More on 'Divine Energy'

Just in case you were wondering, the reason I haven't submitted a longer review of this book (see June post) is because it has sold so energetically that I have been forced to forego my copy, until we get more in. It's true! I did get two thirds of the way through however, and have to say that it is definitely study reading material. Skepp is very precise and advances his subject incrementally, although it can be hard to keep hold of the overall thread with all his sub-divisions. Firstly, he explores the state of man after the Fall in order to show the full depth of that fall. The deceitfulness of the heart above all things, with its desperate wickedness, is exhaustively dealt with. One point I would make here is that I have reservations with his dogmatic approach re the elements making up the 'heart'. It smacks of an 18th century view of psychology, and although I am in full sympathy with his conclusions, I feel he could have got to them more simply. Secondly, Skepp moves more positively Godward in his governing text - 'the exceeding greatness of his power' (Ephesians 1 v 19). This is good, and I feel I'm now onto the best part of the book. It all concludes with a very profitable application section, pastoral and gracious in its spirit. I hope I haven't been too premature in my comments. I know I have been measuring it by a high standard because it has been valued by many whose judgments are to be respected. Without doubt it is good to have this book available again - it is God honouring in an area where there is much weakness in Christian teaching today, self-styled Calvinists included.
Jeremy

'Divine Energy' by John Skepp

Our blog has got bogged down! Busily trying to get things straight in advance of our holiday next week. But I just had to broadcast news of this latest book in from the States. Until republished by Baptist Standard Bearer it had been as easy to get hold of as snow in the Sahara. The author was looked up to by no less a man than John Gill, who gave it a recommendatory preface. It was first printed in 1722, and was the only thing that John Skepp wrote. He focusses in on Ephesians 1 v 19 in strongly giving emphasis to the power and priority of God in saving sinners. It is subtitled 'The efficacious operations of the Spirit of God upon the soul of man, in his effectual calling and conversion'. This may be a mouthful, but in fact Skepp reads more easily than Gill in my opinion. However this isn't a review - yet (as I haven't finished reading it). A minor adverse comment is as to who would design such an abominable cover as this one? I won't even display it here for fear of scaring the faint-hearted and children! But still don't let it put you off.
Jeremy