Veritas et Lux

ADDICTIONS: A Banquet in the Grave – Edward T. Welch (2001)

I don’t like the word, “addiction.” Far too often, I hear Christians using the word addiction in a way that suggests a helplessness and inability to please God or live in a way that glorifies him. So anyone enslaved to a substance (be it legal or illegal), a habit like pornography or overeating has an automatic excuse – after all they’re “addicted.” Such a person continues to battle but usually with little hope of ever overcoming their sin.

Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Edward T. Welch obviously employs the use of the word that I struggle to embrace. However, he too has reservations with the word. My suspicion is that our uneasiness with the word, “addiction” is very similar, if not identical.

Part I: Thinking Theologically

The author reluctantly uses the word “addiction.” Ultimately, he links addictions to the sinful heart of human beings. Instead of suggesting that addictions are a result of sickness (which is the dominant model in the counseling world these days), the author identifies the core problem, namely – people desire a given substance over God. So idolatry drives the addict. Dr. Welch adds, “Addicts make choices to pursue their addiction.”

In the bravest and most bold move in this work, the author makes an appeal to Luther’s classic work, The Bondage of the Will. Luther rightly notes that the will is powerless apart from God’s grace. Sin has the power to captivate and control sinners – and that it does. But Welch adds, “Sin feels exactly like a disease. It feels as if something outside ourselves has taken over.” No wonder so many in the counseling community refer to addiction as a disease!

The author demonstrates how sin works on the human heart: “We are both hopelessly out of control and shrewdly calculating; victimized yet responsible. All sin is simultaneously pitiable slavery and overt rebelliousness or selfishness. This is a paradox to be sure, but one that is the very essence of all sinful habits. If you deny the out-of-control nature of all addictions, as some Christians have done, then you assume that everyone would have the power to change himself. Change would be easy. You would simply say, ‘Stop it.’ There would never be a sense of helplessness or a desperate need for both redemption and power through Jesus. So this cannot be our position.” Such thinking elevates this work to the top of the list and proves a helpful addition to the tool box of pastors and counselors.

Part II: Essential Theological Themes

Part two explores several avenues of change that pastors and counselors can pursue with people trapped in idolatry. The author includes several noteworthy sections that encourage people to know God, fear him, and turn from the lies that led them to the cesspool of sin.

Edward Welch makes a solid contribution that is of tremendous help. First, he offers biblical help to anyone who is struggling with sinful addictions. Second, he offers a treasure chest of resources for pastors and counselors who seek to reach out and encourage people trapped by sinful addictions. Addictions are never treated as unavoidable events in the life of a struggling sinner; rather these addictions are confronted as idolatrous behavior that can be broken by the power of Jesus and his saving gospel.

4.5 stars

COVENANTAL APOLOGETICS – K. Scott Oliphint (2013)

K. Scott Oliphint makes a bold and courageous proposal in his newest book, Covenantal Apologetics. His proposal is to essentially do away with the language of presuppositional apologetics and replace this outdated terminology with “covenantal apologetics.” He makes a good case for the terminological change and takes the best of Van Til’s apologetic and leads readers down a path that is biblically informed, culturally aware, and apologetically sound.

“Christian apologetics” argues Oliphint, “is the application of biblical truth to unbelief.” With a broad definition in mind, the author moves forward by marking out the covenantal approach to apologetics. Each person is either in Adam or in Christ. All those in Adam are opposed to God and rebel against God’s authority as a matter of habit. All those in Christ have been given grace and are pronounced “not guilty” before the heavenly Tribunal, all owing to the person and work of the Lord Jesus. The essence of the covenantal approach is this: “All persons are in a covenant relationship with Christ the Lord. They owe him obedience. The same Christ who rules over you, rules over those who oppose him.”

Since the term presuppositionalism appears to be outdated and rendered obsolete, the author proposes the covenantal model of apologetics. He rightly argues, “Given that all men are in covenant relationship to God, they are bound by that relationship to ‘owe obedience unto Him as their Creator.’ That obligation of obedience comes by virtue of our being created – we were created as covenant beings. We are people who, by nature, have an obligation to worship and serve the Creator.” So sinful people (in covenant relationship with God) have turned their responsibility into an opportunity for disobedience and rebellion.

The author paints a portrait of a biblical apologist who sets Christ apart as Lord (1 Pet. 3:15) and is ready to give a defense of the gospel. The Pauline model is set forth (based on Acts 17) and readers are encouraged to engage unbelief by utilizing the so-called trivium of persuasion, namely, ethos (personal character), pathos (putting the listener in a certain frame of mind), and logos (proof that is set forth propositionally).

