Book by D.A. Carson

Book Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

We live in the last days. No, I’m not about to talk about a particular event in the news that shows a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. It’s actually the time period between the first coming of Christ and the second coming of His return. This is the position of Scripture, which has been written for our instruction, reproof, correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In fact, the apostle John himself wrote of the last hour: “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.” Knowing this, how does God call us to live? Does He call us to live in a certain way?

According to D.A. Carson (even more importantly, Scripture), the answer is yes. In one of his short books, From the Resurrection to His Return, Carson exposits 2 Timothy 3:1-4:8, pointing out what Paul himself instructed Timothy in terms of how to live, since “there will be terrible times in the last days.” Coming from a sermon he’s preached a number of times, Carson draws us to see what is most important for Paul to tell another saint as he is about to pass from this world onto the next. Paul knows he is at the end of his life, and wants to impart the truths of God to his faithful child of the faith, so that he may know how to live and then pass that on to others. Reading like a sermon, Carson goes through Paul’s list of 19 characteristic traits of those who make these times terrible, the same term that is used of the Gadarene demoniac. To make Timothy aware of this not only is to keep him and those who want to be faithful away from such wicked people, but to also keep themselves from temptation, that they themselves would not fall prey to a life of profession which, at the same time, denies the power of God that always changes us. So how does Paul warn Timothy to live knowing all this?

In four chapters, Carson points us to how to live faithfully today in these last days:

1. hold the right mentors in high regard,
2. hold few illusions about the world,
3. hold on to the Bible, and
4. hold out the Bible to others.

When there are false teachers running amok in the church as well as false professors of Christ, Timothy can’t help but look to faithful men with a real outlook of the world and trusting completely in the Word of God, passing that on to his congregation. Similar to J.C. Ryle’s Thoughts for Young Men, instructions are given to those who are either beginning the journey of following Christ or are at a spiritual crossroads, confused by what they see or read, and how to be faithful to the God who made us all. Paul points Timothy to his own life of faith, and that he should trust him to guide him in the right path, not only because of what he says (even though he is an apostle), but also his example. This is where Carson makes some great insights: “Do you ever say to a young Christian, ‘Do you want to know what Christianity is like? Watch me!’ If you never do, you are unbiblical” (p.26). He also points to those who are in need of a mentor:

You must therefore ask, ‘Does this person I am thinking of follow apostolic teaching? How about his way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, sufferings? What are the virtues and experiences in a potential mentor that are worth imitating? Do you see the point? Choose your mentors and then hold those right mentors in high regard. (27)

He then gives the example of a college friend who was seen as a resource to answer difficult questions believer and non-believer alike had. He also was a fairly brash individual, who would not waste time with people who were playing around and were not serious about the things of Christ. Yet when a self-confessing liberal did not see any substantial difference between one who believes in the literal resurrection of Jesus and himself who didn’t, Carson’s friend answered, “Watch me.” He also told him to move in to his home and live with him for the rest of the semester and see whether he tell there was a difference or not. Though the liberal student didn’t take him up on his offer, he did continue to watch his life and later came to follow Christ. What a bold example of a mentor who knows the importance of mentoring. If only everyone in church saw the importance of finding mentors, as well as believers becoming mentors for the sake of the newborn saints.

Carson then goes on to dispel many believers’ misguided views of the world, driven by the culture’s constant message of tolerance and avoidance of criticism as well as critical thinking, knowing that as people age in life, their wickedness only grows exponentially, not less. We have to be on guard about this in the way we think and see the world around us. What follows is a wholehearted commitment to the Scriptures, the same Scriptures that led Timothy to faith in Christ. Because of what Scripture is (God-breathed revelation), it is practical, and is designed to change our way of life and thought, because it brings us to Jesus. Finally, Paul calls Timothy to give the Word to his people at Ephesus, a call for all pastors to heed. Yet, knowing that Christ has commanded His disciples (not just the twelve) to make disciples and teach them all He has commanded, we as congregants in our churches, faithful believers are to do the same. As you look out into the world of relationships, where is this being fulfilled in your life? We “constantly are to be teaching and declaring the Word of God” (pp. 44-45) to our small groups, disciples, family members, coworkers, and on and on.

