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The True Jesus: Uncovering the Divinity of Christ in the Gospels

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David Limbaugh, the New York Times bestselling author of Jesus on Trial and The Emmaus Code, now approaches the question of Jesus Christ's divinity--In what sense was Jesus God? How do we know?--with the same precise, methodical form of enquiry he has employed in his career as lawyer and law professor. Examining the New Testament closely, Limbaugh zeroes in on esoteric passages not commonly linked to Jesus Christ's divinity and draws forth startling new evidence that Jesus was Creator--not created.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2017

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About the author

David Limbaugh

24 books128 followers
David Limbaugh is a conservative American political commentator and author. He is the younger brother of talk radio host Rush Limbaugh.

David Limbaugh has a bachelor's degree, cum laude, in political science and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Missouri. He also served in the National Guard for six years. He has written columns which are carried by Creators Syndicate, Townhall.com, WorldNetDaily, Jewish World Review, and The Washington Times.


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5 stars
226 (50%)
4 stars
123 (27%)
3 stars
75 (16%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Jazmene.
64 reviews10 followers
August 11, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. I was hesitated to read it but one of my favorite authors, Michael S. Hesier gave it amazing review. So I borrowed it from the library. David Limbaugh writing ignite the fire in my heart to read the Gospels again. I know I will look at the miracles, parables and authors of Gospels with new eyes. I'm anxious for his next book and will be purchasing his next book
327 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2023
This book is wonderful and it cements, for me at least that David Limbaugh is a fantastic writer of Christian books. In this book, Limbaugh journeys cover to cover through the Gospels and the life of Jesus, taking a chronological look of His story. The book is brilliant written, with a combination of the actual text, and much commentary from his own thoughts as well as many of the greatest theologians of at least the last two centuries. To give you some idea how well researched this book is, there are nearly 100 pages of notes. I love how this man writes, because he interprets Scripture as it should be, taking God at His Word and starting from a position of belief. If you want to have a better understanding of Jesus, do yourself a favor, get this book and read it alongside the New Testament.
34 reviews
March 21, 2019
The exclusive language that permeates David’s work is only slightly balanced by a shallow, Americanized understanding of the history surrounding the post exilic and early first century periods. I really really wanted to like this book, but find it hard to continue reading past part 1, when the author iterates time and time again that unless you adhere to ‘His Understanding’ of scripture you’re a heretic. Perhaps in the future I will revisit and glean some truths from this book.
Profile Image for William Struse.
Author 9 books36 followers
May 26, 2017
Today scholars present us with many versions of the New Testament Jewish hero named Jesus. Some claim he was just a virtuous man with a world changing message, others that he was literally the Hebrew Immanuel, that is, God with us, and still others claim that he was just a figment of the imagination of some desperate first century Jewish sect.

So who has the most accurate view?

In his new book, The True Jesus: Uncovering the Divinity of Christ in the Gospels, author David Limbaugh takes his reader on a Biblical adventure in search of the true nature of the Bibles greatest hero. From Jesus of Nazareth’s birth, to his death, resurrection and ascension, Mr. Limbaugh reveals to his reader how the first century gospel writers understood the personality and person of the one they called the Christ.

A couple of things really stood out to me in this book.

• Mr. Limbaugh’s compelling portrait of not just Jesus’ divinity but also his humanity
• Mr. Limbaugh’s touching exploration of the disciples journey from followers to apostles

As the book unfolds Mr. Limbaugh walks you hand in hand with Jesus’ disciples as they discover for themselves the true Jesus. In a way, you see the story of Jesus through their eyes. I’m not sure exactly how he does it but Mr. Limbaugh is able to transport right into the story.

As you walk through the gospel accounts with Mr. Limbaugh you’ll feel the early excitement Jesus’ disciples experienced when they were called. You’ll feel the hope in their first tentative steps as followers and the doubts, misconceptions, and discoveries they learn from along the way. You’ll groan in their weakness and wonder in disbelief at their doubts and all along the way you’ll feel the reassuring hand of Jesus as he comforts, teaches, and prepares them for their world changing commission to take His good news of Yeshua (YHWH’s Salvation) first to their own Jewish brethren and then to rest of the world.

In reading Mr. Limbaugh chronological account of the gospels you can help but come away with an awesome sense of Jesus’ divinity juxtaposed with His real humanity as a man. I don’t know if anyone can totally fathom our Creator taking on a temporary dwelling of fallen human flesh and in utter unselfish humility standing in our place when the righteous judgement for our sins was carried out. I can say though that after reading The True Jesus, the redemptive picture of YHWH's salvation is even more vivid and gripping than I’ve ever seen it before.

