Book Review: Final Word

The Bible is under attack.  This truth is the title of the opening chapter of John MacArthur's Final Word: Why We Need the Bible.  Throughout this book, MacArthur unpacks the nuances his title implies. 

He begins by showing how Satan's primary tool is deception.  Since his first appearance in Scripture, Satan has twisted God's word and implied that it should be "questioned, evaluated, and judged".  MacArthur gives examples of modern critics of God's Word, showing how His Word is still under attack today. 

To combat these attacks, believers must be grounded in fundamental doctrine.  MacArthur spends two chapters teaching of the Bible's truth and authority.  The Bible is rational truth, containing actual history about real people.  Believers are meant to understand Scripture through carefully reasoned study.  The Bible is also authoritative, eliminating any need to seek subjective interpretation of Scripture. 

MacArthur uses the book of 1 John to explain spiritual growth and how one matures in Christ.  He teaches how believers progress from cognition of God's Word, to conviction, then to affection.  MacArthur clearly portrays the Bible as the catalyst of spiritual growth.  It is only through careful study of God's Word and the working of the Holy Spirit that this growth is achieved.

MacArthur further explains how the Bible is central to faithful ministry.  He uses Scripture to explain how the job of a pastor is to protect the truth of Scripture, warn people of error, and to teach faithfully.  Finally, he teaches how believers can rekindle a love for God's Word.

MacArthur's words are true and pertinent to Christians today.  MacArthur emphasizes that there are no short-cuts in learning God's Word.  He warns against any who might teach otherwise.  This sufficiency of Scripture is the focus of MacArthur's book, and it is a truth that is fundamental for the growth of all Christians.  As MacArthur writes, "If we want to experience the supernatural work of God in our lives, we must understand that the Holy Spirit makes it happen only through His Word.  There is no other means He has ordained, no momentary emotional or existential experience that can catapult us to some higher level of spiritual maturity.  We cannot set aside our Bibles and expect His sanctifying work to continue uninterrupted.  God saved us through the power of His Word, and its work is not finished.  We need to increase our hunger for His truth, knowing that it is the sole source of our spiritual lives and the only means through which the Spirit conforms us into the image of His Son."

Thanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Rachel's Rating:
★★★★★