Book Review - "Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ" (by John MacArthur)

(reviewed by Stephen Simpson)

As Christians, we have bought from the slave market of sin and are now slaves to a new master.  I have recently finished a new book that explores our identity as slaves to Christ.  John MacArthur's new book is  entitled Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ.  The slave-master relationship is present all throughout scripture but is often lost in our English translations.  Too often, 'slave' is translated 'servant.' In our minds, a servant is very different than a slave.  A servant is hired.  A slave is purchased.  MacArthur presents 5 parallels between Biblical Christianity and first-century slavery:

1. Exclusive Ownership
2. Complete Submission
3. Singular Devotion
4. Total Dependence
5. Personal Accountability

As Christians we must embrace our identity as slaves to Christ.  Meditate on this thought

"I am a slave of Christ.  He bought me with His own blood.  Yet, He does not treat me as a slave.  He treats me as His bride."

Related Books:
In MacArthur's book, he frequently references another book that deals with this same topic:  Slave of Christ:  A New Testament Metaphor for Total Devotion to Christ by Murray J. Harris.

Are You a Slave? (by Stephen Simpson)

Photo by Paul Cleveland

Several weeks ago, I preached a message from Matthew 6:19-24 entitled Are You a Slave?  In the message we looked at the verse "No one can serve two masters" and observed that it could be better translated "No one can be a slave to two masters."  We considered our role and identity as slaves of Jesus Christ.

Closing Poem
At the close of my message, I read a poem written by my grandmother.  It is entitled 'The Slave Girl' by Anne B. Simpson.  It was written in 1951 shortly after she and my grandfather were saved at a Billy Graham crusade in Boston.

I was a slave in the market places;
Shackled and striped with sin's cruel traces;
Chains about my ankle, bands around my wrist,
Nor knowing, nor caring of One's loving tryst.

"Comely and black," the auctioneer said.
"I'll give a ruby, the deepest of red!"
"I'll give a pearl of exceeding great worth!"
"I'll give a diamond dug deep from the earth!"

When suddenly out of the throng stood one...
His head was as most fine gold in the sun,
His eyes were soft as the eyes of the dove,
And in His torn hands lay the cost of love.

The price was paid, the transaction done
With His own precious blood, and there was none
Could bid any dearer!  With joy I cried,
For He bought me, a slave, to be His own Bride!

Related Book:

• Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ (by John MacArthur)