Covenantal Apologetics is a fine work, indeed. Many principles are beyond the scope of this review. As such, readers should dive in and approach this work with a sharp mind and a soft heart. The treasure trove in this work is bound to help shape a new generation of evangelists – so the nations will find their joy in Christ!

DEATH BY LIVING – N.D. Wilson (2013)

Grasshoppers, swings, dirt, traffic jams, puppy dogs, and blue skies. N.D. Wilson appears to be captivated by everyday objects and everyday situations. He appears to be captivated by life. Living life is what his new book is meant to convey – really living life. But living also means dying. So the author wordsmiths his way into the heart of readers by painting portraits of life and death – most of which arise from his own life and the lives of his family and extended family.

Death by Living is a plea for people to living life as God intends. In other words, to quote Red from Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin.” Wilson challenges readers to get busy living which of course will culminate with death: “How much of the vineyard can we burn first? How fast can we run? How deeply can we laugh? Can we ever give more than we receive? How much gratitude can we show? How many of the least of these can we touch along the way? How many seeds will we get into the ground before we ourselves are planted?”

A theme that runs through Wilson’s work is that life is a story. Life is a story that each of us participate in. Indeed, we write our stories every day. But the author maintains, “there is a difference between asserting that life is a story and actually living life like a story. And there is another difference between living life-like a story and living life like a good story.” Living life like a story, therefore, is part and parcel of the Christian life.

The author helps readers see what real living looks like: “Grabbing will always fail. Giving will always succeed … Our children, our friends, and our neighbors will all be better off if we work to accumulate for their sakes … Don’t leave food uneaten, strength unspent, wine undrunk.”

Wilson urges readers to live with all their might. And while he never mentions Jonathan Edwards, I hear a strong Edwardsian influence throughout the book. Edwards himself penned 70 resolutions that reflect many of the propositions in Death by Living. One of those resolutions is to “live with all my might, while I do live” (Resolution 6). Nate Wilson argues in the same vein, which of course, is undergirded by America’s greatest intellectual: “Laugh from your gut. Burden your moments with thankfulness. Be as empty as you can be when that clock winds down. Spend your life. And if time is a river, may you leave a wake.”

Death by Living will elicit laughter – lots of laughter. I found myself reading portions of Wilson’s work to my wife and she would laugh with me. In fact, I haven’t laughed so hard in a while! Some won’t find Wilson’s humor funny – which makes me laugh even harder!

Death by Living may prompt tears. There is a realism here that is hard to come by these days. This author speaks in candid terms. Taking prisoners simply isn’t an option. All the cards are on the table. Readers are left to determine a whether the “hand they’ve been dealt” will result in joyful, Christ-saturated living or death by a thousand qualifications. Far too many have simply thrown in the towel. Wilson argues from an entirely different perspective as he encourages readers that “life is meant to be spent.”

One reviewer compares Wilson to John Eldredge – what is likely meant to be a compliment. Sure, whatever. I prefer, as I have done elsewhere [See my review: Notes From the Tilt-a-Whirl] to compare Wilson to Dennis Miller, G.K. Chesterton, and C.S. Lewis – no doubt a true compliment! Death by Living is about the gospel but it never comes across in “preachy” tones. It’s a celebration of life lived and ended well. It’s about a life that is lived passionately and faithfully. Death by Living is about living with gusto; about living with passion; about living to honor Christ. But real living also requires dying. We are called to finish strong and die well – all to the glory of God!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

4.5 stars

ECHOES OF EDEN – Jerram Barrs (2013)

Echoes of Eden by Jerram Barrs sets out to explore literature and the arts and its relation to the historic Christian faith. With a deep commitment to the Christian worldview, the author helps readers navigate their way through the minefield of the arts.

One of the chief contentions of the author is that “great art contains elements of the true story: the story of the good creation, the fallen world, and the longing for redemption.” He argues that people long for a return to Eden – where truth, beauty and righteousness reign.

Barrs shows readers how books like The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings constitute great art by recalling the “echoes of Eden.” But in a bold move, the author also demonstrates how the so-called Echoes of Eden emerges in works by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling.

Echoes of Eden is a book that Christians need to study and reflect on with a sober mind and an open heart. I felt as if I were reading a new book by Francis Schaeffer – a high compliment to the author. But beware: Readers will be challenged to “think Christianly” as Schaeffer used to say. Some readers will walk away convicted. Others will walk away challenged. At the end of the day, every reader will benefit from reading Barr’s work.

4 stars

FOR THE CITY – Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter (2011)

For the City by Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter is a book for pastors, church planters and Christ-followers who want to make a difference in their respective cities. The heartbeat of the authors is to instill a passion for proclaiming the gospel faithfully and living the gospel in authentic, transparent, gospel-centered communities.

