Book review –
Like CS Lewis’ introduction to “the Incarnation of the Word
of God” by Athanasius I would implore you to read old books. The reading of old
Christian books has helped me greatly back when I was struggling, like many do,
with Scripture’s exclusive Truth claims and with unpacking Reformation
Theology.
Probably the best, concise treatment on an introduction to
classic Christianity that I know of is the Letter to Diogentus by Mathetes
(which means Disciple of the Apostles). Written about 130 AD it deals with many
debated Christian issues in the Church today.
These topics would include the rejection of Universalism,
idolatry, the errors and superstitious observances of the Jews, the manner of
Christian living in a fallen world, the hope of Heaven, support for Creation
and God-in-flesh in Christ, rejection of post modern uncertainty, the
affirmation of Hell as Eternal fire and God’s judgment, Salvation by faith not
by works, substitutionary atonement, original sin, teaching Scripture as
knowledge worth being taught and believed, and the story of the Garden, tree of
life and serpent as historic not mythology or allegory.
So before you fall for the lies of the Emergent “Church” who
says we need to ditch historic orthodox Christianity and write our own new Kind
of Kristianity first you should spend some time looking at what the Early
Church believed, taught and confessed.
Since this short Epistle is strong on God’s mercy and forgiveness,
any true Christian who holds to the sound Biblical doctrines of the ancient
Church will be comforted by this letter which speaks of God’s call to us from
sin and rebellion to trust in Christ and the forgiveness He’s won for us on the
Cross. I pray that it will bless you as much as it has blessed me.
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