Ex Libris

Recommended Books

Douglas Wilson

e recommend the following material for the serious non-Christian reader. Choosing one's religion is not like deciding on a restaurant, and so we recommend that whenever possible, careful thought be given to the claims of the Christian message As Christian evangelists, we are required by God to urge you to consider your standing before Godbecause we know the importance of fearing the Lord. This means that we should not seek to keep you away from the "fine print" of Christian doctrine, but rather we should urge you to consider it carefully. And when you have considered it, we also urge you to meditate on the state of your soul before the Lord.

The New Testament
As you consider the claims of Jesus Christ upon your life, we recommend that you read through the New Testament several times. As you reread it, it would be good to pay close attention to the Gospels of Mark and John, as well as two of Paul's lettersGalatians and Romans. These portions of Scripture will provide you with an overview of Christ's life and teaching, as well as, in Paul's writing, a systematic presentation of the Christian gospel. When the New Testament has been read three or four times, we suggest that you begin reading the Old Testament as well. If you become a Christian, you are submitting yourself to everything written in the Bible, and it is a good idea to be familiar with the contents beforehand.

Westminster Confession of Faith by various seventeenth-century theologians
The Westminster Confession is a great creedal statement of the critical elements of the Christian religion. It is not very long, but it is incredibly richlike hand-packed ice cream. Short chapters address subjects like the nature of Scripture, saving faith, repentance unto life, good works, etc . Many publications which contain the Confession of Faith also have the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which is also good to read. It begins with the famous question, "What is the chief end of man?" An important question.

Plan of Salvation by B.B. Warfield
This small book is a classic exposition of all the various alternative "ways of salvation." Warfield carefully outlines our possible options. Our salvation will either be natural or supernatural. If supernatural, then it will either be wrought by faith or wrought by priests. If wrought by faith, it will be . . . but you should really read the book. The bottom line is that God is apprehended by faith, and by faith in Christ alone. These are more than biblical-sounding words; it is very important for us to understand what we should mean by them.

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
When discussing the reading of old books, C.S. Lewis once commented, "This mistaken preference for the modern books and this shyness of the old ones is nowhere more rampant than in theology." As Lewis shows, many of the classic writers are far more readable than modern scholarly expositions of them. This observation certainly applies to the writing of the Reformer John Calvin. The modern reader should not be intimidated by him. Nevertheless, Calvin's Institutes are among that tiny handful of books which can truly be said to have shaped the world. It is a biblical and orderly account of the Christian faith which was not written for theologians; it was written for all of Europe. As a classic statement of biblical theology, it remains unparalleled.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
It was well-said of Lewis that he made "righteousness readable." This book is divided into three portions. The first section has to do with the meaning of the universe, and how our knowledge of right and wrong relate to this meaning. In the second section, he gives a good exposition of Christian behavior, or Christian ethics. This should be of great interest to someone considering Christianityupon conversion, certain actions have to go, and others, perhaps surprisingly, may remain. In the third section, Lewis provides an introduction to the doctrine of the Trinity. Many have come to Christ through reading this book; we would be grateful to God if you joined them.

Concise Theology by J.I. Packer
Dr. Packer delivers on the promise of the title. In a series of concise essays (about a page or two each) he gives summary statements of the Christian faith on such subjects as the various attributes of God, the need for our salvation and the nature of it, the ordinances of the Christian churchbaptism and the Lord's Supper, and the final judgment.

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
This book has been one of the most read books in the history of the world. It is an allegory of the pilgrimage of Christian from the City of Destruction to his final destination, the Celestial City. He begins the journey because he is distressed by the burden on his backhis sins. He undertakes the journey, comes to the cross for forgiveness, and then finishes his great pilgrimagethe same pilgrimage, incidentally, which each of us is on. Bunyan was a seventeenth-century preacher, largely self-educated. Imprisoned for his preaching, he wrote a book which astounded the world. For those who read it, its ability to captivate remains.

Ultimate Questions by John Blanchard
This is a 32-page booklet which describes the basic questions a prospective Christian should be asking. Is God speaking? Is sin serious? Can religion help? This is a very good brief summary statement of the Christian gospel. If someone is at the point where they are asking, "What do I have to do to become a Christian?" this is a good booklet to read.