"Three in One" (William David Spencer)

TITLE: Three in One: Analogies of the Trinity
AUTHOR: William David Spencer
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2022, (248 pages).
 

One of the most foundational dogmas in the Christian Church is the doctrine of the Trinity. This distinguishes the Christian faith from all other religions, especially unitarians who could not comprehend how God is one but yet three. Through the ages, this has been a challenge which our forefathers had faced and boldly addressed in many creeds to aid our understanding of what we believe. Creeds such as the Apostles Creed; Athanasian Creed; the Nicene Creed; and modern confessions like the Anglican's 39 Articles, Westminster Confession of Faith, or the Lausanne Covenant, all proclaimed God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Statements are one thing. Understanding what they mean is yet another. Who is God in Three Persons? How do we understand the Holy Trinity? How can we possibly believe in something that we cannot understand? These questions can often be a stumbling block in both the teaching as well as the defense of the faith. This book aims to tackle the challenges of trying to describe who the Trinity is. The author acknowledges the impossibility of the taste and hopes to use this book to help us discern the flaws of the human analogies as well as to push the limits of theological application. For author William  David Spencer, this book is essentially about pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of some of the most common illustrations used to describe the Trinity. He begins by anchoring the discussion on the "Eternal Trinity Position," which is the Trinity as One God in Three Persons, forever equal, united, and co-existing. Spencer gives a substantial introduction that looks at the theology and historical treatment of the Trinitarian doctrine. This is not to be skipped. He then moves on to discuss the various images and words used throughout history. Words like "perichoresis" and "aseity" describe God as equal dance partners and self-existing Persons. Analogies using images of music, nature, light, water, and other common objects are then put to the test. Generally, there is a pattern that the Eastern mindset prefers to treat the Trinity as a mystery to behold while the Western mindset tries to analyze and deconstruct the theology for clarity. Spencer's model is to adopt Jesus' use of imagery to describe the things of God. 

"Spiritual Maturity" (J. Oswald Sanders)

TITLE: Spiritual Maturity: Principles of Spiritual Growth for Every Believer (Sanders Spiritual Growth Series)
AUTHOR: J. Oswald Sanders
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2017, (288 pages).

We grow not because of our efforts and programs. We grow because of God's grace and mercy. More importantly, we grow according to the holy character of God Himself in the Triune Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The key thesis in this book is that spiritual maturity is about growing in holiness according to God the Father; growing in conformity to the image of Christ; and growing in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Written in three parts, each part is devoted to describing the unique ways we can grow in accordance to God's Personal Character.

In Part One, we learn about trusting in God's providence; revering in God's holiness; gratitude about God's Perseverance; accepting of God's disciplines; hoping in God's ultimate deliverance; and looking forward to God's ultimate promises in time to come. Part Two reveals to us the vision of God in Christ; the humble sacrifice of Christ as Lamb; the way Christ prayed for us; the costs of discipleship; the personal pleas for us to follow Him; and learning to live victoriously in Christ. Part Three is about the ways of the Holy Spirit through the transforming power; the purging fire; the powerful outworking of God's will in gifts and signs; and the evangelization of the world. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse followed by a passage to be read. Sanders then launches into a devotional cum reflection on the Character of God as described in the passage. With vivid illustrations and powerful images of God's Personhood, Sanders does not simply show us the light to spiritual growth, he lets God be illuminated through the pages to teach us the ways of God and the path toward spiritual maturity.

"Meditations on the Trinity" (A.W. Tozer)

TITLE: Meditations on the Trinity: Beauty, Mystery, and Glory in the Life of God
AUTHOR: A.W. Tozer
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2017, (320 pages).

The doctrine of the Trinity is most foundational to the Christian faith. All cults, heresies, and alternative religions differ from orthodox Christianity on this point alone. There is beauty, mystery, and glory of the Triune God. Instead of following the many theologians and scholars who have covered the doctrinal and theological basis of the Trinity, Tozer shows us both the theological and devotional aspect. The Christian life begins with God, and our Christian living begins with reflections on the character of God and how we are to live according to how God had revealed himself. This is the key purpose of this book.

There are four parts to the book. The first comprises reflections on God the Father. It points out God being in existence right from the beginning; that He is Creator; He is Immanent; and eternal; Immortal; and all the fine divine attributes believers often talk about. The second describes God the Son, His humanity; His divinity; His Personhood; Relationship with people; the gospel; the Passion; the Cross; etc. The third is on the Holy Spirit; His Presence; Pentecost; Comforter; Indweller; etc. The fourth part brings all of these together to emphasize the unity of God.

All the articles are brief reflections and could be used as daily devotionals. They begins with a verse from the Bible followed by a brief description of God, ending with a prayer. Do not let the brevity of the chapters deceive. Tozer has a gift of conveying profound thoughts of God through brief notes. Coupled with his pastoral experience, he not only describes God through the interpretation of Scripture, but what ignorant and feeble human souls need. As I read the pages, I sense a gentle persuasion toward worship and rightly so. Any theology cannot remain in theory form, but must lead to doxology.

A.W. Tozer was formerly a pastor at Southside Alliance Church in Chicago. He was a prolific writer and his books continued to impact many believers in their Christian walk.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Moody Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.