4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5. Short but POWERFUL. Read in one sitting. Definitely reads like a sermon. A great reminder that faith is not faith in faith itself. It's faith in Christ and Christ alone! Would be helpful for someone struggling with assurance of salvation, or to just be encouraged by the work of Christ done for us.
"He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). He went through all your temptations, dejections, sorrows, desertions, and rejections (Matt. 4:3–12, 26; Mark 15:34; Luke 22:44; Matt. 26:38). He has drunk the bitterest of the cup and left you the sweet part—the condemnation is out. Christ drunk up all the Father’s wrath at one dose; nothing but salvation is left for you."
It’s not the length of the book that makes it important; it’s the message contained within. This small Free Grace Press reprint of Thomas Wilcox’s book is definitely an important read. This tiny volume lay on my pastor husband’s bookshelf and intrigued me. I picked it up and started to read, captivated by the truth of Christ it held. The author lived 1621-1687 but the message is just as pertinent for us as it was when he wrote it. “We must not bring anything to Christ. Not a penny of nature’s highest improvements will pass to Heaven. Grace will not stand with works.” Sola Gratia. A wonderful reminder of leaning on Christ for believers, with chapters for the examiner, the sinner and the self-confident, as well. A short, but worthwhile read
A little book that offers a rich picture of the gospel with many opportunities for self-examination. Definitely should be read with a lot of meditation and prayer!
Great little book on how to truly value Christ in your life. Biggest take away, we have nothing to offer ourselves for salvation, it all has to come from and through Christ.
Thomas Wilcox was a 17th century Particular Baptist pastor in London who is not well-known, yet A Choice Drop of Honey from the Rock of Christ is his most popular and enduring work which has influenced generations of believers. A brief book which can easily be read in a few hours, Wilcox makes the gospel crystal-clear both to convert sinners and provide assurance for saints. I am glad that I have finally taken the time to read this gem!
Why do I like it so much? It is saturated with Christ, showing us how precious our Savior is as well as how sufficient His salvation is for us. I am not an emotional man, but I was almost moved to tears as I read these words. Rarely have I been so moved by the glories of Christ! You can quickly tell how captivated the author is with Christ, which leads the reader to adore Him all the more.
Wilcox also rightly understands the relationship between justification and sanctification in our salvation through our union with Christ. Here's two quick quotes worth pondering: "Labor after sanctification to your utmost; but don’t think sanctification can save you. If so, it must come down one way or another. Christ’s infinite satisfaction, not your sanctification, must be your justification before God." Also: "A Christian only lacks comfort when he breaks away from the order and method of the gospel, which is to look on his own righteousness before looking to Christ’s perfect righteousness. This is to choose to live by candlelight rather than by the light of the sun." We are constantly encouraged to look to Christ rather than ourselves, so that we can rejoice in the beauty of our Savior and His love for our souls.
The only reason that I have not given this book a five-star review is because it needs a more thorough editing. As with other books in this series from Free Grace Press, I found typos and other errors. Hopefully the publisher will revise their edition of this work so that the reader will not be distracted or confused in what is printed on the page. While generally minor mistakes, I struggled at times due to these editing oversights.
Still, I will be returning to this book in upcoming months and years to be refreshed by Christ's gospel. I will also be buying copies to hand them out to others. May many more be led to the sweetness of Christ from Wilcox's faithful pen!
Speechless. An absolute must for every Christian, perhaps a daily must. I found myself highlighting every word. Christ is more precious to me after reading this book. I pray He is to you after reading it as well.
I read this book in one day, a quick read that feels like a sermon. It helped me to desire Christ more. I definitely will read this again whenever my devotions are waining.