Redemption Accomplished and Applied...Finally!

I have finally finished it! Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray is a work every man should read and teach to his family. The first half of the book deals with the nature of the Atonement itself, its Perfection and its Extent. This is foundational to the applied work of Christ by the Spirit.

The Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation) is then discussed. From Effectual Calling to Glorification, all aspects of salvation are explained. So much of this is sorely lacking in Evangelical churches today. We know how to write a check or lose weight for Jesus, but many of us have no idea why the Trinity is foundational to salvation.

One of my favorite chapters in this book was entitled Union With Christ. Page 164 asks great questions then offers a great answer:

What is it that binds past and present and future together in the life of faith and in the hope of Glory? Why does the believer entertain the thought of God's determinate council with such joy? Why can he have patience in the perplexities and adversities of the present? Why can he have confident assurance with reference to the future and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God? It is because he cannot think of past, present, or future apart from union with Christ. It is Union with Christ now in the virtue of his death and the power of His resurrection that certifies to him the reality of his election in Christ before the foundation of the world--he is blessed by the Father with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ just as he was chosen in Christ from eternal ages.

Again on page 169 he says,

The life of faith is the life of love, and the life of love is the life of fellowship, or mystic communion with Him who ever lives to make intercession for His people and who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

The case is clear. Not only does the Christian have his identity in Christ and is joined to Christ's life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension, but he also has Christ in union with his earthly life. The Christian knows by faith that when he suffers, Christ is there with him. It is a two way street. By this the Christian is strengthened to endure his many trials in this age. As Peter says in the Spirit, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."

Get it. Enjoy it. Be blessed by it. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants.