Redemption Accomplished and Applied

by John Murray

The atonement is the very center of the Christian faith. The free and sovereign love of God is the source of the accomplishment of redemption, as the Bible's most familiar text makes clear. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." For thoughtful Christians since the time of the Apostle Paul, this text has started, not ended, the discussion of redemption. But few recent interpreters have explored the biblical passages dealing with the necessity, nature, perfection, and extent of the atonement as penetratingly or precisely as Professor Murray. Part II of this book deals with the distinct steps to be identified in the Bible's presentation of how the redemption accomplished by Christ is applied progressively to the life of the redeemed. Here are helpful expositions of the scriptural teachings about calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, union with Christ, and glorification.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion, Christian Living

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1954

About the author

John Murray was a Scottish-born Calvinist theologian who taught at Princeton Seminary and then left to help found Westminster Theological Seminary, where he taught for many years.

Murray was born in the croft of Badbea, near Bonar Bridge, in Sutherland county, Scotland. Following service in the British Army in the First World War (during which he lost an eye, serving in the famous Black Watch regiment) he studied at the University of Glasgow. Following his acceptance as a theological student of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland he pursued further studies at Princeton Theological Seminary under J. Gresham Machen and Geerhardus Vos, but broke with the Free Presbyterian Church in 1930 over that Church's treatment of the Chesley, Ontario congregation. He taught at Princeton for a year and then lectured in systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary to generations of students from 1930 to 1966, and was an early trustee of the Banner of Truth Trust. Besides the material in the four-volume Collected Writings, his primary published works are a commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (previously included in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series but now superseded by Douglas J. Moo's commentary), Redemption Accomplished and Applied, Principles of Conduct, The Imputation of Adam's Sin, Baptism, and Divorce.

Murray preached at Chesley and Lochalsh from time to time until his retirement from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1968. He married Valerie Knowlton 7 December 1967 and retired to Scotland where he was connected with the Free Church of Scotland. Writing after a communion season at Lochalsh, Murray said, “I think I feel most at home here and at Chesley of all the places I visit.” There had been some consideration that upon leaving the seminary, Murray might take a pastorate in the newly formed Presbyterian Reformed Church, but the infirmity of his aged sisters at the home place necessitated his return to Ross-shire, Scotland.

Reviews

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book, and read it again.

This is by far one of the greatest works I've ever read on the subject concerning the very heart of the Christian faith: redemption. Systematically going through the aspects of both the accomplishment of redemption and its application to the believer, Murray leaves the believer with nothing but a humble fear and an unquenchable joy because of the person and work of Christ the Savior.

The book is laid out as follows:

Part 1: Redemption Accomplished

1. The Necessity of the Atonement
2. The Nature of the Atonement
3. The Perfection of the Atonement
4. The Extent of the Atonement
5. Conclusion

Part 2: Redemption Applied

1. The Order of Application
2. Effectual Calling
3. Regeneration
4. Faith and Repentance
5. Justification
6. Adoption
7. Sanctification
8. Perseverance
9. Union with Christ
10. Glorification

After taking the reader through the Scriptures as they pertain to each of these topics, one cannot help but to bask in the glory of being united to Christ, rest peacefully in the redemption He accomplished for your sake, and look forward boldly into the future when we shall be glorified with Him because of what He's done.

This book is going to be one that I'll read over and over again. It never gets old, and its audience is never unfit. Whatever your current status in your walk with the Lord, this book will refresh your heart and convict your soul - to the glory of Christ our Lord and Savior!

[Derrick Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to soteriology. Murray provides the basic arguments for definite atonement in a thoroughly biblical and doxological fashion. He then walks through the order of salvation beginning with effectual calling and ending with glorification. Highly recommend!

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of classic Reformed soteriology. For good cause this book is considered THE best introduction to the doctrine of redemption in Union with Christ.

[Mark Popovitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, excellent book that I would recommend to every Christian!! The book as a whole is wonderful, but I particularly found the second part on redemption’s application to be especially useful in distinguishing between many theological terms that can sometimes be used interchangeably, though they aren’t synonymous. Murray also does a wonderful job throughout of dispelling doctrinal errors in thinking that can easily creep into the Church if we aren’t careful in our beliefs concerning the accomplishment and application of redemption. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I’d be surprised if you were disappointed after reading it (the chapters on Justification, Sanctification, and Union with Christ alone are soul-fattening).

