Key Bible Concepts

This is a reprint of a book first published in 1997 and contains a series of seventeen articles initially published in the Russian Teacher’s Newspaper Uchitelskaya Gazeta. The preface indicates that the purpose of those articles was to explain the ‘technical terms that the Bible uses in order to define its basic doctrines’. Corresponding to the number of the original articles, there are seventeen chapters in the book that take the reader, in a logical and orderly way, through the fundamental truths of the Christian faith regarding salvation.

It begins with a consideration of the holiness of God followed by a chapter focusing upon the subject of sin. In subsequent chapters the meaning of certain key biblical words and terms are clearly explained such as reconciliation, justification, redemption, repentance, eternal life, and sanctification. Four of the chapters focus upon the theme of faith, establishing that to believe in Christ is not a ‘leap in the dark’ but an intelligent response to very clear evidence. Two chapters deal with final judgement and contain a very clear exposition on what is embraced in the ‘second death’ and why that judgement must be eternal.

Throughout the book these important themes are clearly expounded and there is no shortage of very relevant and simple illustrations to help the reader to understand what is being taught. In a day when one fears that the truth of these fundamental doctrines is not always appreciated or understood as they should, this is a most helpful and instructive book, one that should not only be read by every believer but also retained on the bookshelf for reference.

[Our thanks to Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, London, UK, for this review]