Grace Evangelical Society

P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202
  • About
    • Home
    • Beliefs
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
  • Resources
    • Grace in Focus Magazine
    • Grace in Focus Radio
    • Free eBooks
    • Journal of the GES
    • Book Reviews
    • Partners in Grace Newsletter
    • Audio Messages
    • Videos
    • Blog
    • Su Gracia Gratuita (Spanish Blog)
    • Graça sem limites (Portuguese Blog)
    • 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
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Home
→
Journal Articles
→
Book Reviews
→
In Christ: Position & Identity Unparalleled, Considered Exegetically: Colossians 2:3-3:4

In Christ: Position & Identity Unparalleled, Considered Exegetically: Colossians 2:3-3:4

Posted in Book Reviews

In Christ: Position & Identity Unparalleled, Considered Exegetically: Colossians 2:3-3:4. By Ron Merryman. Orland, Florida: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2007. 185 pp. Hardcover,

Finally someone has written a book on the church age believer’s position and identity in Christ! While not very long (only 30 pages; 43 pages including the appendices) it packs a punch. I am not aware of any other book written specifically on this topic; so this is one everyone should want in their library.

The author introduces the topic by stating that position and identity in Christ (positional truth) are one of two critical truths for new believers to help them through life. I would not limit this to new believers. All believers should be taught and reminded of positional truth.

As the title suggests the author covers his topic exegetically by examining Col. 2:3-3:4. Those who like an expository and exegetical style will appreciate what the author has done. Consequently, the author’s approach is less likely to lead to taking passages out of context, which happens too often in topically oriented books.

While the book contains many points, there are several that stand out. First, positional truth is unique to the church age. It is a privilege that we have today what those of the Old Testament did not. We are brought into living union with Christ through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The author clearly explains the truths of this Baptism, even devoting an appendix to it. Grace is communicated throughout the book emphasizing the fact that believers contribute nothing to the marvelous privileges given by God in Christ. Towards the end, the author writes, “One cannot improve upon the completeness that God provides in Christ, but this does not prevent humans from trying….”

The book includes six appendices, all related to positional truth. For amateur Greek enthusiasts like me, the appendix on periphrastic participles will delight. There is also a study exercise and brief discussion of Christ’s present Session.

A lot of debate about the assurance of eternal life has occurred in the free grace camp of late. While this book does not address assurance directly, it does address it implicitly. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the believer’s union with Christ presents a firm basis for eternal security and assurance of eternal life. We can be sure we have eternal life if we know that we are in union with Christ and the union can never be broken or dissolved.

The author concludes with an exhortation to keep seeking the meaning and significance of our (believer’s) identity and position in Christ. I agree and I highly recommend this book.

Brad Doskocil
Long Beach, CA

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
Brad Doskocil

by Brad Doskocil

Brad Doskocil is Chairman of the Board for Grace Evangelical Society.

Cart

Recently Added

April 9, 2021

Dios Recompensa a los Que le Buscan

Una de las cosas que realmente aprecio del movimiento de la Gracia Gratuita en general, y de la GES en particular, es cómo nos ha...
April 9, 2021

Romans–Part 2–Romans 1:16 (concl.), Romans 10:1

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. We are currently going through a series, where we look at five books in the new testament, to see...
April 9, 2021

You Can At Least Put Up With One Another (Ephesians 4:2)

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness,...

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

  • A Gospel of Doubt: The Legacy of John MacArthur's The Gospel According to Jesus $22.00 $10.00
  • Faith Alone in One Hundred Verses $18.00 $9.00
  • Luke: The Life of Imitating Jesus - Volume 1 $8.95 $2.50
  • The Atonement and Other Writings $15.95 $6.00
  • Turn and Live: The Power of Repentance $15.00 $7.00
Grace Evangelical Society
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

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

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

Tweets by GESwebmaster