[Rui Cadima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the best book I've read on the topic of redemption so far.

Murray achieves something that is quite difficult in books about such topics: he manages to be simple without being simplistic. He clearly lays out the doctrine of redemption in a very accessible way that is both compelling to read and convincing. The fact that his writing style is very akin to the Puritans' makes it a plus for me!

I particularly enjoyed his chapter on union with Christ. I'm persuaded that it is the centrepiece that we are missing in so much of our theology. To read Murray make much of it was a treat for the soul!

To quote a friend's comment about this book: "The argument Murray makes for redemption is undefeatable!" I would wholeheartedly agree.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me all the theology I’ve read this year has added so much to my base of knowledge but this is one of the best!! Thank God for men like this who feed the sheep. I learned new things about myself and my redeemer that will forever change my life.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the “accomplished” half for Doctrine of Christ. Murray’s care for precision and honoring the biblical text are an inspiration and rebuke.

[Zachary Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fewer books have clearly, exegetically, and theologically spelled out the topic of redemption as a whole. John Murray brilliantly walks through the ordo salutis ("order of salvation") and provides pastoral insight along the way. For those who are seeking to learn more about topics such as effectual calling, regeneration, faith, justification, atonement, etc., this book will help you dive deep.

[Jack Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant work on the atonement. The sections on the active/passive obedience of Christ, and Murray’s chapter on the extent of the atonement were particularly good.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic exploration of our redemption in Christ! This is a book that I'm sure I'll revisit many times.

[Bo Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fine calvinistic introduction to the several Gospel themes illustrated in Biblical theology. My favorite chapter was on the doctrine of justification. I found the author’s syntax challenging at times.

[Mak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. Very good. Murray concisely uncovers the deeply encouraging truths of how God saves His own.

Especially helpful explanation of the doctrine of limited atonement (Part I, Chapter IV “The Extent of the Atonement.”).

[millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

full of rich theological truths! language and reading comprehension-wise, the first half was harder to get through, but don’t let that deter you! second half was super practical and i enjoyed the chapters on sanctification and adoption :)

[Adam Nesmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, Murray is not a very good writer. His sentences tend to be needlessly long and complicated, and I found myself having to read and re read paragraphs to understand what he was trying to say.

That said, this is the best book on soteriology I have read. If you are looking for a quick and easy read, look elsewhere. But if you slowly work through, pen in hand, working to understand what Murray is saying, you will be richly blessed. Most doctrines in the book are “foundational” but even in topics I thought I “knew already” Murray provides and insight and clarity that is honestly astounding considering the book is less than 200 pages.

My recommendation: read this book and read it slow. My favorite chapter was on the nature of the atonement where Murray examines the death of Christ through multiple biblical lenses. His chapter on faith and repentance is also clarifying and encouraging. All in all, probably the best book I have read in 2023.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book so encouraging and convicting. I would recommend to every Christian and to anyone looking to understand the workings of salvation through Christ!

[Andrew Crichton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. The first section is on explains aspects of atonement. The second section goes through the order of the application of redemption: Calling, Regeneration, Faith and Repentance, Justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, glorification. Redemption is accomplished through vicarious atonement and applied through union with Christ--"the central truth of the doctrine of salvation."

[Richard Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic that I should have read years ago but somehow overlooked.

Part 1 lays out the classic reformed doctrine of the atonement and what it accomplished.
Part 2 lays out the application of the atonement/the 'ordo salutis'.

This is 100% 'standard' reformed teaching on this but nonetheless very useful - would be a great introduction to these themes for someone just beginning to get into heavier christian reading, not that this book is particularly heavy BUT it's a cut above popular/light reading.

Part 1 in particular assumes the reader is fairly familiar with some parts of scripture - particularly Leviticus.

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

60 years after its first edition, 'Redemption Accomplish and Applied' is a deep, beautiful explanation of Christ's work on the cross. I have a greater appreciation for what Jesus has done and the implications in my life after reading this. It's not a simple read, but the heavy portions are worth pushing through. A compelling case for penal substitution and the Reformed perspective on redemption and its application.

