Holy Ground - 53 Meditations on Isaiah 53, compiled by Brian Gunning; published by Gospel Folio Press; available from John Ritchie Ltd; price £16.95.
Twelve authors from several parts of the world have contributed to this beautifully compiled series of meditations on a greatly loved chapter of the Old Testament about the sinners’ Saviour, the believer’s Lord, and Israel’s Messiah. The aim of the book, we are told, is to stimulate and direct the thoughts of believers who gather each first day of the week at the Lord’s Supper, the setting and purpose of which is beautifully described in the first section. The title Holy Ground also reminds us of the deep reverence required to draw near on such a sacred occasion.
Fifty three phrases (allows one for each week in the year?) are taken consecutively from Isaiah 52.13 - 53.12, which is of course the best chapter division. Each phrase is followed by an easily read three pages of devotional and heart warming writing, as each contributor describes in depth the meaning of selected words, gives the contextual sense, and/or compares references in other parts of the Scriptures. In them all Christ is exalted, His sufferings and His glory are described, and His deep love calls for a response from those for whom He suffered so much. Suitable poetry and several hymns are quoted at appropriate places throughout the book which help the reader to express and echo those feelings which are generated within the heart.
All of these aspects of the authors’ meditations do stir minds and hearts, and the reading of even one such meditation will help to direct thoughts at the weekly remembrance feast, as the compiler intended. However they cannot take the place of one’s own regular Scripture reading and meditation in preparation for meeting with the Lord and His people. There is no substitute for this - "The things which I (personally and deliberately) have made touching the king" (Ps 45.1).
The book is a handsome volume in itself, plainly bound in a padded hard cover. It would make a fine gift to someone. This, along with the selection of paper and the style of printing and presentation inside, gives to the book a treasured feel, perhaps promoting the idea that the subject matter is itself the far greater treasure.
RWC
The Pre-Wrath Rapture View, by Renald E Showers; published by Kregel Publications; available from John Ritchie Ltd; price £8.95.
Renald Showers has authored several books related to various aspects of prophecy. He writes with clarity on matters like the Rapture, the Day of the Lord and Israel’s future. Unlike the other publications the reviewer has read, this book is not an exposition of a topic or passage but a scholarly critique of two books: The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church by Marvin J Rosenthal and The Sign by Robert Van Kampden. Showers shows that these books teach that Daniel’s seventieth week "will consist of three divisions", and that the rapture of the Church will occur in the second division "after the Great Tribulation but before the Day of the Lord begins". Showers presents a summary of aspects of the teaching of Rosenthal and Van Kampden and a critique of each aspect of that teaching.
Showers addresses comprehensively the false doctrine of Rosenthal and Van Kampden. He examines and finds wanting their teaching in respect of the wrath of God, the Great Tribulation, the restraint and the restrainer of 2 Thessalonians 2, the imminence of Christ’s coming, and other related matters. His arguments do require careful examination. In the main he marshals his arguments well but at times makes assumptions where proof would have been needed: he lists, for example, a number of passages which he suggests describe the Antichrist including 2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation 13; Zechariah 11.15-17; Daniel 7, 11. In responding to false teaching, it is important that every element of a response is established in the light of Scripture. Similarly, a number of Scriptures are proposed as supporting the reviewer’s belief that the Lord’s coming is imminent, but the justification for each is a quotation from commentators, whose comments are often insightful and illuminating but do not always underpin Showers’ view that imminence is taught in the passage. 22 pages are devoted to such views.
Showers has addressed the doctrinal issues raised by Rosenthal and Van Kampden. He has done so thoroughly: fifteen pages of reference works are included in this 255 page paperback!
TW
