Book Review: Taking God At His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me.

 by Kevin DeYoung. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014.)

I received a review copy from the publisher.

Kevin DeYoung, a well-known preacher and blogger, articulates the doctrine of Scripture in a clear, modern, and highly readable style. He emphasizes that classic position of Christians that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. As he explains: “This is a book unpacking what the Bible says about the Bible. My aim is to be simple, uncluttered, straightforward, and manifestly biblical. I make no pretenses about offering you anything other than a doctrine of Scripture derived from Scripture itself.” In my estimation, he succeeds admirably.

He has excellent chapters explaining that the Bible is Sufficient, Clear, Authoritative, and Necessary. DeYoung easily condenses several centuries of high-powered evangelical scholarship into a few targeted quotations. The book’s strongest feature is its exposition of the view of Scripture held by the Lord Jesus and His apostles. He uses passages like John 10:35 and Matthew 19:3-9 to show that they viewed the Bible as the inspired, historically sound, and authoritative word of God.

This book is highly recommended for seekers, new believers, and more experienced Christians who want a concise resource on the doctrine of Scripture. The author provides a detailed index of the verses that are quoted in the book, and those wishing to delve deeper into the subject may consult his outstanding bibliography.