This book is small, but packs a punch. It draws us away from our own opinions to the Word of God to direct our hearts and minds to the goal of Christ, and adjust accordingly, with the help of the Holy Spirit. I’m thankful for the number of individuals who have invested in my life to follow hard after Christ, and live faithfully in these last days, and hope to follow theirs and Paul’s example for the rest of my life. I’m sure Paul would agree.

Editor’s Note: You can read this book online for free.

Book Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Book by Eric Svendsen

Growing up and living out my life as a professing Christian, I was always asked by my classmates if I was Catholic. I always answered no, but it didn’t dawn on me that it had more to do with my race than my own personal convictions. Unbeknown to me, it was simply assumed that any Latin-American in this country was Catholic of some sort. Although my mom and her family came out of a Catholic background, I was never exposed to the Catholic faith as a viable option. Until college, I never really understood why that was, and why I was not a Catholic.

Upon encountering the concept of defending the faith and beginning to study apologetics, it was only a matter of time until I would begin engaging some friends about Roman Catholicism, and whether it was a legitimate form of Christianity. My answers were surface level, and not completely satisfactory even to me. However, upon becoming a Christian, I was made aware of a reformed view of apologetics and the issues between Rome and Scripture became much more clear.

One book that was helpful in my understanding was a small work by Eric Svendsen, Upon This Slippery Rock. Back in the days when he maintained a website called New Testament Research Ministries (the now-defunct ntrmin.org, which James White comments on here), he had a number of articles that dealt with Roman Catholic apologetics. Many addressed the claims of papal infallibility, the immaculate conception, the Marian dogmas, purgatory, and a host of other issues Rome calls all Catholics to believe. However, with this book, New Testament scholar Svendsen deals with one of the most common objections to the Protestant faith, one that deals with sola Scriptura.

As Christians attending a church that preaches, teaches, and lives by the Bible, our belief in the Holy Scriptures as the undiluted Word of God draws us to look to it for faith and guidance, even in how we worship together corporately. Sola Scriptura means “Scripture alone” as being the sole, infallible rule of faith for the church in terms of belief and practice. What Rome challenges is our ability to use our private judgments in interpreting the Bible without the authority of the Roman magisterium. The basic issue deals with our epistemology, the area of philosophy that addresses how we know what we know. If you’ve ever had a discussion with a Roman Catholic, you’re bound to have been asked, “How do you know, apart from your own fallible private judgment, that what you believe is the truth?” or “How do you know which books should and should not have been included in the canon of Scripture?” The point in asking these questions is to get us to see that where we appeal to our source of truth as a decision we made, which is not from an infallible source (unless you think you’re personally infallible, which is another problem). After all, who are we to decide that we can interpret the Bible on our own?

Of course, we recognize the importance of authority: first God’s, and then our leaders in our church, which is a delegated authority given by God Himself. But is that enough? Or are we in need of an infallible interpreter, like Roman Catholicism suggests? Is this the only way we can get unity? Many a Roman Catholic will appeal to its 2,000 year tradition and its long-standing history of believing in the same truth, building true unity, and not the “25,000 different denominations” that have arisen due to belief in sola Scriptura. At least, that’s what is claimed.

What Svendsen helps us to see is how baseless and flawed this argument really is. He draws out the view that Scripture takes, and points out that what Rome claims is against Scripture itself. He also points to the self-destructive nature of the argument put forward by anyone who considers this a worthy objection to evangelical faith in the essentials of Gospel truth.