There is much to commend here but I especially appreciate the fiercely anti-pragmatic approach which is grounded in gospel-centered ministry. The authors present four approaches to the city. The first three are popular but do not reflect the burden of the New Testament.

Church IN the City

This first approach reflect churches that are merely in the city, geographically. While they strive to get people to church to hear the gospel, there is very little interaction with the city itself. This approach may be well-intentioned but doesn’t go far enough.

Church AGAINST the City

This approach opposes the city and carries an “us vs. them” mentality. Examples abound here. Frankly, these churches are an embarrassment to the evangelical world.

Church OF the City

Here is the opposite extreme. Instead of blatantly opposing the city, the approach caters to the whims of the city and leans heavily on a postmodern ethos and as a result, loses its saltiness and gospel influence. Some emergent churches live here. Horrible!

Church FOR the City

The authors hold the final option as the only option for the New Testament church: In this approach, “the church speaks the truth of the gospel and is not afraid to uphold a biblical worldview and moral standard. Such a church proclaims the truths of Scripture with passion, clarity, and boldness. At the same time, though, this is a church that commits itself to seeking the shalom, the flourishing, of the city. This means seeking the shalom of the people they live in community with, living sacrificially and using their gifts, time, and money to seek the peace and prosperity of their neighbors.”

While the authors never hint at it, this author wonders out loud whether a stringent premillennialism (and I’m premillennial) has negatively influenced churches that would otherwise exist as a church FOR the city.

For the City is filled with practical help, strong admonitions, and bold challenges. A timely work from two seasoned church planters.

3.5 stars

CHARLES HODGE: The Pride of Princeton – W. Andrew Hoffecker (2011)

Who says reviews don’t matter? “I could not put Hoffecker’s book down.” Seven simple words uttered by Dr. John Frame prompted me to pick up Charles Hodge: The Pride of Princeton by W. Andrew Hoffecker. The author makes a solid contribution in P & R’s American Reformed Biographies Series.

I first encountered Charles Hodge in Seminary. His piece on the decrees of God made an indelible imprint on my mind and has influenced my thinking since those early days. Hoffecker’s work puts skin on the bones that I was confronted with in my Seminary days. Here we find a man of courage and a man of deep conviction. Charles Hodge was a man willing to put his neck on the line and battle for truth. He laid the groundwork for men who would follow and continue to fight on the theological battlefield; men like B.B. Warfield and Gresham Machen.

A few highlights worth mentioning include Hodges’ faithful fight against liberalism. Like today, the liberalism of the 19th century was popular and would influence young minds if left unchallenged. Hodge was not content to sit by idly. He boldly confronted the pernicious error of 19th century liberalism (which oddly enough is seeking to permeate the church once again – primarily through many emergent sympathizers).

The second highlight is Hodges’ unwavering commitment to Reformed theology. Call him a guardian, a defender, an apologist – or just a diehard Reformed theologian. Hodge may have been willing to sacrifice certain negotiable doctrinal points. But he drew the line in the sand when it came to the doctrines of grace.

Charles Hodge is a model of teaching excellence. He is a worthy example of what it means to stand for the truth in a dark world. Young pastors and seasoned pastors alike would do well to emulate the courage and conviction of the Pride of Princeton – Charles Hodge.

4 stars

PLASTIC DONUTS – Jeff Anderson (2013)

SUPERNATURAL LIVING FOR NATURAL PEOPLE – Raymond Ortlund Jr.

If Ray Ortlund Jr. wrote a book about dirt, I would gobble it up. I respect him that much. So when Dr. Ortlund puts his hand to the plow and excavates some of the jewels that emerge in Romans chapter 8, I’m an eager learner. Of course, Ortlund does not disappoint. The title of the book is Supernatural Living For Natural People: The Life-Giving Message of Romans 8.

The author carefully walks readers through Paul major arguments in Romans 8 that include key doctrinal realities including justification, mortification, vivification, among other things.

At the heart of the book is a reliance on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. A gospel-centeredness pervades this work that serves as a “sledge hammer” that destroys legalism that is such a part of local churches: “So when the grandeur of the Christian hope comes home to our hearts, all nit-picky legalism and foot-dragging complacency are seen to be absurd. The gospel spreads magnificence out before us. So away with our gloomy unbelief.” The book stands in the Reformed tradition and is undergirded by weighty Calvinistic presuppositions.

Dr. Ortlund has a unique ability that combines the mind of a scholar with the heart of a pastor. His exegetical work is superb and his application is directed to real people who live in the real world.

Highly recommended!

