"The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson. A Review
The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, & Gospel Assurance – Why
the Marrow Controversy Still Matters
Sinclair B. Ferguson
Crossway
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
www.crossway.com
ISBN: 978-1-4335-4800-0; $24.99; January 2016
5 of 5 Stars
Remedial Reading
“But, pastor, how can I know that I’m saved?” In one
form or another I have been asked this question by many godly people whose
faces are twisted with fear or stained with tears. On the other hand, I have
been told forcefully and flippantly by others whose lives are marred by some
form of immorality (hooking up, abortion, unbiblical divorce, etc.) “God will
forgive me anyway.” Both scenes break my heart. And every pastor knows that how
they respond to the one or the other may get thrown back into their face with
charges of “antinomian!” or “legalist!” That’s what makes “The Whole Christ:
Legalism, Antinomianism, & Gospel Assurance – Why the Marrow Controversy
Still Matters” by Sinclair Ferguson, professor of Systematic Theology at
Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas and teaching fellow of Ligonier Ministries,
so helpful and important. In this 256 page hardback Ferguson neatly weaves
together historical theology, biblical theology and systematic theology. His
style, tenor and approach makes this manuscript digestible for pastors,
parishioners and professors.
In “The Whole Christ” Sinclair Ferguson launches from,
and cycles back to, an arcane moment in Protestant and Presbyterian history
that speaks to many sub-currents stirring in the present Reformed pool. All
along the author pours in Scripture in its historical-redemptive flow as well
as the classic ordo salutis. Though
the main chronological episode the book covers may feel far detached from the
cutting edge of the 21st Century, nevertheless Ferguson follows out its
lines like a power company service rep marking the power lines running under
your backyard before you dig.
“The Whole Christ” simply moves along the course mapped
out in its subtitle, “Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance – Why the
Marrow Controversy Still Matter.” The author rehearses the Marrow Controversy
of the early 18th Century, showing the concerns, worries, purposes
and reasons burbling up in that debate. He then moves forward and tackles what
legalism is and how it works out both explicitly and implicitly. Next, he takes
on antinomianism, defining it and exhibiting several ways it surfaces in the
lives of people. Finally, Ferguson spends the last three chapters addressing
what might not seem so obvious: the end result of the Marrow Controversy, of
legalism and antinomianism, affects everyday believers in the area of assurance
of salvation.
“The Whole Christ” brings out that legalism and
antinomianism are flip sides of the same coin, “It cannot be too strongly
emphasized, therefore, that everyone is a legalist at heart. Indeed, if
anything, that is more evident in antinomians” (86). And again, “for
antinomianism and legalism are not so much antithetical to each other as they
are both antithetical to grace” (156). Therefore the remedy to both is the
same, “understanding and tasting union with Jesus Christ himself…alone breaks
the bonds of legalism (the law is no longer divorced from the person of Christ)
and antinomianism (we are not divorced from the law, which now comes to us from
the hand of Christ and in the empowerment of the Spirit, who writes it on our
hearts)” (157). The manner in which the author handles law and grace throughout
the entire volume are delightfully supportive, and beautifully sensitive.
With regard to assurance of salvation Ferguson addresses
the head and heart. He notes that there is an assurance that is direct; that is
that it is an assurance about Christ, a trustful confidence that Christ alone
is able to save us. But the remainder of the book examines the assurance that
is experienced or perceived, the self-awareness that I am one “among those whom
he saves” (196). Like a good physician of the soul, the author scrutinizes the
many reasons one may not experience this assurance, while being confident that
Christ is their Savior. He correctly emphasizes that “assurance of salvation is
the fruit of faith in Christ” (197). Our salvation is not built on the quality,
strength, or muscularity of our faith and experience of assurance, but on the
fidelity and ability of the One in whom we believe; and assurance, then, can
bloom and blossom out of that soil. The author then examines the many reasons,
nine to be exact, that assurance may be lacking. Chapters 10 and 11 are very
compassionate, pastoral and insightful.
“The Whole Christ” is a handy volume for pastors,
elders, and Christians who are looking for a guide to help them navigate the
present stormy seas caused by the clashing and accusatory winds of “legalism”
and “antinomianism” being hurled from lofty perches from on high. It will
strengthen one’s discernment; but it will also comfort the afflicted and
afflict the comfortable. In classic Fergusonian style, it is a gentle and
kindhearted read. I highly recommend it.
You have my permission to republish or re-post this
review; but as always, please give credit where credit is due. Mike
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