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In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life
“Like so many things about being a Christian, the secret is having a clear understanding of who Jesus is, what He is like, and what ministry He exercises, and becoming more like Him on a daily basis in all of our relationships.” So writes Sinclair Ferguson in this collection of articles focused on the person and work of Jesus Christ. With a theologian’s mind and a pastor’s heart, Dr. Ferguson helps believers gain a better understanding of their Savior and Lord, then shows them how to live out the Christian faith from day to day. The fifty short chapters of In Christ Alone are packed full of nuggets of scriptural truth that will spark and fan the flames of the Christian’s love for the Savior who is so beautiful in His person and so faithful in His work in behalf of His beloved sheep.
243 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2007
287 people are currently reading
2716 people want to read
About the author
Sinclair B. Ferguson
218 books562 followersSinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 17, 2011
This is what I did not like about the book:the chapters rarely had anything to do with the previously chapter. That was a bit disconcerting to me until I read (back of the book or what have you) that this was a collection of series of articles for Tabletalk magazine. To which I remarked, "OOOOOhhhhhh."
Now I know the source, I can give this book a very favorable review.
Given the layout of the chapters, this book reads more like a devotion than anything else. I am not a huge fan of devotions because often, they are written as though you just got up in the morning, coffee has yet to be brew and your brain is not processing at full capacity. In other words, not deep and surface level. This book is not that.
Imagine reading this in your morning devotion:
"Learn to admit sin for what it really is. Call a spade a spade-call it "fornication" (v. 5), not "I'm being tempted a little"; call it "uncleanness" (v. 5), not "I'm struggling with my thought life"; call it "covetousness, which is idolatry" (v. 5), not "I think I need to order my priorities a bit better." This pattern runs right through the whole section. How powerfully it unmasks self-deception-and helps us to unmask sin lurking in the hidden corners of our hearts! "
Good morning to you.
You can expect each chapter to dive deep to at least unveil the beauty of Christ and how to apply Him, His work into your every day life.
I wish more devotions were written like this.
I wish more Christian self-help books were written like this.
Heck, I wish any book that dares to be written on the glories of God would be written like this. Stop making it about us and start talking about His Majesty, King Jesus.
Now I know the source, I can give this book a very favorable review.
Given the layout of the chapters, this book reads more like a devotion than anything else. I am not a huge fan of devotions because often, they are written as though you just got up in the morning, coffee has yet to be brew and your brain is not processing at full capacity. In other words, not deep and surface level. This book is not that.
Imagine reading this in your morning devotion:
"Learn to admit sin for what it really is. Call a spade a spade-call it "fornication" (v. 5), not "I'm being tempted a little"; call it "uncleanness" (v. 5), not "I'm struggling with my thought life"; call it "covetousness, which is idolatry" (v. 5), not "I think I need to order my priorities a bit better." This pattern runs right through the whole section. How powerfully it unmasks self-deception-and helps us to unmask sin lurking in the hidden corners of our hearts! "
Good morning to you.
You can expect each chapter to dive deep to at least unveil the beauty of Christ and how to apply Him, His work into your every day life.
I wish more devotions were written like this.
I wish more Christian self-help books were written like this.
Heck, I wish any book that dares to be written on the glories of God would be written like this. Stop making it about us and start talking about His Majesty, King Jesus.
November 20, 2012
Anything By Ferguson is worth one's time reading. Lucid and engaging in his theology Ferguson cuts through the 'Evanjellyfish' theology that plagues much of American Christianity to the doctrinal essentials. I read it as a type of devotional because I found that I kept pausing to consider what Ferguson said and its implications. It is not for the theologically narrow, or for those whose religious preference is vague and self-centered. Put it on your nightstand and experience an enjoyable read.
March 21, 2022
Great book. Fifty short chapters (3-4 pages each) in which Ferguson examines a passage of Scripture, and then draws the Christ-centered implications from it. He then makes practical applications from the text. The book is centered on our union with Christ. Suitable for fifty days of personal devotions. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2022
I listened to this audiobook and when I was going through my Goodreads to-read list, I realized I had never marked it as read.
This is an author that both the pastors of my church highly respect. I can see he might be a wise author, but I didn't care for this book. It was more a collection of articles and seemed to be more steeped in puritan authors than scripture. I will try more by this author again, as I don't think that this was the best work.
This is an author that both the pastors of my church highly respect. I can see he might be a wise author, but I didn't care for this book. It was more a collection of articles and seemed to be more steeped in puritan authors than scripture. I will try more by this author again, as I don't think that this was the best work.
November 27, 2022
Short, simple chapters with rich, rich content on living in Christ. I was greatly blessed by this series of chapters.
February 27, 2017
Although the author and I disagree on the reformed view of grace, that is not the reason for my rating. In Christ Alone seemed to be written to fill a niche that just isn't there. While overall doctrinally sound and adequately written, it just doesn't say anything that isn't already said elsewhere. It's content doesn't stand out. It pales in comparison to other similar works (a series of articles compiled into a single volume), such as "A Godward Life, Volume One" by John Piper. A Godward Life is a permanent fixture in my library. "In Christ Alone" will gather digital dust in the netherworld of the cloud. To be clear, it isn't "bad." It's just bland.
January 2, 2014
Ferguson’s latest is a collection of 50 brief chapters that explore the person and work of Jesus Christ. Topics range from discipleship to spiritual warfare to the nature of Christ's deity and humanity. Each is handled with a combination of scholarship and brevity, serving as a ladder to let you slowly immerse yourself in deeper waters. A helpful, much-needed book that aims to keep our life and teaching centered on the good news of Jesus Christ.
February 28, 2018
This is a book that is difficult to read much of at a time because each short chapter is so rich and dense. However, I feel like it’s one I would go back to and use as a reference - since he covers what seems like almost every big aspect of theology and life as a Christian. Main message is clear from the title, though: in Christ Alone. Every part of our faith and Christian experience hinges on Jesus.
October 9, 2014
Great collection of essays that caused me to reflect on Christ. What He did and the work He continues in me.
July 28, 2016
Excellent. Liked the format of this book. I want to read again and take notes.
May 20, 2020
Excellent book that truly lives up to the title. I will probably start using this book in discipleship as well as recommending it for new Christians, "seasoned" Christians, and everyone in between.
January 23, 2021
You can never go wrong with Ferguson. Although the usual things I say about his writings, including the depth I cannot say here. This is a short, devotional book. In fact, the size and quantity of the chapters, it would be a great devotional to be read every morning for a couple of months or once a week for a year. It is about getting back to the basics, the foundations of the faith once delivered to all the saints. It is a walk through the life of Christ. It includes a thorough understanding of what was conquered by the work of Christ. It also offers a great commentary on a book normally neglected on Sunday morning, the Book of Hebrews. Not for depth or heavy study, but a reminder of first things.
January 19, 2020
Wonderfully encouraging
Apparently I need to find all of Ferguson‘s books and read them. The Whole Christ was my first book of his I read. That may be the best book I’ve read in 10 years. I wouldn’t say this one quite achieved that status but I marked it up heavily.
Apparently I need to find all of Ferguson‘s books and read them. The Whole Christ was my first book of his I read. That may be the best book I’ve read in 10 years. I wouldn’t say this one quite achieved that status but I marked it up heavily.
March 17, 2023
Full of Pithy Wisdom and short chapters, Sinclair Ferguson hits the nail on the head with this one. Though the chapters are short they do their job in arguing their stance in a succinct manner. Each chapter collectively builds one case: this life is one without any purpose or meaning if not lived "in Christ alone."
August 8, 2020
Es un buen libro que nos muestra a nuestro Salvador desde un buen de vista algunas veces complejo
September 23, 2024
This book is so rich, so good. I highly recommend. There are 50 short chapters, so I read slowly and in small chunks, reading many chapters multiple times. Such rich theological truths are presented, but in a pastoral and almost fatherly way. I’m tempted to immediately start back over with chapter 1!
August 26, 2013
There's not a lot of in-depth theology here, you won't come away from this with a deep understanding of any one subject, or a few related ones. This is a compilation of fifty articles, grouped together by topic, which will enable you to gain a refresher on a spectrum of topics, or an introduction to ideas, concepts and texts that you want to come back to and study in the future. As such, it's a really strong compilation and one that I'm glad I spent an afternoon with.
Don't get me wrong -- it's not that I didn't learn anything, or gain a deeper understanding of anything. But compared, say to his The Holy Spirit or Pundits Folly:, it's (by design) not as in-depth. I thought his framing the book of Romans as a series of exchanges (e.g., man exchanging the truth of God for a lie; the gospel exchange of righteousness and justification instead of unrighteousness and condemnation) was very handy and something I'm trying to internalize. The chapters that followed it were a series of glimpses at the letter to the Hebrews, and now I want an entire book on that epistle by Ferguson.
In the section on "The Spirit of Christ," he has a chapter called "When the Spirit Comes," which is an examination of John 16:8-11. His thesis knocked me off my feet and I will have to set to work on correcting my thinking on these verses.
On the whole the book doesn't feel too much like a collection if unrelated articles, rather than a book he set forth to write; and as such it doesn't really suffer from being a compilation -- though Part IV, "The Privileges of Grace," is the weakest and most scattered. That said, the chapters from Part IV, "The Life of Faith" (on "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.") and "'The Greatest of All Protestant Heresies'?" (on the doctrine of assurance) were very helpful and thought-provoking. So even at its weakest, this book rewards the reader.
Part V, "A Life of Wisdom," is really a section on sanctification. But instead of the approach that is usually employed here, Ferguson focuses on the more internal sanctification that needs to happen to result in the external fruit. All of which could use some extended treatment by this author. Particularly, I found the chapter on discernment rich and one that I need to return to for further meditation. His extended look at Psalm 131 to show how to cultivate contentment is, naturally, valuable -- Ferguson's always at his best when discussing the Psalter.
The final chapters center on the idea of spiritual warfare -- not the flashy, type that characterize so much evangelical writing on the topic. But the quieter, more difficult, and (dare I say) more Biblical approach -- focusing on our sin, our need for mortification, or own worldliness.
There's a lot to be mined here for devotional use, as well as a spring-board for future study.
------
An extended version of this review appears at: http://wp.me/p3z9AH-1fZ
Don't get me wrong -- it's not that I didn't learn anything, or gain a deeper understanding of anything. But compared, say to his The Holy Spirit or Pundits Folly:, it's (by design) not as in-depth. I thought his framing the book of Romans as a series of exchanges (e.g., man exchanging the truth of God for a lie; the gospel exchange of righteousness and justification instead of unrighteousness and condemnation) was very handy and something I'm trying to internalize. The chapters that followed it were a series of glimpses at the letter to the Hebrews, and now I want an entire book on that epistle by Ferguson.
In the section on "The Spirit of Christ," he has a chapter called "When the Spirit Comes," which is an examination of John 16:8-11. His thesis knocked me off my feet and I will have to set to work on correcting my thinking on these verses.
On the whole the book doesn't feel too much like a collection if unrelated articles, rather than a book he set forth to write; and as such it doesn't really suffer from being a compilation -- though Part IV, "The Privileges of Grace," is the weakest and most scattered. That said, the chapters from Part IV, "The Life of Faith" (on "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.") and "'The Greatest of All Protestant Heresies'?" (on the doctrine of assurance) were very helpful and thought-provoking. So even at its weakest, this book rewards the reader.
Part V, "A Life of Wisdom," is really a section on sanctification. But instead of the approach that is usually employed here, Ferguson focuses on the more internal sanctification that needs to happen to result in the external fruit. All of which could use some extended treatment by this author. Particularly, I found the chapter on discernment rich and one that I need to return to for further meditation. His extended look at Psalm 131 to show how to cultivate contentment is, naturally, valuable -- Ferguson's always at his best when discussing the Psalter.
The final chapters center on the idea of spiritual warfare -- not the flashy, type that characterize so much evangelical writing on the topic. But the quieter, more difficult, and (dare I say) more Biblical approach -- focusing on our sin, our need for mortification, or own worldliness.
There's a lot to be mined here for devotional use, as well as a spring-board for future study.
------
An extended version of this review appears at: http://wp.me/p3z9AH-1fZ
August 31, 2015
The book was good, but not great. Maybe it has to do with expectations. Turns out, the book is 50 short essays on various theological constructs, a sort of "systematic theology lite", if you will. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but the book would be more suited to perhaps a daily devotional, with time given to studying all the inserted scripture references. Ferguson does not go too deep on any particular topic, so it is up to the reader to continue the study with a study Bible and a good set of commentaries.
