Journal: Puritan Reformed Journal
Volume: PRJ 01:1 (Jan 2009)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

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PRJ 1:1 (January 2009) p. 213

Book Reviews

Beeke, Joel R. Heirs With Christ: The Puritans on Adoption (Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008), hardback, 134 pages.

The Westminster Confession was the first church confession to include a chapter on spiritual adoption. This doctrine shaped the way the Puritans lived out their Christian experience. Joel Beeke uncovers the depth of Puritan writing on this important subject.

This book is not only a historical analysis of a doctrine, however; Heirs With Christ is filled with practical insight on the heart of Christianity, as well as aids for the reader to grow in greater love and devotion to our elder brother, Jesus Christ.

Beeke argues that adoption does more than affect our relationship with God; it also transforms our responsibilities. He shows how the Puritans urged the Christian to live out his adoption in ways that transform his relationship to his family, church, and the whole of creation. The Christian’s “sonship” is one of promise! Beeke says, “Jesus…urges His disciples to let their thoughts and lives be controlled by the conviction that God is now their Father and they are His children, and that He knows all their needs. The child of God is to...live his whole life in relation to his Father, remembering that the Father has promised each child His kingdom.”

This book is packed with helpful insight on Christian living and will be enjoyed by the seasoned saint and new convert alike. It contains many thoughts worthy of meditation and useful for living in closer relationship with God. In expected Beeke style, the weaving of Puritanism with present day application is a refreshing approach to historical theology.

Heirs With Christ is a great reminder of all of the benefits that believers receive at their adoption. As Presbyterians, we have always believed that our adoption was one with great benefits (see WCF 12). Beeke takes up each of these benefits and brings new light on this old

PRJ 1:1 (January 2009) p. 214

truth. Take time to reflect on what it means to be the children of God and co-heirs with Christ!

Nathan Eshelman

Beeke, Joel R. Living For God’s Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism (Lake Mary, Fla.: Reformation Trust, 2008), hardcover, 416 pages.

With next year’s 500th birthday of John Calvin being commemorated in various ways, the Christian bookstores are seeing more and more books that discuss the legacy of John Calvin. This should be bitter-sweet to those of us who are called Calvinists. We are more than happy to see the amount of Christian “publicity” that this is making for the Reformed faith. On the ot...

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