The Church by Edmund P. Clowney. Inter-Varsity Press, Downers
Cirove, Ill. 1995, 336 pp. pb.
, Dr. 'Clowney presents a multi~faceted examination of the '
church throughout the Bible. Writing against the backdrop that the
Christian's home is in heaven, the author explores how the
Christian is to worship Ciod, grow inCiod and serve Ciod dUring our
sojourn on earth. A multitude of topics are covered. The aiJthor
defines the church in terms of the Trinity. He writes: "According
to the Bible, the church is the people of Ciod, the assembly and
body of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" (p, 28). He
then examines how Ciod is to be worshiped and the church's
relationship to the world. There is a two-fold approach ofthe
church to the world. First is the church's relationship with our
cMI government. Secondly is the church's mission to the world at
large and how biblical principles are to be applied.
There are several benefits to this volume. First, as one might
expect, numerous scripture passages are employed in much of the
book to support the author's thesis. The reader is reminded that
the author is not setting the criteria for the church. He is
bringing together at times in a biblical theological
manner, at other times in a systematiC theological approach,
biblical teaching in regard to the church. These numerous '
passages reminded me oUhe importance ofthe redeemed to Ciod and the
amount of teaching in Ciod's inspired Word on the church. Secondly,
the
to our own culture he believes that "Christians must favor a
limited role for government: to support life and restrain evil, but
not to enforce the righteous living that is the standard of
morality for Christ's church. Salvation does not now come by
the
'redemption ~ of the political order, but by the new birth that
brings lost sinners into the kingdom of qod" (p. 195). It is
certainly wrong to look to or to depend upon political structures
to save man~ yet culture is the outworking of religiOUS premises.
If we do not have or work toward Christian morality in a culture;
what morality should we work forl The ' alternatives to biblically
based morality are seen all arQundus. None of them are attractive
to me. A study of ,our own cultural histOly would show the great
impact of Christian morality on our own culture. Without the Impact
of the Bible on the culture in colonial times I believe our culture
would be far more immoral today than it currently is.
With these reservationslhis book can be read with much profit.
An index of scripture references and also one of subjects covered
are included. This enhances the book's usefulness. Because the
author uses so much scripture in the volume, I found myself, at
points of disagreement, being driven back to the Bible for verses
to support my argumentation. This is a healthy process. It is a
reminder that we must examine everything in light of qod's
Word.
This volume is a part of the Contours of Christian Theology
series of Which qerald Bray is the qeneral
An Examination of Ezekiel by William qreenhill. The Banner of
Truth Trust P.O. Box 621 Carlisle, Pa. 17013. 859 pp. with index.
(e) 1994, $42.95.
I have long awaited the reprinting of this volume. qreenhill was
a member of the Westminster Assembly and highly respected by
Charles H. Spurgeon, among others. A scarcity of commentaries on
this book also enhanced my waiting,
Vpon its arrival, I was able to use the volume in preparation
for teaching a Sunday School class on Ezekiel. I was quite pleased
with the layout of the book. Although printed in double-columned
pages, the print is readable. The author comments on chapter
content ]Jy examining a few verses at a time. He provides the
reader with a brief overview of the chapter and then explains the
verses themselves. Where he believes it is important he comments on
actual Hebrew words. However his comments do not make the
commentary too technical. qreenhill has a fine grasp of
incorporating a host of Scripture passages into his writing.
Follciwing his comments on the verses he provides numerous
observations which are practical applications of the passage. These
are very beneficial to the reader. .
As with other Puritan authors, qreenhill provides the
reader with excellent material for memorable quotations. On the
importance of a watchman being true to his message (Ezek. 33:7-9)
the author writes: "Thoms, briers, weeds, nettles do grow up in
qod's gardens. What errors, heresies, blasphemies, are not revived
in our days! Are they not grown up to that height and strength as
to threaten and endanger the foundationl If ever the church is as a
lily among thoms, as a lamb among wolves and lions that seek to
tear in pieces and devour, it is now,. Truth goeth with a scratched
face everywhere, and is so scratched and disfigured that many know
her not; she hath many enemies, few friends and cannot dwell quiet
in Zion itself; erroneous opinions are ready to assault her in her
own house" (p. 665).
In discussing a complex passage, qreenhill often brings in the
differing opinions of others. If he thinks the differences are
inconsequential ' he leaves the issue to the reader's decision. On
other passages he tells the reader his view.
Indices of other Scripture commented upon and primary subjects
covered in the commentary make the volume more valuable.
This book is one in the qeneva Series of Commentaries. It is a
worthy addition. It is an important addition to the library of the
pastor, layman or the church library. One' can read it with much
profit.Q
May, 1996 , THE COUNSEL of Chalcedon 'I' 17
