AN ALARM TO UNCONVERTED SINNERS, by Joseph Alleine. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1978. 190 pp. $2.45, paper.

Alleine (1634–1668), an Oxford graduate, wrote several books but this one is perhaps the most well-known. In this book he analyzes conversion and then speaks to those who are unconverted.

THE BIBLE AND THE FUTURE, by Dr. Anthony A. Hoekema, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1979, 343 pp., $12.95. Reviewed by Rev. Henry J. Boekhoven, Th.M., Pastor of the First Christian Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, MI.

The author presents us with a most important book on eschatology. He has written it in such a lucid style that its often difficult material has become very accessible to all interested persons. The content of this book shows a fine understanding of the biblical tension between the “already” and the “not yet” with respect to the Kingdom of God and eternal life. The learned author considers such subjects as the intermediate state for both believers and unbelievers, Christ’s second coming, immortality, the resurrection at the end of time, and the final judgment, as well as the biblical perspectives of eternal punishment for the unbeliever and everlasting bliss for the believer. An excellent critique of dispensational premillennialism is given . And a chapter on the amillennial view of the millennium is included. Dr. Hoekema submits numerous carefully chosen Bible texts in support of his thesis.

I do not subscribe to all that the author has to say. Allow me to select three areas of concern. (1) With respect to creation I take issue with all theories of evolution, including the author’s observation that long before man appeared on the scene of this earth biological death had occurred in the animal and vegetable worlds, proof whereof is supplied by the fossil records—or so the author maintains (p. 79). Genesis I–III do not allow for this theory. (2) Unacceptable to this reviewer is the interpretation that the Book of Revelation consists of seven parallel sections, each depicting the events of the end-time more extensively (p. 233). I hold that the Book of Revelation is a literary work which presents a consistent development of the end-time events in mostly chronological order. And (3) I regret that regarding the millennium no mention is made of Mounce’s concept that it, though it is to be seen as literal, is not necessarily temporal. I admit that this view leaves some questions unanswered, but so do the other concepts. I cannot agree with the author’s concept that we, who are now living between the two comings of Christ, are in the time of the millennium with the Satan’s activities curtailed (p. 229). I ask, What constitutes curtailment of the satan in today’s world? I also could present a goodly number of New Testament texts, especially I Peter V, 8, which clearly militate against this point of view.

Yet, I wish to extend my sincere compliments to the author on the completion of his book, and I want to thank him for this very important contribution to the study of eschatology. I submit that the entire Reformed community take note of this meaningful study.

LECTURES ON REVIVALS, by B. W. Sprague. First published 1832; first Ban· ner of Truth edition 1958; reprinted 1978. 287 pages plus an Appendix of 165 pages. $10.95. The Banner of Truth, Carlisle, Pa. 17013. Reviewed by Rev. Henry Petersen.

Dr. Sprague (1795–1876) was a minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA, who served for forty years in Albany, New York. His lectures on revivals are considered among the best on the subject. The nine lectures cover such themes as the nature of revivals, obstacles to revivals, evils to be avoided in conducting revivals, and treatment of converts. The Appendix consists of twenty solicited letters from evangelical leaders of the nineteenth century, including presidents of various colleges, giving their experiences in and opinions of revivals.

The author gives a sane, balanced view concerning the value of revivals for the church and the world. While promoting revivals, he adheres strictly to funda· mental doctrines such as the sovereignty of God, the depravity of the sinner, and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing one to conversion. He also advocates sound preaching of the Word in the regular ministry of the church as indispensable for t he success of revivals and the nurture of converts. Nearly all the letter writers in the Appendix do the same.

The publishers have reproduced an excellent volume.

   

SAMPLING THE PSALMS by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D. Published by Creation Life Publishers, San Diego, California, 228 pages, paperback, $3.95. Reviewed by Rev. H. Hollander, Harrison, S.D.

The author, in his introduction, states: “This book is written with the purpose of sharing with others some of the blessings I have experienced in studying the marvelous book of Psalms.”

Most of the chapters were originally prepared for a radio program, “Science, Scripture, and Salvation” of the Institute for Creation Research . This limits the book’s value as it is often apparently aimed more at the casual listener than the serious student. The author is not only a devout Christian, but also a trained scientist, and this helps him to see things in the psalms which I easily overlook. The title is accurate.

ESSENCE OF CHRISTIANITY, by Anders Nygren. Published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 255 Jefferson Ave., S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503. 1973. 195 pages, $1.95. Reviewed by Rev. Fred Van Houten.

This volume contains two essays which were published originally in Sweden in 1922 and 1932. The first one is entitled “The Permanent Element in Christianity,” and the second is “The Atonement as a Work of God.” The author served as Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Lund, and was an active member of t he ecumenical movement.

The initial essay begins rather weakly as it centers around the question of true Christianity. The author devotes considerable time to religion in general, and then makes an analysis of evangelical Christianity over against Roman Catholicism. He comes out strongly for Jesus Christ and His indispensable place in Christianity.

The second essay is more solid and is a good treatise on the atonement. Nygren points out that the usual idea of atonement is egocentric, while the Christian idea is theocentric. He makes much of the classic text: “All things are of God . . . For God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself’ (II Corinthians 5:18, 19). “Atonement and God’s Agape are at bottom one and the same. A view of the atonement that does not rest entirely on God’s love is, from a Christian point of view, false” (p. 127, 128). He strikes this note strongly when he asserts that atonement should be conceived, not as a synthesis of God‘s holiness and love, but as a direct expression of his love.

THE TRUE BOUNDS OF CHRISTIAN FREEDOM, by Samuel Bolton. The Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, P A., 1978. 224 pages, $2.50. Reviewed by Rev. H. Erffmeyer, Jenison, MI.

This is another Puritan Paperback, a reprint of t he work of Samuel Bolton (1606–1654) minister of three London parishes before becoming Master of Christ’s College and later Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.

The author expounds the nature of Christian liberty and then sets the bounds of that liberty in answer to the following six questions:

1. Does our being made free by Christ free us from the law?
2. Does our being made free by Christ deliver us from all punishments or chastisements for sin?
3. Is it consistent with Christian freedom to be under obligation to perform duties because God has commanded them?
4. May Christ’s freemen come into bondage again through sin.
5. I s it consistent with Christian freedom to perform duties out of respect for recompense of the reward?
6. Does the freedom of a Christian free him from all obedience to men?

I find this an excellent treatise of a very difficult but vital subject, a subject only too often neglected.

Besides this is a very devotional book which touches upon the very heart of spiritual life. Enthusiastically recommended!

LIFE AS EUCHARIST, by Norman Pittenger. Published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishi.ng Co., 255 Jefferson Ave., S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503. 1973. 104 pages, $1.95. Reviewed by Rev. Fred Van Houten.

The author is a member of the Divine Faculty at Cambridge, England, and is a leader in the ecumenical church world. He rejoices in the fact that Roman Catholic clergy seemed to find little in these lectures with which they disagreed. Later when he presented the same material to a group of liberal Protestants from various churches, these also were almost in complete accord . That is precisely the weakness of this book. It does not serve any real purpose, and one wonders why it was written.

Attempting to define and discuss these points upon which almost all who call themselves Christians agree, the author relates the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper, Communion, or Mass) to the total life of the Christian person. Theological interpretation does not matter so much, as long as there is fellowship in and through the Eucharist with the Lord and with Christians. In this way the Lord’s Supper is not much more than an application of and an incentive to Christian social life.

CHAINS OF THE SPIRIT, by Tim Timmons. Canon Press, Washington, D.C .. 1973,86 pages, $1.25. Reviewed by Rev. H. Erffmeyer, Jenison, MI.

I quote from the preface: “If someone had asked me seven years ago, ‘Do you believe in the power or existence of the spirit world?’ I would have hesitated, not knowing what to answer. Today, I give an emphatic ‘yes.’ Why? Because I have seen it! As director of a Christian organization on a college campus I noticed that some students I met had severe problems problems that were out of my realm. So I began studying biblical principles dealing . with the spirit world‘s forces and how to get free from their grip. Though many amulets and incantations have been used throughout the centuries to resist evil spirits, the biblical perspective seemed to make the most sense. With this to guide me, I eventually felt prepared to deal with the problems that had stumped me before.”

The book makes interesting reading and seems quite credible, avoiding the extremes of exorcism practiced by some Pentecostalists. However, one wonders whether the author attributes too much to satan and his allies.

The Church generally seems little aware of satan’s power and influence in our present age. Here is something to read critically in order to consider afresh this entire subject of demonology on the basis of the Bible.

You will find it hard to put down this little book with all of its “cases” before you come to the last page.

WITHHOLD NOT CORRECTION by Bruce A. Ray, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1978, 140 pp. Paperback. $3.45. Reviewed by Hattie A. Guichelaar, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The advice in this helpful guide, in contrast to modern psychology, points the way to strict parental discipline. The duties of a Christian parent are clearly outlined and always presented from a Scriptural viewpoint.

Each of the thirteen chapters in this practical book contains “review” and “response” questions, making it an ideal tool for either group study or personal development.

The listing of topics and appropriate Scriptural passages at the end of the book should be very helpful.