The Whole Christ

Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance - Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters

By: Sinclair B. Ferguson

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Since the days of the early church, Christians have struggled to understand the relationship between two seemingly contradictory concepts in the Bible: law and gospel. If, as the Apostle Paul says, the law cannot save, what can it do? Is it merely an ancient relic from Old Testament Israel to be discarded? Or is it still valuable for Christians today?

Helping modern Christians think through this complex issue, seasoned pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson carefully leads listeners to rediscover an 18th-century debate that sheds light on this present-day doctrinal conundrum: the marrow controversy. After sketching the history of the debate, Ferguson moves on to discuss the theology itself, acting as a wise guide for walking the path between legalism (overemphasis on the law) on the one side and antinomianism (wholesale rejection of the law) on the other.

©2016 eChristian (P)2016 eChristian

Every Pastor Should Read This Book

This is one of the best books written about keeping the emphasis of your messages and your ministry in line with the free grace offered in the gospel.

Enlightenment

I have never found anything so thoroughly encouraging as this book is about the grace of Christ and its truth for me.

Great book.

A really good book that every Christian who desires to stay rooted in Christ should read. Whether you struggle with legalism or antinomianism this book does a good job identifying the underlinings of both and what the true antidote for both is.

heavy reading but an important topic with lifting

Ferguson presents a highly compelling and rational discussion on what Tim Keller calls "the two thieves of the Gospel." Legalism and antinomianism both rob the Christian of the living benefits of the good news. This is not a new topic, it is as old as sin and we have struggled with it through human history. He is a scholar extraordinaire and does an excellent job explaining the reason for thentwo and how they rob us. the book begins very slowly but by halfway in I was hooked and could not wait to read more!

Wish I had read 10 years ago

Though the subtitle may make this book seem dry and academic, dealing with an old theological controversy, this book is a must read for every Christian. By far one of the most important and practical books for preaching/teaching and living the Christian life I have ever read. I will be going through this book multiple times.

a must read

This book has been instrumental in not only grounding in my assurane of salvation but has educated me in the different Christian views on how one or if one can have assurance. The book also has enabled me to explain why I have assurance to others. I attend a non-denominational church and i am grateful for the grounding this book has given me since some churches stay away from long standing docrinal issue that can be such a blessing.

Specified audience

Not for everyone. Although he gets into some big important truths, it can be a tough hang if you’re not locked in to the subject. Very well researched and argued.

The whole Christ is wholly awesome

The book clearly explained the significance of the Marrow controversy in better understanding the relationship of the believer to law, grace and the Gospel. Jesus is shown as the key. The book was well written and read.

A little-known controversy, a much-needed lesson

Good book. Well-read. Very nuanced, yet clear on the marrow of the issue. Edifying.

The depth of grace explored

This book delves into the "Marrow Conrtroversy" and why it was so pivotal to understanding.the grace of Christ and his relationship to us and our fallen world. It will take several listenings to gather the full depth and nuance of the text so your credits are well spent here. deep and wide is the marrow and the understanding edifying in each iteration.