GLEANINGS FROM ELISHA: HIS LIFE AND MIRACLES, by Arthur W. Pink. Moody Press, Chicago. 1972, pp. 254, $5.95. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, pastor of the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Mich.
No Christian can finish reading one of Arthur Pink’s books without gaining a spiritual blessing. Pink is eminently spiritual and always full of good Biblical study. Many publishers see this and are making available in book form what was originally printed in serial form in Pink’s magazine, “Studies in Scripture.” A word of thanks should go to Moody Press for this new addition to the growing number of books on the “Pink shelf.”
This volume on Elisha should be especially helpful to young preachers because all through it application is made to the needs of the minister of the Gospel. This is not to say that no one else will benefit. Pink has more to say than just something for the minister. Among other emphases he speaks about the weakness of our faith and how we do not live out of faith.
As much as this reviewer likes Pink generally, there are several weaknesses in this volume. First, there is a heavy emphasis (excessive to my mind) on typology and the significance of numbers. While neither of these studies may be outrightly condemned, an improper emphasis can often bring us far from what God is actually saying in the passage. Perhaps this is why there is a different sound in this book from Pink’s Elijah, published by Banner of Truth. Second, it is questionable whether Elijah represents Christ and Elisha the servants called to be Christ’s ambassadors on earth. Remembering what Malachi wrote, it would seem that Elijah was a forerunner of the Lord just as was John the Baptist. Then, Elisha also was a prophetic forerunner of the Lord Jesus.
In spite of criticisms such as these anyone reading Gleanings From Elisha will have a spiritual feast. How refreshing to read an emphasis on the sovereignty of God! How appreciative we are that this volume has been added to the growing list of Pink’s works in print, especially since there is every little helpful material in English on this portion of Old Testament Scripture.
LECTURES IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY by Robert L. Dabney. Zondervan., Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1972. 903 pp. $12.95. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, pastor of the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Zondervan is to be congratulated on making available this reprint of an 1878 edition. Dabney is not a name familiar to those of Reformed Churches of the Dutch background. However, he is a theologian with whom we should be acquainted. Banner of Truth has made available some of his writings, and now Zondervan has placed his Systematics in our hands.
Dabney was a colorful mun. Pastor, professor, and patriot for the Southern cause in the Civil War, he knew the mind and needs of the men to whom he lectured. During the Civil War he served for a time as Chief of Staff to General “Stonewall” Jackson.
This is not a hook for one who does not want to work hard as he reads. It is a book for those who are willing to work for gold. They will be rewarded. There are lectures on the ten commandments. Several lectures on the Arminian Theory of Redemption also appear.
Of course, a reader in 1973 must remember that the present-day theologians are not dealt with. Some of the theologians mentioned from a hundred years ago are virtually unknown today. This does not diminish the value of this volume.
MILLENNIAL STUDIES, A Search for Truth, George L. Murray; Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 207 pages, 1972, $2.95. Reviewed by Rev. Arthur Besteman, Zeeland, Michigan.
This book which first appeared in 1948 has now made available by the Baker Book House in a paper-cover edition. The author who taught History of Doctrine at Cordon College until his death, states that the purpose of this book is “not to create controversy, but to establish truth.” In seeking to achieve this purpose the author concerns himself with exposing the errors of the once very popular dispensational theory taught in the Scofield Reference Bible and espoused by students of that book.
Chapter titles such as Millenial Theories, The Seventy Weeks, The Great Tribulation, The Rapture and Revelation Twenty should arouse interest in the minds of many. Although not everyone will agree with all that is written, much call be learned as the author seeks to set forth in a small book the Scripture’s teaching on the important subject of eschatology.
WHAT CHRIST THINKS OF THE CHURCH, by John W. R. Stott. Published by Eerdmans Publishing Co., 255 Jefferson, S. E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49502, 1972, 128 pages. Price $1.50. Reviewed by Rev. Fred Van Houten, Holland, Mich.
This is an inexpensive little paperback that deserves a very wide circulation. Although it may not appear as an imposing volume, the excellent content makes it a gem in anyone’s library.
The author is well-known for clarity in his expositions of the Bible. In this little volume he treats Christ’s messages to the se…en churches in Asia Minor, as embodied in Revelation 2 and 3. One cannot think of a better title for this book with its analysis of Christ’s final words in special revelation. Dr. Stott succeeds very well in enabling Christians to understand how Christ would have them live in today’s world.
One of the chief virtues of this treatise is the careful and thorough exposition of Scripture. Every clause of commendation, condemnation, confirmation, complaint, and command, Or whatever else it may be, is explained completely. In fact, one gains the impression at times that the author could have enlarged a bit more on the application of these truths to our current situation, hut he remains very close to Scripture.
