The Fading of the Flesh and The Flourishing of Faith (Swinnock) - Puritan Treasures for Today

I came to buy more copies of this book for friends—it's that good. Then I saw a one-star review. Curious, I read the reviewer describing this volume as "Polluted by jingoistic John Piper". I had to provide my own review—less as a response to that reviewer and more of a plea to you. Please do not let a comment like that rob you of one of the most beautiful presentations of Jesus Christ to sinners that you will ever read (pages 68-78 in particular).

Here are the facts. The entirety of reference to John Piper is found in the first two paragraphs of the foreword: "Several decades ago, John Piper coined a phrase that has become the impetus for countless individuals, ministries, organizations, and churches throughout the world. It is simply this: "God is more glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." According to Piper, our problems is not that we desire pleasure, but that we do not desire it enough. ... By his own admission, Piper drinks from a stream that extends all the way back to Augustine ..."

That's it.

The rest of the book is a grand exposition and application of Psalm 73 that at its heart confronts saints and sinners alike with our inevitable rendezvous with death. It confronts our sins, presents Christ in His beauty to us, warns of hell, speaks of heaven, calls us to holiness, describes what marriage to the Son of God is and what it entails, tells of how death for the believer is transformed from a raging monster to a gentle passage to our eternal rest, and how you can prepare now to die well.

George Swinnock on pages 68-78, in particular, pulls up a chair beside you, puts his arm on your shoulder, and presents the Gospel in a simplicity, beauty, candor, and power that is unmatched. He calls heaven and earth to witness against you that he has faithfully presented you with life and death, and he urges you to choose life.

This work is particularly helpful for those discouraged by or falling again and again into indwelling sin. Swinnock presents the arguments for and articles of your marriage to Christ. By faith and repentance you must embrace Jesus Christ and must divorce all of your other lovers. Your Husband's riches will pay for all of your debts—no matter how great. Jesus is presented to you in such glory and simplicity that your heart will ache to run to Him away from all of the foolish idols that so easily cloud your sight. There's hope for sinners here.

So, the choice is yours:
1) Do you want to confront and grapple with the greatest questions that humanity will face this side of eternity, prepare to look death itself in the face, and hear God's glorious answer to these questions in Christ?
2) Or do you want to forego it all because there are 4 sentences about John Piper in the foreword?

Choose wisely.

"The Fading of the Flesh" by George Swinnock is a profound and soul-stirring work that delves into the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal importance of spiritual growth. Swinnock masterfully guides the reader through reflections on mortality, helping us to refocus our hearts and minds on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the pursuit of holiness.

Swinnock's writing is rich in scriptural insight and practical wisdom, making it not just a theological treatise but a deeply personal and reflective experience. Each chapter encourages self-examination and offers comfort in the eternal promises of God. His timeless messages are as relevant today as they were when they were first penned, providing both conviction and encouragement.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of the Christian life. Whether you are a seasoned believer or new to the faith, Swinnock’s words will resonate with you, challenging you to live with an eternal perspective in mind. Highly recommended!

Unfortunately, RHB apparently did not believe that George Swinnock could speak for himself and felt compelled to pollute this edition with John Piper's shallow and superficial jingoism in an effort to sell its worth to the so-called "young, Reformed, and restless": I would recommend finding another edition of this work which allows Swinnock to speak for himself unadulterated, and if I uad realized that this edition was polluted by John Piper, I never would have purchased it. John Thackway of the Trinitarian Bible Shas made some wise observations regarding Piper on par with "Engaging Timothy Keller."