Christian Book reviews by Micah Bickford

"Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably."

C. S. Lewis

Mar 09 2017

Reformed Dogmatics Volume 5 by Geerhardus Vos – A Book Review

Geerhardus Vos still has much to teach us. I am excited to see the final volume of Vos’ Reformed Dogmatics. Originally written in Dutch, this important work of systematic theology has remained all but forgotten for over 100 years. This new English translation is completed with the publication of the fifth and final volume.

In contrast to most other systemic theologies, Vos writes in the form of questions and answers. This dialectic method serves the content well, giving it a precision and clarity that is sometimes missed. Each theological subject is developed from general to specific as Vos anticipates objections and clarifications. Vos misses the opportunity to offer a concise, quotable definition for each doctrine. However the scope of the discussion makes up for this weakness.

Not only does Vos show that he knows his contemporaries well, but he is equally at home with both the reformers and early church fathers. Special attention is given to exploring the differences between the Reformed Protestant view and the Roman Catholic view.

Volume 5 deals with the issues of ecclesiology, the means of grace, and eschatology. Those who know Vos’ later writings may be surprised that his presentation of eschatology follows a more traditional perspective without the robust understanding he subsequently explores.

Vos has given us a careful and systematic presentation of many important doctrines of the Christian faith. These volumes are a valuable resource for anyone interested in Reformed Christian doctrine.

Reformed Dogmatics

Geerhardus Vos

Lexham Press, 2016

9781577997320

Disclaimer: I received this book from Westminster Bookstore in exchange for an honest review.

Feb 28 2017

The Person of Christ by J. Gresham Machen – A Book Review

I love to read Machen. He effectively defines the issues, insightfully evaluates the positions, and clearly and concisely presents his conclusion. Machen does not disappoint in this new publication of recently discovered radio addresses, The Person of Christ.

In about 100 pages, He takes us to Jesus, the second person of the Trinity and brings us to Christ, the resurrected God-Man. He shows us the impotence of a “weak, sentimental, purely human, purely ethical Jesus,” and he leaves us with the truth that the Jesus of the Bible is indeed God and worthy of our worship.

“If a man has a low view of deity,” Machen writes, “then, when he says that he believes in the deity of Christ, that means that he has a low view of Christ.” If Jesus Christ is not God, then what is our hope?

In a world that is growing increasingly antagonistic to Christian beliefs, The Person of Christ is a helpful summary of this essential essential doctrine. It is not merely an academic exercise, but it will encourage your faith. Take the time to read this book and be reminded of awe inspiring truth of the deity of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

“The world to us is all unknown, it is engulfed in an ocean of infinity. But it contains no mysteries to our Savior. He is on the throne. He pervades the remotest bounds. He inhabits infinity. With such a Savior we are safe.”

The Person Christ

J. Gresham Machen

Westminster Seminary Press, 2017

9780998005140

Disclaimer: I received this book from Westminster Bookstore in exchange for an honest review.

Nov 07 2016

When Trouble Comes by Phil Ryken – A Book Review

Suffering is no respecter of persons. It does not discriminate “on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, nationality, disability, marital status, or any other distinguishing characteristic. Dr. Ryken, president of Wheaton College, offers us When Trouble Comes, an honest reflection on suffering that exposes his own weaknesses, struggles, and temptations.

Many authors would approach a book like this with a seemingly unending string of short stories concluded with a Bible verse and brief devotional. Not Dr. Ryken. He effectively uses restraint in presenting his own story, allowing the Bible itself to be the primary voice.

“I don’t talk about myself much in my books and public messages. My main purpose is to talk about Jesus. But sometimes talking about me can help me tell other people about Jesus, and this is one of those times.” (11)

It is clear that Scripture, not experience, is both the foundation and interpreter of his worldview.

Ryken takes an in-depth look at eight biblical accounts in which the protagonist faces great suffering. His recounting of the story is clear and thought provoking. His insight moves beyond the typically over simplistic cliché: just have faith like David, to a deeper understanding of suffering.

Having admitted his own thoughts of suicide, Ryken comments about Elijah:

“Notice that even at the point of absolute desperation—when he may have been the loneliest man in the world—Elijah still managed to pray. He took his complaint to God. Rather than taking his life, as he was tempted to do, he asked God if he could die. Deep down, the prophet knew that suicide is a sin—not an unforgivable sin, and often a sin of weakness rather than malice, but a sin nonetheless. So even when he wanted to die, Elijah acknowledged God’s lordship over life and death.” (42)

Then he brings us practical and gospel-centered application:

“Whenever we feel as if we have had enough, we need to go back to Jesus and learn again that he is more than enough. This is not simply a Sunday school answer, it’s the complete answer, because Jesus is everything we need. Jesus hears the prayers of anguish that we offer in our solitary places. He knows our discouragement and our depression, if that’s how bad things are. He hears our cries for help and does not abandon us. He still loves us and is reaching out to touch us. He wants to forgive our ungodly sins and grant rest to our weary souls.” (51)

Realistic and hopeful, When Trouble Comes challenges our interpretation, changes our perspective, gives us tools both to prepare for inevitable suffering and encourage us on the path, and most importantly, points us to our suffering Savior, Jesus Christ.