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Reading Classics Together - Redemption Accomplished and Applied (I)
- 11/12/09
- 31
Today we begin another iteration of Reading Classics Together—a project which affords us the structure and accountability to read through some of the classics of the Christian faith. This time around we are reading John Murray’s Redemption Accomplished and Applied. The structure of the program is simple. We read one chapter per week and then come here to discuss it. Each week I will create a post like this one to introduce the topic and I will give just a brief summary and perhaps a few reflections. And then we can discuss what we’ve read.
If you’d like to join in, all you need to do is find a copy of the book and begin to read along.
Summary
Redemption Accomplished and Applied is a book about the atonement. Most people, when they think of the book, think of the second section which discusses the ordo salutis—the order of salvation. But before Murray can get to the application of the atonement, he must first discuss its accomplishment. He does this in five chapters, the first of which is called “The Necessity of the Atonement.”This week’s reading was dedicated to answering a simple question: was the atonement necessary? Murray actually asks several clarifying questions: “Why did God become man? Why, having become man, did he die? Why, having died, did he die the accursed death of the cross?” All of these, when put together, speak of necessity. Why was it necessary for Christ to die and was this the only way in which God could accomplish the redemption of his people?
Traditionally Christians have answered in one of two ways. Some have held to hypothetical necessity, a view which says that God could have forgiven sin and saved his people without atonement or satisfaction, but that this was the way he chose to do it. Others have held to consequent absolute necessity, a more traditionally Protestant understanding, which says that if atonement was to take place, it must happen in this way. Murray explains, “The word ‘consequent’ in this designation points to the fact that God’s will or decree to save any is of free and sovereign grace. To save lost men was not of absolute necessity but of the sovereign good pleasure of God. The terms ‘absolute necessity,’ however, indicate that God, having elected some to everlasting life out of his mere good pleasure, was under the necessity of accomplishing this purpose through the sacrifice of his own Son, a necessity arising from the perfections of his own nature.” So while it was not inherently necessary for God to save anyone, if he was to do so, because of his very nature, it had to happen this way.
The rest of the chapter is dedicated to providing five Scriptural proofs that this is the case. Murray shows 1) that there are passages which create a very strong presumption in favor of this inference; 2) that there are passages which definitely suggest that the only alternative to this way of atonement was perdition; 3) that there are passages which teach that the efficacy of Christ’s work is contingent upon the unique constitution of Christ’s person; 4) that the salvation of grace which we experience is a salvation that goes beyond forgiveness of sin but also to justification; 5) that the cross of Christ is the supreme demonstration of God’s love because of its supreme cost.
Having looked to these reasons Murray concludes, “we are constrained to conclude that the kind of necessity which the Scriptural considerations support is that which may be described as absolute or indispensable. … If we keep in view the gravity of sin and the exigencies arising from the holiness of God which must be met in salvation from it, then the doctrine of indispensable necessity makes Calvary intelligible to us and enhances the incomprehensible marvel of both Calvary itself and the sovereign purpose of love which Calvary fulfilled. The more we emphasize the inflexible demands of justice and holiness the more marvelous become the love of God and its provisions.”
Overall I enjoyed this chapter, though I was surprised at how difficult it was to read. I have read much older authors who were easier to understand than Murray! And though I did enjoy it, I find that I am primarily anticipating reading the second section of this book where we learn about Redemption Applied. Still, this chapter was very good and offered a useful defense of the Bible’s teaching that if we were to be saved, this was the only way.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
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Comments (31)
I am enjoying the fact that you have chosen this book. I tried to have our church read this book as part of a book study a few months ago. You’re right - the writing style is often very difficult to comprehend - most of the congregation bailed out of the reading group by the end of chapter 2. I have pointed them to your site hoping that maybe they can read alongside you and gain an appreciation of Murray, difficult as it may be.
I, for one, love the first chapter. God’s grace and mercy in offering the Son up out of “consequent absolute necessity” is overwhelming. How humbling to think that God designed redemptive history with the necessity of Christ’s death as the integral part of the plan to prove his love to his people beyond a shadow of a doubt.
