The apostle John said of the life and work of Jesus, "Even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written" (John 21:25). Acknowledging the size of the task, as well as its importance, Dr. John F. Walvoord has written this systematic presentation of the person and work of Christ from eternity past to eternity future. Beginning with an analysis of modern trends in the study of Christology, Dr. Walvoord shows that "contemporary Christology has in many respects confused rather than clarified the extended revelation of the Word of God." The Word of God forms the solid basis for Dr. Walvoord's entire study. Analyzing the Old Testament, he shows Christ in its history, typology, and prophecy. Then, in the New Testament, he examines the life and work of the incarnate Christ. The doctrines of atonement, redemption, propitiation, and reconciliation are thoroughly and clearly discussed. The book concludes with an examination of the present and future work of Christ, thus giving the reader a comprehensive study of Christology.
This is a book I wish I'd read earlier in life. It so thoroughly lays out the core doctrines about Christ, his nature and his work, in clear and accessible language. The book itself is well organized and provides a fairly comprehensive, though basic overview of Christology. Some areas of repetition made it harder to get through the book, but overall it's a solid foundation for anyone wanting to know what Scripture teaches about who Jesus is.
It was definitely worth my time and I plan to keep it around for future reference.
What a strange book. The usual dispensationalism expected from DTS, but then his chapter on typology was WILD! Somehow he had a dispensational typology, and I kinda dig it, good for him. The only thing that made this book worthwhile for me.
Also I was bored out of my mind with all the interaction w the crazy liberal theologians. Theology books like this in general also have the tendency to bore me.
Take this review w a grain of salt, I skimmed this book like crazy and most of it I read right before asking out a girl so my mind was not in the right place to retain ANYTHING.
I just finished a class called, “The Person and Work of Christ.” This book by John Walvoord was the text book for the class which is essentially a deeper look at Christology. Every Religion Major student has to take 2 semesters of Theology where we get a surface look at the doctrines of Christology. This class and book examine much deeper into this grand subject.
The book is broken down almost chronologically, first looking at the eternal Christ, the incarnation, the life of Christ, the death on the cross and the atonement, the present work of Christ, and the future work of Christ. Each chapter then has one of these subjects as it’s focus and breaks down the important points into smaller sections. A lot of space is dedicated to the citation of scripture which is necessitated with a topic such as this. Dr. Walvoord also combats opposing view points where he lists what differing views there are on a particular subject and then explains why his view is supported by scripture and thus is the more correct understanding. For example, Dr. Walvoord spends a considerable amount of time trying to dissect the various views on the incarnation. The idea of Jesus being %100 man and %100 God has been controversial (and at times, heretical) and there are various different views espousing different theories on how to cope with a subject that is beyond human comprehension. Another contentious subject is the future work of Christ. While this delves into eschatology, it is most definitely overlapped in Christology. Dr. Walvoord was the President of Dallas Seminary, so the views on the future work of Christ are premillennial and dispensational (which I’m ok with!). But by far the most captivating subject for me in Christology is the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. This is a doctrine dear to my heart because it was, in part, instrumental in my own salvation.
Obviously, studying Jesus is a thrilling endeavor to the Christian. It is curious, then, to ascertain why I dreaded reading this book. Maybe it was because I was forced to read it in a specific timeline instead of slowly digesting the information. I have read other books on Christology that were captivating, but this one was very dry. Perhaps that’s just me.
To anyone who is looking for a straightforward look at Christology, I would recommend this book. To others who are looking for a more palatable, less academic but equally intriguing read on Christology, I would recommend John Stott’s, “The Cross of Christ.”
This was the first book I read in Christology years ago. It is nice ly structured to show Christ foretold in the Old Testament and manifestation in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, Walvoord shows Christ foretold in history, typology, and prophecy. In the New Testament, he discusses the life and work of Christ in incarnation, atonement, redemption, and reconciliation. It is definitely useful as a reference study.
Walvoord, with clarity and simplicity provides a conservative, dispensational presentation of the doctrine of Christ, which every Christian ought to read. One cannot conclude such a reading without meditating upon the person and work of Christ and be left in awe of Him. One is left revering Him, trusting Him, loving Him and desiring to serve Him with much appreciation and joy.
Great book, absolutely recommend for anyone wanting to bolster their Christology and learn more about the intricate, perhaps less spoken of aspects of truth regarding the Lord Jesus Christ. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There was a lot of very good information in this book. However, the author could take a lesson in concision from my professor. 320 pages of book for 12 chapters is far too long. Especially for a non-fiction book. Chapters are like checkpoints. They encourage the reader.
An exhaustive and necessary read for any Christian desiring to deepen their understanding in the person and deity of who Christ is. Certainly an academic book but worth the read, especially when done in a steady, intentional process.
I needed to read chapter two for class, so I intend to read this book in its fullness. From what I read, it is an excellent book. I have read many books by Walvoord and have enjoyed them.
Walvoord wrote a fantastic work on the Person of Christ. Clear, direct, well-explained, he did it all. If only we had a hundred more Walvoords to communicate Christ so clearly.
Another book I just read for theology class. Very straight-forward, by-the-Book teaching. Solid stuff, but no personality. His discription of our inheritance and adoption in Christ, however, was incredible.
Great book concerning everything about Jesus Christ. Good Scripture index and Subject index in the rear of the book which a person would need to use to refer to search things out in later readings. Author defends Premillennial and Pre-tribulation teaching.
This was an excellent work. It reminded me of a lot I already knew and showed me a lot that I had not considered before. If you are like me you will want to keep a dictionary close at had but that in itself is a good thing.