What does Scripture say about sin, and how can it best be understood and articulated today? Ruined Sinners to Reclaim explores the depths of human sinfulness and the boundless grace of God.
Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective
The second book in a planned series on the Doctrines of Grace, this volume is a masterpiece. Edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson, with contributions from respected theologians like Michael A. G. Haykin, Mark Jones, and Daniel Strange – this book is incredibly rich. With the doctrine of Total Depravity as the basis, this book examines sin and depravity in historical, biblical, theological, and pastoral perspective.
Gibson and Gibson begin the book by explaining that we are to see the seriousness of our sin so that we can be stunned by the splendor of God and his stooping to save us. This book takes a doctrine from the past and provides a framework to best articulate it today. It is a thorough and profound take on the subject matter of sin.
Good News
I was most pleased to read N. Gray Sutanto’s essay On Revelation and the Psychical Effects of Sin. He shows how God gives common grace to restrain nonbelievers’ sinful selves so that they are actually never as bad as they could be. Christian witnesses can speak to the unconscious and conscious suppressing of sin, hoping and praying for the sheep to hear the voice of their Shepherd. I am challenged to find ways to disrupt and expose the way my family and friends willingly and unwillingly deeply suppress their knowledge of God and the ruptured relationship they have with him for the sake of evangelism.
Albert Mohler ends the book with a passionate call on Preaching to Sinners in a Secular Age. He acknowledges that the notion of sin is an affront to modern humanity. He reminds Christian preachers to see sin as essentially theological in nature. It is in this way that preachers can transform worldviews to understand sin as a human problem against a transcendent Creator. There is a cosmic significance to sin. And by preaching the whole counsel of God, we can allow scripture to give way to the Good News.
Rescued and Redeemed
Ruined Sinners to Reclaim not only explained the doctrine of Total Depravity but inspired me to reflect on my own relationship with sin of which I have been rescued and redeemed. As a masterful exploration of theological depth and pastoral relevance, this book illuminates sin in a world desperate for the incomparable grace of God.
I received a media copy of Ruined Sinners to Reclaim and this is my honest review.