Christ and the Law: Antinomianism at the Westminster Assembly was written by Whitney G. Gamble. This book was published by Reformation Heritage Books, and it’s a volume in the Studies on the Westminster Assembly project.
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Christ and the Law: Antinomianism at the Westminster Assembly
The book consists of two parts, each containing three chapters. Part I is titled “False Opinions with Dangerous Consequences: The Westminster Assembly’s Work against 1640’s Antinomianism”. Part II is titled “Antinomianism’s Theological Impact on the Westminster Assembly”.
Dr. Gamble interacts with primary source material that shows not only the debates and issues of antinomianism in seventeenth century England, but also the particular way that the Westminster Assembly dealt with that issue. Every single page has multiple footnotes which shows the in-depth research Gamble engaged in on this topic. She writes in a very clear manner and provides fascinating information about this topic throughout the entire book. One example of this is the “Humble Advise” document that she discusses in the third chapter. Many Presbyterians and Reformed Christians are familiar with the Westminster Confession and the shorter and larger catechisms, but how many are familiar with this document? Chapter six in this book (titled “The Moral Law Binds Forever: Antinomianism and the Confession of Faith) was remarkable! I especially appreciated the historical theology presented in the section on the relationship between the Old and New Testament. There’s even a very interesting discussion on John Simpson who was said to hold to four covenants, two of grace and two of works. I had not previously heard of this controversy.
Dr. Gamble provides a real gift to the church in this book on antinomianism and the Westminster Assembly! Anybody that is a fan of covenant theology, historical theology, or the Westminster Standards will absolutely love this book! I hope that many take advantage of this excellent work. Tolle Lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Reformation Heritage Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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