The Christian Soldier (An exposition of Ephesians 6:10-20). By Dr D. M. Lloyd Jones. Banner of Truth Trust. £3.50.
Perhaps the best feature of this book is the Doctor’s dexterity in exposing subtle but common errors. By a series of quotations from Scripture, he unveils the fatal fallacy entertained by so many, that the Christian life is one of ease. With conviction and clarity, he indicates and emphasises the rigours of that warfare from which there is no discharge. The Christian is a soldier, called to a grim, stern battle requiring the exercise of all the faculties of the soul, all the members of the body, and the use of all the parts of the armour provided by the Captain of Salvation. The merely virtuous, and victorious life with its euphemistic slogan ‘let go and let God’ is portrayed in its true colours, as a flat contradiction of the truth, as well as a snare of the devil. An interesting difference is made between the ‘girdle of truth’ and the ‘sword of the Spirit.’ Though evidently familiar with Puritan Theology, the writer’s independence of thought comes through. On page 325 he makes a revealing and devastating attack on the New English Bible’s rendering of the ‘Sword of the Spirit’ with its serious undertones. The advice that rings throughout the whole volume is, ‘avoid extremes.’ The author’s emphasis on the new ultimate authority is most welcome, at a time when the lack of conviction and the absence of supreme authority are regarded as signs of progress. The Doctor’s assertion of the necessity of ‘assurance of salvation’ to engage successfully in truly spiritual conflict, requires clarification. His distinction between the ‘old man’ and the old nature is confusing and unscriptural in the light of Ephesians 4:22. More disturbing still is the writer’s failure to recognise the Scriptural obligation of nations as well as individuals to acknowledge Christ. We agree that legislation cannot cure the corrupt heart of man, but if Christ had His rightful place as King of Nations, Scriptural measures against evil would be legislated and implemented at national level and on a national scale.
Apart from these blemishes we regard the “Christian Soldier” as a worthy and useful addition to any library. The style and diction is adapted to the capacity of the average reader, and there is much in these pages which is calculated to instruct, direct, establish or reclaim, according to the several needs of the readers.
F.M.