* * *

In a bit of respectful criticism there was one small part of the book where Mr. Limbaugh made a welling meaning assumption that is not based upon a reasonable rendering of the Biblical evidence. I know this may seem like nitpicking to some but sometimes the smallest details have unnoticed importance. I quote from the passage in question:

“In 458 BC, the scribe Ezra returned to the land along with a few thousand Jews and their families, and reinstituted the Law and the religious rituals (Ezra 7:21-25). In 444 BC, Nehemiah returned to the land with another group of exiles and was appointed governor of Judah. By the authority of Persian King Artaxerxes (Neh. 2:6), Nehemiah organized the rebuilding of the city’s walls, fulfilling Daniel’s century-old prophecy (Daniel 9:25).”

Doesn’t seem like much does it? In fact though, upon this little bit of 2nd temple era chronology hangs much of the framework of our futurist eschatology. Daniel 9, a 7 yr. tribulation, a future Anti-christ covenant with Israel, and numerous other prophetic passages all find their foundation in this little piece of Biblical history.

The problem with this chronology is that it is not supported with a reasonable rendering of the Bible’s 2nd temple chronology. What is left unsaid in Mr. Limbaugh’s chronology above is that Ezra’s father was killed in the 19th year of Nebuchadnezzar. By the 20th year of Mr. Limbaugh’s Artaxerxes, Ezra would be at his absolute youngest a quarter century older than Moses.

As Thomas Ice and Ed Hindson explain in their recent book Charting the Bible Chronologically: A Visual Guide to God's Unfolding Plan, after the flood, the lifespan of mankind was subject to a decay curve. This curve saw the lifespan of mankind decrease from the multi century spans that occurred before the flood to the 70-80 years mentioned by King David (Psalms 90:10) following the flood.

Had Ezra been the only exception to this rule it might have been discounted as an unexplained oddity. But this same unreasonable age applies to many of the Priests and Levites who came up to Jerusalem under the decree of Cyrus (536 BC) and who were still alive by the 20th year of the unnamed Persian Artaxerxes of Nehemiah. (Neh. 10 & 12)

Also problematic is the chronology of Ezra 6 & 7 were it tells us of a Persian Artaxerxes who was part of Temple building efforts that were completed by the 6th year of Darius (‘the Great’ Artaxerxes). Just a few verses later in Ezra 7, we find Ezra on his way to Jerusalem in the 7th year of an unnamed Artaxerxes. The most natural reading of the passage, even the age of Ezra himself, suggests that the Artaxerxes of Ezra 7 is the one and same Artaxerxes of Ezra 6. But instead we add 60 years to Ezra’s age between Ezra 6 & 7 so that we make him a contemporary of the Persian king Longimanus.

Here is my point. No detail of YHWH’s incredible word in unimportant. By making exceptions and excuses for this neglected bit of Biblical history we as futurists have left a future stumbling block for those who use this chronology as the basis for their futurist expectations. My hope is that in some future writing Mr. Limbaugh will give this exceptionally important part of Biblical history the attention it so rightly deserve and rectify the neglect it has received in this current work.

* * *

In closing my criticism notwithstanding, this was the most moving exploration of the New Testament gospels that I’ve ever read. When reading this book you can’t escape the sense of wonder and thrilling discovery that Mr. Limbaugh shares with you as he takes you on an adventure that has the potential to transform your life. After reading this book I’d encourage you to open your Bible’s and see if these things be so.

Maranatha!
14 reviews
July 27, 2017
Survey of the Gospels

I was glad to find this book as I had been looking for a work that tied the four gospels together and offered a chronological narrative of Jesus' ministry. This narrative flows easily. The author provides many expert analyses of events and interpretations of the Lord's teachings. Highly recommended as an introduction to the gospels.
Profile Image for Scott.
172 reviews6 followers
August 19, 2017
An admirable attempt at harmonizing the four Gospels and presenting Jesus Christ as the Son of God, unparalleled with anyone who has ever lived. While I appreciated that Limbaugh uses Jesus' own words straight from Scripture and supplements it with commentary from conservative Christian pastors and Bible teachers that I admire, Limbaugh places a lot of focus on what made Jesus' teachings, life, and mission radical, unique, and contrary to the culture of the times (and of our own times!), but falls a little short on communicating why the life of One who came to earth 2000 years ago is important for us today, and most importantly, we need to believe and trust Him as our Lord and Savior. I also felt there was still a lot of Christian language that might make it difficult for seekers to understand.

But I completely commend Limbaugh, who is well-known in both Christian and secular circles and whose writings attract enough attention to reach NY Times Bestseller status, for unashamedly declaring himself a follow of Jesus Christ and multiple times urging and pleading with the reader to believe in Jesus as Lord of their life.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
115 reviews
December 18, 2019
I listened to the audio version of this book, but found myself rewinding and listening to certain parts over and over again, so I think I'm just going to go out and buy it. I highly recommend this book for anyone.
Profile Image for Matthew Lachkovic.
119 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2025
Very well written, but felt a little biased. There was also some expectation that the reader has read the previous books by Limbaugh (which I had not).
I would recommend this book to someone who likes religious history, especially the people side of things, and/or someone who believes (or wants to believe) that the core of Christianity is Christ Himself. In fact, I'd sum up the book with just that: The core of Christianity is Christ Himself - His First Coming and Sacrifice, His prophecies and Miracles, His lessons and teachings, and His Holiness. Limbaugh proposes a well-supported argument that we can see Jesus throughout all the Gospels, as well as through most of the Old and New Testaments (as well as other texts written around the time of the Gospels).
As another review complained about, however, Limbaugh's view does seem fairly narrow and focused on the North American version of Christianity and I find some of Limbaugh's assertions are counter to what the Roman Catholic, and other branches of Christianity, have said. Limbaugh begins with an attempt to dive into the history of the time at Jesus's birth and life, but then diverges more into a one-sided argument using selective parts of the Bible and believable (but not proven) assertions/ theories. That said, the conclusions he brings with these assertions and materials should still carry some weight. Limbaugh's overall argument is very true and very important: Jesus is God.
Limbaugh's narrative and breakdown of how the Gospels are tied together is a much-needed book for the modern time. Although other books have been written on the topic, this is an easy-to-read primer for someone.

Overall, I would liken this book to any biography: there's no way to capture every idea and detail in a put-together way, but Limbaugh does a good job of collecting the important highlights.
I give it three of five stars. He loses two stars because, even though I described it as a "primer", there is some expectation of having read Limbaugh's previous books; and because the tone is, at times, very dry and obviously from his lawyer background.
Profile Image for Joel.
7 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2017
I always appreciate any book about Jesus that is true to what the Bible clearly says about Him. David Limbaugh does just that. He gives a thorough examination of the Gospels and answers that question of who is Jesus. He's the Son of God, second member of the Trinity, who affirms His deity and died for the sins of His people.

He quotes a ton of great theologians throughout the book. Names like John Macarthur, D.A. Carson, R.C. April, Arthur Pink, John Owen and many others. So he's getting great supportive material for his positions.

He handles a few issues well that naturally come up when reading the New Testament. Examples such as who is "the rock" Jesus mentions in Matthew 16 or that the woman caught in adultery wasn't often found in the oldest manuscripts of the Gospel of John.

Normally I would give a book like this four stars, but I had to remove another star because of at least four glaring errors.

He miss references four separate scriptures. Three of them are probably the most important passages in the New Testament.

- Page 40, he references 1 John 20:30-31. That should be just John, not 1 John.

- Page 100, he references the Great Commission correctly earlier in the page only to call it Matthew 18 a paragraph later.

- Page 131, he references John 3:16 as John 4:17!

- Page 226, he quotes the famous Carmen Christi and calls it Philippians 4:6-8, instead of 2:6-8.
Profile Image for LAMONT D.
1,169 reviews19 followers
March 1, 2023
As he states several times this book is not a polemic. It's not primarily a book on Christian apologetics, though he does address certain challenges to the reliability and accuracy of the New Testament. He basically wants you the read the Bible for yourself, and especially the Gospels to ascertain your stance on the following question, who is Jesus? I would suggest that you get your Bible out and prepare to take lots of notes as I did while reading through his book. He gathers plenty of insight from various sources to guide us through the narrative of the four gospels while quoting scripture from the Old and New Testament that point to the overall message of the Bible, that God loves us and has a plan to redeem us through His one and only Son Jesus. Christ, the Messiah who willingly took on humanity to be the one-time perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Profile Image for Mike.
670 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2017
This is a good book, especially for those who do not know much about the New Testament. The author covers ground that I have already covered in my studies, but it still was a nice read for me. I did not agree with all of his doctrine, but in the essentials, we agree. Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of God, who came to bring redemption to mankind through his atoning blood that he shed in Gethsemane and on the cross of Golgotha. This is truth. Mr. Limbaugh bears witness of this truth. I appreciate that he encourages his readers to actually the read the gospels for themselves, to come to learn of Jesus and come to know him. This is an excellent invitation.
Profile Image for Brian Chilton.
155 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2017
Limbaugh's book is good, especially for those that are new to New Testament studies. I found the first section of "The True Jesus" most helpful as Limbaugh describes the philosophical and sociological circumstances surrounding the time of Jesus. The second section provides a chronological glimpse at Jesus's life. The chronology was well done. However, I admittedly skimmed the majority of the second section as Limbaugh mainly describes each pericope of the Gospel story. New students to New Testament studies will find this book most helpful. Seasoned veterans may not. This is a good book geared to new students of the NT.
127 reviews
July 29, 2018
I just completed David Limbaugh The True Jesus which is a breakdown of the New Testament.
I learned a lot about the gospels individually I never knew before. It explains each gospel as to its meaning and directly what the hidden message so to speak with each gospel. As well the book begins with the Old Testament and the times/culture leading up to the world Jesus the Lord would be born into. Well written and very informative. Mr Limbaugh also stresses the need to read the Gospels daily to the get a full appreciation of this great book. God bless all.

