Book Review

Commentary on Romans 8, 17-39. The Final Perseverance of the Saints.

By Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones. Banner of Truth. £3.

When even the inspired Apostle Peter states in a singular way that there are in Paul’s Epistles ‘some things hard to be understood’, we should therefore recognise and accept the peculiar difficulties to be encountered in attempting to interpret ‘these things’. If these things refer specifically to the long suffering of God and the final consummation of all things, as both the context and marginal references in Peter would seem to indicate, it becomes us to tread with special caution, diffidence, charity and humility. These ‘things hard to be understood’ are at least included in this volume by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, on Romans 8, 17-38.

This portion of Scripture covers a wide area of subjects, parts of which are handled in a scriptural and helpful manner. The various doctrines or topics are closely related, and the necessity of understanding their relationship is rightly emphasised by the author. It is well known however, that the precise interpretation of certain parts of this wonderful portion of Scripture has been a matter of controversy among commentators and expositors. While making due allowance for the influence exerted by the consideration of that fact, there are, in this sizeable volume, statements, doctrines and deductions which we cannot endorse. Some of these are disturbing and greatly depreciate from the work as a whole. To enumerate and comment critically on all of these is outwith the scope of this brief review. It may be much better to state that, in our view, the Doctor’s insistence on his erroneous interpretation of Romans 7, 24 lies at the root of other unorthodox and confusing remarks. In dealing with ‘the ultimate redemption of the body’ and ‘the new heavens and the new earth’, we can hardly expect accuracy of interpretation from one who says — “So then . . . there is nothing in common between the groanings of Romans 8, 23, and that of the wretched man of Romans 7, 24 . . . This groaning is the result of certainty, that wretchedness was the result of uncertainty which cries out — ‘Who shall deliver me?’ ” Surely the rhapsody of gratitude which follows immediately, rings out with confidence and certainty — ‘I thank God.’ Other ambiguous statements of a similar nature, the reader will find particularly on the exercise of the believer relative to the final redemption of the body, as distinct from the soul, the future destiny of the Jews and the nature of the new heavens and the new earth.

On the main subject of the Final Perseverence of the Saints, there is much that is of a comforting, strengthening and edifying nature. This work is most readable, but ought to be perused with care by the discerning Christian.

F.M.

Notes and Comments

Attack by Judge on Age of Consent

The attack by Judge Neil MacKinnon, Q.C., on the age of consent, which presently stands at 16 for girls, has come as a shock to right thinking people. It seems strange in an age of increasing relaxation of moral restraint that a judge of the realm would advocate a lowering of the age of consent. Because this particular law is being increasingly violated and has thereby become less effective than would be desirable is no reason for abandoning it. On the same grounds the law against theft which, particularly in some categories of theft, is very ineffective would have to be relaxed too. The end would finally be a relaxation of all moral restraints and men left to their own will.

It is to be hoped that the judge’s plea will go unheeded and that girls under the age of 16 will continue to receive the protection of the law.

Religious Education in Schools

A report being circulated by the Free Church Federal Council advocates a change in religious education in schools to meet the changing situation in the country through immigration. The Report states that we are living in a multi-religious country and suggests that agreed syllabuses of religious education should be revised and expanded in relation to the new situation. The Report also wishes to abolish Christian worship from school assemblies.

It is surely sad in the extreme that Christian organisations should be advocating a policy which, until recent times, only humanists would be prepared to put forward. What a surrender there is in all this to the spirit of the age which is so decidedly anti-Christian. What hope are the young to have of acquainting themselves with Christian teaching if Christianity is to be equated in the school curriculum with the religions of heathendom. May the Lord in His mercy deliver the rising generation from modern religious education policies which would set aside the Christian Faith.

Reformation Study Centre

Readers of the magazine may remember that a number of articles appeared some months ago, telling about my visit to Italy last September. It was during that visit that I first met Franco Maggietto and heard from himself about the gospel work he is seeking to do among his own people. What struck me particularly was the number of contacts he had made with men who were still in office in the Roman Catholic Church. Perhaps I should say, contacts made by others with him. Last year he had thirty-two such priests actually staying with him at different times in his small flat. He is delighted to have them: such contacts are the object of his practical labours and his prayers. But the situation is almost impossible. How can he carry on his work in his little congregation, how can he maintain an orderly domestic life, when his time is continually interrupted, with days and weeks at a time taken over by such visitors?

Thinking about the visit afterwards, one thing seemed obvious. Franco needed a centre built, where priests could be accommodated and where they could receive instruction in the Reformed Faith. It was difficult to see how such an ambitious project could be got under way, and one particular avenue of approach to it was closed. Then, in February, news came of a committee which Franco hoped to bring together for the furtherance of the Reformed Faith in Italy. I attended this meeting in March, when the Committee ‘Fede Viva’ (living faith) was set up. The president is a Dr. Mesas, missionary in Milan, the treasurer is a member of Franco’s congregation, and the secretary is Franco himself.

In a further article I would like to give some details about these men and others whom I met, but for the present, readers will no doubt be interested in the aims of this Committee. The first two sections of the Committee’s constitution could be translated as follows:

1. Statement of the Aims of the Committee

• a To make known the pure gospel as set out in Article 2.
• b To give moral, spiritual and financial help to those who, for differences of faith with the Roman Catholic Church, have need of such help.
• c To publish and disseminate literature that is genuinely Biblical, especially the classical literature of the Reformation.
• d To publish books, periodicals, longer and shorter articles and other pieces of writing which may serve the purposes indicated above.
• e To engage in other activities in accordance with the aims indicated above — for example, setting up a ‘Reformation Centre’ in Italy.

2 Basis of Faith. The Westminster Confession of Faith.

In May the Synod heard the above details, when the Dominions and Overseas Committee presented the following recommendation:

“The Dominions and Overseas Committee, having given careful consideration to reports presented in connection with the setting up of the Committee ‘Fede Viva’ in Italy, and considering that the prospering of the work of that Committee is likely to be of the greatest importance for the Cause of Christ in Italy, recommend to the Synod as follows:

1. That the Synod Committee be authorised to contribute substantially towards the work of the Committee in Italy.

2. That the Synod agree to set up a Special Fund for one year for the support of this work, and also authorise the Dominions and Overseas Committee to organise a special appeal to our people on behalf of this Fund.”

This recommendation was unanimously accepted by the Synod, so that the project to construct this Reformation Study Centre in Italy has the Church’s full support. Any contributions to this Special Fund should either be sent to the General Treasurer, Mr. William Fraser, or handed to the local congregational treasurer. They will be most gratefully received.

J.T.