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Atonement mattersA call to declare the biblical view of the atonementThe comfort of the crossATONEMENT MATTERS Pastors sometimes look for a book to lend or give that explains Definite Atonement (DA) and answers the most obvious questions raised over certain verses in the New Testament. This book could well be what they are seeking. Tom Barnes explains the doctrine and expounds all the relevant texts on this fundamental doctrine. The book is divided into four sections with an introduction and conclusion added, both of which are important. The introduction lays out the reason why this subject is so important and describes the main options. Part One (chapters 1-3) presents DA as the biblical view, showing that it is a coherent doctrine and explaining that effective particular atonement is taught in both Old and New Testaments. Part Two (chapters 4-8) demonstrates that DA is a theologically sound view. This section describes the penal substitutionary explanation of the atonement as the only one fitting biblical data, relates DA to God’s eternal purpose, shows that salvation is of God from beginning to end, opens up the truth of God’s special effective love for the elect, and relates DA to Christ’s intercession for his own. Part Three (chapters 9-11) seeks to answer objections and does so very well, first by expounding all the alleged General Atonement texts, but defending the validity of the universal call. The section is rounded off by a brief survey of Definite Atonement in history. Part Four (chapter 12) is aimed at strengthening the church. This could be the weakest part of the book if readers assumed that all that is needed to strengthen the church is to teach limited atonement. Obviously this doctrine must be taught in conjunction with a well-rounded teaching of all biblical doctrines, ‘the whole counsel of God’, as well as guiding the church in a biblical form of church order and practice. The conclusion is especially valuable in advising ministers how to present this truth, and what snares to avoid; a brief but most necessary section. There are comprehensive end notes but no bibliography and no index. The book is closely argued and may seem heavy going to some, but it is an excellent modern treatment of this subject. It is heart-warming to read, useful to give away or lend to someone needing help in this area, and it should prove useful as a quick-reference book on specific texts. Tom Barnes writes graciously and is not at all harsh or deliberately confrontational. Yet he is firm and clear in declaring that DA is the true biblical teaching. The author recognises that there are differences in interpretation among both advocates of General Atonement and of DA, but holds firmly to the doctrine of Definite Atonement as expressed in the Canons of Dort, The Westminster Confession of Faith, and The London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Warmly recommended. Stanley Jebb, © Evangelicals Now - March 2009 |