The Heart of the Gospel: A. B. Simpson, the Fourfold Gospel, and Late Nineteenth-Century Evangelical Theology

by Bernie A. Van De Walle

The Fourfold Gospel, most often associated with Albert B. Simpson, founder of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, which focuses on the doctrines of Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King, has been identified as a key contributing factor to the birth and development of the modern Pentecostal movement. Through a close observation of the doctrinal themes of select and renowned Evangelical leaders in America (A. J. Gordon of Boston, D. L. Moody of Chicago, A. T. Pierson of Philadelphia/Detroit, and A. B. Simpson of New York), this work shows that the Fourfold Gospel and, therefore, the theological source for modern Pentecostalism, rather than being a marginal movement within late nineteenth-century Evangelicalism was, instead, its very heart.

Genres: Christian

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Parker Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Van de Walle did beautifully on this one. He walks you through the history of Simpson's fourfold gospel while providing you with the historical context out of which it arose.

A very helpful read if you want to know more about late 19th and early 20th century theology and early C&MA thought - especially if you've been writing ordination assignments.

[Jon Coutts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fine historical description of the roots of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, showing it to be more practically effective than theologically coherent.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, Insightful, Intelligent & Inspiring

Bernie A. Van De Walle has done an excellent job of explaining and elaborating on the key influences on society that impacted the theology of key individuals during the last 200 - 300 years. Van De Walle has done extensive and in-depth research from over 200 sources as listed in this bibliography for this book. The endnotes following each of the six chapters of this book give us further insights if you want to go deeper.

This book is recommended for individuals who are students, sociologists, psychologists, theologians, clergy, those involved in ministry leadership and chaplains or those involved in spiritual care.

I gave this book a five star rating because it is interesting, insightful, scholarly and inspiring.

[Joshua Stager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serves one purpose. It places the main tenets of A. B. Simpson's theology (the tenets of the Fourfold Gospel) in their historical context, by comparing him with his contemporary revivalists, D. L. Moody, A. J. Gordon, and A. T. Pierson. Finding far more similarities than differences, he argues for emphasizing the role of the Holiness movement (and de-emphasizing the fundamentalist/modernist controversy in the Presbyterian Church) in any analysis attempting to define "evangelical" Christianity during the turn of the century.

[kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking

A great summary of A.B. Simpson's desire to have Jesus be the foundation of all Christian's believe, and Simpson's desire to spread the gospel so that Jesus would come again.
A fairly quick read that will help you ponder on what you believe. You may not believe everything Simpson did but by the end of this book you will know a bit more of what you truly believe.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear exposition of where A. B. Simpson is best situated in 19th-century theology. Well-written and avoids any sense of denominationalism "gone bad."

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid account of how AB Simpson influenced, and was influenced by, the outstanding preachers and theologians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in his development of the "fourfold Gospel." This is a seminary thesis turned into book form, so pretty dry at times. I love the quotes from notable evangelical luminaries of the time period. For me, they form the most memorable parts. With bio's of they key characters, I can see this book being an important reference in understanding and teaching evangelical Christian theology.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading for ordination, but a good book on the influences of A.B. Simpson, the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, in forming the DNA of this denomination. Informative, well-researched and well-written.