Offering and Embracing Christ: The Marrow Theology of John Colquhoun of Leith

by John C. Biegel, Sinclair B. Ferguson (foreword)

“John Biegel now adds his own name to a growing list of authors who, in the past few decades, have unearthed the riches of the Marrow tradition and its emphases on the fullness of Christ that lies at the heart of the gospel and the free and universal way in which he is to be offered in its proclamation.”—Sinclair Ferguson, author of The Whole Christ

The free offer of the gospel and saving faith were central issues in the Marrow controversy of the mid-eighteenth century. In Offering and Embracing Christ, John Biegel finds an unlikely stronghold of Marrow theology in the Established Church of John Colquhoun.

Learn to embrace assurance, justification, and repentance in Christ from this modern Marrow man.

Foreword by Sinclair Ferguson.




Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
PART HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1. Theological and Ecclesiastical Context
2. A Biographical Sketch of John Colquhoun
PART OFFERING THE DOCTRINE OF THE GOSPEL OFFER
3. The Gospel Offer in Marrow Theology
4. The Gospel Offer in Colquhoun’s Theology
PART EMBRACING THE DOCTRINE OF CONVERSION
5. Saving Faith and Assurance in Marrow Theology
6. Saving Faith and Assurance in Colquhoun’s Theology
7. Faith, Justification, and Repentance in Marrow Theology
8. Faith, Justification, and Repentance in Colquhoun’s Theology
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

Endorsements
“In this excellent survey of Colquhoun’s theology, this neglect is remedied, and the reader is introduced to the finest of Scottish theology on topics of perennial relevance, such as the gospel offer, assurance, faith, and repentance. This work on Colquhoun is of significant academic and pastoral value.”
—Donald John MacLean, assistant professor of historical theology, Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“In this work, John Biegel offers the church a multilayered blessing. Most importantly, Biegel gives a clear theological account of how the gospel not only saves God’s people but also calms their inmost fears and uncertainties. In the gospel there is salvation and assurance; Biegel makes that plain to us. Dig just a little deeper, and Biegel helps introduce this extraordinary minister and theologian John Colquhoun. . . Dig even deeper still, and there is encouragement here for ministers of the gospel today. As Biegel shows us, Colquhoun’s ministry centered on the gospel, not on public acclaim or theological novelty, and in that ministry, the beauty of Jesus was seen.”
—Stephen G. Myers, professor of systematic and historical theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“I am glad to commend John Biegel’s excellent study of the Marrow theology of John Colquhoun of Leith. In its pages you will come to know not only the life and preaching of a faithful Scottish minister from the past but even more so the marvelous sufficiency of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for sinners.”
—William VanDoodewaard, academic dean and professor of church history, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2023

Reviews

[Erik Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offering and Embracing Christ a compelling exposition of the free offer of the gospel. Biegel explores the biblical foundation for extending Christ to sinners, emphasizing that the gospel call is sincere, urgent, and meant to be embraced by all who hear it. The book is an interaction and application of the late 18th Century pastor John Colquhoun (author of A Treatise on Law and Gospel). His careful historical study and warm pastoral tone make this a rich resource for those who want to grow in their understanding of evangelism and assurance. If you’re interested in the Marrow Controversy of the early 18th Century, Colquhoun is a helpful figure. Additionally, if you’ve wrestled with how the gospel is to be proclaimed or how sinners are to respond, this book will be both clarifying and encouraging. (Note: If you enjoyed Sinclair Ferguson’s The Whole Christ, you’d likely find this book helpful).

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical theology of 18th century Scotland focusing on some aspects of the theology of the Marrowmen and Colquhoun. Part two: Offering Christ was the highlight for me.