| Title | : | The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0851515169 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780851515168 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 240 |
| Publication | : | First published February 1, 1981 |
The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction Reviews
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The front page of this book says that this reading is a doctrinal introduction which indeed it is. It covers a multitude of subjects that are of utmost important for the Christian life. Starting with the first few chapters it might seem like a hard to digest reading, however it gets better with each chapter. The old basic truths of the Gospel are presented in a very profound manner giving a thorough overview. Knowing these theoretical aspects of the gospel is the starting point for living a practical Christian live. It encourages the heart to rest in the deep truths that the Word of God provides. These doctrines are meant to mold us so that our lives begin to look more and more like that of Christ. Reading this book will help even long practicing Christians to verify their roots and fine-tune their beliefs, which in turn will assure believers of our rightful place as children of God.
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A must read. Ferguson takes the reader through the doctrinal heart of the Christian life. Anyone who believes that doctrine lacks life and passion has not read Sinclair Ferguson. This is a book for all Christians to read and savor.
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Muito bom!
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Excellent read. A very approachable book on important doctrines. I was encouraged, reminded of many beautiful truths, and learned a lot!
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I bought this book because I have Sinclair Ferguson's follow-up book, Maturity: Growing Up and Going On in the Christian Life. I thought I should read the first book, anticipating that it would just be run-of-the-mill basic doctrine. Well, I was pleasantly surprised to see that he brought even more clarity to some basic doctrines that I already thought I understood! This was an excellent read. Highly recommended whether you're a new believer, or a more mature believer. I'm looking forward to the second book!
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A heart-warming, intellectually-engaging doctrinal introduction to the Christian Life; I loved how the whole "doctrine leads to doxology" bore its fruit in each chapter of this book. Every doctrinal stance (scripturally exposited and illustrated) made a clear point:
Doxology is the goal of theology!
"Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like thee His praise should sing
Praise Him ! Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King." -
Must read for the Christian. Excellent.
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A primer on soteriology. Ferguson provides an excellent summary of calling, justification, and glorification -- all centered in our union with Christ.
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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. -
This overview of the Christian life in terms of its key components as expounded in biblical doctrine is one of the most deeply scriptural, Christ exalting, and personally edifying books a young Christian - really, ANY Christian! - could read. Ferguson covers the full scope of a believer's saving relationship with God in simple language with incisive biblical explanation and warm pastoral application. In reading this book of just over 200 pages, I felt that there were no wasted words - no fluff in this book - just good solid food. Reading it was like eating an exquisite steak dinner with all the trimmings at a high class restaurant - I simply wanted to savor every bite and enjoy the whole meal! I hope this is persuasive enough to get you to buy and read this book. After reading it, purchase five or ten more and give them away to others - this is really a very good book that deserves much wider distribution.
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This is a great introduction into basic Christian theology. As Christians we live out our lives through doctrine. It isn't always something we look at, but it is something we live, and so gaining a solid understanding of the Christian faith affects the way we live.
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The Christian Life is a book I come back too often. It is a rich blend of doctrine and application to those who are in Christ Jesus by faith. Ferguson is one of my favorites, and this carefully written book is a huge help for the Christian.
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A surprisingly digestible, practical theological guide to the Christian walk. Thoroughly enjoyed the read!
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Overall this was a really solid book on biblical doctrine. Most major areas are covered and done so with a clarity that is difficult to obtain in these types of work. Complex biblical analysis is concise and practical. There is a balance between summarizing concepts and analyzing scripture. This would be a great reference work or helpful for someone wanting to learn about a key doctrine without having to read something too heady. My only issue was there could have been better references. There is a helpful index and scripture reference.
"how we think is one of the great determining factors in how we live"
"The message is that the knowledge of God and the sure understanding of his character and ways provide the basis for all practical Christian living"
"The doctrines of the gospel are meant to mold us so that our lives begin to "set" in the likeness of Christ"
"We will never properly understand the work of God which takes place in the Christian life unless we first of all have some kind of grasp of why we need the grace of God."
"It is the glory of the gospel that it meets our need."
"He puts into effect an intricate design which will be made clear only when the finished garment is held up to the admiring onlookers...It is because God's ultimate purpose is to make us like Christ."
"We know that two people can listen to the same evangelistic sermon and one will hear the voice of Christ calling him to faith while the other hears only the words of the preacher. Again, we do not know why this happens. We are at a loss to fathom the difference between a general call and this powerful, effectual call. We only know that the difference is real."
"But he who calls them creates in them the ability to respond so that in the very act of his calling he brings them into new life." -
What does it mean to be "In Christ"? How do I get there? How do I stay there? What are the basic elements of Salvation below which I may not consider myself a child of God? In "The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction" Sinclair Ferguson answers these questions and many more. In formal terms, this is a book about Soteriology (i.e., the Doctrine of Salvation). In practical terms this is an organized compilation of the concepts of the only way--God's way--to enter the Christian life as a child of God.
Although the topics contained in this slender volume are weighty, this is written on a popular level and, therefore, should be accessible to all who choose to read it. Ferguson writes clearly and pastorally in this book, and even though this is an "introduction" to the Christian life this book is appropriate for new Christians and long-time followers of Christ alike. Indeed, this book reminded me of the great salvation that is mine in Christ, provide by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. In short, this book caused me to worship the Author and Finisher of my faith, the Lord Jesus Christ.
