Top 6 Books on the Person and Glory of Jesus Christ

There are, of course, a number of useful treatments of the subject that do so technically.   I have been helped, for example, Mark Jones' Knowing Christ and B.B. Warfield's The Emotional Life of our Lord.   But there are other books that offer something more.   

My aim for each section is to limit myself to just 6 books.  So here are not necessarily the six most comprehensive or most technical books on the subject, but the six which have shown me most of Christ.   Here, then, are 6 recommendations on the very best of themes:

1. Looking Unto Jesus by Isaac Ambrose - When I visited Mr. Sprinkle's warehouse a few years ago I asked him for a recommendation.  I asked, "if I could buy just one book of all the books you have published which would say it should be?"  Mr.  Sprinkle immediately pulled this one off the shelf.  [His second choice was the Christian's Daily Walk by Henry Scudder which is one of my favourites on the subject of sanctification]  Ambrose has done a masterful job of taking the reader through the life of Christ and dealing with who He is and then how we should respond.  Few books are so experimental, practical and worshipful.   Few books are so thorough.  I love this book and plan to return to it often.  It is one that can be read again and again.

2. The Fountain of Life Opened by John Flavel (found in volume 1 of his works).  I cannot say enough about this book. It was such a joy to read.  Few books have had the impact on my life that this one has.  It is simply wonderful.

3. The Glory of Christ by John Owen (found in volume 1 of his works).  This was one of 2 books that sat always on M'Cheyne's bed stand.  The other was Rutherford's Letters (see below).  It isn't included in my desert island top 5 simply because there were so many others to choose from.  Nevertheless, it is a beautiful (even thrilling) treatment of our Saviour that deserves to be read by every Christian.  

4. Christ on the Cross by John Stevenson.  This rare book is unusually precious.  If you can find a copy grab it quickly.

5. The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth by Thomas Goodwin.  

6. Rock of our Salvation by William Plumer.  This one is the easiest to read.  It is simple but edifying.

One further recommendation: Though it isn't a book that properly belongs in this category, The Letters of Samuel Rutherford (unabridged) is a book that is full of Jesus.  Charles Spurgeon said it was the closest thing to inspired writing after Scripture.  I am inclined to agree.  

Other book lists:

  • For books to read on the Lord's Day go here.
  • For books on revival go here.     
  • For books for discouraged believers go here. 
  • For books on holiness go here.



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