The Passion of Jesus Christ. By John Piper. Wheaton, IL : Crossway Books, 2004. 125 pp. Paper. $7.99.

This is a short book containing 50 chapters (most are 2 pages or less) explaining 50 reasons why Jesus suffered and died. This is good theology and very practical.

There are, of course, places where the author’s Lordship theology comes through. For example, the title of Chapter 14 is “To Bring Us to Faith and Keep Us Faithful.” In that chapter he says, “The miracle is not only the creation of our faith, but the securing of our faithfulness…He will keep them. They will persevere. The blood of the covenant guarantees it” (p. 47). Similarly in Chapter 30 he writes, “The believer is dead to sin, no longer dominated by her attractions. Sin, the prostitute who killed my friend, has no appeal” (p. 79). While the author doesn’t press the point, if what he is saying is true, then our assurance is linked to our works. For if anyone finds sin appealing, he surely would be right to believe he was not regenerate if sin holds no appeal for the believer. Plus if one doubts he is being faithful in his service for Christ, he would reasonably doubt he was born again if the blood of Christ guarantees the faithfulness of all who are justified.

In spite of a few places like those, this is a good book worth having. I recommend it.

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