Scripture and the People of God: Essays in Honor of Wayne Grudem

by Wayne Grudem (Editor), John DelHousaye (Contributor)

Scripture is the foundation for all of Christian life and ministry, but in our current age it is being challenged, doubted, and, in many cases, simply ignored. Wayne Grudem, one of evangelicalism’s best-known theologians and authors, has worked tirelessly throughout his life to demonstrate the necessity, sufficiency, and centrality of Scripture. In his honor, Grudem’s friends and colleagues, including John Piper, Thomas R. Schreiner, Sam Storms, Vern S. Poythress, John M. Frame, Gregg R. Allison, Erik Thoennes, and John DelHousaye, have compiled a series of essays on various topics central to Grudem’s life and teaching. Exploring topics such as the nature of Scripture, the relationship between Scripture and doctrine, and the role of Scripture in life and ministry, this volume stands as a testimony to the enduring worth of God’s Word.

Genres: Scripture, Theology

384 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 2018

About the author

Wayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge; DD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is research professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary, having previously taught for 20 years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Grudem earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, as well as an MDiv from Westminster Seminary. He is the former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, a cofounder and past president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, a member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, the general editor of the ESV Study Bible, and has published over 20 books, including Systematic Theology, Evangelical Feminism, Politics—According to the Bible, and Business for the Glory of God.

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scripture and the People of God is an amazing opportunity to dig deep and allow Scripture to transform your heart and mind. With sections dedicated to Systematic Theology, Biblical Studies, and Pastoral Ministry, it guides us through a thoughtful journey to understand, embrace, and apply God’s truth in every part of our lives.

While this book serves as a beautiful tribute to Wayne Grudem; it also stands as a deep exploration of the power and importance of Scripture. Each essay is a deep dive – taking us further into the richness of God’s Word and challenging us to live it out more fully.

The contributors bring their own unique perspectives, sharing a deep love and respect for God’s Word. God is tied to His Word. It’s not just text on a page – it’s His voice, His truth – it is God-breathed!

From the Trinity’s role in the Bible’s authorship to the hope of Jesus’ return, each essay deepened my understanding and left me with a renewed, rejuvenated commitment to live out God’s Word. I found myself particularly moved by the essay on the Trinity’s role in the Bible’s authorship, and the discussion of Jesus’ return left me with a renewed sense of hope and readiness. The book doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, like the reality that sowing God’s Word often comes with tears and heartache, but it also points to the ultimate joy of seeing God glorified through our obedience.

Here are just a few of the hundreds of quotes that resonated with me:
• … viewing Scripture as divine speech act helps to emphasize the intimate relationship between God and His Word.
• ... "Jesus Christ is coming again” as a promise intended to evoke hopeful trust in the Lord’s return (e.g., John 14:1-3), but as a warning its goal is to stimulate attentiveness (e.g., Matthew 24:36-44).
• The divine authorship of Scripture is shorthand for the fact that Scripture is Trinitarian communication: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit work inseparably to author the Word of God.
• In light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness, the gracious provision of the Son of God to die as the substitute for our sins was the most unexpected event and undeserved expression of mercy in all of history.
• The hard work of sowing God’s Word, sowing the Gospel, sowing through serving, is often done with tears. It’s often done with a broken heart and tear-filled eyes.
• When we delight in God and obey His commands, He is glorified through our lives.

This book is an amazing reminder that Scripture isn’t just something to be read – it is something to be honored, loved, and lived out. And these essays? They’re a challenge to do just that.

I received a copy of Scripture and the People of God from Crossway. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on how true it is to Scripture, the writing style, the pacing, and the content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the essays were good, but had to be squeezed into 15 pages, which meant none of them went into as much depth as they could have. I would definitely want to do further reading in every one of the contributors' stuff, so it was good for seeing what's out there. Frame's essay on Scripture's self-attestation was great. Poythress' stuff on perspectivalism and the trinity deserves another read. And Storms on the gifts and the sufficiency of scripture was great also.

Also apparently Grudem has conceded he didn't have some of his trinitarian stuff right. Would love to do more reading on that and how that impacts what he's written in previous books (are there going to be new editions with retractions/qualifications? etc.)

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the variety in these works. Some of the articles are over my head, but many are very practical in their theological application. The Word is honored throughout with much biblical support for arguments. Mahaney’s chapter on pastoral faithfulness was excellent. Also Hughes on preaching was outstanding. Since I attended Trinity and Phoenix I can relate to some of the stories.