©2010, The Banner of Truth Trust, 189 pp. pbk.

How would you describe God and His work of salvation? This is a big question. A Christian can give a long answer, filled with biblical texts and personal examples of God’s work in individual lives.

The author, a retired pastor in the Church of Scotland, points readers to the triune God in his examination of God’s character, God’s work of salvation, and the church God builds. Each of these topics is addressed in a number of well-written chapters. The author’s aim is not just to increase one’s head knowledge about our marvelous God. More importantly, the author desires that our heart have a better knowledge of and appreciation for God and His work in the areas addressed.

He helpfully keeps himself and his readers on track by approaching this huge subject through the use of a specific text for each chapter. For example, God’s greatness is studied by the use of Isaiah 40. God’s faithfulness is seen as reflected in Psalm 89. The author limits himself to only a few of the many characteristics of God. The ones chosen (greatness, holiness, sovereignty, faithfulness, and grace) provide a great avenue along which to explore numerous facets of the great jewel of salvation in Christ. Here, the author lays a fine foundation with regeneration and justification; in successive chapters he opens up God’s ongoing work in the believer’s life as He prepares him for heaven.

The final section looks at the purpose and importance of the Christian’s ministry in the local church. He closes the book with a chapter entitled “Lessons For the Church on Earth From the Church in Heaven”. This chapter fittingly ties the whole book together.

Throughout the book, Alexander approaches his subject from a God-centered and practical perspective. Entire books have been written on each of the topics covered herein. The author has chosen his subject matter to show readers the glory, importance, and beauty of God’s character, plan of salvation, and the church without covering every aspect of each of these subjects. He communicates sound theology in understandable terms.

I was very pleased to see several chapters devoted to the church and its continuing importance in the life of a Christian for personal growth, mutual accountability, and service within and outside the walls of the church.

This book can be put to good use in personal or a small group study. If used in a small group, the leader will have to develop study questions. Yet the author’s clear, concise writing on well-chosen topics provides a good base for pulling together good questions. These can lead to a profitable, practical discussion for study groups.

©2012 Byron Snapp, Hampton,Virginia