THE GOSPEL-SHAPED LIFE
By Ian Hamilton
The Banner of Truth. 175 pages. £6.00
ISBN 978 1 848 717 213
The maxim ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ is true in this case. Behind the dull cover lie many sparkling gems of biblical truth and pastoral warmth!
The author’s purpose is ‘to explore that multi-faceted character of the gospel and to show how the gospel comes to shape every aspect and detail of our lives’.
A ‘go with me’
He does this in 43 short chapters, beginning with the Trinity and covering topics including the transforming power of the gospel, the wonder of God’s love, the means of grace, perseverance, spirituality, enjoying the ‘gospel-rest’ of Sabbath, and finishing with ‘gospel humility.’ It is designed to be a vade mecum (literally, a ‘go with me’) and is of a size that is easily slipped into a bag or pocket to read on the bus (or get the e-book, if you prefer!).
The chapters are brief, but contain excellent food for thought. The tone is God-honouring, humble, pastorally helpful and joyful. As such, this is a good devotional read. As expected from a Presbyterian minister, it is self-consciously Reformed, containing many quotes from Calvin, John Owen and Samuel Rutherford, as well as Augustine and Luther. The historical perspective is refreshing. It helps to challenge the shallowness and individualism that can be a feature of contemporary evangelicalism. At the same time, the author confronts some Reformed weaknesses too.
This historical strength of the book is also perhaps a bit of a weakness. It claims to be for ‘Christians of all ages’, but some might be put off by the sprinkling of Latin and the quoting of historical figures whom they may never have heard of. However, plenty of Christians who want to love God more will benefit hugely from this little book, as I have done. I will read it repeatedly I am sure, and get copies for others too.
