Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Ideal for pastors and professors, this book explains how to apply Scripture to daily life. It identifies four categories of application and shows how they function in doctrinal passages.
Top Highlights
“To summarize, application is an intuitive skill and it demands theoretical training” (Page 31)
“Principle 4: But isolated acts, such as Gideon’s use of the fleece, are not normative, especially if God does not approve them and if they cohere with no law. Principle 5: Where a narrative does not clearly commend or condemn an action, and where no pattern develops, we should hesitate to draw ethical lessons.” (Page 197)
“Principle 2: When narratives show God acting in ways that manifest the attributes which, according to Scripture, we must share, we ought to imitate those character traits.” (Page 195)
“Redemptive-historical preaching (RHP) emphasizes the unity of the history of redemption and the centrality of Christ in that history. It places every passage of Scripture in its historical context and asks questions such as: Where are this event and text located in the history of redemption? What are the traits of the covenant that govern the era? What do the people know about God’s character, redemption, and ethic? How does this text add to that knowledge?” (Page 294)
“There are several ways to use the concept of covenant to classify people. The simplest (not to say least useful) is: (1) prefall; (2) fallen, unredeemed; (3) fallen, redeemed; (4) glorified.” (Page 4)
A great book. There is not much written that deals thoughtfully and creatively with the theory and practice of applying Scripture to today's world. Dr. Doriani's volume is sweeping in scope, attractively written, broadly comprehensive, and packed with useful insight. No serious expository preacher will want to be without this volume.
—D. A. Carson
Significant fresh insights into the use of Scripture. Doriani lays an excellent foundation for a new 'science of application' or 'applicatory hermeneutics.' The book is also engaging, anticipating questions and concerns and dealing with them effectively.
—John M. Frame
As a splendid preacher and brilliant scholar, Doriani expertly and practically helps fill in the long-standing gap in our understanding of how to move from biblical interpretation to real-life application.
—Bryan Chapell
Doriani's book will help pastors and teachers apply Scripture in a biblically sound but relevant manner. This is the best instruction on application I have seen.
—Jerry Bridges
What a gift to Bible students! Dan Doriani has written a much needed antidote to the spurious belief that if one has knowledge of Scripture, one has it right. A 'dirt under the fingernails' book for people who are tired of knowing more than they apply, it could change your life and your church.
—Steve Brown