UNVEILING GRACE: The Story of How We Found Our Way Out of the Mormon Church – Lynn Wilder (2013)

Unveiling Grace: The Story of How We Found Our Way Out of the Mormon Church by Lynn K. Wilder is the gripping account of a longtime member of the Mormon Church and how she and her family found their way out of a works-based religious system. What makes the story even more fascinating is that Wilder is also a former tenured professor at Brigham Young University.

Dr. Wilder guides readers on her journey into Mormonism which lasted over 30 years and unfolds the remarkable story of their exit, all due to the biblical gospel and Christ’s saving work on the cross for her sins. What makes the story especially enduring is the love that the author expresses for her Mormon friends. She is careful not to build straw man arguments. Rather, she carefully assesses the fabric of LDS theology and compares it with sacred Scripture. When the tapestry began to unravel (which includes works-based righteousness, polytheism, baptism for the dead, and a man-centered gospel among other things), Wilder asked more questions and subjected Mormon teaching to the scrutiny of Scripture which led to her eventual departure from Mormonism and saving faith in the biblical Jesus.

The book is a reminder to Christ-followers to pursue their Mormon friends and challenge them with the biblical gospel. It is a testimony to sovereign grace – grace that has the power to remove the blinders from someone who has been deceived by teaching that is antithetical to Scripture.

Soli Deo Gloria!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD – Jonathan Edwards (1741)

I’ll never forget a very special evening with a small group of Christ-followers at the McLean home. My good friend, Don suggested that we read Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards in one sitting – on our knees. And so a group of middle-aged adults gathered in Don’s living room alongside several children (whose knees were much more nimble) – and we read Edward’s classic sermon – on our knees. It is a moment I will not soon forget. We were humbled. We were drawn into the very presence of God. And like the 18th-century congregation in Enfield – we were cut to the quick.

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is not only one of the most well-known sermons in American history; it is one of the most powerful sermons every preached on American soil. In one sermon, the Puritan divine highlights both the awesome wrath of a holy God and the matchless grace of Jesus Christ.

This is a sermon which has received a fair amount of criticism over the years. It is maligned and caricatured. Often found on a list of required reading for college English courses, the sermon is mocked for its candid language and scary images. Many readers simply cannot stomach the God that Edwards presents or submit to the God that Edwards loves and serves.

The sermon is derived from Deuteronomy 32:35 – “Their foot shall slide in due time.” The doctrine that Edwards sets forth is simple: “There is nothing that keeps wicked men at one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.” This doctrine is undergirded by ten propositions:

1. There is no want of power in God to cast wicked men into hell at any moment.

2. They deserve to be cast into hell; so that divine justice never stands in the way, it makes no objection against God’s using his power at any moment to destroy them.

3. They are already under a sentence of condemnation to hell.

4. They are not the objects of that very same anger and wrath of God, that is expressed in the torments of hell: “The wrath of God burns against them, their damnation does not slumber; the pit is prepared, the fire is made ready, the furnace is now hot, ready to receive them; the flames do now rage and glow.

5. The devil stands ready to fall upon them, and seize them as his own, at what moment God shall permit him.

6. There are in the souls of wicked men those hellish principles reigning, that would presently kindle and flame out into hell fire, if it were not for God’s restraints. There is laid in the very nature of carnal men, a foundation for the torments of hell.

7. It is no security to wicked men for one moment, that there are no visible means of death at hand.

8. Natural men’s prudence and care to preserve their own lives, or the care of others to preserve them, do not secure them a moment.

9. All wicked men’s pains and contrivance which they use to escape hell, while they continue to reject Christ, and so remain wicked men, do not secure them from hell one moment.

10. God has laid himself under no obligation, by any promise, to keep any natural man out of hell one moment.

Edwards concludes with a strong application which is meant to awaken sinners and flee from the wrath of God. Readers are faced with a momentous decision as Edward alerts them to the painful reality of God’s wrath: “There is the dreadful pit of the glowing flames of the wrath of God; there is hell’s wide gaping mouth open; and you have nothing to stand upon, nor anything to take hold of; there is nothing between you and hell but the air; it is only the power and mere pleasure of God that holds you up.”

Readers are challenged to take advantage of “the door of mercy wide open” which beckons them to receive the grace of God in Christ. Edwards concluding words leave sinners with an important decision; the most decision they will ever make: “Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation. Let every one fly out of Sodom: “Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed.”

The “flag” of tolerance is flying in America. The “flag” of relativism has been unfurled in this land. The “flag” of compromise flies high and is accepted, even within the church. Indeed, a God-dishonoring “flag” celebrating homosexuality was unveiled at Safeco Field in Seattle a few days ago. Jonathan Edwards raises his “flag” higher and reminds sinners (homosexuals and heterosexuals alike) that God will not tolerate their sin. God hates their sin. And this great God offers mercy and forgiveness for anyone who repents and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ!