The Atonement (Martin)

Description

The Atonement is the most significant contribution to the Christian church by Hugh Martin, an author of extraordinary penetration and great power. At a time when the preaching of the cross has been displaced from many pulpits by talk about man, and where experience-orientated theology has come to reign, Martin’s exposition of the atonement is a book that demands attention.

The great distinctive feature of The Atonement is the emphasis it places on the importance of a covenant perspective, and its focus on the work of Christ as priest. Martin was adamant that these are essential to the right interpretation and proclamation of the doctrine of the atonement. In these pages the author also exposes the mis-steps in theology that empty the cross of its meaning and power. In doing so he notably expounds the concept of the double imputation of sin and righteousness, devastatingly exposes the weaknesses of the theology of F. W. Robertson, and treats the relationship between the atonement and the moral law.

Hugh Martin was a man who thought through the truth from first principles, always sensitive to the text of Scripture. His writings are characterised by a powerful, original, compelling, sometimes blazing light and gospel logic that demands and requires the closest attention and reflection. The way in which he penetrates to the heart of the work of Christ and then expounds the gospel out of its true centre calls for our best thinking and humblest spirits. For anyone who wants to learn what it is to think about Christ’s atonement these pages will open up new vistas and indeed whole panoramas that will, when gazed on with a loving and humble mind, fill the heart with love and praise.

Contents

Foreword by John C. A. Ferguson and Sinclair B. Ferguson
Introduction by John C. A. Ferguson
Preface

1. Atonement and the Covenant of Grace
2. Atonement and the Federal Theology
3. Atonement and Christ's Priestly Office
4. Christ's Priestly Action in His Death
5. Atonement and Intercession: 1. The Direct Argument
6. Atonement and Intercession: 2: The Inverse Arguement
7. Atonement and Remission
8. The Counter-Imputatios of Sin and Righteousness
9. Mr. Robertson of Brighton's Views of Vicarious Sacrifice
10. Atonement, and Distinctive Peculiarity of Moral Law

Appendix:—A Discourse on God's Blessedness and His Statutes
Glossary of Persons
Glossary of Terms

About the Author

Hugh Martin (1822-1885) was one of the most outstanding men in that 'galaxy of gifted and devoted ministers of the gospel' in Scotland during the second half of the nineteenth century. After a career, in which he obtained the highest mathematical honours, he entered the ministry at Panbride and Edinburgh before he was forced to retire in 1865 because of ill-health. In his writings he is unsurpassed, for 'no one could scale higher heights of sanctified eloquence'. His works, which include Christ for Us, A Commentary on Jonah, The Shadow of Calvary, and Christ's Presence in the Gospel History, continue to be in demand today.