From Heaven He Came and Sought Her
How does the doctrine of definite atonement impact pastors and preachers today? From Heaven He Came and Sought Her is a comprehensive resource on definite atonement as it examines the issue from historical, biblical, theological, and pastoral perspectives. Edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson, with a foreword by J. I. Packer, this 700-page book is a masterwork.
Effective, Effectual, and Empowering
David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson begin the book. The doctrine of definite atonement is defined as the death of Christ intending to win the salvation of God’s people alone. This book champions the doctrine of definite atonement as the heart of the meaning of the cross. It addresses history, the Bible, theology, and pastoral practice in light of the doctrine of definite atonement and how it can be best articulated today.
Paul Helm’s chapter on Calvin, indefinite language, and definite atonement was especially enlightening to me as a preacher. He explained how because the preacher is ignorant of who is and who is not elected, the preacher may call men and women to Christ in universal or unrestricted terms. I can emphasize both the effective and intentional nature of Christ’s sacrifice for believers. This was empowering to me as I call people to repentance and to Christ in my sermons.
The Suffering Servant and the Savior of the World
This point is echoed in J. Alec Motyer’s chapter examining Isaiah 55. He shows how the completeness and efficaciousness of the Suffering Servant’s death, intended for his enumerable elect from every nation, does not inhibit the universal proclamation and invitation to receive God’s salvation. If anything, the Servant’s definite atonement forms the basis for the proclamation and invitation.
As Matthew S. Harmon examines the Johannine literature, he enforces that Christ truly is the “Savior of the world“ (John 4:42). Because of this, the gospel can be freely and indiscriminately offered – without uncertainty or reservation. I am moved to be included as a part of God’s people, and motivated to usher more in.
The Climax of the Glory of God’s Grace
In John Piper‘s concluding essay, he argues that the death of Christ is the climax of the glory of God’s grace, which is the apex of the glory of God. I was challenged to better magnify the glory of God in Jesus with every sermon. Piper shows how the gospel offer can be both valid and sincere. He goes on to show how God’s sincere offer of the gospel and definite atonement are not at odds. God sincerely desires for everyone to be saved. But on a deeper level, his wisdom has him save only some. In the same way that Christ called all to come to him, knowing that his blood would save only some, I can do the same as a preacher and ambassador of the gospel.
From Heaven He Came and Sought Her will empower pastors and preachers to proclaim Christ crucified with conviction and compassion, inviting all to respond in faith to the saving work of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
I received a media copy of From Heaven He Came And Sought Her and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.