No Condemnation: A New Theology of Assurance

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Summary: A Refreshing Reminder that Salvation is by Faith Alone!
Review: This book gives an interesting view of the law as seen in the writings of Paul. I like how the author rejects both Calvinist and Arminian systems and plows a furrow down the middle of them both while remaining faithful to the Bible. His point about the necessity of a general atonement for assurance is very interesting, and convincing. I also appreciate his insights on introspection; it is indeed very destructive to the doctrine of assurance. I also recommend Zane Hodges' book "Absolutely Free! A Biblical Reply to Lordship Salvation".

Rating:
Summary: Well worth reading
Review: This book gives an interesting view of the law as seen in the writings of Paul. I like how the author rejects both Calvinist and Arminian systems and plows a furrow down the middle of them both while remaining faithful to the Bible. His point about the necessity of a general atonement for assurance is very interesting, and convincing. I also appreciate his insights on introspection; it is indeed very destructive to the doctrine of assurance. I also recommend Zane Hodges' book "Absolutely Free! A Biblical Reply to Lordship Salvation".

Rating:
Summary: A Refreshing Reminder that Salvation is by Faith Alone!
Review: This book is a refreshing reminder that salvation/justification is by faith alone. Though I disagree with many of Eaton's exegeses and conclusions, I have to say that he has done a good job pointing out the dangers of a law-centred soteriology. With so many "evangelical distortions" hovering around in Christian academic circles, Eaton's book is a reminder to all that we must not let go of our evangelical Reformational heritage received from Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the Reformers. Many in today's "Protestant" academic circles are trying to bridge the gap between Protestantism and Romanism--or even worse: remake the Gospel so that Luther and Calvin are looked upon as incompetent exegetes. Eaton's soteriology is what you would call a "free grace" perspective along the lines of Zane Hodges, Joseph Dillow, Robert Wilkin, Earl Radmacher, Robert Lightner, Lewis Chafer, and Charles Ryrie. Though Eaton's exegesis is questionable at times, he makes a good case that not all warning passages deal with heaven or hell (some passages deal with temporal chastisement [cf. Rom 14:15; 1 Cor 8:11; 11:30] and loss of rewards [cf. 1 Cor 3:15; 9:27; 2 Peter 1:11; 2 John 8]). Though his liberal view of Scripture may not settle well with hardcore conservatives (like me), his book examines and analyzes the destructive consequences of any soteriological system that puts emphasis on the law (or "soteriological nomism") over or alongside faith. Though I consider myself thoroughly Reformed and Calvinistic (hence, I would consider myself a "developed" Calvinist according to Eaton's vocabulary), I understand the concerns brought up by Eaton and sympathize with him. With the rise of "covenantal nomistic" understandings of justification in the past few decades among professing evangelical scholars (e.g., Daniel Fuller, Scott Hafemann, Kent Yinger, Norman Shepherd, N. T. Wright, James Dunn, etc.) this book is a good reminder that our Reformational heritage stands on the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Apparently, many professing evangelical scholars aren't taking serious what Luther said in the 16th Century regarding the doctrine of justification by faith alone ("the article with and by which the church stands, without which it falls"). Though many will disagree with many of Eaton's conclusions regarding certain warning passages, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand that salvation by faith alone CANNOT mix with salvation by obedience to the law (whether meritorious or non-meritorious).

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Summary: Finally--- The truth!
Review: This book was an answer to prayer for me! For many years I have been frustrated by apparent contradictions in the bible concerning security and perserverance. I've grown weary of reading quotes such as "Eternal life is a free gift for those who forsake everything and follow Christ." This has really threatened my faith in the integrity of the Bible.Michael Eaton does a wonderful job in shedding the light on many confusing interpretations. He is a brilliant theologian with a passion for the truth, even when it goes against the grain of traditional views. If you're one othe few seeking the truth' this book is a must! Other related authors include R.T.Kendall, Zane Hodges, & Bob Wiilkin.