ADOPTED INTO GOD’S FAMILY
Exploring a Pauline metaphor
By Trevor J. Burke. IVP/Apollos. 234 pages. £12.99.
ISBN 1 84474 146 5
This is the latest contribution to IVP’s (under the Apollos imprint) New Studies in Biblical Theology series — described by its editor as ‘creative attempts to help thinking Christians understand their Bibles better.’ This particular volume certainly succeeded as far as I am concerned.
It deals thoroughly with a strand of the Apostle Paul’s exposition of the gospel which is often neglected, even though, as the author argues, it could be considered to be the very summit of that teaching. Focussing on the references to it in Romans 8, Ephesians 1 and Galatians 4, he demonstrates that the doctrine of adoption is thoroughly Trinitarian, embracing the Father’s loving initiative, the Son’s saving work and the Spirit’s indwelling in the believer. It emphasises the essentially relational nature of our salvation, bringing us, as it does, into God’s own family; and it has profound practical implications for our priorities, lifestyle and relationships with our fellow believers. It also points forward to the culmination of our salvation in the new creation when we shall be perfectly confirmed to the likeness of him who is not ashamed to call us his brothers.
As the Apollos imprint indicates, the book is written at an academic rather than popular level. The fact that it is a revision of an MPhil thesis is reflected in the multitudinous and sometimes quite unnecessary quotations! But do not let that put you off if you are someone who is prepared to work hard at understanding God’s treasure-laden Word. This book is a serious read rather than a very difficult one. Read in smallish doses, most will find it very helpful and stimulating. Academic books sometimes inform the mind without warming the heart. For me, this one did both. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Peter Seccombe,
engaged in an itinerant ministry from a base in rural Herefordshire
