Christ’s Doctrine of the Atonement by George Smeaton, published by the Banner of Truth Trust, is a treasure trove of teaching on the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. This book is part one of a two-part series that deals with all of the New Testament passages on the atoning work of Christ (part two is entitled The Apostles’ Doctrine of the Atonement).
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Christ’s Doctrine of the Atonement
Christ’s Doctrine of the Atonement deals with all of the passages in the four Gospels about the atonement, while the second book (The Apostles’ Doctrine of the Atonement) deals with the rest of the New Testament (Acts-Revelation) passages on the atonement. This is an amazing set of books that is truly a gift to the church of Christ! Imagine picking up a book that is focused on all that the Bible has to say in regards to Christ’s work on behalf of sinners. That’s what you get in this book!
This book was originally published in 1868. There is no doubt that Smeaton was living in a day (much like our own) when many were teaching about the atonement in ways that are biblically inaccurate. These different theories of the atonement are dishonoring to the Lord and are an attack on the gospel as well as God’s own character.
Smeaton wrote to set forth the truth of the atonement as taught in God’s Word, and he certainly didn’t take any shortcuts! In only eight chapters and just over 400 pages (plus an appendix), Smeaton covers a ton of territory! Not only that, but he also does so in a very understandable way, making this book accessible for ministers as well as their flocks.
This doesn’t mean that one should read through this book like a novel. It should be read through slowly if one desires to get the most out of the book. This book is sure to encourage God’s children, drawing them closer to the Triune God who has offered us eternal life through the atoning work of Christ on our behalf!
Related Article: Who Is Jesus Christ?
Sections of Christ’s Doctrine of the Atonement
Smeaton discusses so many different aspects of Christ’s work in this book that I cannot mention even most of them. Let me provide just a small sampling of the sections that you’ll find in this book:
- The atonement a divine provision to put away sin and all its consequences
- Divine love providing the atonement; or the Love of God in harmony with justice as the only channel of life
- Sayings of Jesus referring to a sending by the Father
- The influence of Christ’s deity in the matter of the atonement
- Christ consciously fulfilling all that was written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms concerning Himself
- Christ offering Himself, that His followers might be sanctified in truth
- Christ laying down His life for the sheep, and thus becoming the actual Shepherd of the sheep
- The efficacious character of the atonement; or the special reference of the death of Christ to a people given Him
That is just a tiny sample of the many sections that are found in this book. Do not those titles provide enough to make you want to read this book?
Appearance
This physical book itself is a piece of art. Banner books never disappoint me. The hardcover is a typical banner book with the pages beautifully sewn. The dust jacket is probably one of my favorites that Banner has produced. The image is of Falkland in Fife, Scotland. I believe that the church on the cover is a picture of the church in which Smeaton ministered (though it is no longer standing). Beautiful book!
Conclusion
It is a book of rich, delightful treasure that will satisfy your soul! How could one not want to read a book that focuses on Christ and His work on our behalf? I can’t recommend this book highly enough! Take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Banner of Truth Trust for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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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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