From Death to Life (Book Review)

Today's post is a book review in honor of the upcoming release "From Death to Life," by pastor and father, Allen Nelson.

Isn't that the most AMAZING cover you've ever seen?! 

Now for the review, (written by my father!)

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​From Death to Life: How Salvation Works
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This is the title of Pastor Allen S. Nelson IV’s new book on the subject of soteriology (the doctrine of salvation).  I started reading this book some time ago and have really enjoyed it for several reasons.

1. It glorifies God

Dr. John Piper says:
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”
By saying something glorifies God or God is glorified in us don’t think we add to God’s glory in any way.
As puritan writer Thomas Watson says His glory is intrinsic.
“As light is to the sun is the glory of God to Himself and He cannot be without it.”
Being satisfied in Him means to understand that He is the prima causa (the first cause).
He is all powerful God who created all things for His own glory and He can do whatsoever He desires with His creation and it is good.
Ecc 3:14  I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.
Bro. Nelsons book is a good work of a regenerate heart and his desire is for people to know the Christ of scripture and thereby pass from Death to Life.
John 15:8  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
 
2.It brings clarity and unity in the body on how salvation works
Ephesisans 3:6 speaks of the mystery that the Gentiles are fellow heirs of God’s grace. From Death to Life brings to the forefront what has been revealed to us in the Bible.
This book simply asks the question:
“What does the Bible say?”
I have seen people shy away from the clear and repeated teaching of scripture regarding the sovereignty of God when it comes to salvation. 
 
 
The Bible clearly and repeatably teaches and history shows us that God’s rule and authority is supreme and folks that’s good news.
Realizing that God is sovereign over salvation is to REJECT autonomy.
au·ton·o·my
noun: autonomy
(of a country or region) the right or condition of self-government, especially in a particular sphere.
a self-governing country or region.
freedom from external control or influence; independence.
synonyms:
self-government, self-rule, home rule, self-determination, independence, sovereignty, freedom
This is the lie from the beginning.
Gen 3:5 …and you will be like God…
So either God is (and He is) in control of all things or we are.
I find the first idea a little more comforting. How about you?
GOD is in control!
Glory!
How does teaching with clarity on this subject bring unity you might ask?
Only through submission. When we embrace the full council of God’s word regarding the glorious doctrine of salvation unity may be found. Therefore, we must reject autonomy and bend the knee to the authority of scripture.
 
3.The book aims to see the body edified through application of these biblical principals
 
1 John 1:4-6  And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
Much more could be said but I will stop now.
This book is an overview of God’s word on the work of salvation.
1Pe 1:10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully
How about you? Can you say you have conducted a thorough careful study of the scriptures on this topic?
Psa 107:10  Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons. 

This book will be an invaluable tool for individuals and families as a devotional resource. I will be using it as I teach my family God’s word during our evening devotion time.
The implementation of these references is telling. Bro. Nelson’s only appeal and authority is that of scripture. They also show a shepherd’s heart and his desire is to see the body of Christ grow into maturity and for the joy of our great salvation to be more fully realized.
 
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Stay tuned, readers! Once this book releases, I'll post a link so you can buy your own copy! This is definitely a book to add to your collection. 


Until next week week, friends. Keep letting your light shine!