This volume proves very helpful for any study on the seven churches. The final chapters on the churches of Philadelphia and Laodicea are excellent.
No Christian can finish reading one of Arthur Pink’s books without gaining a spiritual blessing. Pink is eminently spiritual and always full of good Biblical study. Many publishers see this and are making available in book form what was originally printed in serial form in Pink’s magazine, “Studies in Scripture.” A word of thanks should go to Moody Press for this new addition to the growing number of books on the “Pink shelf.”
This volume on Elisha should be especially helpful to young preachers because all through it application is made to the needs of the minister of the Gospel. This is not to say that no one else will benefit. Pink has more to say than just something for the minister. Among other emphases he speaks about the weakness of our faith and how we do not live out of faith.
As much as this reviewer likes Pink generally, there are several weaknesses in this volume. First, there is a heavy emphasis (excessive to my mind) on typology and the significance of numbers. While neither of these studies may be outrightly condemned, an improper emphasis can often bring us far from what God is actually saying in the passage. Perhaps this is why there is a different sound in this book from Pink’s Elijah, published by Banner of Truth. Second, it is questionable whether Elijah represents Christ and Elisha the servants called to be Christ’s ambassadors on earth. Remembering what Malachi wrote, it would seem that Elijah was a forerunner of the Lord just as was John the Baptist. Then, Elisha also was a prophetic forerunner of the Lord Jesus.
In spite of criticisms such as these anyone reading Gleanings From Elisha will have a spiritual feast. How refreshing to read an emphasis on the sovereignty of God! How appreciative we are that this volume has been added to the growing list of Pink’s works in print, especially since there is every little helpful material in English on this portion of Old Testament Scripture.
LECTURES IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY by Robert L. Dabney. Zondervan., Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1972. 903 pp. $12.95. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, pastor of the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Zondervan is to be congratulated on making available this reprint of an 1878 edition. Dabney is not a name familiar to those of Reformed Churches of the Dutch background. However, he is a theologian with whom we should be acquainted. Banner of Truth has made available some of his writings, and now Zondervan has placed his Systematics in our hands.
Dabney was a colorful mun. Pastor, professor, and patriot for the Southern cause in the Civil War, he knew the mind and needs of the men to whom he lectured. During the Civil War he served for a time as Chief of Staff to General “Stonewall” Jackson.
This is not a hook for one who does not want to work hard as he reads. It is a book for those who are willing to work for gold. They will be rewarded. There are lectures on the ten commandments. Several lectures on the Arminian Theory of Redemption also appear.
Of course, a reader in 1973 must remember that the present-day theologians are not dealt with. Some of the theologians mentioned from a hundred years ago are virtually unknown today. This does not diminish the value of this volume.
MILLENNIAL STUDIES, A Search for Truth, George L. Murray; Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 207 pages, 1972, $2.95. Reviewed by Rev. Arthur Besteman, Zeeland, Michigan.
This book which first appeared in 1948 has now made available by the Baker Book House in a paper-cover edition. The author who taught History of Doctrine at Cordon College until his death, states that the purpose of this book is “not to create controversy, but to establish truth.” In seeking to achieve this purpose the author concerns himself with exposing the errors of the once very popular dispensational theory taught in the Scofield Reference Bible and espoused by students of that book.
Chapter titles such as Millenial Theories, The Seventy Weeks, The Great Tribulation, The Rapture and Revelation Twenty should arouse interest in the minds of many. Although not everyone will agree with all that is written, much call be learned as the author seeks to set forth in a small book the Scripture’s teaching on the important subject of eschatology.
WHAT CHRIST THINKS OF THE CHURCH, by John W. R. Stott. Published by Eerdmans Publishing Co., 255 Jefferson, S. E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49502, 1972, 128 pages. Price $1.50. Reviewed by Rev. Fred Van Houten, Holland, Mich.
This is an inexpensive little paperback that deserves a very wide circulation. Although it may not appear as an imposing volume, the excellent content makes it a gem in anyone’s library.
The author is well-known for clarity in his expositions of the Bible. In this little volume he treats Christ’s messages to the se…en churches in Asia Minor, as embodied in Revelation 2 and 3. One cannot think of a better title for this book with its analysis of Christ’s final words in special revelation. Dr. Stott succeeds very well in enabling Christians to understand how Christ would have them live in today’s world.
One of the chief virtues of this treatise is the careful and thorough exposition of Scripture. Every clause of commendation, condemnation, confirmation, complaint, and command, Or whatever else it may be, is explained completely. In fact, one gains the impression at times that the author could have enlarged a bit more on the application of these truths to our current situation, hut he remains very close to Scripture.
This volume proves very helpful for any study on the seven churches. The final chapters on the churches of Philadelphia and Laodicea are excellent.