S Timmis & C de la Hoyde
Christian Focus Publications
96, £5.99
ISBN: 978-1-78191-429-8
Star Rating: 3
This tiny book is full of rich gospel truths, told in straightforward terms and with many practical illustrations.
Referring to Calvin and John Owen, the authors point out that ‘the doctrine of union with Christ is the central tenet of the Christian faith — the spring from which all else flows’. We are reminded that ‘everything we believe and do depends on the fact and nature of the relationship that exists between Jesus Christ and believers’ (p.9).
Each chapter is just over ten pages long and covers different aspects of our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The first is called ‘Safe in Christ’. It starts with a picture of a house being menaced by threatening storm clouds and lightning. ‘The house represents Christ. The gospel invites us into that house, so that we might be hidden from the storm of God’s judgement’ (p.11).
Chapter 2 (‘Connected in Christ’) gives us a clear exposition of Romans 6-8, along with other Scriptures. ‘Growing in Christ’ is the title of chapter 3, a chapter that explains the meaning of sanctification. Chapter 4 is called ‘Together in Christ’ and endorses the vital responsibility of being united not just with Christ, but his people (the church).
The penultimate chapter is called ‘On mission in Christ’. Here the authors concentrate on our passion for God’s glory and men’s souls. They explain our identity (‘who I am’), our purpose (‘why I am’) and our function (‘what I am’). This ends with a number of case studies where church members are faced with several difficult issues.
The book ends with ‘Every day in Christ’. It talks about such issues as living in Christ during marriage or singleness. If you want a clear and fairly comprehensive explanation of what it means to be ‘in Christ’, then this is an excellent starting place and I thoroughly recommend it.
Michael Bentley
Bracknell
