The relationship between law and gospel is a complex one that has challenged Christians since the early church. Sinclair Ferguson draws on an 18th century debate - the Marrow Controversy - to shed light on this doctrinal conundrum, and offers a wise path between legalism and antinomianism.Since the days of...
The relationship between law and gospel is a complex one that has challenged Christians since the early church. Sinclair Ferguson draws on an 18th century debate - the Marrow Controversy - to shed light on this doctrinal conundrum, and offers a wise path between legalism and antinomianism.
Since the days of the early church, Christians have struggled to understand the relationship between two seemingly contradictory concepts in the Bible: law and gospel. If, as the apostle Paul says, the law cannot save, what can it do? Is it merely an ancient relic from Old Testament Israel to be discarded? Or is it still valuable for Christians today? Helping modern Christians think through this complex issue, seasoned pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson carefully leads readers to rediscover an eighteenth-century debate that sheds light on this present-day doctrinal conundrum: the Marrow Controversy. After sketching the history of the debate, Ferguson moves on to discuss the theology itself, acting as a wise guide for walking the path between legalism (overemphasis on the law) on the one side and antinomianism (wholesale rejection of the law) on the other.
The relationship between law and gospel is a complex one that has challenged Christians since the early church. Sinclair Ferguson draws on an 18th century debate - the Marrow Controversy - to shed light on this doctrinal conundrum, and offers a wise path between legalism and antinomianism.Since the days of...
The relationship between law and gospel is a complex one that has challenged Christians since the early church. Sinclair Ferguson draws on an 18th century debate - the Marrow Controversy - to shed light on this doctrinal conundrum, and offers a wise path between legalism and antinomianism.
Since the days of the early church, Christians have struggled to understand the relationship between two seemingly contradictory concepts in the Bible: law and gospel. If, as the apostle Paul says, the law cannot save, what can it do? Is it merely an ancient relic from Old Testament Israel to be discarded? Or is it still valuable for Christians today? Helping modern Christians think through this complex issue, seasoned pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson carefully leads readers to rediscover an eighteenth-century debate that sheds light on this present-day doctrinal conundrum: the Marrow Controversy. After sketching the history of the debate, Ferguson moves on to discuss the theology itself, acting as a wise guide for walking the path between legalism (overemphasis on the law) on the one side and antinomianism (wholesale rejection of the law) on the other.
The Whole Christ: Legalism. Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance$44.99
Great book which begins with the marrow controversy and uses it to discuss issues most relevant to Christians (in our day and age still). Sinclair's discussion on the roots of legalism and antinomianism was most helpful in diagnosing this common problem. The solution in both cases is to look onto the grace of God in Jesus Christ. The final section focuses on faith and assurance, a matter that every Christian ponders at some or many stages of their life. There can be no division of assurance from faith and hence from Christ.
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Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
7 years ago
Rich exploration of legalism and antinomianism
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson is certainly a scholarly book, and equally as certainly a must read for the everyday christian. It is worth pushing through the historical context and academic language (if they are not your cup of tea) to uncover many of the nuggets of wisdom within the pages. This book contains such rich and convicting exploration of not only the history and theology of the 'marrow controversy' (exploring the role of forsaking sin in the pathway of coming to Christ) but also how each of us can be subtly living out legalistic or antinomial traits in our lives, both of which come from a core of not understanding God's true character and the nature of his grace. Alongside saving grace, it explores topics of assurance and repentance, and will leave you at the end feeling like you need to read it another couple of times to absorb everything it has to offer.
A
Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
9 years ago
A great read about an important issue
Confession: I initially picked up this book because of the title, and I'm glad I did! This is one of the best books I've read this year. \\r\\n\\r\\nAs noted in the subtitle, this book addresses legalism, antinomianism and how they are issues raised by a common error. This book also shows that only the gospel is the solution for either problem. \\r\\n\\r\\nThis book drives the discussion starting from one of the least known controversies in church history: the Marrow Controversy. So it's a good material to understand the issue in a high level. \\r\\n\\r\\nI would have liked see the book cover more on """"how"""" the gospel answers legalism and antinomianism, but that's the only critique I have on this book. \\r\\n\\r\\nOverall, a great reading about a real and contemporary issue that is still happening today. \\r\\n\\r\\n5 out of 5\\r\\n#bookreview
