Grace Evangelical Society

P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202
  • About
    • Home
    • Beliefs
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
  • Resources
    • Grace in Focus Blog
    • Grace in Focus International Blogs
    • Grace in Focus Radio
    • Grace in Focus Magazine
    • Free eBooks
    • Journal of the GES
    • Book Reviews
    • Partners in Grace Newsletter
    • Audio Messages
    • Videos
    • Email Subscription
    • Bookstore
    • Online Tracts
  • Store
    • Main Page
    • On Sale
    • Return Policy
    • Your Cart
    • Your Account
  • Events
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Free Grace Church and Bible Study Tracker
    • Free Grace Jobs
    • Ministry Links
  • Donate
    • One Time Donation
    • Monthly Donation
    • Your Account
  • Search
Home
→
Journal Articles
→
Book Reviews
→
Faith Victorious: Finding Strength and Hope from Hebrews 11

Faith Victorious: Finding Strength and Hope from Hebrews 11

Posted in Book Reviews

Faith Victorious: Finding Strength and Hope from Hebrews 11. By Richard D. Phillips. Phillipsburg, NJ : P&R Publishing, 2002. 234 pp. Paper. $12.99.

This book is based, according to the author, on a series of sermons he preached in the early morning service at Tenth Presby terian Church in Philadelphia in 2001 (p. x). Phillips is a graduate of Westminster Seminary and the book reflects a Reformed perspective on faith and assurance.

Each chapter is an exposition of a portion of Hebrews 11, with the final chapter covering 12:1-3. It isn’t a commentary per se since the author is preaching rather than teaching.

Phillips suggests that true faith works. Thus James and Paul are not in opposition. “There is no contradiction between Paul and James. Paul states that we are justified by faith alone. James merely qualifies that by insisting that such faith inevitably does good works, or else it is not true faith” (p. 50). He then quotes Calvin as saying “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” Phillips adds, “Faith is always accompanied by obedience.”

In his discussion of Hebrews 10:35, Phillips implies that the men in question received eternal life because they persevered through persecution: “One of the brothers spat out to his tormentors, ‘The King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws” (p. 182, emphasis added). While this might seem to be justification by works, Phillips would see it as justification by faith that works.

Not only in 10:35 , but in all the many places in Hebrews 11 where eternal rewards are in view, Phillips sees justification salvation. This is unfortunate. The net effect is that the reader cannot be sure he has eternal life since he cannot be sure that he will persevere.

The tone of this book is quite irenic. I recommend this book to pastors who anticipate preaching through Hebrews.

Robert N. Wilkin
Editor
Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Irving , TX

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
Bob_W

by Bob Wilkin

Bob Wilkin (ThM, PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is the Founder and Executive Director of Grace Evangelical Society and co-host of Grace in Focus Radio. He lives in Highland Village, TX with his wife, Sharon. His latest books are Faith Alone in One Hundred Verses and Turn and Live: The Power of Repentance.

Cart

Recently Added

March 24, 2023

1 Peter–Part 05–3:8-4:19

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Bob Wilkin, Philippe Sterling and Ken Yates continue their study and discussion of 1 Peter. Suffering is a...
March 24, 2023

The Impact of One Person 

In Hebrews 11, we are met with list of Biblical figures who exemplify what it means to walk by faith and not by sight (11:1)....
March 23, 2023

1 Peter–Part 04–2:11-3:7

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Ken Yates, Philippe Sterling and Bob Wilkin continue looking at 1 Peter. Not only do believers need to...

Grace in Focus Radio

All Episodes

Listen to Stitcher

Listen on Spotify

Grace In Focus Magazine

Grace In Focus is sent to subscribers in the United States free of charge.

Subscribe for Free

The primary source of Grace Evangelical Society's funding is through charitable contributions. GES uses all contributions and proceeds from the sales of our resources to further the gospel of grace in the United States and abroad.

Donate

Bookstore Specials

  • Hebrews: Partners with Christ $22.00 $15.00
  • Here Walks My Enemy: The Story of Luis (Paperback) $6.95 $3.00
  • The Road to Reward, 2nd Edition $9.95 $5.00
  • A Free Grace Primer: The Hungry Inherit, The Gospel Under Siege, and Grace in Eclipse $20.00 $12.00
  • Absolutely Free, 2nd Edition $20.00 $12.00
Grace Evangelical Society

(940) 270-8827 / ges@faithalone.org

4851 S I-35E Suite 203, Corinth, TX 76210
P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube