Editors note: The purpose of this series is to help our readers understand what sin is, how serious sin is, and how great the grace of God, who offers redemption to sinners from sin and new life in Christ.
- David Dunham opened our series on sin with a look at sin and biochemical brokenness.
- Zach wrote on overcoming a sinful theology of Lent and Fasting.
- Nick Batzig wrote on two dangers and three duties in confessing sin to one another.
- Dave wrote on indwelling sin, positional sanctification, and progressive sanctification.
- Dave wrote on living however you want a looking at Romans 6:1-2.
- Matt Perman wrote on the biblical evidence for original sin.
- Brian Hedges wrote on four thoughts on how sin does its work.
- Chis Poblete wrote on seven ways to wage war against sin.
- Matthew Fretwell wrote on the question, “Can sin exist in the Church?”
- Jason Helopoulos wrote on sin is no friend.
- Kevin Halloran wrote on serial killers, hiding sins, and the glorious hope of forgiveness in Christ.
- Mike Boling wrote on how to walk in the light and deal with the sin of hatred.
- Zach wrote on despising and embracing temptation.
- Brian Hedges wrote on the contagion of sin.
- Thaddeus William wrote on Mortification: Seven Phases Along the Sin-Killing Continuum.
- Nick Batzig wrote on no more conscious of sin.
- Matt Perman wrote on the imputation of Christ.
- Brian Hedges wrote on Crucified with Christ: How the Cross Kills Sin.
- Matt Perman wrote on the question, “What is the biblical evidence for the imputation of Adam’s Sin?”
- Mike Leake wrote on envy.
- Dave wrote on fleeing worldliness and pursuing Christ.
- Dave wrote on dealing with unrighteous and righteous anger in our lives.
- Matt Perman wrote on the question, “What is the difference between original sin and imputed sin?”
- Mike wrote on I Will Set No Evil Thing Before My Eyes.
- Today Dave gives 21 books he recommends on sin.
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In March here at Servants of Grace, we’ve been considering the topic of sin. We live in a time where sin is often minimized or even ignored. A right understanding of the doctrine of sin will help us to not only see ourselves rightly in light of Jesus, but also to glory in the Christ. Furthermore, understanding the doctrine of sin will strengthen our witness, since it will help Christians put to death their sin, understanding that Jesus died in the place of His people and for their sin.
Through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit, Christians are convicted of sin, empowered to make much of Jesus for the purpose of being about His mission—seeing the lost saved and disciples made. A right understanding of sin will help the Christian to see the world, not as they want, but as it really is. It will also help Christians to understand God, revelation, humanity, Christ, his saving work, the church, and eschatology. It will help us as we engage in evangelism, missions, pastoral leadership, ministry, ethics, preaching, counseling, and much more.
The following list of books reflects, in my view, the best teaching on the doctrine of sin. Some are newer and some are older. The list is provided in no particular order. I trust you’ll enjoy them as much as I have.
- Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle
- Closing the Windows by Tim Chester
- Sex and the Supremacy of God by John Piper and Justin Taylor
- CCEF Mini Books by various authors
- Porn-Free Church (free e-book) by Covenant Eyes
- Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate by Jerry Bridges
- Fallen: A Theology of Sin Edited by Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson
- Finally Free: Fighting For Purity with the Power of Grace by Health Lambert
- Overcoming Sin and Temptation: Three Classic Works by John Owen
- The Enemy Within: Straight Talk About the Power and Defeat of Sin by Kris Lundgaard
- Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks
- The Evil of Evils: The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin (Puritan Writings) by Jeremiah Burroughs.
- Keeping the Heart: How to maintain your love for God by John Flavel
- The Mischief of Sin by Thomas Watson
- Sinfulness of Sin by Ralph Venning
- The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; or, Good News for the Vilest of Men by John Bunyan
- The Anatomy of Secret Sins by Obadiah Sedgwick
- Instructions About Heart-work, and a Companion for Prayer by Richard Alleine
- A Treatise on Satan’s Temptations by Richard Gilpin
- Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore
- The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson