It has been a joy in recent years to see a great swell of interest in the gospel and what it means to live as if the gospel is true. Here are some of the best books on the gospel.
Top Recommendation
Ortlund says, “The purpose of this book … is simple. I want to show how Christ puts his beauty into our churches by his gospel. That explains the title of this book: The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ. Beauty is powerful. Our churches long for it. You and I long for it. And we can help our churches see it. We possess, in the gospel alone, God’s wonder-working resources for the display of Christ among us. As you I read, I hope you find yourself thrilled with the beauty of Christ.”
Other Recommendations
Farley teaches the importance of understanding and celebrating a very broad view of the gospel, one that extends from God’s electing love all the way to the sure hope of eternity. And then he shows how those truths, when rightly understood, can be preached to yourself day by day, all throughout your life.
He proves that Jesus offers us the deepest hope in the deepest valley—that when we hit rock bottom we will find him waiting there to assure us, comfort us, and bless us. Because each of us will hit rock bottom at one time or another, this is a book that can bless us all.
A concise version of Gentle and Lowly that focuses less on what God has done than on who he is—a God who loves us deeply even when we are at our worst, and who has only love for us and no regrets.
A timely reminder that Jesus does not merely love us but accepts us and welcomes us—and that this is true even when we have behaved in ways that are nothing less than shameful.
From Everlasting to Everlasting
A book about the ordo salutis, the order of salvation. It was a joy to be reminded of the wonder of how God saves his people and to see again how he is glorified from the first step to the last.
Health, Wealth, and the (Real) Gospel
With the prosperity gospel still possibly ascendent, it is crucial that we know how and why it differs from the true gospel. This is a book you’ll benefit from reading yourself and should be prepared to distribute to others.
(See also my recommendations on evangelism and the cross.)
