Slave by John MacArthur

John MacArthur’s new book Slave describes the true meaning of what it means to be  follower of Christ. MacArthur’s argument surrounds around the meaning of the Greek word “doulos” which implies slavery rather than servanthood. He then goes on to break down our position as slaves of Christ which includes our sonship and citizenship. Using much history and reputable sources, John MacArthur shows our responsibility to Christ as his slaves but loved slaves. This book helped me to get a better grasp on what it means to follow Jesus because it is not by choice but rather by compulsion through love that one acts for Christ. MacArthur does a great job to use the original image of a first century slave which was used by the scriptures to help readers understand the relationship between Jesus and his followers. He creates a sense of deep reverence for God and an attitude of humble service, which Christians should emulate. Being a slave to anything is a hard pill to swallow because of our modern day worldview, but MacArthur uses reasoning and logic to make readers understand that we are being taken from slavery to sin to slavery to Christ and heirs with him. Overall, I thought the book was very life altering and informational, but it may be difficult for a new believer to grasp all of the theology he added in the final chapters. For one who has a greater knowledge of the scriptures and theology this is a great ministry tool.