809-1898]

David W. Bebbington, William Ewart Gladstone: Faith and Politics in Victorian Britain (Eerdmans, 1993) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Aimee Semple McPherson [1890-1944]

Edith L. Blumhofer, Aimee Semple McPherson: Everybody's Sister (Eerdmans, 1993) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Thomas Jefferson [1743-1826]

Edwin S. Gaustad, Sworn on the Altar of God: A Religious Biography of Thomas Jefferson (Eerdmans, 1996) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Charles G. Finney [1792-1875]

Charles E. Hambrick-Stowe, Charles G. Finney and the Spirit of American Evangelicalism (Eerdmans, 1996) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Blaise Pascal [1623-1662]

Marvin R. O'Connell, Blaise Pascal: Reasons of the Heart (Eerdmans, 1997) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Thomas Merton [1915-1968]

Lawrence S. Cunningham, Thomas Merton and the Monastic Vision (Eerdmans, 1999) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Abraham Lincoln [1809-1865]

Allen C. Guelzo, Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President (Eerdmans, 2002) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Horace Bushnell [1802-1876]

Robert Bruce Mullin, The Puritan as Yankee: A Life of Horace Bushnell (Eerdmans, 2002) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Arthur Tappan Pierson [1837-1911]

Dana L. Robert, Occupy Until I Come: A. T. Pierson and the Evangelization of the World (Eerdmans, 2003) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Orestes Augustus Brownson [1803-1876]

Patrick W. Carey, Orestes A. Brownson: American Religious Weathervane (Eerdmans, 2004) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Emily Dickinson [1830-1886]

Roger Lundin, Emily Dickinson and the Art of Belief (2nd edition, Eerdmans, 2004) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Fanny J. Crosby [1820-1915]

Edith L. Blumhofer, Her Heart Can See: The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby (Eerdmans, 2005) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Jonathan Edwards [1703-1758]

George Marsden, A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards (Eerdmans, 2008) - Eerdmans | Amazon | WTS | CBD

Ellen G. White [1827-1915]

Ronald L. Numbers, Prophetess of Health: Ellen G. White (3rd edition, Eerdmans, 2008) - Eerdmans | Amazon

William Miller [1782-1849]

David L. Rowe, God's Strange Work: William Miller and the End of the World (Eerdmans, 2008) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Charles Wesley [1707-1788]

John R. Tyson, Assist Me to Proclaim: The Life and Hymns of Charles Wesley (Eerdmans, 2008) - Eerdmans | Amazon

Francis Schaeffer [1912-1984]

Barry Hankins, Francis Schaeffer and the Shaping of Evangelical America (Eerdmans, forthcoming Nov, 2008) - Eerdmans | Amazon | WTS

Eerdmans' Library of Religious Biography