While his website was still active, Svendsen posed three challenges to the Roman Catholic that he believed could not be surmounted. Just to give you a flavor of the irrationality of the argument, here’s his first challenge:

Tell us how you came to decide that Rome was the “true” church without engaging in the very private judgment that you have already dismissed as illegitimate. (p.32)

What Eric Svendsen points out throughout his book, through stories and examples, is how this roots out the inconsistent standard many in Rome hold to when it comes to knowing what the Bible says and how they accuse Protestant evangelicals of using their fallible reasoning to get to a position they claim certainty in. Roman Catholics happen to do the same thing, yet are blindly unaware of it. The other two challenges attacks the argument from other angles that puts this issue at rest and gives confidence to the Christian who puts complete trust in Christ and looks to His Word for an infallible look at who God is and what Christ did while here on earth.

The book is only 68 pages long, and is very much worth the read. Svendsen is very aware of what the common objections are from a Roman Catholic, and is more than qualified to write a book like this. In two appendices he gives real life responses to real life questions, as well as the position Rome holds in terms of private judgment in the Council of Trent, Vatican I and II. Knowing how often I meet Catholics in the San Diego area, I have seen how conversations could easily lead to a direction where the Gospel is shared more clearly in using the content of this book. It helps clear one of the most common objections Rome gives, and gives us another hearing with those who see us in error. I would commend this little book to you and hope that God would open up opportunities for us to point Catholics to Christ and His infallible Word that He gave for us to understand, cherish, proclaim and judge on its basis, and not anywhere else.

Editor’s Note: Cesar previously reviewed Douglas Wilson’s book Persuasions, which contains an excellent sample conversation between Evangelist and a Roman Catholic.  That conversation would also be an excellent starting point for gaining an understanding of the issues that would lead to a constructive and charitable dialogue.

Book Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Book by Richard L. Pratt, Jr.

I always had a passing interest in all things apologetics, from all the evidences that could prove the existence of God to the logical arguments put forward to conclude that Christianity is the only truth. I was enamored with whatever book I could get my hands on that dealt with how to refute evolution, and prove the Mormons had it wrong. My high school days were filled with staying up reading the latest evidences that science discovered that, without a shadow of a doubt, annihilated any opposition concerning whether the universe had a beginning. My favorite book at the time was Peter Kreeft’s Handbook of Christian Apologetics, and I ate that book up.

Much has changed since then. Sure, I still love the area of apologetics, but now I’ve realized the mass of uncertainty in the methods I was uncritically accepting at the cost of biblical truth. Among many influences, Greg Bahnsen and James White introduced in my life presuppositional apologetics, what I’m convinced is the biblical method of engaging the non-Christian. Gone are the days where I have to keep an eye out for new discoveries in science and philosophical arguments to persuade those within my circle of friends who do not believe that they have no reason left to argue for their position. I wasn’t expecting some of them to reject God out of apathy, ignorance, or even hatred of God because of Christians. The issue became one of living a life consistent with the Gospel, and acknowledging sin when I fail to honor Christ, the same Christ I am supposed to point them to.

Upon joining youth staff, my heart went out for all the young adults in our group who have a young faith, and yet are very impressionable to the teaching they receive at our church. They’re learning many things throughout their days at school, and always with a perspective that tells them they are getting just the facts, and nothing else. No religious bias, no preconceived philosophies…or so they say. How I longed to be taught the truth about each of our commitments to independence apart from the God who made everything we study. I sought for books in the presuppositional apologetic category that would be helpful and clear for the youth to understand.

It was in the providence of God that once mentioned that a class on apologetics would be taught at our church, I was made aware of Richard Pratt’s work, Every Thought Captive. As its subtitle says, it is a training manual, specifically designed to help train Christians how to do apologetics. The amazing thing about it is that Pratt wrote it for high school students! 14 lessons (chapters) that cover broadly the method of trusting completely in the Bible as the source and foundation of our approach in engaging with the unbeliever. Pratt’s goal in this book is summed up in 2 Corinthians 10:5, which states, “We are (a) destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are (b) taking every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ.” What he expresses in the chapters that follow demonstrate that

Non-Christians are in need of salvation from the presence and consequences of sin and rebellion against God. This salvation comes only through whole-hearted belief in and commitment to Christ. When such commitment is made, the thinking of the one who was once an enemy of God becomes submitted to the “obedience of Christ.” (p. ix)

What I found refreshing in this book was to place the emphasis of Scripture in determining our approach to defending the Christian faith, and the importance of knowing our faith in Christ robustly. Each chapter builds on what comes before, so that there is a progressive flow of thought forces you to think deeply of the worldview that the Bible lays out. Pratt first deals with the fatal flaw in most Christians’ view of Scripture in relation to how they do apologetics: using human wisdom and reasoning to establish the Bible as the Word of God and not having the Word of God as the foundation for your reasoning and wisdom. To place reason as the foundation of your confrontations with unbelievers is to place reason at a more fundamental level than Scripture itself, which is a foreign concept that Scripture never agrees with. It’s a disregard of what Peter writes in the oft-quoted 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (emphasis mine). If Christ is not Lord over your thoughts, you cannot say you’re obeying this command if you regard His Word as a result of your reasoning, and not the starting point.

The structure of the book goes from establishing a biblical worldview of how man relates to God and the world, from the beginning of time to after the fall, and even after death. Pratt understands that the world never gets this, nor teaches this, so there must be groundwork laid in our renewed minds, even of our own history, that we may have the right framework with which we call sinners to faith and repentance in Christ. He goes into a systematic theology of the creation of the world, the types of revelation God has given, the fall and curse of man, the redemption of man by Christ, and the glorified man in heaven. What Pratt establishes inescapably is that God is independent, and we are all dependent on Him for knowledge, life, and morality. A Christian recognizes this, and submits to God in all matters of thought and practice:

The character of man redeemed by Christ is basic to an understanding of biblical apologetics. The work of Christ on the cross and in His resurrection has renewed to true knowledge and righteousness those who believe in Him. Though sin is still present, the one who is redeemed by Christ can depend on God for knowledge and morality. (p. 42)

What follows is a contrast between the non-Christian and Christian point of view. This isn’t a listing of where the Christian and non-Christian stands on issues like abortion, social justice, homosexuality, or economics. The issue focuses more on where one stands in relation to God primarily. The Christian claims to be dependent on God. The non-Christian claims independence from God in their denial of His existence:

Commitment to independence is so fundamental to non-Christian philosophy that no matter how much the unbeliever may claim otherwise, every reason he may give to support his commitment is actually resting on it. (p. 46, author’s emphasis)

The Christian is in a better position to lay claim to knowledge that doesn’t appeal to himself, since he is dependent on another:

As with non-Christian philosophy, there is circularity also in Christian philosophy. Yet, one important difference remains: the notion of human dependence does not depend on itself for ultimate support. It rests on the solid ground of God and His revelation. (p. 54)

What all this leads to next is a life that is consistent with what the Christian claims reaches true knowledge and make correct moral decisions. It is dependence on God for everything you think, say, and do. This will affect your attitudes and actions (chapter 8) and also your defense (as opposed to what is popular in Christian apologetics today; chapter 9). Chapter 10 is given to explaining what a biblical method looks like in practice, appealing to Proverbs 26:4-5 for a hands-on approach that will keep your discussions from straying off-topic and keeping the tension of independence and its utter futility of finding certain at the forefront. Chapters 11-13 then give helpful summaries of various issues that the Christian will most likely have to deal with under that rubric, and give a start in building a biblical apologetic that will give honor to Christ and bring all willing to listen to the Gospel of grace. The book ends with a parable that gives a fleshly example to what Pratt has been talking about all along.

The most helpful element of this book are the drawings he has that puts heady concepts into easy-to-understand categories. It’s with his method of apologetics and ease of use that makes this book a must-read for any Christian who is seeking to grow not only in defending the faith, but also in growing in faith. You are confronted with the sovereign God who demands nothing less than complete dependence on Him not only in thought, but in word and deed, all to bring Him glory and praise. May we never seek to defend Christianity without introducing them to the one who makes that word meaningful: Jesus Christ, Creator, sustainer, and redeemer. To do less is to defend a lower god.

Editor’s Note: This is also the book that was used recently in one of the adult Sunday-school classes here at LBC.  The lectures can be found in the media section of the LBC website, and the study guide is available for the asking from Stephen Rodgers.

Book by John MacArthur

Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

One helpful piece of advice I’ve received in reading books is to ask your pastor who he loves to read, but even more, to find out who their favorite authors are, and then to read their books. From there, you can have a good idea which authors they recommend, as well as books, and read those as well. Learning from wise men helps you to grow to be wise, especially if they point you to the God of wisdom, who gives wisdom to anyone who asks in faith without doubt (James 1:5-6).

It’s through that stream of guidance that I was made aware of John MacArthur’s very short book on God’s will, Found: God’s Will (Find the Direction and Purpose God Want for Your Life). In just 57 short pages, Pastor MacArthur helps guide you to understand and know God’s will for your own life through the source of divine wisdom, the Holy Scriptures. Preached later as a sermon*, this book promises, as the sixth principle, that you can do whatever you want, if the other five principles are being implemented in your life. The five principles are: (1) to be saved, (2) Spirit-filled, (3) sanctified, (4) submissive, and (5) suffering. It might sound like I’ve already told you all there is to need to know about this book, but if you are not well-aware of what the Bible says about any of these principles, you might be confused as to what God’s will is to be in your life.

The simplicity and clarity of this subject stems more from the simplicity and clarity of the Word of God on this subject. God’s Word fully addresses which college to attend, how to choose where to serve in the church, what mission field you could potentially give your life to, who to marry, and so on. The reason I am not adding in quotes is because it’s not only hard to choose what would be helpful, but more a hope that you would go and get this book and have a confident trust in what Scripture says God’s will is. To say it’s hard to find is a gross untruth. To find it in Holy Scripture is to learn to think God’s thoughts after Him, and that’s not a bad position to be in. It is as practical as it is short, and I am truly thankful that God would reveal His will in a way where we can never say we lost it.

* The link above links to the GTY archive which includes the official transcript and MP3. “Taking the Mystery Out of Knowing God’s Will,” is also available as a 6-part video on Youtube.

Book by Greg Gilbert

Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Having had the great privilege of going on short-term missions, I’ve been blessed to have a good number of conversations with people in Argentina about the message most important to us: the Gospel. The Gospel, as preached in our church, deals with the person and work of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. To be involved in any type of missions has to get you thinking and talking about the Gospel with those around you. It’s impossible not to. As a matter of fact, it should be that way not only during a missions trip, but every day of your life. I saw this as a constant theme throughout the trip, which is always a rebuke to how I live my life on a daily basis. Missions trips usually do that.

Having said that, reading books about the Gospel can continue to help foster a flavor of speech that is influenced by what the Gospel is all about, since you’re confronted with the claims of Jesus and how it should readily lead to faith and repentance on our part (though as sinners we never respond this way without God Himself intervening). It’s a blessing to have many works to choose from with regards to being very aware of what the Gospel message is (especially having the Scriptures). And yet, many professing Christians will give you puzzling looks when asked, “What is the Gospel?” They know they should know the answer, but always dread that question. I’ve had that encounter before, and it’s an uncomfortable position to be in. Imagine being asked that by a Mormon, or a Muslim, and the loss of credibility that follows when you cannot explain to another how one becomes a Christian.

