12 books every Christian should own and read
A series of book reviews used for the monthly church bulletin of 2013
Book no. 8: The Glory of Christ: His Office and Grace by John Owen
I cannot compile a list of must read Christian books without including something specifically relating to the Lord Jesus Christ. The dilemma is which one to choose. There are numerous good titles and we should in fact endeavour to read as many as we can. Here are a few: The Glory of Christ by John Own; The Death of Christ by James Denney; The Person of Christ by Donald Macleod; The Work of Christ by Robert letham; Christ’s Glorious Achievements by Charles Spurgeon; The Cross of Christ by John Stott. I have selected The Glory of Christ: His Office and Grace by John Owen. This is a modernised abridgement published by Banner of Truth and it includes an introduction and biography by Sinclair Ferguson.
The reason for this selection is its comprehensive nature. This was Owen’s last book and it is the fruit of a life time of meditating upon the glory of Christ. He writes not merely as a theologian but as a Christian and a pastor. His thoughts are devotional, practical and experiential.
Why choose a modernised edition? It is more accessible to a larger readership. The older versions of Owen contain many antiquated words. Some of these words are no longer found in modern dictionaries. The revised text is broken up with headings, sub-headings of no more than a few pages and shorter sentences making it easier to follow. In no way however is the substance compromised. What we are left with is one of the most influential Christian books written 330 years ago made accessible to a modern audience.
In part 1 Owen expresses his conviction that those who meditate upon Christ will be filled with spiritual health. It is our duty and privilege to think upon His divine attributes, the richness of His mercies and the efficacy of His love. To this end Owen draws attention to the Glory of Christ in the following ways: He is God’s representative; His humiliation; the union of His two natures; His work as mediator; His union with the church; His communication to believers; His exaltation, etc.
The last three major sections of part 1 emphasise the necessity of faith. Sight will not enable us to see Christ. We will see Him as He is in heaven but now we need faith. There is great encouragement here as we consider Christ in His glorified state and the inheritance we have in him.
Part 2 is much shorter and presents Gospel exhortation and also tells us how to identify spiritual declension and how to arrest its progress.
At the end of his introduction Sinclair Ferguson says with regards to reading this book: “Do not rush. [Owen] yields his best fruit to patient reading, accompanied by personal meditation and reflection. Take time to read this book. Savour each page. Appreciate the depths of what he says. Allow yourself to be analysed, searched, exposed, deconstructed, edified, enlightened, engaged and refocused on the glory of Christ”