"The Christian Life" by Sinclair Ferguson. A Quick Review

 


I first read this volume in 1997 while in Seminary. Recently, my wife and I read it together as part of our family devotions and found it beneficial. Sinclair Ferguson, Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and an assistant minister at St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland, Dundee, penned this manuscript in 1981 and it has gone the distance, outrunning many more popularly written pieces. "The Christian Life" truly is a 228-page doctrinal introduction, written in a style that is straightforward and spry.

The author covers foundational biblical doctrines in a tidy and tender manner. Young believers and and seasoned disciples will gain immensely from the subjects addressed, and the way each is graciously handled. Ferguson doesn't simply proof-text his subjects, but often spends time developing a full biblical passage, showing how a particular doctrine flows beautifully from a text in its context. Readers will be aided, inspired, roused and reassured as they follow the author's amiable presentation. They will similarly be challenged in their faith as they come across little gems like this: "The great temptation most of us face is to believe that very little has happened to us through grace" (104).

"The Christian Life" needs to be dog-eared, marked up, read, reread, prayed over and ponder on. This is a volume that should find a home in every Christian's hand, whether they're seminarians, pastors, elder, deacons, women's ministry leaders, Bible teachers, parents, or singles. I highly recommend the book, and so does my wife.

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