Christian Book Notes

Leiter, Charles. Justifcation and Regeneration. Hannibal: Granted Ministries Press, 2009. 1st edition printed 2007. 192 pp. $13.95. Purchase at Amazon.com for $13.95

Review

This book deals with exactly what the title implies; i.e., the doctrines of justification and regeneration. In order for any person to become a child of God, regeneration must take place. If regeneration (created again) is to take place then that must imply that we are (or were) dead. If we were dead, then there must be a reason why. Now, if we are to be regenerated from our death something pretty big must have happened that would enable us to be made alive again. You follow?

Charles Leiter deals with all of this in Justification and Regeneration and he begins necessarily right at the beginning–humanly speaking. He begins with our sin and our need for Someone to make us right with a holy God because we are completely unable to do so ourselves. Chapters two and three explain the doctrine of justification–how we can be made right with a holy God.

The meat of the book deals with the doctrine of regeneration and what that entails for the person who has put saving trust in Christ Jesus. Chapter four gives an aerial view of regeneration while chapters five through nine offer an up close and personal look at some of the different aspects of regeneration. For example, we become a new creation, a new man, gain a new heart and experience a new birth. The tenth chapter describes the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ while eleven through fifteen explain how we have changed realms spiritually speaking. The appendices are also rich with information as there are many questions surrounding these doctrines.

Recommendation

Not everyone is going to agree with Charles Leiter on his understanding and explanation of these doctrines. One thing they cannot say is that he does not support his beliefs with Scripture. He rightly divides the Word and supports all of his claims with sound exegesis. I would recommend this valuable resource to anyone wanting to understand what the Bible has to say on these two most important doctrines of the Christian faith.