David Gibson & Jonathan Gibson, Ed., Ruined Sinners to Reclaim (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 998 pp.
In 2013, Crossway Books published From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson. This formidable work was widely received and eventually became the first in a series of books entitled The Doctrines of Grace Series.
The second book in the series, also edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson, addressed the matter of sin. Ruined Sinners to Reclaim: Sin and Depravity in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective a theological tour de force. The subtitle accurately describes the essence of the book. Like the previous volume, this book includes contributions from Bible scholars and pastors, all of whom embrace the Reformed faith. As such, there is no wiggle room for compromise. No stone is left unturned here. Readers are confronted with the tragic nature of the fall and the historical, biblical, theologically and pastoral implications.
The rubber meets the road when the preacher stands in the pulpit. Will he proclaim the unadulterated gospel, which includes a robust teaching on the radical corruption of mankind? Al Mohler provides a much-needed perspective on this important matter:
One immediate realization that must come to the preacher is that there is no mediating position between the rejection of the concept of sin and its biblical affirmation. A little bit of the doctrine of sin will do no one any good. Recovery will be found – and salvation of sinners can come—only when the word is rightly preached and when sin is powerfully demonstrated in its biblical fullness—and its biblical horror.
I commend this book and look forward to the forthcoming volumes in The Doctrines of Grace series.
Dr. David Steele has been in pastoral ministry since 1991. He holds BS and MA degrees from Multnomah University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary and a D. Min from Bakke Graduate University. Following graduation from Multnomah University, he served eight years as Pastor to Students at Lacey Chapel. In 2000, he became the Pastor of Theology at First Baptist Church in La Grande, Oregon where he served for over eleven years. In 2012, he became the Senior Pastor at Christ Fellowship in Everson, Washington.
He is the author of Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther, A Godward Gaze: The Holy Pursuit of John Calvin, and The White Flag: When Compromise Cripples the Church.
At Christ Fellowship he leads the staff, serves as the Pastor for preaching and vision casting, and oversees Veritas (adult theological education) and Iron Men (men’s leadership development).
His personal mission is to positively influence people, impact the world one person at a time and to glorify God by enjoying him forever. His passion in ministry is preaching, teaching, and leadership development. Specifically, his aim is to educate the mind, engage the affections, equip the whole person, and encourage God-centered living that treasures Christ above all things.
He and his wife, Gerrene were married in 1991 and they have two children.
