Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 03:1 (Spring 1999)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

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JMAT 3:1 (Spr 99) p. 98

Book Reviews

Demarest, Bruce. The Cross and Salvation. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 1997.

Bruce Demarest has been Professor of Theology at Denver Seminary since 1975 and has lectured at major seminaries all over the world. He was awarded the Ph.D. degree from the University of Manchester in England. He is the author of several books. His book The Cross and Salvation is one in a series of books on the Foundations of Evangelical Theology edited by John S. Feinberg.

Demarest presents a biblical and systematic theology of soteriology in The Cross and Salvation.

He divides his book into six parts: (1) the plan of salvation, (2) the provision of salvation, (3) the application of salvation—subjective aspects, (4) the application of salvation—objective aspects, (5) the progress of salvation, and (6) the perfecting of salvation. For each of the key doctrines of salvation he gives introductory concerns, historical interpretations, a biblical exposition, and practical implications. The following soteriological doctrines are analyzed: grace, election, atonement, divine calling, conversion, regeneration, union with Christ, justification, sanctification, preservation, perseverance, and glorification. The end notes reveal extensive research. The scripture index and general index make the book a handy reference tool.

The plan of salvation (part one) explains the different views of salvation, the order of salvation, grace and election. Demarest emphasizes that the Bible is a book about salvation. Roman Catholics believe that salvation is mediated through the sacraments of the church. Theological liberals reject the fall of the human race and believe that salvation is the moral transformation of persons by right conduct and good works. Christian existentialists believe that salvation is the personal realization of authentic existence through the elimination of anxiety and the realization of one’s full potential. Liberation theologians view salvation as the overthrow of unjust and corrupting social institutions by revolution and violence, if necessary. Followers of Barth believe that salvation is something God decisively accomplished at Calvary and that the unrepentant need to understand that they have already been elected in Christ. Evangelical Arminians believe that God desires the salvation of all and that He has provided prevenient grace to sinners so they can choose to respond to the gospel. Arminians believe that the grace

JMAT 3:1 (Spr 99) p. 99

and calling of God can be resisted, that election is based on foresight, and that Christians by sinning can fall from the state of grace, forfeit salvation and end up in hell. Reformed evangelicals believe that salvation is by grace...

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