Christ Alone

In this highly readable and wonderfully engaging response to Rob Bell's "New York Times" best seller "Love Wins," Michael Wittmer examines Bell's claims about "heaven, hell, and the fate of every person who ever lived" in the light of the Bible and historic Christian doctrine. Wittmer writes in the introduction, "I respect Rob Bell. He wrote "Love Wins" to start a dialogue about the most important issues of our faith, and this book is my attempt as an evangelical to join that conversation." THE AUTHORS Michael E. Wittmer, Ph.D., teaches systematic and historical theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. His previous books include "Heaven Is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God," and "Don't Stop Believing: Why Living like Jesus Is Not Enough." He resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife and children and speaks widely. Michael S. Horton, Ph.D., is the J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California; president of the White Horse Inn; and editor-in-chief of "Modern Reformation" magazine. FROM THE PREFACE BY MICHAEL S. HORTON "[Rob Bell] gave us a wake-up call and Michael Wittmer has answered it.... Offering more light than heat, "Christ Alone" appreciates the attractiveness of Bell's questions and conclusions.... Avoiding caricature and personal attack, he carefully evaluates Bell's interpretations of Scripture. It's not a careless diatribe against a book, but filled with pastoral wisdom for perennial questions." ENDORSEMENTS "With clarity and a gracious spirit, Wittmer provides a resource that I can hand my parishioners who are seeking answers to the questions raised in Rob Bell's "Love Wins."" -- Pastor David Beelen, Madison Square Church, Grand Rapids, MI ""Christ Alone" is a gracious, respectful biblical and theological engagement with "Love Wins." Wittmer's astute questions help readers discern the strengths and weaknesses of Rob Bell's positions. -- Professor Darwin Glassford, Calvin Theological Seminary ""Christ Alone" provides a clear assessment of Rob Bell's "Love Wins." With skill and wit, Wittmer shows that in the end, God loves and wins only if he is truly and completely who he has revealed himself to be in both living and written Word." -- Pastor Jeffrey D. Halsted, Calvary Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI "Readers will appreciate the combination of respect, insight, and conviction. Wittmer helps us to see that the Bible's message is not embarrassing, but a compelling story that fits the reality of God's holiness and the darkness of the human heart." -- Pastor Nate Archer, Peace Church, Middleville, MI ""Christ Alone" deftly guides us in the art of listening to history and the text so that we might engage the conversation beyond the controversy. Not afraid to ask the questions, but ready to give an answer when there are answers to be given, Wittmer walks the line between mystery and revelation culminating in the cross and resurrection and the good news that love has already won." -- Christopher R. Brewer, Founder and Director of Gospel through Shared Experience and editor of "Art that Tells the Story, " "Wittmer's critique of "Love Wins" is fair, biblical, and loving. Readers learn or relearn biblical interpretations, biblical doctrines, teachings of historical church leaders, and an overall appreciation of who God is and what it means to live in the balance of God's grace and justice." -- Pastor Lew VanderMeer, New Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI STUDY GUIDES Free small-group, congregational, and individual study guides are available from the author and publisher for use with this book.