Barrett’s Book Notes: Schaeffer, Piper, and Hamilton

Each week executive editor, Matthew Barrett, highlights new books that Christians should be made aware of and may find helpful. Check back each week to see what is new on the bookshelf.

Francis A. Schaeffer. The Finished Work of Christ: The Truth of Romans 1-8. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013.

Crossway has released a slick looking edition of Francis A. Schaeffer’s book, The Finished Work of Christ: The Truth of Romans 1-8. If this book is of interest to you then check out the Credo Magazine issue “Schaeffer at 100,” which is filled with a number of articles on the life and thought of this man.

John Piper. Does God Desire All to Be Saved? Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013.

This little book, parts of which were originally published as an essay in Still Sovereign (eds. Thomas Schreiner and Bruce Ware), had a major impact on me when I first read it and every time I’ve read it since. Piper so clearly and powerful explains biblical distinctions in the will of God. Piper’s articulation of the “two wills” of God is one that I constantly use when I teach on divine providence and the doctrine of salvation. Buy this book!

James M. Hamilton Jr. The Bible’s Big Story: Salvation History for Kids. Fearn, Ross-shire: Christian Focus, 2013.

I love finding new books that explain to my kids the storyline of Scripture. I am excited about this new one by James Hamilton. Illustrated by Tessa Janes, it is short, to the point, and perfect for my 3 year old’s short attention span. At the same time it conveys the essence of the Bible’s storyline.

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University, as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. He is the author and editor of several books, including Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration. You can read about Barrett’s other publications at matthewmbarrett.com.