The Atonement
In its relations to the covenant, the priesthood, the intercession of our Lord
| Weight | .98 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.75 × 5.6 × .9 in |
| ISBN | 9781800404854 |
| Binding | Cloth-bound, eBook (ePub & Mobi), Cloth-bound & eBook (ePub & Mobi) |
| Topic | Atonement, Justification |
| Original Pub Date | 1870 |
| Banner Pub Date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Page Count | 288 |
| Format | Book |
EndorsementsRead More ↓
‘Hugh Martin did not belong to the type of theologian who simply pours new wine into old wine bottles, or vice versa. He thought through the truth from first principles, always sensitive to the text of Scripture. Thus the reader is never left simply ticking off boxes, ‘heard that’, ‘know this’. Rather there is a powerful, original, compelling, sometimes blazing light and gospel logic that demands and requires the closest attention and reflection. The way in which he penetrates to the heart of the work of Christ and then expounds the gospel out of its true centre calls for our best thinking and humblest spirits.
In addition, it should be said that The Atonement is not Martin’s easiest book. But precisely for that reason it is wonderful medicine for the Christian mind and will open up new veins of evangelical truth for preachers to mine. Perhaps for some it will provide even entirely new land on which to graze. In today’s context it is scarcely possible to over-estimate how valuable his work is. Professor John Murray was surely right to say that, ‘At no time in the history of Scotland was the church of Christ adorned with a brighter galaxy of gifted and devoted ministers of the gospel than in the middle half of the nineteenth century. . . . Among these names none deserved more honour than that of Hugh Martin.”’ — FROM THE FORWARD BY JOHN C.A. FERGUSON AND SINCLAIR FERGUSON
Book Description
The Atonement is the most significant contribution to the Christian church by Hugh Martin, an author of extraordinary penetration and great power. At a time when the preaching of the cross has been displaced from many pulpits by talk about man, and where experience-orientated theology has come to reign, Martin’s exposition of the atonement is a book that demands attention.
The great distinctive feature of The Atonement is the emphasis it places on the importance of a covenant perspective, and its focus on the work of Christ as priest. Martin was adamant that these are essential to the right interpretation and proclamation of the doctrine of the atonement. In these pages the author also exposes the mis-steps in theology that empty the cross of its meaning and power. In doing so he notably expounds the concept of the double imputation of sin and righteousness, devastatingly exposes the weaknesses of the theology of F. W. Robertson, and treats the relationship between the atonement and the moral law.
Hugh Martin was a man who thought through the truth from first principles, always sensitive to the text of Scripture. His writings are characterised by a powerful, original, compelling, sometimes blazing light and gospel logic that demands and requires the closest attention and reflection. The way in which he penetrates to the heart of the work of Christ and then expounds the gospel out of its true centre calls for our best thinking and humblest spirits. For anyone who wants to learn what it is to think about Christ’s atonement these pages will open up new vistas and indeed whole panoramas that will, when gazed on with a loving and humble mind, fill the heart with love and praise.
Derek Thomas on The Atonement
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EndorsementsRead More ↓ ‘Hugh Martin did not belong to the type of theologian who simply pours new wine into old wine bottles, or vice versa. He thought through the truth from first principles, always sensitive to the text of Scripture. Thus the reader is never left simply ticking off boxes, ‘heard that’, ‘know this’. Rather […]
price
From: $2.00
Description
EndorsementsRead More ↓ ‘Hugh Martin did not belong to the type of theologian who simply pours new wine into old wine bottles, or vice versa. He thought through the truth from first principles, always sensitive to the text of Scripture. Thus the reader is never left simply ticking off boxes, ‘heard that’, ‘know this’. Rather […]
price
From: $2.00
Description
EndorsementsRead More ↓ ‘Hugh Martin did not belong to the type of theologian who simply pours new wine into old wine bottles, or vice versa. He thought through the truth from first principles, always sensitive to the text of Scripture. Thus the reader is never left simply ticking off boxes, ‘heard that’, ‘know this’. Rather […]
RON ROSSA –
One of the most edifying books both experimentally and theologically I’ve read (and I read a lot of books). Definitely recommended for both every lay person and pastor, must read, everything from Hugh Martin is pure gold.
Marc Daniel Rivera (KristiyaKnow) –
The Atonement was first published in the nineteenth century and now made available again by Banner of Truth. This book is perhaps Martin’s magnum opus and his most important contribution to the church. It tackles one of the most central doctrines of the Christian faith: the atoning work of Christ.
This book is not a light read, but definitely a deeply rewarding one. Martin wrote at a time when the focus of preaching was beginning to drift away from the cross. That concern feels surprisingly modern. In many places today, theology is shaped more by human experience than by Scripture. Against that backdrop, this book calls us back to solid ground. It does not try to be trendy or novel. Instead, it carefully works through what the Bible actually teaches about the atonement—and why it matters.
The book is not a systematic theology in the usual sense. It is a collection of tightly connected studies, each building on the other. As the subtitle suggests, Martin focuses on three key areas: the covenant of grace, Christ’s priesthood, and his ongoing intercession. These are not side topics. For Martin, they are essential. If we remove the atonement from its place within the covenant or if we ignore Christ’s role as priest, we end up misunderstanding the cross itself.
The opening chapters lay the foundation by placing the atonement within the covenant of grace. This is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Martin insists that we should not treat the atonement as an isolated idea. It belongs within the larger plan of God’s redemption. When seen in this context, the death of Christ is not a vague act of love, but a definite, purposeful work rooted in God’s eternal design.
From there, Martin develops the idea of Christ as priest. He shows that the atonement is not just about what Christ suffered, but about what he did as the appointed mediator. His death was an act of priestly obedience, offered to God on behalf of his people. This gives the cross a clear direction and meaning. It was not merely an example or a display. It was a sacrifice.
Martin’s treatment of the connection between atonement and intercession is very helpful. He argues that Christ’s work did not end at the cross. The same priest who offered himself now lives to intercede. These two aspects—atonement and intercession—belong together. If Christ died for someone, he also prays for them. This line of thinking strengthens confidence in the completeness and effectiveness of Christ’s work.
Martin also spends time addressing theological errors that weaken the doctrine of the atonement. In particular, he critiques views that reduce the cross to a moral influence or a general display of love. Without being overly polemical, he shows that these ideas fail to deal seriously with sin, justice, and the demands of God’s law. His discussion of double imputation—the transfer of our sin to Christ and his righteousness to us—is especially clear and powerful. This is not treated as a side issue, but as a central part of the gospel.
At the same time, Martin avoids unnecessary speculation. One of his guiding principles is that theology should stay close to Scripture. He is cautious about philosophical systems that try to explain more than the Bible reveals. Instead, he works from the text outward, building his arguments step by step. This gives the book a strong sense of stability, even when the material becomes challenging.
And it does get challenging. This is not an easy book. Martin writes with precision, and his arguments require careful attention. It asks you to slow down and think. It stretches the mind and deepens understanding. What makes the effort worthwhile is the clarity that comes on the other side. As the chapters unfold, the work of Christ comes into sharper focus. The cross is no longer a general idea, but a definite achievement. It satisfies God’s justice, fulfills the covenant, and secures salvation for God’s people. That vision leads not just to clearer thinking, but to deeper worship.