The Rule of Love: Broken, Fulfilled, and Applied

by J.V. Fesko

In The Rule of Love, J. V. Fesko gives an introductory exposition of the Ten Commandments. Beginning with the importance of the prologue, and then addressing each Commandment in turn, he sets forth a balanced and biblical approach that places the law in proper perspective. Throughout the book, Fesko analyzes the historical context of God’s giving the law in order to help us accurately understand the moral demands God places upon humanity. Yet, Fesko does not stop there; he also discusses the covenantal and redemptive context in which the law was given. Thus, he shows that the law is not presented to us in order for us to present ourselves right before God. Rather, it demonstrates our failure to love God as we should and points us to Christ and His perfect obedience in all that God requires of us. Fesko also shows how Christ applies the commandments to His people by the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit. This is an excellent survey of the Ten Commandments that promises to bring about a more accurate understanding of the proper uses of the law, as well as engender profound gratitude for all that God is for us in Christ.

Genres: Theology

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2009

About the author

J. V. Fesko graduated from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, UK, with an earned Ph.D. in theology. Dr. Fesko's interests include systematic theology, applied soteriology (union with Christ, justification and sanctification, and the ordo salutis), sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Reformed dogmatics, as well as the integration of biblical and systematic theology. He was the pastor of Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian church from 1998 to 2009. He is now presently the Academic Dean and Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California. He is also an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Reviews

[Nathan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very best books I've ever read on the 10 commandments. The only qualm I can think of is that it is a short, brief book. If you're looking for a full exposition of each sin (particularly, in how we break these commandments in the modern age), then you'll have to look elsewhere.

But Fesko rightly focusses on the redemptive context of the commands (Exodus 20:1-2), the condemnation of the Law, the fulfillment in Christ, and the call to obedience in the New Covenant/Covenant of Grace. It's convicting. It's gracious. It's Christ-focussed. It's a balance that I've not found in any other book I've read on the subject.

Excellent gift book, by the way, given its small size and readability.

[Nick Roark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful

[Deiniol Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and well structured, considering the law in its historical and redemptive contexts as well as in relation to Christ and the Church.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and clear treatment of the 10 commandments. Follows the hermeneutical spiral from original context to modern day context. Christ-centered. Has a bit of application on each commandment. Chapters aren't especially long, so not too cumbersome of a read, either.