The Gospel According to the Apostles: The Role of Works in the Life of Faith

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

Book Overview

The apostles understood the Gospel as they learned from and personally lived alongside Jesus, and these lessons became the heart of their message to an unsaved world. But what does their perspective mean for modern Christians, and how can we read the Bible through their unique lens today?

Following the release of his bestselling book The Gospel According to Jesus, Dr. MacArthur noticed that...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785271805
• ISBN13: 9780785271802
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 266 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Once again, the master preacher does not disappoint

Once again, the master preacher does not disappoint - this is exactly what we in the Evangelical church ought to be hearing today. Christopher Catherwood, author of CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (Zondervan, 2003)

A Masterful Defense of the Biblical Gospel

My wise pastor once told me, "When two people take diametrically opposite, incompatible positions on a subject, one of them is right and the other is wrong, or they are both wrong, but they cannot both be right." John MacArthur's view of the Gospel is diametically opposite and incompatible with the gospel of Charles Ryrie, Zane Hodges, et. al. When it comes to the subject of salvation, one had better figure out who or what is right, since his or her eternal destiny is at stake.John MacArthur Jr. masterfully expounds and defends the Gospel of Jesus Christ (as revealed in the Gospels), the Gospel proclaimed by the Apostles, the Gospel of the Bible.If you've read or are considering reading a book by those of the so called "free grace" position, you owe it to yourself to read this book. Then read the New Testament and decide for yourself which "gospel" is the true, biblical Gospel.

Effectively deals with cheap grace

First, I should point out that one of my all-time favorites--The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonoeffer--is in the same mold as MacArthur's book. I highly recommend it. As far as The Gospel According to Jesus, I was impressed with his exegesis. I believe that he is right on. Christians ought to understand that they have been provided a gift, and the idea of sanctification is not just an option but imperative. Certainly we cannot earn the grace of God, but neither do we prove God's grace by sinning like hell. This is the message MacArthur effectively communicates in this book.

Faith Works!

Clear, concise, compelling affirmation of just what constitutes saving faith in Scripture. A powerful follow-up volume to Gospel According to Jesus. Because of the rampant confusion in today's church/society regarding the Gospel, this book is a welcome addition to the contra-easy-believism arsenal. In equation form, the book can be summarized: Faith= Salvation+Works. Not to be confused with what some perceive: Faith+Works=Salvation. Also defines the nature of what is included as a precondition for true faith:Repentance. Not just a change of mind about Who Jesus is; not just sorrow or remorse over sin or recognition of need, but U-turn, 180 degree about face turning from sin and turning to Christ. Tony Evans says it best: You're driving South on the interstate, going the wrong way, away from God. Take the next exit/off-ramp - repentance!. Take the overpass of grace and head for the next on-ramp going North - restoration/recovery! Now, merge onto the interstate by the Holy Spirit's power heading North as a disciple following Jesus to the Father. That's Biblical Repentance, Saving Faith and Discipleship. If there is a Root, there must be Fruit. No Fruit? No Root! Excellent resource for Sunday School, Home Groups, personal study.

Deals a Death Blow to "Easy Believe-ism"

Dr. MacArthur's book is without a doubt one of the finest books on the relationship between faith and works. While Christians are saved by grace; "solo gracia" and by faith alone "solo fide" this in no way exempts them from living a life of holiness.Dr. MacArthur, through a masterful illustration using numerous scripture references, shows how that the grace that saves is an active, vibrant grace that is efficacious in the life of the believer, that even though we are saved by "faith alone," it is not a "faith that is alone." The Holy Spirit is at work mightily within the life of the undeserving, hell-bound, but redeemed person, "to will and to work of His own good pleasure." Those that have trusted on human merit, a dry-eyed confession, and simply walking an aisle to shake hands with a minister for a salvation experience should read this book carefully and "examine themselves to see if they are in the faith." Dr. MacArthur's work will go a long way in the edification of the Body of Christ, and combatting the rampant apostasy regarding the study of salvation.