Carson uses Paul's letter to the Philippians to show what this Christian walk looks like. He writes that the cross of Christ Jesus must always be central to the Christian's life. In the cross we learn what the Gospel is all about. The Gospel forms us as we make it the central focus of our lives. Carson does a wonderful job of unpacking Philippians 2:5-11, describing Jesus' self denial so that He might carry out His Father's will. The majestic song of praise found in verses 9-11, Carson calls, "The Son's Vindication, showing that the Father accepted Jesus' sacrifice for sin and ensuring that "every knee shall bow" to Jesus on the Last Day.
Carson doesn't shy away from the topic of suffering, which Paul writes about to the Philippians. He describes what this suffering looks like for the Christian, which is an important aspect of being a disciple of Jesus. And it is through Jesus, Carson explains, that we receive the power to continue on in faith in spite of what pain or difficulty might come our way.
This is a marvelous book and if you're looking for a guide to what the Christian walk entails, look no further than "Basics for Believers."
Book supplied for review by Baker Books.
