Book Reviews -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 02:1 (Spring 1991)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous


Book Reviews

Jay E. Adams. From Forgiven to Forgiving. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1989. 168 pages. $14.05 (paper). Reviewed by Irvin A. Busenitz, Professor of Bible and Old Testament.

From Forgiven to Forgiving “is a practical approach to reconciling relationships and entering into a deeper walk with the Lord” (p. 7), according to James Kennedy’s preface to the book. In the words of the author, the book has been written “to provide a simple, easy to read reference volume for the average Christian—something he can read, then turn to again and again as the need arises.” And “to encounter most of the principal errors currently believed or taught by various persons in the Christian church” (p. 9). It is quickly evident in the opening chapters of the book that Adams’ goals have, for the most part, been attained. The book is easy to read, practical, and stimulating. Titles of twenty succinct chapters are descriptive, providing guidance to specific topics with relative ease.

The author begins with a discussion of what forgiveness is as well as what it is not, countering a number of popular notions of the nature of forgiveness. Using Eph 4:32 as his base, he sees forgiveness not as a feeling but rather as a promise, a promise that God will not hold our sins against us. From that point, he moves into the practical areas related to forgiveness and treats matters such as forgiving seven times a day (Luke 17:3–10), forgiveness and unbelievers, keeping the promise, obstacles to forgiveness, and other pertinent topics.

Adams is unafraid to challenge some principal errors and common misconceptions. For example, he concludes that one can truly forgive out of duty (p. 29). On the basis of Matt 18:15–20, he disputes the notions that forgiveness can or should be granted even when not asked for (pp. 31-32) and that we must forgive no matter what response we get from the other person (pp. 37-38), contending that “if we were to grant forgiveness to a brother apart from his repentance and desire for forgiveness, then why bother with the process?” (p. 37). He continues, “God is not interested in forgiveness as an end in itself, or as a therapeutic technique that benefits the one doing the forgiving. He wants reconciliation to take place and that can only be brought about by repentance” (pp. 37-38).

In his vintage style, the author tells it like it is. He frequently interacts with (sometimes complimenting, sometimes contradicting) well-known people who discuss the subject, such as David Augsburger,

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