Who Will Deliver Us?

Paul Zahl effectively and simply tells of the powerful truths of Christianity in Who Will Deliver Us? This is one of the best books that I've read on the problem of sin and its effects and the solution of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Zahl paints an accurate and damning picture of humanity's situation apart from the atonement and intervention of Jesus. He reveals the fear, bondage and anxiety that we all face. He intelligently describes the tools and acts we use to try to accomodate these negativities in our lives. These are ineffective to solving the deep problems we face. Zahl then illustrates how Jesus Christ brings salvation and freedom. Zahl emphasizes that Jesus does not make us better or more capable people; he makes us new creations and imputes to us his own righteousness without any help from us. Zahl writes, "God is principally defined by his shame and dereliction on the cross." People know God and are transformed through Jesus Christ crucified. We are healed when we turn and return to the event and conviction and Jesus died for our sins. Zahl writes plainly about the differences between imputation and infusion of righteousness and holiness. He provides perhaps the best explanation of sanctification that I have read that describes it as a journey of grace entering all the parts of our soul after we have been justified by faith. He also discusses the predicament that Christians are in on earth. They are justified by faith in Christ and have his righteousness, yet they still sin and fear. He identifies the dangers of refusing either position and neglecting the tension between them. Zahl closes by discussing his views on ministry. He has three priorities for a healthy ministry that include worship, small family groups and counseling. This is the only area where I wish Zahl had elaborated further. Throughout the book he uses language skillfully to make his points easy to grasp. He includes stories to illustrate when helpful. For a book of this size, it packs a powerful punch that I would recommend for all Christians. Craig Stephans, author of Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays