I recently had the opportunity to read John MacArthur’s new book Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ, and I wanted to provide a brief review.
STRENGTHS:
- This book is a helpful introduction to the issue of what it means to be a slave to Christ. In our me-centered culture, we need to be constantly reminded that, as Christians, we don’t exist for ourselves. MacArthur reminds us that we are slaves of Christ, and that as slaves, we are bound to obey Christ in everything.
- The book also is a helpful introduction to our various identities in Christ. MacArthur talks about what it means to be a slave of Christ, to be adopted as sons, and to be citizens of God’s kingdom. He also explores the implications of each of these identities, discussing how we should live as slaves, sons, and citizens.
- MacArthur goes into a significant amount of Reformed theology in the book. He explains the doctrines of depravity, election, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints very well.
WEAKNESSES:
- In the introduction to the book, MacArthur claims that the concept of slavery to Christ has been “covered up” through our current Bible translations. That may be true, in the sense that the word “slave” may not show up, but I don’t believe that the concept of slavery to Christ is a new one, or even a rediscovered one. As a Christian I understand that I’m called to obey Christ at all times, in all places, without question. I think many other Christians understand this as well.
- The book seemed a bit disjointed at times. The issue of slavery to Christ seemed to get lost in the discussion about our identity as sons and citizens. Given that the book is titled Slave, I was hoping for a more concentrated discussion of what it means to be a slave to Christ.
Overall, I would say that this book was good, but not great. If you are unfamiliar with the doctrine of slavery to Christ, this book would be a very helpful introduction.
VERDICT: 3 out of 5 (Good)
