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Christ our Salvation: Expositions and Proclamations
The church's vocation is to treasure the gospel and live it out. The late theologian John Webster believed Christian preachers and theologians should be principally concerned with the proclamation of this news. At the center of that proclamation is our salvation in Christ.In this compilation of homilies, John Webster explores the various contours of the salvation accomplished for us in Christ and displays for preachers a model of theological exegesis that understands that the gospel is the heart of holy Scripture. Readers of Christ Our Salvation will be presented with a feast of "theological" theology for Christian proclamation.
- GenresTheology
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2020
19 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
John B. Webster
47 books39 followersProfessor John B. Webster, MA, PhD, DD, FRSE was a notable contemporary British theologian of the Anglican communion writing in the area of systematic, historical and moral theology. He was educated at the independent co-educational Bradford Grammar School and at the University of Cambridge.
See also: John Webster
Image: Drawn by Rachel Nigh
See also: John Webster
Image: Drawn by Rachel Nigh
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 17, 2023
This book was refreshing for my Christian faith.
April 14, 2023
Webster is quickly becoming one of my favorite theologians to sit under. This is a book of expositions and homilies that are short but packed with truth that transforms and renews. He has an incredible gift for taking lofty theological ideas and making them plain. He truly is a theologian who is not trying to simply puff up minds but desires more deeply to enliven hearts to the glorious realities of Jesus and the gospel. I underlined or shared so many quotes. Here is one on the mission of the church. May it be true of my church and of any church God ever calls me to be part of:
“Perhaps more than anything else,what can eat away at the vitality and persuasiveness of the church’s mission is the attempt to be and do and say far too many things, and so fail to be and do and say the one thing that is essential to the church, which only the church can say and which above all things the church must say—namely, that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, exalted as Lord of all things, the one in whose presence we and the whole world stand. It’s the calling of the church of Jesus Christ to make that witness and to do so with constancy, purity, and undeflected attention, and it’s part of the church’s submission to the discipline of the gospel that it refuses to allow that witness to be crowded out or overlain or pushed aside by all manner of other concerns.” - John Webster
“Perhaps more than anything else,what can eat away at the vitality and persuasiveness of the church’s mission is the attempt to be and do and say far too many things, and so fail to be and do and say the one thing that is essential to the church, which only the church can say and which above all things the church must say—namely, that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, exalted as Lord of all things, the one in whose presence we and the whole world stand. It’s the calling of the church of Jesus Christ to make that witness and to do so with constancy, purity, and undeflected attention, and it’s part of the church’s submission to the discipline of the gospel that it refuses to allow that witness to be crowded out or overlain or pushed aside by all manner of other concerns.” - John Webster
December 22, 2020
What does it look like to faithfully preach Christ as the center of our salvation? In Christ Our Salvation: Expositions and Proclamations, Lexham Press presents a compilation of homilies by the late theologian John Webster.
Bursting with Theology
Edited by Daniel Bush, this book was published posthumously in honor and memory of John Webster. John Webster (1955–2016) was a professor of divinity at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, chaplain at St. John’s, Durham, and canon of Christ Church, Oxford. Internationally known as a preacher and lecturer, he was also an author of many books. I was actually unfamiliar with Webster before this book, but now after reading I feel like I know his heart.
What I found most impressive was his ability to stick to Scripture. He does not really use illustrations or go off into tangents or even say much about himself. His attention is given wholly to explaining the text and elevating it to a level where you have no other option but to commit it to your heart and mind. For sure, these sermons demand mindful reading. Though they are brief, they are bursting with theology.
For Every Season
These sermons were selected to center around the theme of Christ Our Salvation, and breaking the book into five parts is helpful to give it some structure. What I found was that these can also be seen as seasonal sermons. For instance, I found Part 2: Salvation’s God to be perfect for the Advent and Christmas season. The 5 sermons included in this section are (1) Who Is God? (2) God for Us, (3) God with Us, (4) God among Us, and (5) God above Us.
Because of the seasonal nature of these sermons, I can see this book being used as a devotional for short periods of time. Of course, you can also read the book from cover to cover. With 27 sermons, I would also encourage reading one sermon a night for a month (you can take a break on Sundays). The selected Scripture passages are brief, typically 1-5 verses, and it allows you to really digest the material.
Care and Clarity
Strikingly, these sermons were delivered over a vast period of time, ranging from 1998 to 2007. This surprised me because I could not tell this simply by reading each sermon. Webster’s faithfulness in examining and explaining God’s Word did not falter. It’s an encouraging body of work, and a testament to his trustworthiness as a teacher. Webster primarily spoke to university students, and it is clear he had high standards for them. But it does not come off as having high standards because of their educational status or professional positions. It seems that he simply holds them to the convictions of Christ and his character.
Through 27 sermons, and just under 200 pages, I saw a heart that was on fire for Jesus Christ. I can imagine his hearers exclaiming: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us… while he opened to us the Scriptures?” These sermons are saturated with Scripture, written with care and clarity. Read them and see the salvation we have in Christ. And let your heart ignite in worship.
I received a media copy of Christ Our Salvation and this is my honest review.
Bursting with Theology
Edited by Daniel Bush, this book was published posthumously in honor and memory of John Webster. John Webster (1955–2016) was a professor of divinity at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, chaplain at St. John’s, Durham, and canon of Christ Church, Oxford. Internationally known as a preacher and lecturer, he was also an author of many books. I was actually unfamiliar with Webster before this book, but now after reading I feel like I know his heart.
What I found most impressive was his ability to stick to Scripture. He does not really use illustrations or go off into tangents or even say much about himself. His attention is given wholly to explaining the text and elevating it to a level where you have no other option but to commit it to your heart and mind. For sure, these sermons demand mindful reading. Though they are brief, they are bursting with theology.
For Every Season
These sermons were selected to center around the theme of Christ Our Salvation, and breaking the book into five parts is helpful to give it some structure. What I found was that these can also be seen as seasonal sermons. For instance, I found Part 2: Salvation’s God to be perfect for the Advent and Christmas season. The 5 sermons included in this section are (1) Who Is God? (2) God for Us, (3) God with Us, (4) God among Us, and (5) God above Us.
Because of the seasonal nature of these sermons, I can see this book being used as a devotional for short periods of time. Of course, you can also read the book from cover to cover. With 27 sermons, I would also encourage reading one sermon a night for a month (you can take a break on Sundays). The selected Scripture passages are brief, typically 1-5 verses, and it allows you to really digest the material.
Care and Clarity
Strikingly, these sermons were delivered over a vast period of time, ranging from 1998 to 2007. This surprised me because I could not tell this simply by reading each sermon. Webster’s faithfulness in examining and explaining God’s Word did not falter. It’s an encouraging body of work, and a testament to his trustworthiness as a teacher. Webster primarily spoke to university students, and it is clear he had high standards for them. But it does not come off as having high standards because of their educational status or professional positions. It seems that he simply holds them to the convictions of Christ and his character.
Through 27 sermons, and just under 200 pages, I saw a heart that was on fire for Jesus Christ. I can imagine his hearers exclaiming: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us… while he opened to us the Scriptures?” These sermons are saturated with Scripture, written with care and clarity. Read them and see the salvation we have in Christ. And let your heart ignite in worship.
I received a media copy of Christ Our Salvation and this is my honest review.
November 10, 2023
In this wonderful collection, Webster confirms my impression of the great consonance between the Anglican and Lutheran understandings of the Christian faith.
Coming from a Lutheran perspective, I would take a greater interest in clarifying the vocabulary surrounding the discussions of "Law" and "Gospel," and show less inclination to quote John Calvin. (For instance, I would be unlikely to use the phrase "the Gospel chastises us," since the Gospel is the good news of Christ taking on our chastisement.) Nevertheless, I found a lot of joy in these sermons. Here are three standout moments.
