Books to Note

Short reviews of ‘Gospel Wakefulness,’ ‘Union with Christ,’ and ‘The Gospel of Matthew.’

Gospel Wakefulness

Jared C. Wilson (Crossway)

Jared C. Wilson makes the case that Christians need not only to believe the gospel, but to so delight in it that sin loses its attractiveness and Christ becomes all the more glorious. This book seeks to “awaken” our affections to the beauty of the gospel, so that we will be satisfied in Christ alone. Aside from some rhetoric that could imply a dichotomy between “gospel wakefulness” and political activism, Wilson’s work is substantive and inspiring.—Trevin Wax

Union with Christ

Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church J. Todd Billings (Baker Academic)

Western Theological Seminary professor J. Todd Billings examines the doctrine of “union with Christ” in light of careful historical and exegetical reflection. Parting ways with recent Calvin scholars who seek to downplay the Reformer’s forensic (or legal) view of justification, Billings shows how the truth of a believer’s participation in Christ is grounded in Scripture and consistent with other Reformation insights. Union with Christ will start fresh conversations about this important New Testament doctrine.—Trevin Wax

The Gospel of Matthew

God with Us Matt Woodley (IVP)

The new law of Jesus, as outlined in the five great discourses of the first Gospel, is often said to be Matthew’s unique contribution: He shows Jesus as the new Moses, the new lawgiver. Thankfully, Matt Woodley, a former pastor and now managing editor of PreachingToday.com, goes deeper. His theological and practical commentary shows a Jesus who is, more than anything, God with us. While calling for obedience, Jesus “never asks us to follow him with superheroic, overachieving, failure-free” obedience. Instead, the “poor in spirit” are the model disciples, and the weary and heavy laden are invited to come to Jesus. Woodley has done a masterful job of reminding us that this book is gospel—that is, good news.—Mark Galli

Related Elsewhere:

Gospel Wakefulness, Union with Christ, and The Gospel of Matthew are available from ChristianBook.com and other book retailers.

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The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Christianity Today November, 2011

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