[Elliot H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic and encompassing work on redemption. This book really helped to widen and deepen my understanding of and appreciation for the work of redemption. Murray manages to cover each aspect of the accomplishment of redemption and its application in detail without becoming arduous. I particularly enjoyed Murray’s precision and logical order in his writing

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a classic, but I had to work to get through it! I’m not sure why it was so hard for me. Might be better/easier if I go through it again. It almost took me a full year to read this book, and now it feels weird to think of daily devotions without it!

[Joshua Schwisow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book from which I first learned Reformed Theology. Murray engages directly with Scripture and writes of glorious truths in a beautiful way. Worth frequent re-reading.

[Salvador Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and biblical argument for the fact that salvation from start to finish is of God.

[Lauren Ketchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great meditation on the meaning of salvation and how deepening our understanding of its realities should shape our hearts. Up there with Knowing God as one of my all-time favs. Will reread in the future.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

El libro “La redención consumada y aplicada” de John Murray es claro y preciso en sus argumentos teológicos. Aunque es técnico y muy profundo, el autor aborda cada tema de manera detallada, respondiendo varios puntos, lo que a veces puede hacerlo repetitivo y denso. Esto puede ser un desafío para el lector. Sin embargo, personalmente me gustó mucho, aunque tuve que leerlo despacio y repetir pasajes. A pesar de su complejidad, el libro cumple su propósito de transmitir de forma clara y profunda la verdad teológica de cada tema.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

really great book with a lot of lofty thoughts on redemption. The chapter about regeneration was the most eye opening about what my redemption means in my life today

[Bryce Beale · Rating 4 out of 5]

In content, this book probably deserves ten stars. The brief classic (only 200 pages) is split in two parts: the first deals with "Redemption Accomplished"--that is, the atonement, in eternity and in time; the second deals with "Redemption Applied"--that is, the order of salvation as we experience it in time. Murray blends academic and biblicist depth with a real warmth and sincerity, a combination that usually results in my favorite sorts of books.

His style however is a challenge. I found it fairly difficult to follow him, not because his logic was faulty (it was quite solid) but because his diction was complicated and dense.

Nevertheless, his subject was so rich and his treatment so thoughtful that diction cannot undo the book's usefulness. Murray is especially consistent in tying the work of Christ and the Spirit in time to the Father's work in eternity past, and his treatment of our union with Christ toward the book's end is moving.

[Jon Cheek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murray’s work on redemption is firmly rooted in Scripture and is a classic treatment of the subject for good reason. His argumentation on the Accomplishment of Redemption (part one) proves to be a helpful explanation and argumentation for understanding the atonement. Murray’s argumentation for limited atonement is not fully satisfactory, lacking significant positive argumentation from Scripture in defense of his view. Part two (the application of redemption) does not involve as much deep theological argumentation as part one, but it is helpful in providing a brief overview of the traditional Protestant Reformed view of each aspect of the doctrines of salvation. Murray's order of salvation features regeneration prior to conversion (faith & repentance).

[Nathan Weeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We must know who Christ is, what he has done, and what he is able to do. Otherwise faith would be blind conjecture at the best and foolish mockery at the worst… faith cannot begin in a vacuum of knowledge. ‘Faith is of hearing, and hearing of the word of Christ’ (Rom. 10:17).”

The beginning 2-3 chapters were heady and hard to understand but the last part of the book is definitely worth the read. John lays the application of redemption clearly out to the reader in a way that I have never heard. This book is well worth the time if you are looking to learn more about salvation and the work that Christ has accomplished.

[Joe Molinari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone looking for an understanding of atonement, calling, regeneration, faith, repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, union, and glorification. It is not always an easy read, as I found myself having to reread portions. That, however, may be more an indication of my own intellect as opposed to Murray’s clarity. This is a book that I shall return to again and again. My one bit of advice is to take it slowly and truly meditate on Murray’s explanations.

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Murray does a great job at offering the bare bones arguments for definite atonement, but more importantly, he does so in a deeply doxological way. This is theology at its finest because it isn't stoic, it's exuberant. I'm so glad that at the cross, Christ didn't merely die to make salvation possible, he died to save.