This would be an excellent book for a small group. Ferguson has written an excellent book and I heartily commend it to you. Happy reading! -
As far as it does, this is a workable and mostly readable summary of a number of key categories in systematic doctrine, not unlike many others. The good things outweigh the less good. Loads of heartening truths. But don't expect a page-turner. It's written in standard 'Reformedese'. That is, everything, especially each heading, is part of some enormous long list. Great for those who like lists, a bit dull for the rest of us. The text is fragmented by long quotations from other authors or passages of Scripture. The language is quite 'musty'. That is, rather too many sentences beginning 'We must...' And anyone hoping that is is about the Christian life in any meaningful or personal way will be disappointed, whatever the title may claim. It's 'applied' in only the broadest, vaguest sense, with very little connected to actual life experience. That said, it does pick up about half way though. The chapters on Union with Christ, The Christian's Conflicts, and Crucifying Sin are especially good.
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I picked up this book thinking it would be similar to JCRyle’s masterful “Practical Religion”. I must have missed the print at the bottom, “ a doctrinal introduction “! In outstanding Sinclair Ferguson style he lays down the basics of Christian theological truth that must be the foundation of our Christianity and in clear and concise form with clear Biblical defense he leads the reader through the foundational ( basic) truths of our broken relation with God , the effectual calling of the lost one by God, conviction of sin ( for me was a blessed read) repentance, union with Christ and many other precious truths to the last chapter of glorification.it was food for my soul to rehearse the doctrines of election , regeneration, grace, faith, etc that are the foundational stones that I embraced years ago and sometimes am guilty of not appreciating all that God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit has done for me.Dr. Ferguson has a way of making these rich truths even more precious and plow up my soul . A book that should be reread often.
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This book is incredibly helpful for all Christians, whether new on the Christian walk or a mature Christian. Ferguson clearly explains essential doctrines to the Christian life. He is very clear, concise, Biblical, thorough, not too wordy but wordy enough. It is helpful for the young Christian to understand these important doctrines; it is helpful for the older Christian to remember these important doctrines; it is helpful for the theology student to remember how to clearly and simply explain these essential doctrines to others. After reading the book I was left feeling joy, excitement, anticipation, peace, desire to live for God, thankfulness for salvation. I strongly recommend this book to all Christians.
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ESSENTIAL. I came from a Pentecostal background, I’m new to the whole reformed stuff and I’ve been going through this book chapter by chapter with my Pastor and it’s helped massively. There’s a lot of unlearning coming from a Pentecostal background so this did a great job in answering some questions I had. One of my Favourite chapters was “union with Christ” — one of the most relateable quotes for me is found there. “The knowledge of our union with Christ provides us with great dignity. As I look at myself I see failure, sin, sometimes shame, and disgrace. But that is neither the ultimate nor the whole truth about me as a Christian. No! I am United to Christ, a joint heir of his riches, a child of God. Knowing this to be real truth about me lends grace and power to my life”— this quote really helped me out in this particularly difficult stage of unlearning. Grateful for this book, more understanding and my pastor for answering all the questions I had along the way. Highly recommend.
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An important reminder that doctrine matters. While many argue that theology is "impractical," the truth is that how we think about God, what He has done/ is doing in Christ, and where we stand in relation to these things will have the most practical implications in the world.
Ferguson: "But we cannot obediently hear our Lord (surely the most practical man who ever lived), if we turn away from his doctrine. For he teaches doctrine in order to fill our lives with stability and grace." -
It would be difficult to recommend this book too highly. It is a work that could be read every year by the confessing Christian, and easily referenced continually throughout the year for refreshment and encouragement. It provides a very simple, clear, immediately practical explanations of the core doctrines of the Christian faith and the impact that these doctrines ought to have on everyday life. This is not a dry, heady book in the least, but a refreshing, practical look at Christianity.
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Finally finished! I chipped away at this book one chapter at a time. It’s both doctrinally meaty and somewhat simple at the same time.
Ferguson takes us through the Christian Life, starting with preliminary features like the plan of grace, calling, conviction of sin, into repentance and faith, followed by various other aspects of the Christian’s life. I really enjoyed the perseverance chapter! Highly recommend. -
A really solid work on the order of salvation. Ferguson is doctrinally precise and this work very devotionally. I greatly enjoyed it. His language is poetic which might be hard for some. My only critique is it occasionally read more like a systematic theology rather than a sermon: he would explain a doctrine well but not illustrate or teach it in a way those unfamiliar with the idea would understand.
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Ferguson writes on Christian doctrines with deft clarity and practical implications in mind, touching on topics like grace, conviction of sin, faith, repentance, justification, adoption, regeneration, election, in dwelling sin, perseverance, and glorification to highlight several. A helpful, accessible read for Christians, young and old, and thrusts forward the adage: Christian doctrine shapes Christian living.
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La repentance, la conversion, l'image de Dieu chez l'homme, l'union à Christ, etc. sont des sujets auxquels l'auteur donne un enseignement clair et une vision rafraîchissante.
Ce livre donne une perspective complète et accessible de la vie chrétienne, de la conversion à la glorification.
Si vous êtes intéressés à vous approprier ces enseignements, à creuser davantage ce que la Bible enseigne à leurs sujets, mais que vous ne savez pas où commencer... Voici votre point de départ !
