How Jesus Transformed the Ten Commandments, by Edmund P. Clowney. Editied by Rebecca Clowney Jones. P & R Publishing, 2007. Reviewed by Rev. Howard Sloan
The title of Dr. Clowney’s book does not do the contents justice. This is not just about what Jesus had to say about the ten commandments, but about how His person, work, and teaching transform them. It is about His life and death transform them. It is about what He left for us in the apostles teaching and ministry transform them.
This book is published posthumously, as Dr. Clowney died in 2005. It has been produced with the help of his daughter Rebecca Clowney Jones, who edited and augmented the context from Sunday School notes.
The book is divided into twelve chapters – an introduction, a conclusion, and ten chapters on the commandments themselves. Each chapter has study questions at the end for use in individual study or for a Sunday School class. The chapters are very rich and deep. The commandments are not presented as a bare list of don’ts, but in a way that drive us to greater piety and obedience. The depth of each command as Clowney presents them is far greater than I can illustrate in such a short review.
The one chapter that may cause some debate is Clowney’s treatment of the second commandment. It is his discussion of images of Jesus that I particularly have in mind. Clowney states a position that in certain limited cases images of Jesus might be acceptable and not idolatrous. Many in the Reformed community hold that any image of Jesus is idolatry. Here is a short quote, but I urge you to read his argument before making any judgment.
“Let me offer a principle that may help us determine what is a good use of image when it comes to portraying Jesus. I suggest that portraits of Jesus are the problem. May representations show the reality of Jesus without offering a portrait, which in its very nature invites us to worship. To look at Jesus’ face is to worship him.” (p. 31)
One chapter I found to be a refreshing read was on the Sabbath/the Fourth Commandment. Some treatments of this commandment can come off with a list of do’s and don’ts. Sometime I find myself looking for just that if I am being honest. Clowney does not do that. I was glad to find that Clowney treated the concept of physical rest and refreshment as part of the Sabbath blessing. Too often I find that Sabbath discussions leave one with the sense that to have any physical rest on the Sabbath is a violation of the commandment. Clowney encourages physical rest and refreshment without encouraging the idleness of which so many speak. He also encourages us to worship and service on the Lord’s Day. I found his treatment very well round and fair.
Overall, I found the book to be a great read. It is full of encouragement toward deep and abiding holiness. It is strong statement on the depth and breath of the commandments, as well as the grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
(a shorter form of this review with appear in the June 2008 Reformation Voice)