Enter What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert. Weighing in at 114 pages, this book is a clear, deep (though not scholarly) look into what the Gospel message is all about. Pastor Greg is all too familiar with the problem many people in the church have in answering the most important question anyone can ask:

[H]ow firm a grasp do you think most Christians really have on the content of the Christian gospel? How would you answer if someone asked you: What is this news that you Christians go on and on about? And what’s so good about it? (p.15)

He knows, and gives many horrendous examples, of how people have answered that question before (and still answer to this day!). He doesn’t hold back what a sad reality it is when churches are filled with people who do not know the Gospel: unhealthy living:

There would be nothing healthy at all in Christians who couldn’t care less how we define and understand the gospel…Christians just don’t agree on what the gospel is–even Christians who call themselves evangelical. (p.17)

Because of this, Pastor Gilbert wrote this books for various reasons, of which are mentioned below:

• For the Christian, to cause your heart to swell with joy and praise towards Jesus Christ for what he has accomplished for you.
• It will give you a deeper confidence as you talk to others about the good news of Jesus.
• To see the importance of this gospel for the life of the church, and that as a result you will work to make sure that this gospel is preached, sung, prayed, taught, proclaimed, and heard in every aspect of your church’s life.
• To help to shore up the edges of the gospel in your mind and heart.
• For the non-Christian, to be provoked to think hard about the good news of Jesus Christ.

The book is broken into eight chapters, four of which explain the four components of the Gospel message: God, man, Christ, response. If you miss mentioning one, you get the message wrong. If you have the wrong view of any one of these components, you get the message wrong. The reason Pastor Gilbert believes this to be the case is because he sees this as being taught by Scripture itself (even if not in a slick presentation):

Whatever else [the apostles] might say, these are the issues that seem to lie at the heart of their presentation of the gospel. Contexts change, angles change, words change, and approaches change, but somehow and in some way the earliest Christians always seem to get at these four issues: We are accountable to the God who created us. We have sinned against that God and will be judged. But God has acted in Jesus Christ to save us, and we take hold of that salvation by repentance from sin and faith in Jesus. (p.32)

Obviously this God-man-Christ-response structure is not a slavish formula. The apostles don’t necessarily tick the points off like a checklist when they proclaim the gospel. Depending on the context, how long they have to preach, and who is included in their audience, they explain those four points at various lengths. Sometimes one or more of them are even left implicit rather than explicit–especially the fact that it is God to whom we are accountable and from whom we need the gift of forgiveness. (p.35)

Each component is observed through the Scriptures to point us to what God says will save a man who deserves His wrath. If God has plans to make life with Him available, wouldn’t you want to know how that is possible? Christian, what arrogance to assume you no longer have need of this! If Christ has demonstrated His love for you that is far greater than anything your spouse, brother/sister, pastor, parents, and friends can ever do for you (combined!), would you not want to know why?

The book also contains chapters dealing with what the Bible says the kingdom is all about (and the many misconceptions behind it), the importance of keeping the cross at the center of your life (and decentralized alternatives to the Gospel), and finally the power that the Gospel comes with. It is a short, yet clear, explanation of the good news of Jesus Christ that it will be a great read for your small group, for discipling a new believer, for comforting a seasoned/weary saint, or to introduce to someone who has no idea what Christianity is all about. There is much to chew on in this book, and God is to be praised for using sinners saved by grace to be a blessing to others.

There is no getting around it: if Paul, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles, calls this message “of first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:3), how dare we go against him on this! I would highly encourage all to spend time to dig deep into the Gospel, and be humbled and grateful all over again to the glorious grace that God gave to you (and still gives today!).

Book by Walter Chantry

Book Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

I remember reading through Today’s Gospel when we read it for flocks. It was a short book that reoriented the typical view of the evangel, the Gospel. Throughout the less than 100 pages, pastor Walter Chantry engaged himself into the Lordship Salvation controversy, summarizing and explaining the text of Scripture that dealt with the rich young ruler. It was hard-hitting, and convicting, causing me to be more aware of how I tell the message of Christ to those who haven’t heard it before. It was the first book I read that dealt with what message we are called to proclaim from the very words of Christ Himself.