It’s been many years since I last read this book. It was required reading for a course in seminary. Since then, I’ve looked at portions, but never the whole. This will not only be a good discipline, but I trust, used by God to shape my head, my heart and my hands for His glory’s sake.
I’ve posted more of my comments at my blog:
My prayer is that more would read this classic and be changed by God’s grace. Thanks for this one, Tim.
For some reason, the bog address didn’t appear in the first posting. Here is it:
www.aclutteredmind.org
Click on the site map and go to “Things to Make You Think This Thursday”
Tim,
thoguh I did not comment on earlier posts, I’m joining in on this book!
I really enjoyed this chapter and I have been wanting to read this book for some time. Thanks for providing a forum to discuss this book as well as an excuse for buying it!
Here is my first post on Chapter 1: http://quercuscalliprinos.blogspot.com/2009/11/reading-classics-with-challies.html
Thanks again!
I am just glad there is some explanation to what I have read! It took me forever to get through the first chapter because I had to stop so often to decipher what I just read. It is good to be reading along side you all to see your analysis. Thanks.
Here is my summary and response to this chapter.
This one was only 9 pages of difficult reading. The next one is 30.
I actually found this section very easy to read and understandable, but I have been reading in this style lately. I am amazed at how much more is contained in this one chapter than was contained in all of my undergraduate studies. I do think he is setting the table for the next section of the book, but he does it with words that have weight so that no word is wasted. I will likely go back and read this section again.
first time I’ve read John Murray - good stuff. I think setting up the necessity of the cross lays a good foundation.
He gave one argument for the necessity of the cross based on the Mosaic system sacrifices being correlated with the heavenly reality of Christ’s sacrifice. IOW, the OT sacrifices weren’t just foreshadowing what would come, but were shadows of the true reality in heaven. Perhaps I’ve heard this before, but if so I hadn’t really considered it. I certainly learned from that, and still rolling it around in my mind.
I have told several people that this book has been one of the most helpful books I have ever read. It can be a bit difficult at first, but I eventually found him easy to follow. Those who press on will be rewarded with a richer understanding of God’s marvelous grace.
Thank you Tim. We are studying the atonement in the men’s study at the church I’m a member of and using this book as a guide. You can download the teaching from my pastor Phil Cavin on Sermon Audio (http://bit.ly/2ePhpV).
Also there is a free audiobook download of this book on SermonAudio (http://bit.ly/4yiU3E). I find that both reading and listening to this difficult, but rewarding book is very helpful.
Great chapter. The last two sentences of the chapter on the love of God were splendid!
I posted my thoughts and comments over at http://reformedbookclub.blogspot.com/2009/11/redemption-accomplished-and-applied.html
Like many of you I found this to be a difficult read initially. On my part I attribute that to laziness of mind. Once I shook the cobwebs out, aggressively focusing on the task, I began afresh and found it easier going.
I found this study very helpful. I am asked every now and again “Why did Jesus have to die? Why couldn’t he just say ‘I forgive you’?” Wonderful question! I can’t think of a better starting point to explain the gospel. John Murray does a good job of shining light on the issues and supports them well with scripture references.
The one thing that struck me as a great insight (similar to Paul D’s comment) was the relationship of Christ’s sacrifice to the Levitical sacrifices; the later being copies of the former (Heb 9:23). This was powerful in supporting his (Murray’s) point; the necessity of the atonement. It makes good sense when one reflects on it, but not something I had considered before.
Thanks for getting this going Tim. This is really going to help.
That was a very thorough treatment of the necessity of the atonement. Didn’t leave any room for doubt. I like that.
Among other things I found Murray’s explanation of the passive and active obedience of Christ to be quite helpful. The terms themselves are the kind that lend themselves easily to misunderstanding. I don’t know that I had ever heard them properly explained before reading this chapter.
This is the first book by Murray for me and I, too, found the going slow and not too easy. I admit I had to pull out my Webster’s Dictionary a couple of times! For me, argument five made the whole chapter. Being reminded that the cross of Christ is supreme demonstration of the love of God made it worth the effort. “The costliness of the sacrifice assures us of the greatness of the love…” What a great thought to meditate on.
