Evangelicals Now
<< February 2004 >>

Unsearchable riches

In deep

UNSEARCHABLE RICHES
By Vernon Higham
Christian Focus
167 pages. £4.99
ISBN 1 85792 768 0

The back cover describes this as 'a small, but meaty, book'. An apt description!
Vernon Higham explains some of the main truths of the Christian gospel (e.g. God's sovereignty, sin, salvation, Jesus's return, the battle against the devil). Anyone who fears that doctrine is dry and heavy going will be delighted by two things in particular. The book is short and highly readable. Also, there are excellent sections at the end of each chapter where the author gives specific examples of how these truths about Christ should encourage and challenge us in our Christian lives.

High points for me: the way he explains Christian truth is fresh, illuminating and nourishing and his applications are thoughtful and helpful. Less high points: I did not agree with his second blessing theology (e.g. 'the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct and personal experience', p.137) so I would not recommend this book to someone who was likely to be confused by that. Also, while some people will enjoy his use of the King James Version and his somewhat archaic language (thees, thous, alas, Holy Ghost, etc), I expect it will alienate others.

I love Christian books that show that doctrine is thrilling and nourishing. This book does just that - and, despite the reservations I've outlined, I thoroughly appreciated it.

Mary Davis,
Emmanuel, Wimbledon, London