Since that book had a profound effect on my life, I was pleased to discover that Chantry had written other books. Weighing in at only 73 pages, The Shadow of the Cross is focused on the theme of self-denial, and how it is to be a daily aspect of the Christian life. Throughout the seven chapters, Chantry is not afraid to write statements that could be seen by outsiders as overemphasizing or grossly exaggerating the picture of self-denial. Starting with the text of 2 Corinthians 5:13-15, pastor Chantry begins the book in this way:

Self-denial is a practice which lies very near to the heart of true religion. Without its exercise there can be no conversion to Christ. Qualities most basic to a Christian frame of heart—notably humility and meekness—would dissolve without its active expression. Self-denial awaits the sons of God as they enter upon their private devotions. It stands at the threshold of witnessing and other service to our holy Lord. It is a most painful element in each struggle after holiness. Denial of self is the key to the solution of numerous practical questions which perplex the sober-minded believer of today. A right understanding of this basic biblical demand would silence a host of errors regarding evangelism, sanctification, and practical living. (p.7, emphasis mine)

Chantry then spends the rest of the book explaining the biblical view of self-denial in a way that supports this opening paragraph. False views of many vital aspects of Christianity are addressed and answered with a biblical mindset that is decidedly contrary to the view of the world:

Nothing leads to self-repudiation so much as spiritual meditation on the corruption and wickedness of your heart. If your soul has grasped human depravity you have been forced to deny yourself…While man’s self-esteem is crushed, his esteem for the Lord God of hosts is established. God’s glory and grace strike and captivate the heart. (p.9, emphasis mine)

Self-denial really means a denial of yourself, causing your wants and desires to be directed, not at yourself, but at others, for others, out of a spiritual desire to please Christ above yourself.

This is the mindset that a Christian must have, since it is the way one becomes a Christian:

There must be self-effacement, self-repudiation, self-denial even to become a disciple [a student] of Jesus Christ. (19)

Some who call themselves ‘Christian’ in fact have never taken up their crosses. Being ignorant of the experience of self-execution, of self-denial, they are of necessity strangers to Christ. (20)

Jesus’ figure of bearing a cross is an elaboration of his demand for self-denial. Bearing a cross is every Christian’s daily, conscious selection of those options which will please Christ, pain self, and aim at putting self to death. (25, author’s emphasis)

Chantry points to the text of Scripture that addresses the life of one of Christ’s disciples, Luke 9:23-24:

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

The call to deny yourself is a commitment Christ demands, and to take up your cross (which is another way of expressing self-denial) is to be done daily. This is the basis for any true and lasting joy that can be experienced on this earth:

Mention of self-denial is essential if we are to be faithful to any who are attracted to the benefits associated with trusting the Lord Jesus. Danger lurks for those who do not carefully count the costs of forsaking this present world to follow him. (31)

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that he ‘for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.’ (32)

Peter had left all to follow Jesus…he received a peace which the world cannot give [John 14:27]. Peace with a reconciled God, peace concerning the future, and peace flowing from the assured presence of the Son of God, filled his soul. (34)

Often our Lord grants manifold more in kind (Luke 18:29-30)…How many have found fellowship in the assembly of the redeemed more intimate and gratifying than a home lost for Christ’s sake. (34)

What our Lord and Savior is calling us to is a life devoid of selfishness. In doing so, our lives should be completely filled with new desires that will please Him, and bring us joy, not only in the afterlife, but also in the present life. This is the life that Christ calls us to live, and it is one that will radically change you if you answer that call.

Chantry discusses various aspects of our lives to illustrate the radical nature of such self-denail: Christian liberty, marriage, ministry, and prayer. Each chapter is written in such a way that the key points are applicable to any Christian. For example, he chapter on marriage has some gems even for singles, and the chapter on ministry is applicable for non-pastors as well.

I highly recommend this short work by Walter Chantry. Read it, and pray God will really make Himself known to you in such a way that your life grows in self-denial rather than self-esteem. It is the way of the cross, and it is the only life worth living.

Book by J.C. Ryle

Book Review by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

When you have thoughts reserved for young men that stem from personal experience, the basic qualification needed is that the person who has these thoughts is no longer young and is a man. It’s assumed these are thoughts that young men would benefit spending some time to consider. Well, from reading this short book, J.C. Ryle is more than qualified, and young men would be foolish not to heed this man’s advice.

If you don’t know anything about Bishop Ryle, you would think this book was written very recently, since many in our day are averse to spending time with young men, and would appreciate some kind of word that would jolt them into sober-mindedness. Surprisingly, for those unaware, Ryle died in 1900, and wrote this at a very late age (71 years old). How often would you come across an older man at that age who would gladly spend time with you and impart to you his wisdom that he’s gleaned over the years—especially a godly man? How many of us know men that age who are still following hard after Christ? It’s books like these that remind me that I am in need of learning—not to be proud of how much I know now, but grateful that I have a resource from which to observe this kind of wisdom. That’s what every book (including this one) has brought me to realize. I am not perfect in this life (nor will be), so I must grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Christ, and, in His wisdom and sovereign will, has given various men (and women) in the faith to have wisdom to share with the body of Christ.

This book is broken up into four parts that J.C. Ryle believes is crucial for the life of a young man:

1. The Reasons for Exhorting Young Men
2. The Dangers of Young Men
3. The General Counsels to Young Men
4. Special Rules for Young Men

Titus 2:6 has formed the basis for why Ryle thought it necessary for him to write this book: “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.” Following the Apostle Paul’s advice, he plows through within each of these four sections, and speaks frankly, as well as compassionately, to the youth of his day (and ours) about the reality of life in a fallen world. Reading this book, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my need for older men to guide me in my walk with Christ, and to be slow to speak and quick to hear. Ryle knew the many temptations of a young man, since he was one. He remembers vividly the mistakes he made and saw that it as inherent in a young man to welcome many problems into their own life without giving an ear to one who has already gone before them.

If you have read anything written by Bishop Ryle, you know he asks very uncomfortable questions, not unnecessary ones. It’s pointed straight at the heart of every young man, who very much knows the answer to many of his questions, and yet could also be self-deceived into the answers they give. Easily, the entire book could be quoted, since there is much to learn from each sentence that he writes. Here are a few:

I tremble to observe how few young men are led by the Spirit—how few are in that narrow way which leads to life—how few are setting their affections upon things above—how few are taking up the cross and following Christ. (6)

Who in their families give them most pain and trouble?…Who are the class which requires the most incessant watching and looking after?…“The Young Men.” (7, italics his)

Two things are said to be very rare sights in the world—one is a young man humble, and the other is an old man content. (19)

Contempt of holy things is the high road to infidelity. Once let a man begin to make a jest and joke of any part of Christianity, and I am never surprised to hear that he has turned out a downright believer. (28)

[S]eek to become acquainted with our Lord Jesus Christ. This is, indeed, the principal thing in religion. This is the cornerstone of Christianity. Till you know this, my warnings and advice will be useless, and your endeavours, whatever they may be, will be in vain. (34)

And that is only half the book! This book is like listening to a father speak to his son about what is most important. However, in this case, it’s a worshipper of Christ who seeks to bring other people into true worship of the risen Savior, all for the love of the little ones (Mark 10:14). If you are a young man, read this book. If you are a man, read this book. If you have doubts as to how Christianity relates to your teenage life, read this book. If you are one who desires wisdom from above, read this book. Your life will never be the same, if you put into practice the appeals of this godly man.