About the Author: Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson is senior minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, S.C., and a visiting professor of systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Ferguson is a native of Scotland and has earned three degrees, including a P.h.D., from the University of Aberdeen. He has authored many books such as: The Holy Spirit and Grow in Grace.
When I read in the preface that this book is made up of fifty articles that Dr. Ferguson wrote many years ago for Tabletalk and Eternity Magazine, I was disappointed. I thought this book was going to be an assortment of articles with no relevance to one another. But after reading through the book I realized that I was wrong. In Christ Alone isn't disjointed or haphazardly thrown together at all. The articles are tied together by a very touching story about a friend of Dr. Ferguson who passed away. That story is what inspired him to compile these articles together. The way in which the articles are arranged seems to flow very well.
The fifty chapters are divided into six major parts.
- The Word Became Flesh (Chapters 1-6)
- The Heart of the Matter (Chapters 7-14)
- The Spirit of Christ (Chapters 15-22)
- The Privileges of Grace (Chapters 23-32)
- A Life of Wisdom (Chapters 33-41)
- Faithful to the End (Chapters 42-50)
I had high expectations for this book since it came from Dr. Ferguson, and they were surpassed. Each chapter is filled with deep theological truths that are brought out and shared in an excited and passionate way. He starts out by giving a thorough background and then delving into the truths he is going to explain. In chapter five Dr. Ferguson's knowledge of the truth shines through as he explains how Christ is the Archegos or Author of our faith. He gave this example in the book to explain what the Greek word Archegos means:
"Think of a troop of commandos operating in a jungle war. They find their way blocked by a deep ravine. The situation is too urgent to find a way around. Their commanding officer manages to throw a rope across and anchor it. He then risks his life by crossing first, hand over hand. He permanently secures the rope. He creates a bridge. The way is now open for his men to cross over to the other side.
This is a pale and inadequate reflection of what the author of Hebrews means by calling Jesus the Archegos or 'author of our salvation."
Christ is similar to the commanding officer. In that He conquered death. Death could not hold Him for He lived the perfect sinless life that we could not.
Christ paved the way so that we could have everlasting life through Him and share of His inheritance.
Dr. Ferguson explains Christ's immutability as His unchanging love and holiness, His eternal grace towards us. Whether we go through a season of battling unbelief or enjoy a time of love and obedience to Christ, He will still love us and show His grace towards us no matter what we may do. For no sin is greater than Christ's sacrifice.
Dr. Ferguson also explains that Christ is our Great High Priest because He met all the requirements. He had to share in our weakness. He had to be consecrated to God's service. As well as carry the names and needs of God's people. Christ fulfilled all these requirements and offered the perfect sacrifice for His people.
Chapter thirty-seven "Eating Black Pudding" caught my attention. It sounded like a very odd title, but after reading the chapter it makes sense. In this chapter Dr. Ferguson cleverly incorporates his title into the truths he is conveying by using a story. During his ministry in Scotland, a man approached Dr. Ferguson asking him if it is okay for Christians to eat black pudding. The reason for the man's question is because black pudding contains blood. Old Testament law commands that no one should eat blood. But Paul says that we can eat whatever is sold in the meat market.(1 Cor. 10:25) Dr. Ferguson explains that this is an issue of Christian liberty and then gives the following guidelines for how to exercise our liberties as a Christian:
- Christian liberty must never be flaunted.
- Christian liberty does not mean that you welcome fellow Christians only after you have sorted out their views on X and Y.
- Christian liberty ought never be used in such a way that you become a stumbling block to other Christians.
- We ought not please ourselves, for even Christ did not please Himself.
One thing that In Christ Alone has helped me to understand is that we are closely tied to Christ. In chapter twenty-three (Titled Our Union with Christ) Dr. Ferguson discusses this subject. The following quote helped me to grasp our union with Christ.
"In a nutshell, abiding with Christ means allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections."
Abiding in Christ means more to me now when I understand that our union with Him is as intimate as Christ's union with The Father or as close as a vine and its branches.
In Christ Alone is an excellent resource that has helped me to understand God's love more deeply. As well as "the Holy Spirit guides, teaches, counsels, and brings orphans into the home and heart of God".
You can buy In Christ Alone HERE.
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