"To baptize a child isn't to give him a religious start in life...it's saying something about what God has done and is doing and will do for this child. The child's life is caught up in the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God grasps this child's life."
"Christian people are very often deeply afraid of their own failures...we may begin to turn to conscience as the true guide, the reliable voice that will keep us on the straight and narrow. Yet it never quite works. Conscience is a good servant but a fearsome tyrant of a master."
"It's the lectern that is the primary home of the Word of God in church, not the pulpit...It's Scripture read, not Scripture proclaimed, which is the first great act of speech in church."
Coming from a Lutheran perspective, I would take a greater interest in clarifying the vocabulary surrounding the discussions of "Law" and "Gospel," and show less inclination to quote John Calvin. (For instance, I would be unlikely to use the phrase "the Gospel chastises us," since the Gospel is the good news of Christ taking on our chastisement.) Nevertheless, I found a lot of joy in these sermons. Here are three standout moments.
"To baptize a child isn't to give him a religious start in life...it's saying something about what God has done and is doing and will do for this child. The child's life is caught up in the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God grasps this child's life."
"Christian people are very often deeply afraid of their own failures...we may begin to turn to conscience as the true guide, the reliable voice that will keep us on the straight and narrow. Yet it never quite works. Conscience is a good servant but a fearsome tyrant of a master."
"It's the lectern that is the primary home of the Word of God in church, not the pulpit...It's Scripture read, not Scripture proclaimed, which is the first great act of speech in church."
February 3, 2021
A wonderful collection of sermons from the late John Webster, full of the truth of the gospel and worthy of five stars, but not quite as deep, beautiful or challenging as the previous collection of his sermons entitled 'Confronted by Grace'.
The thing I love most about Webster's sermons is the shape of them.
They generally begin by clearly exposing in the reader their need to hear this word, like a precise incision by a surgeon in preparation for an operation. Webster then carefully illuminates the passage, allowing the Word to do its work in the heart of the listener. He then speaks about how it should challenge and change the listener, but does not end there. Instead, he ends by acknowledging our incapacity to apply any of this without the help of the Lord, and reminds the listener of the good news of what Jesus has done. This means that even the most difficult commands are set in the context of the gospel.
It is also refreshing to read a theology professor wearing his learning lightly
I found sections 3, 4 and 5 particularly enjoyable to read.
In summary - take, read, and be refreshed by this great collection of sermons, but read 'Confronted by Grace' over this one.
The thing I love most about Webster's sermons is the shape of them.
They generally begin by clearly exposing in the reader their need to hear this word, like a precise incision by a surgeon in preparation for an operation. Webster then carefully illuminates the passage, allowing the Word to do its work in the heart of the listener. He then speaks about how it should challenge and change the listener, but does not end there. Instead, he ends by acknowledging our incapacity to apply any of this without the help of the Lord, and reminds the listener of the good news of what Jesus has done. This means that even the most difficult commands are set in the context of the gospel.
It is also refreshing to read a theology professor wearing his learning lightly
I found sections 3, 4 and 5 particularly enjoyable to read.
In summary - take, read, and be refreshed by this great collection of sermons, but read 'Confronted by Grace' over this one.
February 13, 2023
Reminds me of Martin Lloyd-Jones in ways. A refreshing collection of sermon meditations on Jesus Christ and the glorious salvation He provided for His Church.
December 26, 2020
"Christ our Salvation" edited by Daniel Bush, in honor of John Webster, is a deep, practical and warm exposition on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every message we find in this book exposes us to the glory and tender love of the Lord for us. Daniel Bush, collects in this book a series of sermons delivered by the already recognized professor and preacher of the Word, John Webster (1955-2016), who was professor of divinity at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Former chaplain at St. John's, Durham, and canon of Christ Church, Oxford, he preached and lectured internationally. He is the author of many books.
These sermons are certainly very edifying, comforting, biblical rich, and practical. As you read these messages, it is evident that each one of them exalts the Lord to the utmost, exposing the greatness of the Lord's love and power in redeeming us.
In the book we find twenty-seven sermons distributed in five parts, the topics to be considered: from the announcements of salvation, the salvation of God and the proclamation of the salvation of the Lord.
I personally enjoyed reading these sermons because they certainly enrich our vision of what the Lord has done for us. We usually find books that collect sermons, but what stands out about Prof. Webster's sermons is that they are sermons in which a careful, simple and deep exposition of the biblical text abounds. These are not sermons that draw on the abundance of illustrations, no, what we find is a preacher exposing what the Scripture says. This is a feature that adds value to reading, and even more so when dealing with such an important topic.
Do you want to be amazed whith the glorious love of the Lord? Do you want to be grateful to the Lord? Do you perceive that you have stopped being amazed with the gospel? Certainly this book can enliven that wonder for Christ and his salvation. It is a book with many biblical references, so you will find yourself often reading your Bible.
It is a book that both pastors and Bible school teachers will enjoy, as well as any Christian who wants to enjoy the good news of Jesus Christ.
These sermons are certainly very edifying, comforting, biblical rich, and practical. As you read these messages, it is evident that each one of them exalts the Lord to the utmost, exposing the greatness of the Lord's love and power in redeeming us.
In the book we find twenty-seven sermons distributed in five parts, the topics to be considered: from the announcements of salvation, the salvation of God and the proclamation of the salvation of the Lord.
I personally enjoyed reading these sermons because they certainly enrich our vision of what the Lord has done for us. We usually find books that collect sermons, but what stands out about Prof. Webster's sermons is that they are sermons in which a careful, simple and deep exposition of the biblical text abounds. These are not sermons that draw on the abundance of illustrations, no, what we find is a preacher exposing what the Scripture says. This is a feature that adds value to reading, and even more so when dealing with such an important topic.
Do you want to be amazed whith the glorious love of the Lord? Do you want to be grateful to the Lord? Do you perceive that you have stopped being amazed with the gospel? Certainly this book can enliven that wonder for Christ and his salvation. It is a book with many biblical references, so you will find yourself often reading your Bible.
It is a book that both pastors and Bible school teachers will enjoy, as well as any Christian who wants to enjoy the good news of Jesus Christ.
December 31, 2020
Not a bad way to finish off the year.
John Webster was a gifted theologian and preacher who died a few years back. This is the second published collection of his sermons.
His voice is important because he theologized and preached with astonishment at and under the authority of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His sentences are at the same time thick and relatively quick for a professor of divinity.
I can't think of a much better way to kick off 2021 then to pick up these short sermons and be gripped afresh by the glory of the gospel.
John Webster was a gifted theologian and preacher who died a few years back. This is the second published collection of his sermons.
His voice is important because he theologized and preached with astonishment at and under the authority of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His sentences are at the same time thick and relatively quick for a professor of divinity.
I can't think of a much better way to kick off 2021 then to pick up these short sermons and be gripped afresh by the glory of the gospel.
August 1, 2023
This collection of sermons is absolutely fantastic. Theologically astute, as one would expect from Webster, while maintaining inimitable clarity and accessibility. Any level of knowledge and experience would be helped by these sermons, from the skeptic, to the day one Christian, to the saint of 70 years. Webster keeps the gospel clearly before our eyes the entire time, while not being repetitive or trite. He calls for courage without coarseness, singularity without tunnel-vision, and trust without triteness. I was deeply helped by this book and highly commend it to anyone who can read.
June 14, 2025
As the book states, it is a collection of sermons. Being that, the lack of continuation from chapter to chapter made it a slow read for me. Each sermon was good, probably best read as a chapter a day.
March 1, 2022
The sermons of John Webster , Oxford , published posthumously(1955-2016) . Sounding salvation, salvation’s God, Salvations heart , Salvations virtues, proclaiming Salvation
April 17, 2023
No nonsense, gospel-centered preaching. I was edified by each sermon.
May 7, 2023
Absolutely spiritually edifying. Excellent reformed emphasis on law and gospel.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews