Bavinck on the Christian Life: Following Jesus in Faithful Service (Theologians on the Christian Life)

“Bolts portrait of Bavinck and his theology captures the man himself: clear, elegant, biblically saturated, theologically rich, philosophically nuanced, irenic, and aimed at the Christian life. Drawing on a diversity of sources, Bolt not only brings the riches of Bavincks mature theology into conversation with current theological concerns, but also applies it to the most practical elements of faith, marriage, family, work, and culture. He ably introduces readers to Bavincks vision of the Christian life as part of Gods movement of grace restoring nature and a cosmic redemption aimed at restoring and elevating creation to its intended goal. Most of all, it is a vision of following Jesus out into the world as the Father conforms his children into the image of the Son in the power of the Spirit for the sake of his glorious name.”

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“Never before have I read such a fine and stimulating overview of Herman Bavincks life and theology. John Bolt shows clearly why the study of Bavinck is growing worldwide and why this theology is a great help for todays Christians. Bavinck and Bolt are a great team!”

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“Not one square inch of nature, work, culture, or history escaped the reach of Herman Bavincks expansive Christ-centered worldview. Of the great Reformed theologians, Bavinck is the generous giant, with a heart as wide as his axiom grace restores nature. Bavincks vision of a sovereign Savior at work in the world, carefully grounded in the gospel, suits him to speak authoritatively on the Christians place in this world. This book is a masterpiece from John Bolt, a man who knows Bavincks mind as well as anyone.”

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“Perhaps every generation in the church age could claim a need for Bavincks perspective on the Christian life. We cant let our salt lose its saltiness and our light lose its brilliancenot now. Bavinck encourages us in this regard even as we are in the world, not of the world, and sent into the world. In one seamless volume, Bolt shows how Bavincks contributions help correct our nearsightedness as we become tethered to his conviction that the Word of God is ever living and ever active in every day.”

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“Trinitarian, Christ-centered, and culturally engaged, Herman Bavinck immerses us into a vivid vision of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His rich theological imagination provides a compelling alternative to the many vapid, pragmatic approaches to faith today. John Bolt provides an accessible and illuminating guide to Bavincks theology of the Christian life in the most expansive sense: the Christian life of fellowship with God and others, in family, work, and politics. Bolt skillfully navigates these waters in order to open up the treasures of Bavinck for todays church.”

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“To use the word timely for a book about a nineteenth-century Dutch theologian may seem inappropriate. But in this case the adjective is exactly right. Many of us have wanted to spread the word that Herman Bavincks theological perspective can contribute much to a renewal of the churchs life and mission today. Now in this book John Bolt has made the case in a concise and convincing manner!”

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