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Book Review: In My Place Condemned He Stood

Last week I received a copy of In My Place Condemned He Stood in the mail. And, as is my habit, I read the introduction and the endorsements; my only problem was, I could not put it down. The forward is by Ligon Duncan, Al Mohler, Mark Dever and CJ Mahaney. They explain in their piece that upon a series of lengthy discussions on great books and articles on the atonement they dreamed together about a book that would gather together some of J.I. Packer’s most helpful articles on Christ’s work. Following some further deliberation and collaboration with the folks at Crossway and Packer himself this book was quickly put together.

The book includes the following chapters by Packer:

The Heart of the Gospel

What Did the Cross Achieve? The Logic of Penal Substitution

Saved by His Precious Blood: An Introduction to John Owen’s The Death of Death in the Death of Christ

The introduction into John Owen’s The Death of Death is worth the book. This is simply fantastic. He not only succeeds in being intensely biblical he also serves us by connecting the necessary dots; he brings out the theological realities of the atonement of Christ for his sheep. This is truly invaluable for our souls. When I read these chapters I feel like I’m watching a major leaguer take batting practice; every sentence is precise, power packed, and a solid hit, Packer is just flat out good in these essays.

In addition to Packer’s articles, the book includes Mark Dever’s essay on the atonement that appeared in Christianity Today back in 2006. As Dever indicates in the introduction, this inclusion was per Packer’s insistence and despite his own reluctance. Packer and Dever also unite on a chapter entitled Christ-Centered Means Cross-Centered.

Another positive of this book is the thoughtful and thorough bibliography by Ligon Duncan. Duncan highlights great books that are available to us on the work of Christ. This is truly helpful.

I have heard folks say that these essays by Packer are mandatory reading for pastors. I have to agree. Now they are far more readily available for us all.

You may pick up a copy at Westminster (click here ) or Amazon (see below).

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