A PASSION FOR CHRIST

The Vision that Ignites Ministry

Thomas F. Torrance

James B. Torrance

David W. Torrance

edited by

Gerrit Dawson

Jock Stein

WIPF & STOCK • Eugene, Oregon

Wipf and Stock Publishers

199 W 8th Ave, Suite 3

Eugene, OR 97401

A Passion for Christ

The Vision that Ignites Ministry

By Torrance, Thomas F. and Torrance, James B.

Copyright©2010 by Torrance, Thomas F.

ISBN 13: 978-1-60899-637-7

Publication date 4/19/2010

Previously published by Handsel Press and PLC Publications, 1999

CONTENTS

Introduction

The Light of the Gospel Gerrit Dawson

Chapter One

The Christ who Loves us Thomas F. Torrance

Chapter Two

Preaching Jesus Christ Thomas F. Torrance

Chapter Three

Christ in our Place: the Joy of Worship James B. Torrance

Hymn

I Know Not How to Pray James B. Torrance

Chapter Four

Prayer and the Priesthood of Christ James B. Torrance

Chapter Five

Sharing in the Ministry of Christ David W. Torrance

Chapter Six

Marriage in the Covenant of Christ David W. Torrance

Chapter Seven

The Mission of Christians and Jews David W. Torrance

Postscript

The Legacy of the Gospel Jock Stein

Selected Books

Notes and Acknowledgments

The Editors express their thanks to Bob Mills and the staff of the Presbyterian Lay Committee for assistance with this publication, and especially to the Torrance brothers themselves for the use of their material.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

No uniform policy of capitalisation has been adopted in this book.

Introduction by Gerrit Dawson

THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL

From the moment I was re-introduced to the work of the Torrance brothers several years ago, something ignited in my soul. As I read, I felt like I held gold in my hands. Simultaneously, a hunger awoke and was satisfied. Ever was I directed to see a God higher and more wonderful than I had dared to imagine. Jesus Christ appeared to me through their words in the splendour of his glory and his all-embracing love. I was thrilled again with theology. Suddenly, doctrine mattered immensely, because it offered a path, not into esoteric musings, but into the very heart of the universe.

So I introduce these essays to you with earnest anticipation. I believe they will fire up your passion for Jesus Christ. For they contain the truths that keep Christian faith vigorous. As you read, you may well feel, as I did, that you are seeing something very familiar as if for the first time. The Gospel will shine with a new brilliance. For the doctrines of grace articulated in these pages take hold of us and do not let go. We may wrestle with them all night long, as Jacob with the angel, but in the morning we will be changed. Our very lives will be reoriented by the blessing of seeing anew what it means that God has come to us in Jesus Christ. Such theology is a tonic for weariness to those who are labouring ...

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About A Passion for Christ: The Vision that Ignites Ministry

In a culture increasingly secular in its pursuits and indifferent to the voice of the church, how may we ignite the fire for ministry that will bring the gospel to the world? How can weary pastors be sustained amidst a climate of doubt and resistance?

For more than half a century, three remarkable brothers have offered a vision that has inspired thousands in churches and seminaries. Today, their message remains fresh and relevant as we enter a new millennium. And for one reason: The Brothers Torrance share a passion for Christ—the Christ of the Scriptures, the Christ of the historic Nicene faith.

These essays distill the essence of their thought, and shine with the clarity of their shared vision. A Passion for Christ is a light of encouragement for ministers and lay people elsewhere.

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