The Mark of the Christian (IVP Classics) [Paperback]

Francis A. Schaeffer (Author), James W. Sire (Foreword)

Book Description

Series: IVP Classics | Publication Date: November 30, 2006

"It is possible to be a Christian without showing the mark, but if we expect non-Christians to know that we are Christians, we must show the mark." Christians have not always presented an inviting picture to the world. Too often we have failed to show the beauty of authentic Christian love. And the world has disregarded Christianity as a result. In our era of global violence and sectarian intolerance, the church needs to hear anew the challenge of this book. Decades ago Francis Schaeffer exhorted, "Love--and the unity it attests to--is the mark Christ gave Christians to wear before the world. Only with this mark may the world know that Christians are indeed Christians and that Jesus was sent by the Father." More than ever, the church needs to respond compassionately to a needy world. More than ever, we need to show the Mark.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Features & Benefits

*A new edition of an IVP classic *Presents love as the ultimate apologetic for the faith *Describes what a true Christian witness looks like in our needy and broken world

About the Author

About the Author

Francis A. Schaeffer founded the L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and was the author of many books, including The God Who Is There. Until his death in 1984, he was also a noted speaker with a worldwide ministry. His ministry continues through his books, with over two million copies in print.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 63 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books; 2nd edition (November 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830834079
• ISBN-13: 978-0830834075
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #101,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #32 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living > Discipleship
  • #53 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Devotionals
  • #70 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Worship & Devotion > Devotionals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for all followers of Christ, May 10, 2002

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mark of the Christian (Paperback)

Christian theologian and philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-84) wrote this pamphlet (38 pages) as a warning to fellow believers. Beginning with Jesus' admonition in John 13:33-35 that his followers should love one another, Dr. Schaeffer goes on to explain the love that a Christian *must* have, and how that love should be manifested. In particular, this book is advice on how Christians of differing denominations should love each other, and how they can avoid the pitfalls of showing their love in the wrong way. The book ends with a poem selected by Dr. Schaeffer to accompany this text; it is quite moving, and worth being read in its own right.

Although written in 1970, this book could have been written yesterday...I suppose you would have to say that it is timeless. This book is quite touching, and should be required reading for all followers of Christ. I highly recommend this book!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To show the world that the Father has sent the Son!, April 12, 2000

By 

Idee (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mark of the Christian (Paperback)

Some of you might have thought, "What an old booklet it is! " when you saw the publishing year of this piece. Well, I must admit that I thought it's rather thin in size. Nevertheless, the message was strong enough: to love one another, as I have loved you, so that the world may know that the Father has sent me, and they will see that you are truly followers of mine. The message has a very clear structure and the author pointes out the aspects that I seldom thought of when I read the New Testament. By the way, he "speaks", rather than "writes" the book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the brethren, January 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mark of the Christian (Paperback)

Schaeffer's tiny booklet is a must for anyone who calls themselves a Christian. In it, Schaeffer shows that Christianity is not simply about right answers or intellectual belief, but about a deep, heart-felt love. We may be able to share a perfect gospel presentation and logically and concisely answer all objections, but as Schaeffer says, our "final apologetic" is that the world sees us love each other. Christians can do infinitely more harm with all our bickering and in-fighting that we could ever do good with mere words.