THE MYSTERIES OF GOD
By Maurice Roberts
Reformation Heritage Books.102 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978 1 601 781 741
Our greatest need always is to know God and know him better. Any book, therefore, that points us to the true knowledge of God revealed in the gracious good news of Jesus Christ is worth a read.
In 14 short chapters the author unpacks different truths about God and his rescue plan. As the title suggests, particular attention is given to those truths which the Bible itself says are ‘a mystery’, that is things that were hidden in the past but are now revealed in the gospel of Jesus, though at points the author stretches this definition somewhat.
I enjoyed some chapters, especially that on the often neglected theme of the indwelling of Christ. However, I struggle to commend it as I am not sure who the author had in mind when writing. The intention is clearly to write simply and, although some theological words and ideas are explained clearly, I felt that too much is assumed. I also found some chapters dry, lacking illustration and personal application. The only consistent application was to unbelievers. In a determination to link the idea of ‘mystery’ to key biblical doctrines, I felt that the author in a number of chapters cited a text but did not look at its context. For example, though the teaching on the Trinity was good, basing it on Colossians 2.2, where the ‘mystery’ in that verse is Christ, is not helpful! From a personal point of view I was not convinced by the author’s application of the ‘mystery of iniquity’ from 2 Thessalonians 2 in terms of the Roman Catholic Pope. The use of the Authorised Version throughout will also be an obstacle for many.
I always find it hard to write a critical book review, but especially of an esteemed senior brother in Christ whose aims in writing are so laudable and I am glad that the tributes on the back cover reveal that others have found the book to be a great blessing.
David Sprouse,
pastor, Cuckfield Baptist Church, West Sussex