Profile Image for Melissa.
9 reviews
March 8, 2019
I was expecting to read about the historical context of Jesus and his ministry, but the book was primarily a summary of the Gospels. It also could use another round of proofreading. For example, in chapter 5, under the section on Jesus meeting Nicodemus, we read: "The point is explained simply and beautifully in John 4:17: 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son...'" I don't understand how anyone could mess up the Scripture citation for the most famous verse in the Gospels, John 3:16... But overall, I enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Marcy Kennedy.
Author 20 books128 followers
February 6, 2020
This book is a fantastic chronological walkthrough of the four gospels. It shows how they work together to reveal Jesus as the Messiah, the son of God, fully God, and fully man. Limbaugh allows the Bible to speak for itself without too much extra explanation or interpretation of the content.

If you're looking for a book that lays out the evidence for Christ's divinity in a systematic way, this book isn't it. It is an excellent follow-up to Limbaugh's book that walked through the Old Testament and showed how it pointed to Christ.

Profile Image for Carôle Ceres.
891 reviews9 followers
January 16, 2023
Having read The Emmaus Code, reading this book was essential. It is an important New Testament review and reference.

This book will lead you onto a personal study of Bible. I’m currently studying the Gospel of John, which has opened my eyes to some aspects about this title (where an omission had been made), therefore “study to show yourself approved of God”. This book will make you do that.

This is no substitute for the actual New Testament, but it will certainly give you the overview of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lead you to delve into it yourself. Worth it for just that reason.
Profile Image for Anthony Cleveland.
Author 1 book31 followers
August 24, 2017
An interesting attempt to merge the four gospels together in a chronological fashion. The book is well written and appears to accurately portray Jesus of Nazareth as the risen Christ. I did not find it as inspiring as I expected but would heartily recommend it for a "seeker" or someone new to the Christian Faith. It is not a seminary style textbook but it is indeed well sourced with ample citations throughout the work.
Profile Image for Laura Luzzi.
212 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2017
I looked forward every morning to reading this book. The author writes in such a way to put you right there in the moment of Jesus' life. I learned things I did not know, to which I am very thankful. I look forward to reading Jesus On Trial, which I already have, and also The Emmaus Code, as well as the new book, Founding. This author has an excellent knowledge of the Gospels and writes to instruct in easy-to-read format.
268 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2018
Limbaugh does quite a good job of summarizing the events of Jesus' life as recorded in the gospels. The author has done a great deal of research and thus is able to provide a wide range of comments about these events.
For those who are quite familiar with the gospels, there probably is not a lot here that is new. For those less well read in the subject this is a marvelous "get acquainted" book.
Profile Image for Lady Safari.
278 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2021
Audiobook Review

Wowowowowowowowow!

This book is simply superb! It has brought so much of my favourite Scriptures to life and it’s like I got to know Jesus all over again, but obviously in a deeper way.

Thank you to the narrator for just allowing the words of the author and the words from Scripture pop and explode!

Many a seed is being planted with this book. May God guard everyone and may there be a bountiful harvest!



Profile Image for Michael Harrison.
34 reviews
December 4, 2018
A great review of the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus Christ the Messiah. Though a longtime student of the Bible, I nevertheless found a few things here I hadn't seen or heard before. Particularly helpful and encouraging were some of Limbaugh's applications of the Scriptures to the human experience. He also conveys a great sense of hope to the reader. An excellent work, Mr. Limbaugh!
44 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2017
Excellent book that I will be highly recommending to all. It’s one of those books that you’d like to buy for everyone just so they can read it too. Will bring a greater appreciation for Jesus, and why people had doubts, even though they were with Him! Go buy it now!
14 reviews
December 18, 2019
This book was excellent. Scripture can sometimes be difficult to understand but this was laid out beautifully with great explanations. It really enriched my soul. In my opinion this book should be read at least once a year
Profile Image for Jim Swike.
1,865 reviews20 followers
June 26, 2017
A very well-done book about how Christ is mentioned in the Gospels. This would make a great text book for Theology Studies, enjoy!
Profile Image for Todd.
54 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2018
Understandable writing with clear explanations. This was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Randy.
296 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2019
Not quite what I was expecting...I wanted more of a study, not a retelling of what the Gospel says.
170 reviews
October 1, 2019
A great introductory Bible commentary on the Gospel. The author covers the basics in a thorough fashion and laying the Gospel out chronologically is a big help in showing how they all fit together.
Profile Image for Ethan Nunn.
64 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2020
A very insightful book on the four gospels. Would highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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