Other than the Bible, this book is the one I hold dearest to my heart. I first read it in the summer of 1998 between the first and second years of my Masters of Divinity degree and its impact was like a bomb being dropped into the theological playground of my mind.
I entered Seminary as your typical evangelical -- Dispensational and Arminian without knowing what those terms meant, the biblical basis for them, or where those beliefs actually led. Until Seminary I had never taken any time to think deeply about my theological foundations. But during my first year I began to do so… and it left me distraught. I was torn apart by what I thought I knew because when I compared it to scripture things didn't line up. As I was more and more solid biblical theology was being poured out before me by what I would come to realize later was a solid reformed theologian, and as I dug deeper into the scriptures on my own in light of what I was learning, I began to realize that my synergistic theology was very, very wrong. I was particularly bothered by issues of God's sovereignty and providence, human free will, and the sovereignty of God's grace in salvation. I had always thought that I was the one that decided the course of my life. That God loves me because I loved him first. That God chose me because I chose him. That God died for everyone equally and I am a Christian because I have chosen to accept his work.
So as the first year of my studies came to a close in the Spring of 1998 I approached my theology professor and theological mentor, Dr Terrence Tiessen, and asked him what to do about my theological upheaval. He responded by giving me sage wisdom for how to deal with my theological dissonance, as well as a stack of books to read over the summer. On that list was a book and author I had never heard of -- John Murray, Redemption: Accomplished and Applied.
The impact this book has had on my thinking is disproportionate to its size. The theological questions that were so foggy suddenly became so clear. I finally had categories to use to sort out so many of the theological issues with which I had been battling. But even more, the Gospel of John, Romans, Colossians, Ephesians, Hebrews, and really all of scripture began to make sense. Suddenly Scripture became a beautiful symphony of God’s monergistic work to save his people through Jesus Christ. It is not an exaggeration for me to say that Murray's little book set the foundation of, and trajectory for, my theological thinking as well as my ministry.
First published in 1955, Redemption: Accomplished and Applied by John Murray is a theological exploration of the concepts of redemption, focusing, not surprisingly given the title, on both its accomplishment in Christ’s work and its application to believers.
Murray begins by articulating the nature of redemption, emphasizing that it is rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His work was of consequent absolute necessity due to God’s decree to save and the total depravity of humanity without which there can be no salvation. He asserts that redemption is not merely a theoretical concept but a historical reality, accomplished through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. This accomplishment fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and typologies, showcasing God's sovereign plan for salvation.
The author distinguishes between the objective aspect of redemption (what Christ has done) and the subjective aspect (how it affects believers). He discusses the significance of Christ's atoning sacrifice, which not only pays the penalty for sin but also reconciles humanity to God. Murray emphasizes the completeness of Christ’s work, asserting that it fully satisfies divine justice and secures salvation for all who believe.
In the second part, Murray shifts to the application of redemption, explaining how it is realized in the lives of believers through faith. It is an excellent and easily accessible overview of reformed soteriology. He presents the order of salvation as (1) effectual calling; (2) regeneration; (3) faith and repentance; (4) justification; (5) adoption; (6) sanctification; (7) perseverance; (8) union with Christ; and (9) glorification. Each one of these items occupies its own chapter.
Murray also addresses the implications of redemption for the believer’s life, advocating for a response that reflects gratitude and obedience. He underscores that true faith is transformative, leading to a life marked by holiness and devotion to God. This book pushes us to reflect on the nature of Christ’s work, the nature of the salvation he has provided in Christ, and the nature of our response to him such that one can hardly read it without also finding ourselves stopping among its pages to worship our great and glorious God.
Redemption: Accomplished and Applied is, as Carl Trueman has said, “a miniature masterpiece of theology.” It is truly a classic work of reformed literature that is as profound as it is readable. Granted Murray was not the most accessible of writers. Writing as a Scotsman in the 1950’s means his vocabulary, sentence structure and grammar can get a bit squirrely at times. But fear not, having to slow down or re-read portions of this great work only enhances one's understanding of it.
I would never suggest that this book will have the same level of impact on you as it did on me. But I can guarantee that, should you read it, you will benefit greatly. I highly commend this book to any and all.
Soli Deo Gloria