I like the way Murray opens the book. He makes the point that God made a choice (i.e. consequent ) and with that choice followed a strict means of acheiving the atonement (i.e.absolute necessity). Here are several points that I found to be edifying.1) “The love of God from which the atonement springs is not a distinction-less love”.-The atonement is for a chosen people.2) “The love of God constrains to the atonement”.-The atonement is an outcome of God’s love. 3) “The Levitical sacrifices were patterned after the heavenly exemplar”. -A reminder that the things of this world are a shadow of the things of heaven.The atonement is serious business that Glorifies God and humbles man. I look forward to reading where Murray takes us from here.
like doug, i had to shake the cobwebs that were entangled on the thinking part of my brain, but i’m so glad i stuck with it! so much said in so few words.
you quoted my favorite quote from the chapter:
“we are constrained to conclude that the kind of necessity which the Scriptural considerations support is that which may be described as absolute or indispensable. … If we keep in view the gravity of sin and the exigencies arising from the holiness of God which must be met in salvation from it, then the doctrine of indispensable necessity makes Calvary intelligible to us and enhances the incomprehensible marvel of both Calvary itself and the sovereign purpose of love which Calvary fulfilled. The more we emphasize the inflexible demands of justice and holiness the more marvelous become the love of God and its provisions.”
ahhh… may i always remember the ‘gravity of my sin’ and the ‘inflexible demands of justice and holiness’ so i may truly marvel at the cross and the blood of Christ Who died for me…
“And it must be a justification that takes account of our situation as condemned and guilty. Such a justification implies the necessity of a righteousness that will be adequate to our situation. Grace indeed reigns but a grace reigning apart from righteousness is not only not actual; it is inconceivable.”
There was much to digest in this very brief chapter. I, in particular, was taken with the above passage. Indeed — “Such a justification implies the necessity of a righteousness that will be adequate to our situation.” The blackness of our hearts necessitates supreme righteousness as found only in Christ. And I love the “turn” of a good phrase — “grace reigning apart from righteousness is not only not actual; it is inconceivable.” So be it. Granted, Murray’s style is challenging, but one can gain new insight and perspective when reading (or even speaking) about the things of God by utilizing syntax and phraseology that is fresh and not ordinary.
Sola gratia
Thanks for opening up the chapter for us Tim. I like many others battled through it twice before I started to get the meaning. However it is great to be able to dig a bit deeper for a change and read something substantial. Looking forward to the rest.
I counted six Scriptural proofs, not five: the six being ” the argument from the vindicatory justice of God,” i.e., sin is “the contradiction of God and he must react against it was holy indignation.” Because the toleration of sin is one of (to use Murray’s phrase) “divine ‘cannots’,” God’s need for justice meant that he could not save and justify “without expiation and propitiation.” Murray says that this is the reason that “makes mandatory” his conclusion, and I tend to agree—the others did not fully exclude the hypothetical necessity, but suggested it was incorrect. God’s absolute need to punish sin to save and justify is what truly made the cross a consequent absolute necessity.
I have never participated in this forum before! I am looking forward to the experience. Like most everyone else, I found the reading challenging. The notation in the front of my copy says May 22, 1973. This was when I graduated from Bible College! I have never lost track of the book. I have opened it often knowing there were treasures there to be found but never really read the book cover to cover. Lord willing, we will get it done this time.
Thanks Tim for encouraging us to take on this task. I can’t believe it won’t be well worth the effort. All the other comments are helpful as well.
The thought from the opening chapter that had the greatest impact on me personally was the “reversal” of the relationship between the Leviitical piesthood and the sacrifice of Christ. That alone was well worth the effort to read.
Thank you Tim for laboring to do this. The read is difficult, but I’ve found reading a chapter at least twice helps it remain in memory.
I really liked the sentence ” To save lost men was not of absolute necessity but of the sovereign good pleasure of God” The word pleasure really struck me. God did it out of love - according to His nature!
Like most others, I found myself having to slow down and reread…and then reread… to get the meaning. Gosh, I hope the author didn’t carry on conversations in the same manner.
I’m going back now to reread again. It’s definitely worth the investment of time.
I’ve grown lazy reading “mtv-styled” prose…. ;-)
Like most of the people who have already commented, I also found the opening chapter of ‘Redemption…’ a struggle in places, having to re-read certain sentences a phrase at a time and/or consult a dictionary. Yet I like reading books that make me do this; like Faulkner’s ‘The Sound And The Fury’ and Dylan’s ‘Blonde On Blonde’, you cannot read ‘Redemption…’ when you have a few minutes to spare or if you’re in the middle of doing something else. Books like this demand your undivided attention, yet the discipline and patience involved in reading them are rewarded more-often-than-not.
What stood out to me the most is the why of the necessity, the meat of it. When we worked through this in Sunday School at church, I struggled with calling any method necessary for God, because I had trouble reconciling that with his omnipotence. But Murray does good to explain that the why is not a limit of God’s omnipotence, but rather a necessity of character. God is perfectly holy and by the very nature of his character, he can’t overlook sin.
I’m reading through Hebrews right now, and I think it’s chapter 3 or 4 where it says that Christ learned obedience through suffering, and it made me think about the necessity of Jesus’ sacrifice because of God’s justice. Jesus was fully human, and in his life and death, God holds him up against his own perfect standard. It’s like he’s saying “I know that what I’ve asked of you is difficult, but I’ve asked it of you. I’ve asked for perfect human obedience, and perfect human obedience is what I require.” The great thing is that he loves us enough to accomplish that perfect human obedience himself.
I didn’t find the chapter particularly difficult to read. I appreciated how clear (exact), concise and carefully reasoned the author was. I also really appreciated how Murray built his case from Scripture. I found his reflections on the necessity of the cross and how it shows forth God’s love and indescribable grace deeply edifying. I’m excited to read on.
I like this idea of reading together! Only hope I can keep up. Having read Murray’s commentary on Romans, I knew this would not be a casual read, but I’m moving forward. With Murray (and Calvin) I’ve found that you reap what you sow in terms of focus, reflection, and dictionary lookups (exigencies, in this case).
One take away for me was that, “Such questions are not scholastic subtleties or vain curiosities,” but are rather, “Something that is essential in the interpretation of the redeeming work of Christ,” and, “some of it’s essential glory.” Our earth-bound minds seeking glimpses of the utterly holy God. As we look to Scripture to try to understand more deeply God’s love in Christ, let’s allow it to find expression in the praise of His glory, and transform us day by day.
I’m also working through Hebrews this fall which dovetails nicely.As F.F. Bruce reflects in his commentary, “It is in the passion of our Lord that we see the very heart of God laid bare.”
Ch 1 was a bit of a challenge for me, too, but worth the effort.
Why the blood of Jesus?
“The blood of Jesus is blood that has the requisite efficacy and virtue only by reason of the fact that he who is the Son, the effulgence of the Father’s glory and the express image of his substance, became himself also partaker of flesh and blood and thus was able by one sacrifice to perfect all those who are sanctified.”
I’m glad I made it to the very last sentence of Ch 1:
“The more we emphasize the inflexible demands of justice and holiness the more marvelous become the love of God and its provisions.”
Amen.
Very much appreciated this chapter. Especially this sentence: “Grace indeed reigns but a grace reigning apart from righteousness is not only not actual; it is inconceivable.” I blogged about it here: http://historicism.com/blog/2009/11/grace-without-righteousness-cant-exist/
I am a little late getting caught up here, but finally read and reflected this morning. Though all five arguments for the necessity of the atonement were helpful, #5 on the cross of Christ reigns supreme in my mind. If the atonement was not absolutely necessary, then God the Father willing Christ to go through it would not be a loving thing. Or as Murray says, “would the cross of Christ be a supreme exhibition of love if there were no necessity for such costliness?”(17)
I’m encouraged by how many found the book difficult reading, yet persevered because they knew it was worthwhile to do so. How quickly we want to give up a challenge and yet how satisfying when we persevere and gain nuggets of understanding! It has been my experience that perseverance eventually yields understanding, that what was once considered “difficult” is eventually read with ease! A challenged mind learns.
I’m running a little late, but I too was glad to have made the choice to read along. Chapter one left me feeling very aware of the gravity of sin, and the great lengths that our Savior had to go to save us. Very powerful. I’m looking forward to chapter two!