The Unsearchable Riches of Christ. An exposition of Ephesians three by D. M. Lloyd-Jones. Banner of Truth Trust. Price £4.
This publication of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has the merits and defects of former productions from his pen. The subject matter covered in these pages is undoubtedly difficult, and calls for careful reading even out of deference to the painstaking effort on the author’s part. While much of the content is sound, stimulating and readable, especially in the first nine chapters of the book, his exposition of verses 16 and 17, on Christ dwelling in the heart by faith, is far from clear. In all fairness to the writer, it should be conceded that he is so conscious of his insufficiency in expounding such a profound passage, that he suggests rather than affirms. Yet some of his statements regarding the Apostle’s prayer for the Ephesian believers, that Christ might dwell in their heart by faith, are contradictory. The Doctor’s thoughts on this particular subject are expressed and illustrated in a way calculated to offend the generation of God’s children, and possibly adapted to confuse and discourage some of the most saintly and consistent of believers (in contrast it might help readers to read sermon 20 from John Calvin’s Sermons on Ephesians.) It may be difficult to pinpoint the source of the confusion in the author’s remarks, but I think the following may shed some light. In a believer’s experience, the conscious sense of the Divine fellowship fluctuates from time to time, irrespective of any ‘special’ experience. Christ dwells by faith in the hearts of all who are truly born again: it is not unusual for Paul to pray that others may possess what they already have, only to indicate his desire for their enjoyment of greater degrees of such blessings along the line of perseverance and growth in grace: there are bounds which we should not pass when trying to explain the inexplicable.
We found ourselves once and again disposed to substitute a verse of a Psalm for a hymn. The hymn may be contemporary, and suit the author’s style better, but the Psalm would be the inspired Word of God.
F.M.
The Three are One by Stuart Olyott. Evangelical Press. Price £1.50
In our view this is one of the best books we have read on the cardinal doctrine of the Trinity. Most attractively written in a simple but telling manner, it gives an excellent resumé of the deepest theological truths. Unlike many who have written on this glorious subject that baffles the understanding of proud man, the author has not attempted to elucidate by the use of analogies. Speaking of the unity in the Trinity he say, ‘It is without analogy’. He leans most heavily on Scripture, and then on the admirably clear and cautious statements of the Confessions of Faith. There is only one sentence open to ambiguity. It relates to man’s inbuilt sense of God, but does not indicate the ‘divine spark’, as far as we can discern. In a day when modern Unitarians and Arians are roaring, this little paperback is well worth the price of £1.50.
F.M.