O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?

by John Murray, Sinclair B. Ferguson (Foreword), Scott Oliphint (Introduction)

John Murray breaks stereotypes in this collection of sermons. He traces the contours of Christian faith from unexpected passages. He exudes passion in prose that reads like classic literature. He constructs meticulous arguments that land in practical application. Produced by the respected Italian bookbindery Legatoria Editoriale Giovanni Olivotto, the physical form of this collection will deliver an enjoyable reading experience for decades. We designed this volume to last so you can pass it on to the next generation.

Genres: Theology

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

John Murray was a Scottish-born Calvinist theologian who taught at Princeton Seminary and then left to help found Westminster Theological Seminary, where he taught for many years.

Murray was born in the croft of Badbea, near Bonar Bridge, in Sutherland county, Scotland. Following service in the British Army in the First World War (during which he lost an eye, serving in the famous Black Watch regiment) he studied at the University of Glasgow. Following his acceptance as a theological student of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland he pursued further studies at Princeton Theological Seminary under J. Gresham Machen and Geerhardus Vos, but broke with the Free Presbyterian Church in 1930 over that Church's treatment of the Chesley, Ontario congregation. He taught at Princeton for a year and then lectured in systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary to generations of students from 1930 to 1966, and was an early trustee of the Banner of Truth Trust. Besides the material in the four-volume Collected Writings, his primary published works are a commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (previously included in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series but now superseded by Douglas J. Moo's commentary), Redemption Accomplished and Applied, Principles of Conduct, The Imputation of Adam's Sin, Baptism, and Divorce.

Murray preached at Chesley and Lochalsh from time to time until his retirement from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1968. He married Valerie Knowlton 7 December 1967 and retired to Scotland where he was connected with the Free Church of Scotland. Writing after a communion season at Lochalsh, Murray said, “I think I feel most at home here and at Chesley of all the places I visit.” There had been some consideration that upon leaving the seminary, Murray might take a pastorate in the newly formed Presbyterian Reformed Church, but the infirmity of his aged sisters at the home place necessitated his return to Ross-shire, Scotland.

Reviews

[Nathan White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of John Murray sermons - some of which are pure gold. Great devotional reading. Murray is a systematic theologian, and that really comes out in his preaching. But this book brings the added benefit of his pastoral application to the doctrine.

The prayers which are included, which were his prayers before and after the sermon, are pretty much worth the price of the book. Very stirring.

My only complaint is that the brief introduction, written by K. Scott Oliphint, is horrible. Oliphint essentially denies the classical expression of God's immutability and then implies Murray is with him. I found it extremely disappointing that he'd use the intro to ride his theological hobby horse and claim Murray to such an idiosyncratic position.

I will definitely be re-reading a few of these sermons again and again down the road.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very solid collection of sermons. The prayers before each sermon are alone worth the price of this book. Sad it was only 15 sermons but very good!

[Andy Dollahite · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lovely amalgam of depth and warmth to Murray’s sermons. His prayers are likewise a standout feature to this class of devotional material.

[Eric Yap · Rating 4 out of 5]

15 collected sermons of John Murray from different occasions. This is more of Murray the gospel preacher and less of Murray the theology lecturer. Goes to show, following the old-Princeton tradition, how a faithful man rightly dividing the word of God and preaching the whole counsel of God can excel in being both. Exegetically precise, pastorally warm, relatively easy to read. And many, whom I heartily concur with, will tell you that one of the most stirring parts are the opening or closing prayers that couple all his sermons. Highly recommend it as a devotional read. Beautifully bound too.

[Grant Allard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of these sermons are better than others, but they all have a wonderful clarity and focus on the text that I could only wish for in my own interaction with Scripture. Murray's depth of understanding, orthodoxy, and warmth of love towards our YAHWEH is evident in all of these sermons, and he benefits from being away from his sometimes stifling academic prose. I can't recommend his sermons on "The Cost of Discipleship" (Matthew 16:24) and " Where Two or Three Are Gathered" (Matthew 18:20) enough. Lovely stuff!

[Mark Seeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are genuine heart-felt sermons from what many consider an austere theologian. You can almost hear by reading the appeal to consider the gospel. I liked how often he would call his audience "Oh, my friends." You can hear Murray's love of God and love of his Word and the joy for him to be presenting to the hearer the truth, the whole counsel of God. That was his aim. There is deep theology but accessible application, often with the "And, oh!"

[RevRonR · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Murray was a professor who stood in for the truth of the doctrines or grace and other key doctrines while serving at Westminster Theological Seminary years ago. This book contians 15 marvelous sermons that all people who love the truth will benefit spiritually from. Pastors it's important we get spiritual nurishment as well. This book works very well to that end.

[curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful selection of sermons from a masterful commentator and preacher. The prayers accompanying the sermons alone are worth the price of the volume. When I read Murray’s renowned Romans commentary next year, I’ll probably revisit the Romans sermons in this volume to see how his academic study of the letter influenced his preaching (and vice versa).

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of sermons from an excellent theologian and pastor. Rich in its exposition of Scripture, practical and hard hitting in its application, Murray's sermons challenge the mind and heart while at the same time warming the soul with the truth and comfort of the gospel.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of 15 collected sermons, this work will be motivating and encouraging for the readers. It is good to see examples of sermons from John Murray, which can teach the modern Christian a great deal on how to handle the Word of God.

[John Majors · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like reading old sermons, you'll like this, otherwise probably not for you.

[Andy Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book! What a blessing to read some of the sermons of Dr. Murray. I read one chapter ( one sermon) per day, devotionally, so to speak. I just wish the book were longer!