The Words and Wonders of the Cross by GORDON GIROD Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1962, 154 pages, $2.50.
The author of this book is pastor of Seventh Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. He is without a doubt one of the most prominent pulpiteers in this city and in the Reformed Church of America. Reverend Girod is completely committed to the Reformed Faith and, therefore, possesses an unswerving loyalty to the infallible Scriptures. He expounds the doctrines of the Reformed Faith without apology or compromise, and unheSitatingly exposes views conflicting therewith as false. Evidently oblivious to the kind of cheap popularity even some clergymen cherish and foster, Girod fearlessly attacks the errors of Romanism, Arminianism, and the Cults. To these qualities this work bears eloquent testimony.
We find here sermons on the well-known “Seven Words from the Cross” plus the five miracle. which occurred in connection with our Savior’s death, namely the three-hour darkness, the rent veil, the earthquake, the opened graves, and the resurrection of the bodies of some $lints. These miracles lire regarded as words from Cod, so that we could speak of “Twelve Words from the Cross.” The title, however, is suitable and relevant: Words and Wonders…
Among the many volumes (perhaps hundreds!) on this biblical material this one may well occupy a position of special prominence and esteem. The treatment is unique. The emphasis is doctrinal rather than devotional. Each “word” is treated thoroughly with a view to its place in the total framework of biblical revelation. This means that the prophets, the psalms and other pertinent Old Testament passages are brought to bear upon the interpretation of these texts. Arrestingly interesting is the writer’s attempt to show the connection between the different sayings of our Lord from the Cross. “I thirst,” for example, is linked up with “My God, my God…” This is labelled “Hell’s Aftermath.”
In my opinion Girod is at his best in his treatment of the “Wonders.” Here new insights are presented in a convincing manner. Many things that escape the casual and even the careful reader are brought into view.
Although I anI very enthusiastic about this book, I would add a few remarks of disagreement. First of all, though the exposition is sound according to every standard for Reformed thinking, and although we can appreciate the theological or dogmatic emphasis, we believe that the treatment would be enhanced by giving a larger place to the devotional element. In the “Seven Words” one must also see the Man of Sorrows, the Suffering Servant, to whom the heart of the believer goes out in adoration. Secondly, there is a real danger in letting dogmatics dominate exegesis. Gordon Girod has not escaped that danger. This Is quite evident when he sets over his treatment of the first “word” this title: “Father, Forgive My Sheep.” Immediately one understands that Girod interprets this saying to mean that it is a prayer for the elect only. The simple fact is, however, that Jesus said nothing like that on this occasion. The writer bases his interpretation on the High Priestly Prayer of John 17. specifically these words: “I pray not for the world.” (vs. 9). Is the inference warranted that Christ therefore never prayed for any but his sheep? This reviewer does not think so.
These last criticisms are not intended to detract from the enjoyability and the value of this collection of sermons. Since they are within the reach of the understanding or many Christians beyond the circle of those who must preach on these and similar texts from Scripture, we recommend wide use of such edifying literature, especially in this so-called season of Lent.
CHRISTIAN HUlSSEN