In Christ Alone is a collection of previously published articles by Sinclair B. Ferguson. I used the fifty short chapters as devotionals, daily in theory, in reality it took me longer than a month and a half to work my way through it.
I have to admit that I had never heard of Sinclair Ferguson let alone read anything by him before picking up this book, but I’m glad I took the chance. I found it easy to read, but with enough meat to it to. Ferguson talks about Christ, but also about the Christian Life. I like that he sticks to basics and backs his stories and thoughts up with scripture. Like any collection, some of the pieces really struck me, some I only found mildly interesting, but overall I’m glad I read it.
While the book talked about Christ and the Gospel, about prayer and faith, what will probably stick with me most is a new appreciation of the book of Hebrews in the Bible. It’s one that I tend to gloss over, but the chapters that referred to it made me look at it again, appreciate how it truly connects the Old and New Testaments.
In Christ Alone also refers to a worship hymn by the same name and quotes part of it. It’s actually one of my favorites, so I thought I’d share the lyrics with you.
In Christ Alone
by Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied –
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine –
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
Honestly, for Christians, this is a good book, maybe not earth-shattering, but a good return to the basics, a reminder that Jesus should be at the center of our lives.
Purchase at Amazon or an Indie bookstore.
256 pages
Published December 15th 2007 by Ligonier Ministries
4 out of 5 stars
I purchased my copy and the above is my honest opinion.
This one looks like a great one to use as a devotional. We all need reminders 🙂
I agree with Stacy. This seems like a good reminder for us.
The book has a lovely cover.
sounds inspirational. I like that you say he backs up his stories with scripture.