Programming in Scala, Fourth Edition

by Martin Odersky, Lex Spoon, and Bill Venners
Programming in Scala, Fourth Edition cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 2476
  • Added: 2025-10-14
  • Updated: 2025-10-14
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
booksites.artima.com · Unknown · 2025-10-17
excellent 5.00

The book provides a deep theological treatment of the relationship between law and gospel, using the Marrow Controversy as a case study. It is both theologically astute and pastorally sensitive, offering valuable insights that will be revisited in the future.

The book delves into the Marrow Controversy of the early 18th century Scottish Presbyterian church to explore the relationship between law and gospel in the life of a believer. It offers a thorough analysis of legalism, antinomianism, and assurance, making it a comprehensive guide. The treatment is both theologically profound and pastorally applicable, making it a valuable resource that will be revisited in the future. The book's insights are likely to be beneficial for refreshing one's understanding of the gospel's role in a believer's life.

Quick quotes

    Ferguson uses the Marrow Controversy that occurred in the Scottish Presbyterian church during the early 18th century to illuminate and provide an excellent theological treatment on the classic issue of the relationship between law and gospel and their role in the life of the believer.

    This means he provides an analysis of subjects like legalism, antinomianism, and assurance.

    This is one of those books I feel like I will want to return to and read again in years to come to refresh myself in the aid it supplies.

packtpub.com · Unknown · 2025-10-17
informative 3.50

The book delves into the Marrow Controversy, highlighting the debate between legalism and antinomianism, and its relevance to modern theological discussions. The reviewer appreciates the historical insights but finds the author's personal reflections mixed and sometimes conflicting with the Marrow Men's views.

The Whole Christ by Sinclair B. Ferguson explores the Marrow Controversy, a historical debate within the Scottish Presbyterian Church about the nature of salvation and the gospel's offer. The book contrasts the views of the Marrow Men, who believed in an unconditional offer of the gospel to all, with those who thought the gospel should only be offered to those showing signs of regeneration. The reviewer finds the historical exposition valuable and easy to read, providing relevant insights for modern debates, particularly between Free Grace and Lordship Salvation. However, they note that Ferguson's personal reflections are sometimes inconsistent with the Marrow Men's positions, and his traditional Reformed theology occasionally undermines the stronger arguments for Marrow theology. The reviewer recommends the book for its informative content but cautions that it is not a strict historical account.

Quick quotes

    The Marrow Men believed that “Christ is to be offered to all men everywhere without exception or qualification” (p. 39).

    Ferguson falls into the familiar trap of Reformed spirituality where assurance of salvation is based, not on Jesus’ promise of eternal life, but on “the evidence of a life that really is being saved” (p. 204).

    The book is valuable because there are many places where both Ferguson and the Marrow Men either hold, or come close to holding, Free Grace positions.

cs.nyu.edu · Unknown · 2021-09-08
excellent 4.50

The book focuses on the completeness of Christ's person and work in relation to law and gospel, legalism, antinomianism, and assurance. It offers pastorally oriented discussions that guide readers away from dangers that draw them away from Christ, emphasizing the need for Christ himself rather than abstracted blessings. The reviewer finds the book rich in insights and well worth the read for pastors.

The Whole Christ by Sinclair B. Ferguson delves into the themes of the Marrow Controversy, focusing on the completeness of Christ's person and work in relation to law and gospel. The book is not a comprehensive historical analysis but rather a pastorally oriented discussion that highlights the dangers of legalism and antinomianism. Ferguson emphasizes the need for Christ himself, rather than abstracted blessings, and provides insights that are both winsome and Christ-centered. The reviewer appreciates the book's emphasis on the centrality of union with Christ and its practical applications for gospel preaching. The final chapters on assurance are particularly noteworthy, offering mature pastoral guidance. While the book may have been better titled to reflect its broader scope, it is highly recommended for pastors seeking a deeper understanding of these theological themes.

Quick quotes

    The danger that concerns Ferguson is the influence this can have on our approach to gospel preaching, causing us to focus on “abstracted and discrete blessings . . . and then the question of how we receive them,” with the ultimate tendency of turning ourselves inward, rather than Christ-ward.

    Ferguson provides a healthy reminder that congregations hear what we say, in the priority and proportions we say it. They do not hear all that we have in our minds. Emphasis matters.

    We need grace in Christ; we need Jesus Christ himself. “God’s grace to us _is_ Christ” (p. 134).

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