Encountering God: Christian Faith in Turbulent Times
Reviewed by Gerrit Scott Dawson, October 1, 2001
Encountering God is the finest introduction to the Reformed faith I’ve ever seen. Lay people will understand it, pastors will be moved and theologians will marvel at the clear, fresh expression of deep and ancient truths.
Professors at Pittsburgh Seminary with experience in the parish, Purves and Partee weave together personal stories, generous quotes from Calvin, questions of the hour and solid Biblical work in a book that is soundly orthodox yet attuned to the current struggles in our church and culture. Union with Christ is the foundational concept for everything in the Christian life and all the discussions in the book. “For Christ’s work to benefit us, we must be united with him and he with us” (p. 21). This union occurs as the principal work of the Holy Spirit in creating the faith in us which joins with the Son of God who became incarnate, suffered, died, rose and ascended for our sake. This mystical union introduces us to the splendors of the Triune God and his work in the world.
So the book proceeds with a chapter each on the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as well as discussion of the sacraments, the meaning of forgiveness, sanctification, suffering, prayer, Scripture, assurance and even (!) predestination. Throughout, Purves and Partee are relentlessly Reformed in maintaining that, as Calvin says, all parts of our salvation are accomplished by Christ. Recognizing how our whole lives are all of Christ releases fresh energy and motivation for obedience and service.
If I had to quibble, I’d ask the authors to go a little further in exploring the subject of separation from God, what happens to those who have not heard or refuse the gospel, and the reality of hell – questions perennially on the minds of those in the pew who discuss the basics of faith. Meanwhile, I want everyone in our congregation to read this book. It is absolutely vital to the daily living of Christian life and the current turmoil in the denomination. This is a book to celebrate!
Gerrit Scott Dawson is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Lenoir, N.C. and the author of
I Am With You Always: Meeting Jesus in Every Season of Life.