A guide to understanding and enjoying the Gospel By Michael P. V. Barrett Nothing is more basic to the spiritual life than the fundamental truths of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Complete in Him examines the essential and inseparable elements of the Gospel showing how it relates to and flows from the Savior.
Dr. Michael P. V. Barrett is the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Whitefield College of the Bible, the Theological Seminary of the Free Presbyterian Church of North America. For almost thirty years, he was a professor of Ancient Languages and Old Testament Theology and Interpretation at Bob Jones University Seminary. His other works include "Complete in Him: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Gospel."
Outside of the Bible this is one of the best books I have ever read. It is theologically robust and passionately practical. It was gospel centered before that idea was "cool" among evangelicals.
The premise, "Right thinking about the Gospel produces right living in the Gospel" is unpacked in each aspect of the doctrines of Christ.
I can't believe I've waited until now to read this book. It's awesome! Thank you Dr.Barrett for pointing me to Christ in this book.
Thankful for how the Lord used this book in my life 20 years ago. I was hesitant to read it again fearing that it wasn't as good as I remembered it to be my fears were not fulfilled. Barrett drills this point: Right thinking about the gospel produces right living in the gospel. Thankful for my presbyterian brother who so skillfully has pointed me to what we have in common in Christ.
Outside of the Bible this is one of the best books I have ever read. It is theologically robust and passionately practical. It was gospel centered before that idea was "cool" among evangelicals.
The premise, "Right thinking about the Gospel produces right living in the Gospel" is unpacked in each aspect of the doctrines of Christ.
I can't believe I've waited until now to read this book. It's awesome! Thank you Dr.Barrett for pointing me to Christ in this book.
Loved it! As someone who did not grow up being taught theology, this book did a great job of explaining the astounding truths of the Christian faith and helped me see connections I hadn’t seen or heard before. I had the benefit of working through this book in a small group led by my pastor and very much enjoyed the opportunity for discussion, however the book on its own is a wonderful resource. I would certainly recommend to any new Christians, anyone who wants to dive in deeper than a surface level understanding, and really for anyone who needs a reminder of how good the Good News really is.
This is a wonderful exposition of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I have often wished I had a primer to give new believers as a companion to their Bibles to understand the wonderful and eternal facets of life "In Christ". This is it! Mr Barrett does an outstanding job of walking the believer through the various experiences they can expect in their lifelong pursuit of being conformed to the image of Christ through His Word and Spirit. You won't be bogged down in technical jargon and everything is soundly reasoned from Scripture. Perfect for the new believer and aged saint alike. A+
Such a great book. Barrett delivers what he promises in the subtitle — help to understand and enjoy the gospel. Particularly, I found his chapter on assurance very helpful. But in every chapter, Barrett makes lots of important connections, explains things simply and clearly, draws out the implications and significance of each point of doctrine, and shows how it connects to Christ, exalting him in it all. Barrett is a wise guide for all these things, for whom I am thankful.
This book has been a blessing to me. I have learned so much more about the work of Christ, especially when it comes to assurance. I am reminded that Christians must not look inward to some experience like "having made a decision" for Christ. Christians must look outward to what Christ did on the cross. We are saved because of what He did on the cross for us. Our faith is a proof of our salvation, not the result of our salvation.
It's been sixteen years since I read the book, but remember it confirming me in my salvation very much. One of the reasons so many people struggle with doubting their salvation is that they do not understand the workings of their salvation. This book will be an immense help to all in that position - or those wanting to avoid it!
A comprehensive theology book in layperson's language. Supported with Scripture references through and through. No regrets. Excellent read. It needs to be back in print though. You may still find a few used copies on Amazon.
Right thinking about the gospels leads to right living in the gospel. Great message, good book. The book itself is not particularly memorable, but it is a refreshing review of the basics, all of which are a vital part of Christian experience.