The Work of Christ (Contours of Christian Theology) [Paperback]

Robert Letham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Contours of Christian Theology | Publication Date: June 7, 1993

In The Work of Christ Robert Letham shapes his discussion around the threefold office of Christ as prophet, priest and king. Within this framework he explores the issues of Christ and the Word of God, the nature and theories of the atonement, and the cosmic and corporate dimensions of the mediatorial kingship of Christ. At crucial points the viewpoints of significant Christian thinkers, from the church fathers to comtemporary theolgians and biblical scholars, are introduced and brought into the conversation. Lucidly written and clearly presented, this is a soundly orthodox and engaging presentation of what Christ has done. It is a welcome starting point for students of theology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (June 7, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830815325
• ISBN-13: 978-0830815326
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book! Great Series! Not for Beginners!, April 6, 2011

By 

Justin Hyde - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Work of Christ (Contours of Christian Theology) (Paperback)

Letham's book is a classic. This is an essential volume in an important series (Contours of Christian Theology). I have read a few other books in this series and each of them has proved helpful and enriching, including E. Clowney's The Church and S. Ferguson's The Holy Spirit. All three wonderful books.

The Work of Christ is divided into four parts. In part one, Letham lays the groundwork for the rest of the book. Parts 2, 3, and 4 deal with Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, respectively. The appendix "The Intent of the Atonement" is worth the price of the book. In it, Letham outlines the post-Reformation debate surrounding the doctrine of atonement.

He highlights four distinct positions:

1. Universalism, the view that all are saved; Christ died with the intention of atoning for all people without exception and that the outcome of his saving work is that all without exception are saved.
2. J. Arminius' view that Christ died with the intention of saving all people without exception. Not all, however, are saved.
3. Limited Atonement, the view that the efficacy of the atonement was limited to the elect; Christ died with the intention of atoning for the elect only.
4. M. Amyraut's view of hypothetical universalism which maintains that Christ died for all without exception. God in his foreknowledge, however, recognizing that all would not trust Christ, decreed to save a certain number.

Letham's book highlights what is at stake in the debate over the atonement: Who spends eternity with Christ and how?

This book is not for beginners. This is a dense theological text. Yet this book serves as an essential volume for those serious students dealing with the intricacies of this all-important doctrine.