Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

Slave, by John MacArthur, is well-written blend of history and theology, combining a description of slavery in both Roman times and in colonial America with a fluid comparison to our lives as we move from slaves to sin, to chosen slaves of Christ, to adopted sons and daughters of the King!

While MacArthur writes in the typical tone of a theology text, quoting George Muller, John Newton, Andrew Murry, and a host of other great Christian writers throughout the centuries, he is also practical in providing applications of his ideas to our everyday lives as Christians.  

There were two points that I found myself thinking more about since finishing the book:

1.  “In the Roman slave market, decisions regarding the slave’s future rested solely in the hands on the purchaser, not the one being sold. Similarly, the Bible teaches that God has chosen His slaves by His own sovereign independent, electing choice.  …  He pursued us even though we did not seek Him, drawing us to Himself and snatching us from the clutches and condemnation of sin.” (p132) “In all of this, we as believers can take no credit.” (p148)

2.  “Whereas a master/slave relationship might be temporary, a father/son relationship is not. As Jesus told the unbelieving Pharisees, underscoring the axiomatic nature of this reality, ‘The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever’ (John 8:35).  … The doctrine of adoption establishes the reality that believers once save, are always saved.” (p170)

I’m not sure I agree 100% with everything MacArthur said in this book, but it was well-supported with scripture and presented in an understandable, although a little long winded, manner that made me think and had me praising God for his mercy and grace many times.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not encouraged or required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Published by Thomas Nelson, copyright 2010 by John MacArthur.

ISBN: 978-1-4002-8111-4 (IE)