One Perfect
Life by John MacArthur
I have read One
Perfect Life, Dr. John MacArthur’s book last year. This January, I got a chance
to read again. I cannot make a scientific attempt to summarize it, but let me
just give a simple review. I read an Indian Edition, 2013. It is the complete
story of the Lord Jesus Christ – a blended harmony of the four Gospels account
with other Scripture passages of the whole Bible.
I am impressed that
the blending is based on the Gospel of Matthew, as Matthew is the first
canonized book placed in the New Testament. Moreover, the book begins with the
account of Genesis, and then pull in all important passages of the whole Bible:
Genesis through Isaiah through Colossians through Revelation. It is interesting
to see different authors of the Bible at different places at different times
(over 1600 years) wrote about the same Person, and this book is the
demonstration of their writings.
The Introduction
clearly states that the objective of this book for the believer is to be
sanctified, and for the non-believer to be saved. Thus making this book
appealing to everyone. Some of the interesting things in this book are:
1.
The blended
Scripture is interesting enough to read on and on (though 516 in pages), but
the inclusion of footnotes is really a treat. Footnotes comprise 40-50
percent of the whole book. By the way, Dr. MacArthur is known for footnotes,
not just in writings but in sermons and “Questions and Answers” times.
2.
The book is
set chronologically, not just of the events at the time of Christ, but the
accounts of the different writers (from Genesis to Revelation). The inclusion
of the First Part “Anticipating the Lord Jesus Christ” and the Last Part “New
Testament Reflections on the Gospel of Jesus Christ” in this book are very
insightful and well thought-out!
3.
One will
discover that the seeming discrepancies in the accounts of the different
writers are just not true, rather it brings more light. Such as the story of
Jesus commissioning the Twelve, regarding the things they should not take along
with them (p.192), resurrection account (p.47-471)
4.
Also, one will
be enamored to see that some of the seeming parallel stories are not the same
story but a repetition such as the argument about the greatness, cleansing of
Temple, washing of Jesus’s feet (p.160-161).
5.
Textual
Criticisms are employed such as in the account of the “adulterous woman” (p.
256), “waiting for the moving of the water” in the story of a Lame man on the
Sabbath (p. 121).
6.
The Historical
settings are made available to have the clearest understanding of the story.
Such as the “Coming Messiah” (p.30, 53), “eye of a needle” (p.335), widow’s
mite (p.382).
7.
The Cultural
Contexts which is necessary to help us understand the intent of the author is included. Such as the story of disciple plucking the heads of grain (p.127)
mourning of Lazarus’s death (p.185), Jesus, Son of Mary (p.188), “take his
cross and follow me” (p.194)
8.
The
Geographical descriptions are just wonderful, as if one had been there, and know
what the author is talking about. Such as the Sea of Galilee (p. 105, 178), the mount of Transfiguration (p.230),
9.
The
authenticity, relevance, and sufficiency of the Bible confirmed in this book is
mind-exhilarating. Such as Jacob’s well in the story of Samaritan Woman.
“The spring is still active today” (p.95) the story of rich man and Lazarus (p.315).
10.
Personally,
the account of the Lord’s Supper is made clear to me in the footnotes such as the
“dip” (p.405), “third cup” (p.411). Also. The footnotes serve a great light
what (the occasion or event) made Jesus wash the disciple’s feet. The question
and arguments about the greatness (p.407).
If I were to make a
suggestion to the author is to include a Scriptural Index at the back. Of
course, not necessary for the Gospels but the other books of the Bible,
especially for the Old Testament.
My Final note: I have
never read a book such as this. It is just second to the Bible because this book
is completely the Scriptures except the footnotes given by the author. One may
read Scripture from the Bible, but this book comes with the footnotes that
exposit the text. Though no book can never substitute the Gospels of the
Bible, this book is the greatest book I can pick up concerning the life of
Jesus Christ. You do well if you read this book whoever you are!