There are some notable theological works that have clearly stood the test of time. You know the authors—Anselm, Augustine, Bavinck, Berkhof, Calvin, Dabney, Hodge, Luther, Machen, Murray, Rushdoony, Turretin, Van Til, and Warfield. The books that these insightful men have written are widely read, constantly reprinted, and lovingly treasured. With the publication of this second edition (2019) of Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Westminster Larger Catechism, I believe that Dr. Morecraft’s work is well on its way to becoming a classic of the same stature.
My initial copy of Authentic Christianity (1st edition, 2009) is well-worn, and I welcome the prospect of utilizing this new set for future reflection and serious study of the Westminster Larger Catechism. Keep in mind that these comprehensive volumes represent a lifetime of work by Dr. Morecraft. They show his love for the Bible and for the accurate summary of Christian doctrine that is contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism. Here are a few samples from the pages of Authentic Christianity regarding the Lord’s Prayer:
“The First Petition of the Lord’s Prayer as a Prayer for the Conversion of the Whole World: When we pray “hallowed be Thy Name,” we are not praying only for our own personal and individual situation, we are praying for the hallowing of God’s name generally and globally and universally, “that he would prevent and remove atheism, ignorance, idolatry, profaneness, and whatsoever is dishonorable to him.” Throughout the history of the church, men of God have recognized this inescapable implication of the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer. If we are to pray that God would “enable and incline us and others to know, to acknowledge, and highly to esteem,” and glorify God, then we are, by implication, praying that God “would prevent and remove atheism” (WLC 190).”
Morecraft, Authentic Christianity, Vol. 7, 3579
And, here are Dr. Morecraft’s remarks on the 5th Petition of the Lord’s Prayer (And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors):
“We and others are debtors to the Justice of God: Because of our guiltiness before God for disregarding the transgressing His Law, all human beings are “debtors to the justice of God.” God’s justice demands that all sin be punished: “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Why? God’s justice is “that perfection of God by which He maintains Himself over against every violation of His holiness, and shows in every respect that He is the Holy One…Divine justice is originally and necessarily obliged to punish evil…Luke 17:10; 1 Cor. 4:7; Job 41:11” (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 74-75). Sin is a real “debt.” It is an offense and insult to the holiness of God. It is a violation of His holy Law, making us deserving of everlasting punishment. We owe God the “debt” of complete obedience to God’s Law, which God demands of all intelligent creatures. We failed in our obedience to Him; therefore, God’s Law denounces us and threatens us with punishment. Thus, we owe God the “debt” of eternal punishment. Therefore, we should pray the Fifth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer continually, because, as we shall see, we cannot pay the debt we owe God. If it is not fully paid, we will perish eternally in our sins, because “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness of men” (Rom. 1:18). Without forgiveness of sins by God, each day of our lives we are “storing up wrath [for ourselves] in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:5-6).”
Morecraft, Authentic Christianity, Vol. 7, 3666-3667
Both citations, I trust, will give the reader a distinct impression of the depth of theological analysis and practical application that flows out of every volume. Dr. Morecraft not only loves the doctrines found in the Bible, but he also loves the people of God that he serves in pastoral ministry. His entire project of expounding the Westminster Larger Catechism is built upon the premise that God wants His people to become mature and stable disciples of Jesus Christ (cf. Col. 1:28-29; Heb. 5:12-14). Hence, there is no better way to accomplish this goal than to steep them in the riches found in the Bible. Since the Westminster Confession of Faith and its Catechisms accurately summarize the teachings of the Bible, that, of course, makes them an extremely valuable resource for all believers to study.
Last of all, it is important to note that Dr. Morecraft cites many great theologians throughout his exposition. You will find beneficial quotes from Augustine, Louis Berkhof, John Calvin, Charles Hodge, Martin Luther, William G. T. Shedd, Cornelius Van Til, and Benjamin B. Warfield, plus many others. This fact adds to the richness of these eight volumes. Where can you get these books? Here is the complete reference info:
Morecraft III, Joseph C. Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Westminster Larger Catechism. 8 Volumes. Second Edition. Centreville, AL: Four Falls Press, 2019.
And a link to a website where copies of Authentic Christianity can be found:
I pray that an entirely new generation of thoughtful pastors, students, and readers will benefit from Dr. Morecraft’s fine exposition of the Westminster Larger Catechism. Soli Deo Gloria!
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven
