Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 33:64 (Spring 2020)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

JOTGES 33:64 (Spring 2020) p. 101

Book Reviews

Philippians: Pursuing Christ to Know Him—A Commentary. By Thomas W. Finley. NP: NP, 2014. 135 pp. Paper, free.

Thomas Finley wrote this commentary on Philippians and offers it free of charge (though it is listed for $6.33 on Amazon). On the copyright page Finley writes, “Permission is granted to copy, translate, reprint or distribute this book. Free distribution is encouraged.” His purpose in producing the book is to help leaders and believers in developing countries. In many of these countries, Free Grace material is greatly needed.

In keeping with its purpose, it is not what many would consider an academic book. However, Finley does go verse by verse through Philippians. Pastors and laymen alike can benefit from the book. In addition, since Free Grace commentaries are a minority in the academic world, all can see Philippians in a new light by reading this book.

While many come to Philippians and find verses they think support Lordship Salvation’s view of faith, Finley rightly points out that Paul’s purpose in writing the book was to thank the Philippians for their participation in his work of advancing the gospel. This included their financial support of that work.

In order to keep supporting this work, the Philippians needed to be unified. They also needed to know Christ more intimately (p. 7).

Finley makes it clear that knowing Christ is not the same thing as being eternally saved. This is a mistake Reformed and Lordship Salvation teachers almost always make. Finley says that in Phil 3:10, knowing Christ deals with discipleship. It involves obeying Christ and following Him. He makes it clear that this results in rewards and is not a requirement for receiving eternal life (pp. 64–65).

Regarding the widely misunderstood Phil 1:6, Finley remarks that the “good work” Paul refers to is the partnership the Philippians have with Paul in the work of the gospel. The completion of that work is related to the “day of Jesus Christ” (the Judgment Seat of Christ,

JOTGES 33:64 (Spring 2020) p. 102

the Bema) when believers will be rewarded for such good works (pp. 13–15).

The “deliverance” or salvation that Paul prays for in 1:19 is for Christ to be manifested in his life, especially during the difficulties and suffering he was experiencing. Paul wanted Christ to be honored during those times (pp. 26–27). While most understand that Paul is not talking about eternal salvation in 1:19, the...