I thought the first third of the book was particularly strong, especially part I, which focuses on Christ made flesh, and the implications of that mind-boggling event. But the book cooled down for me after that. The book is highly rated on both Goodreads and Amazon, so it is possible that I was simply disappointed in the presentation - based on the title and tagline, I was hoping for a deeper and more drawn-out thesis on living the gospel-centered life. So, take my review with a grain of salt.
Ferguson also interjects old hymns into most chapters when the lyrics coincide with the point he is making. This may or may not appeal to you, as most of them are written in older prose.
I thought the first third of the book was particularly strong, especially part I, which focuses on Christ made flesh, and the implications of that mind-boggling event. But the book cooled down for me after that. The book is highly rated on both Goodreads and Amazon, so it is possible that I was simply disappointed in the presentation - based on the title and tagline, I was hoping for a deeper and more drawn-out thesis on living the gospel-centered life. So, take my review with a grain of salt.
Ferguson also interjects old hymns into most chapters when the lyrics coincide with the point he is making. This may or may not appeal to you, as most of them are written in older prose.
March 7, 2015
This book is classic Ferguson, from what I know of him. It's like having a series of eloquent yet to-the-point pastoral conversations with a master of Scriptural exposition. His writing engages both mind and heart so well.
I enjoyed Parts I and II ("The Word Became Flesh," on who Christ is, and "The Heart of the Matter," on what Christ does) the most. No particular nitpicks of the later sections, which focus on living the Christian life; they were just more hit-or-miss for me, after highlighting practically every other paragraph in the earlier sections.
This book is made up of fifty short chapters that might be more effectively read as, say, a weekly devotional supplement, which is the way I might approach it if I were starting over again, and the way I'd recommend to a new reader. Though Ferguson occasionally speaks to evangelical Reformed issues specifically, I don't think that should stop other Christians from taking it up--I hope not, because on the person and work of Christ, his writing is hard to beat. One of the rare books I'd feel comfortable recommending to new and seasoned Christians alike.
I enjoyed Parts I and II ("The Word Became Flesh," on who Christ is, and "The Heart of the Matter," on what Christ does) the most. No particular nitpicks of the later sections, which focus on living the Christian life; they were just more hit-or-miss for me, after highlighting practically every other paragraph in the earlier sections.
This book is made up of fifty short chapters that might be more effectively read as, say, a weekly devotional supplement, which is the way I might approach it if I were starting over again, and the way I'd recommend to a new reader. Though Ferguson occasionally speaks to evangelical Reformed issues specifically, I don't think that should stop other Christians from taking it up--I hope not, because on the person and work of Christ, his writing is hard to beat. One of the rare books I'd feel comfortable recommending to new and seasoned Christians alike.
May 15, 2015
"In Christ Alone" is a collection of 50 articles that appeared in two periodicals, "Eternity Magazine" and Tabletalk."
I enjoyed this book - some articles more than others - and I would encourage you to take the time (not long at all) to read through and ponder the various truths that are presented.
Of the 50 articles, these stand out the most:
Santa Christ (chapter 2),
The Word of God (chapter 3),
The Humanity of Christ (chapter 4),
Christ of the Three Appearings (chapter 9),
Yesterday, Today, and Forever (chapter 13),
The Great Feast (chapter 15),
New Wine For Old (chapter 27),
CONTENTMENT: Five Easy Steps (chapter 41),
Growing Strong In The War Zone (chapter 44), and
The Practice of Morification (chapter 48).
I enjoyed this book - some articles more than others - and I would encourage you to take the time (not long at all) to read through and ponder the various truths that are presented.
Of the 50 articles, these stand out the most:
Santa Christ (chapter 2),
The Word of God (chapter 3),
The Humanity of Christ (chapter 4),
Christ of the Three Appearings (chapter 9),
Yesterday, Today, and Forever (chapter 13),
The Great Feast (chapter 15),
New Wine For Old (chapter 27),
CONTENTMENT: Five Easy Steps (chapter 41),
Growing Strong In The War Zone (chapter 44), and
The Practice of Morification (chapter 48).
June 15, 2014
I'm finding it difficult to review the last few books I've read, all devotional type Christian non-fiction books. My main complaint is that many of these lack the depth that I crave from every book I have the opportunity to read. I realize that not all books can dive deep into theology and serious issues. I just need to find the meaty ones that I can really sink my teeth into.
I thought at first that this book might come close. The early chapters certainly hinted at that. However, the later chapters got increasingly "fluffy" and less focused on Christ. (When you choose a title like "In Christ Alone" you have set a high bar for yourself.)
I can't positively or negatively recommend (or review...thus the three stars) this book for the reasons discussed above.
I thought at first that this book might come close. The early chapters certainly hinted at that. However, the later chapters got increasingly "fluffy" and less focused on Christ. (When you choose a title like "In Christ Alone" you have set a high bar for yourself.)
I can't positively or negatively recommend (or review...thus the three stars) this book for the reasons discussed above.
May 7, 2014
This book offers short devotionals to read through at your own pace. I found the first half of the book good, but the second half excellent. This had nothing to do with the quality of the material or the ability of Mr. Ferguson to write well, but everything to do with where the Holy Spirit was speaking to me through it. I was challenged, convicted and encouraged in my walk with Christ by reading this book. I can see it becoming a regular read and gleaning different Truths based on what I'm currently facing.
April 19, 2008
This book is broken down into small chapters that serve well as a daily devotional. I especially enjoyed this book because its focus is exclusively Jesus Christ. As Christ is pushed on the sidelines in these modern times while the church explores felt needs, life's purpose, mysticism, contemplative prayer, and so on, it is refreshing to be reaquainted with the Object of our faith. This is an excellent book!
September 5, 2009
Sinclair Ferguson is quite a wordsmith. I love his sermons and sat under him at First Pres in Columbia for 2 years. I haven't read all his books but quite a few and this is my favorite so far. The chapters are short and yet so full of wisdom. He explains many Reformed beliefs in a very readable and beautiful way. I know a family with high schoolers who used this for family devotions and loved it and the discussions that it launched.
August 26, 2013
Definitely one of the finest books I've ever read on living the Gospel. It's deep, yet very readable and accessible. Dr. Ferguson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I would note that if you are not a Calvinist, you might have some issues with his theological stance, but I would encourage the reader to investigate this closely. He makes that issue almost a non-issue.
Great reading!
Great reading!
April 9, 2015
I used this book as a devotional guide and it was great. The chapters are short enough to be used as devotional reading yet meaty enough that I didn't want to read more in one day so that I would have plenty of time to prayerfully consider and digest what I read each day. I also loved the focus of living "In Christ Alone" and felt the Holy Spirit drawing me close with each chapter. I plan to use this book as a daily devotional again and again.
June 3, 2015
This is an excellent book. We used it as a Study book in my adult Sunday School class. It provokes lots of discussion and the author brings so many things to mind that one may not even think of. It helps of course that the Pastor of our church was the Sunday School teacher and brought many things to light.
Thoroughly enjoyed and will probably use through the years just to refresh things learned.
Thoroughly enjoyed and will probably use through the years just to refresh things learned.
February 26, 2022
Sinclair Ferguson is rapidly becoming one of my favorite teachers and Pastors. In Christ alone is a very thorough breakdown of what the Gospel is and how it is to be applied to the life of the believer. A perfect book for a new believer and yet encouraging for the seasoned saint as well. A wonderful read. It won't take you long once you pick it up. This would make a great home group or Sunday school text. You'll want to share it with your friends.
April 2, 2008
Good book by Sinclair Ferguson. It is not just a book on life-cross-resurrection, atonement themes of Jesus but also much on the Christian life. Yet...isn't that too say it is a book on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I do think there are better books on such themes, but one can never go wrong with pastor Ferguson.
I do think there are better books on such themes, but one can never go wrong with pastor Ferguson.
June 24, 2015
Good reminder of many of the basic Christian doctrines we need to be grounded in. There are fifty chapters, most of them not more than 4 pages long, so it was easy to sit down and read a chapter in very little time. I especially liked the fifth section, "A life of wisdom". Some of his thoughts on contentment, the tongue, and Christian liberty really hit home.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews