Salvation

Dr. Earl Radmacher's book on salvation is a well written, convincingly presented and Scripturally grounded discussion on the subject. Covering a diverse range of topics, Dr. Radmacher handles controversial issues with firmness and grace. The book appears daunting at first, with seventeen chapters and two appendixes. The author broke up the chapters into six manageable sections. Although it seems strange to comment on the organization of the book, the way this book has been presented ensures that it will remain on my shelf as a reference for many years to come. He opens the book with a discussion on God's provision of salvation. Early on, he breaks salvation down into three essential categories: justification, sanctification and glorification. Once he is done with basic definitions, he distills God's purpose in salvation down to the truth that ultimately, God's greatest motivation in redeeming sinners is that His glory might be praised through all eternity. Also in this first section Dr. Radmacher discusses the nature of Christ, and how He was a fit substitute for us. And not only our sin-bearer, but also our faithful high-priest! He then moves on to a discussion of God's plan for salvation from "eternity to eternity". It is amazing how Dr. Radmacher is able to take complex issues such as predestination, foreknowledge and the eternal state and address them all very clearly in a single chapter! The next three sections were the most on topic for this class. In sections 2 through 4, Radmacher talks about God's accomplishments in salvation, the invitation, and the act of regeneration. This section of the book challenged me. The majority of the book I was able to read, and walk away encouraged and convicted by the Scriptural truths presented. However, in the section where Dr. Radmacher addresses repentance and justification, my personal understanding of the ordo salutus was challenged. Dr. Radmacher makes the observation that repentance is not necessary for salvation, and in fact, many may be saved who have never repented. Although I understand most of his argumentation on this issue, this is an area over which I will need to do more prayerful study. The final two sections of the book have to do with an explanation of salvation in the form of sanctification, and also with the security of the believer. Again, Dr. Radmacher impressed me with his ability to address such difficult issues in a way that is so easily understood. Because of Dr. Radmacher's "pedigree", I anticipated this to be a rather dry, scholarly book. Instead, I found a book that challenges and convicts, teaches and encourages and actually creates a devotional atmosphere at times. I strongly recommend this book for anyone looking for good illustrations on how to make the complex simple. When it comes to evangelization, how can we deliver a message confidently if we do not first wrestle with our understanding of what this salvation is? This book would be a powerful tool in the arsena

Dr. Earl Radmacher of Western Seminary in Portland, OR does a maginficent job in describing all parts and facets of this word salvation in the book titled the same. Salvation is the message of all of Scripture and is the very reason for our hope and faith in Christ alone for it. The words of the Phillipian jailer resonate throughout the ages, "What must I do to be saved"? Dr. Radmacher does a thorough job of answering that question as well as the other aspects of salvation such as sanctification, temporal deliverance and glorification. If you are seeking to better understand this often misused and misunderstood word Dr. Radmacher's book is for you. I would encourage all students of the Scripture to pick this one up. Its a must for any library.

I read Dr Radmacher's Book "Salvation" a few years ago. It is excellent and fairly easy to read. Radmacher is very precise, acurate and holds the readers attention. DR Radmacher has spoken at bible conferneces at my church three different times. As a speaker he is captivating , brilliant and loves God's Word! If you ever get a chance to hear him don't miss it!

"Salvation" by Dr. Radmacher is a wonderful study of all God has done for mankind expressed through His Son, Jesus Christ. It well written and is easy to read and understand. The book emphasizes God's plan of salvation in all of its aspects and how we receive this gift by simple belief. God's grace is emphasized throughout the book and was a reminder that God's greatness is expressed in providing us a way of relationship with Him without lowering His perfect standards to let us in. Theological terms are defined throughout the text and explained so that any reader will grasp their meaning and importance. Also, one is not left guessing as to where the author stands on any point. This book is a great study and should be very helpful to new or growing believers. I highly recommend it.