The Nine Beatitudes – Craig Munro

This is the second book in a series bearing the overall title 10-1. The author’s plan is to deal with important subjects identified by numbers in a descending order, hence The Ten Commandments is followed now by the Nine Beatitudes, the words spoken by the Lord Jesus at the opening of those chapters usually referred to as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ in Matthew chapters 5-7.

These ‘blessings’, which have been the subject of written and spoken ministry over many years, provide for us certain moral features which should mark those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. Some expositors confine these principles to a yet future day of kingdom manifestation. Munro, while allowing for dispensational teaching, explains in clear detail that they have a present and practical voice for believers today.

The characteristics of each beatitude are outlined, followed by the anticipated outcome promised by the Lord Jesus to those who manifest these qualities.

The scripture references given to substantiate the narrative are reproduced in full as footnotes. While this limits the amount of text on some pages, this reviewer found it preferable to have the verses quoted ready to hand, rather than constantly having to break into the flow of the subject to find and read the appropriate scripture.

Throughout the book the reader is encouraged to see the Lord Jesus as the perfect example of each statement in turn. He alone can truly display all moral perfection and ultimately receive the acclaim and blessing bestowed upon the One to whom the kingdom rightfully belongs.

Although this book would not claim to be in any sense an exhaustive work on the subject, it encourages and challenges the reader to an exercise of self-examination and further study of these verses.