Post by Admin on Dec 5, 2018 16:04:34 GMT
Another Five Star review from Reader's Favorite. I will mention, though, that the review makes a negative remark concerning the book, which I will address following the review:
Reviewed By Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite
The Magnitude of the Cross: Understanding the New Birth by Darrell Conner is a devotional book that explores religious and spiritual themes, especially the question of the salvation and the fatherhood of God, the concept of being born again and what it actually signifies, and key points in the history of salvation. The author employs biblical texts to examine the concept of sin and offers fresh perspective on discipleship. The centrality of the cross becomes the heart of this book, expressing how the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus became the very center of rebirth for the new children of God.
While this book is written for Christians, however it falls short of addressing the question of salvation for those born without the knowledge of Christianity and those who have never had the chance to learn about Jesus. The lessons, interpretations, and message of this book are grounded in scriptures. I enjoyed the author’s take on the work of the Spirit and what actually separates us from God. In the preface the author makes a powerful revelation: “It is a popular notion that we are separated from God because we sin, but the truth is that we sin because we are separated from God.” He then moves on to demonstrate how lack of knowledge and connection with God leads to the misery of sin.
This book contains the knowledge that most readers may already have, especially those who read their Bible regularly, but it is presented in a way that is organized, filled with relevant passages from scripture. I enjoyed the fact that the author allows the word of God to speak to readers. The Magnitude of the Cross: Understanding the New Birth is well researched, brilliantly presented, and accessible to ordinary readers. Darrell Conner’s book will edify believers and strengthen their faith.
He makes the statement "...While this book is written for Christians, however it falls short of addressing the question of salvation for those born without the knowledge of Christianity and those who have never had the chance to learn about Jesus."
I actually address this issue, not just in a general matter, but specifically in the second chapter, The Mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a look at not only those born outside of the sphere of the Gospel of Christ, but those who die in the womb, and those mentally impaired. It is because the Gospel was a Mystery, the Hidden Wisdom of God kept secret since the world was made...that we can have hope for men who live their entire lives never hearing the Gospel. In short, while the Gospel was preached, beginning with God Himself declaring the Gospel in Genesis 3:15, we do not nullify Paul's teaching of the Gospel and undermine the basic truth that men were not given understanding of the Gospel, God's Plan of Redemption. Romans 1-2 teach principles of God's revelation to men through Creation, an internal witness, and direct revelation, and his statement is "the doers of the Law will be justified." And He speaks of those Gentiles that performed the works of the Law written on their hearts.
We know Who wrote that on their hearts.
And I would also mention, lest someone misunderstand and think I teach Eternal Redemption through the Law, that this justification, if it happen among those who have never had opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ and respond, is temporal in nature, just as it was for the Old Testament Saints. They were declared just/righteous based on their belief, faith, and works (and in that order), but, no man has ever been eternally redeemed except through the Cross of Christ.
God bless.
Reviewed By Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite
The Magnitude of the Cross: Understanding the New Birth by Darrell Conner is a devotional book that explores religious and spiritual themes, especially the question of the salvation and the fatherhood of God, the concept of being born again and what it actually signifies, and key points in the history of salvation. The author employs biblical texts to examine the concept of sin and offers fresh perspective on discipleship. The centrality of the cross becomes the heart of this book, expressing how the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus became the very center of rebirth for the new children of God.
While this book is written for Christians, however it falls short of addressing the question of salvation for those born without the knowledge of Christianity and those who have never had the chance to learn about Jesus. The lessons, interpretations, and message of this book are grounded in scriptures. I enjoyed the author’s take on the work of the Spirit and what actually separates us from God. In the preface the author makes a powerful revelation: “It is a popular notion that we are separated from God because we sin, but the truth is that we sin because we are separated from God.” He then moves on to demonstrate how lack of knowledge and connection with God leads to the misery of sin.
This book contains the knowledge that most readers may already have, especially those who read their Bible regularly, but it is presented in a way that is organized, filled with relevant passages from scripture. I enjoyed the fact that the author allows the word of God to speak to readers. The Magnitude of the Cross: Understanding the New Birth is well researched, brilliantly presented, and accessible to ordinary readers. Darrell Conner’s book will edify believers and strengthen their faith.
He makes the statement "...While this book is written for Christians, however it falls short of addressing the question of salvation for those born without the knowledge of Christianity and those who have never had the chance to learn about Jesus."
I actually address this issue, not just in a general matter, but specifically in the second chapter, The Mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a look at not only those born outside of the sphere of the Gospel of Christ, but those who die in the womb, and those mentally impaired. It is because the Gospel was a Mystery, the Hidden Wisdom of God kept secret since the world was made...that we can have hope for men who live their entire lives never hearing the Gospel. In short, while the Gospel was preached, beginning with God Himself declaring the Gospel in Genesis 3:15, we do not nullify Paul's teaching of the Gospel and undermine the basic truth that men were not given understanding of the Gospel, God's Plan of Redemption. Romans 1-2 teach principles of God's revelation to men through Creation, an internal witness, and direct revelation, and his statement is "the doers of the Law will be justified." And He speaks of those Gentiles that performed the works of the Law written on their hearts.
We know Who wrote that on their hearts.
And I would also mention, lest someone misunderstand and think I teach Eternal Redemption through the Law, that this justification, if it happen among those who have never had opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ and respond, is temporal in nature, just as it was for the Old Testament Saints. They were declared just/righteous based on their belief, faith, and works (and in that order), but, no man has ever been eternally redeemed except through the Cross of Christ.
God bless.