What's wrong with man today? What is the extent of man's depravity before God? Is man really totally and thoroughly helpless before his Maker? Is there nothing that he can do to take the first step toward God?
These questions reflect the thesis of Gleanings from the Scriptures, an exhaustive study of the doctrines of man’s total depravity and impotence before a righteous God.
Part I examines depravity, that helpless, sinful state in which man is born. The author shows that depravity puts man in a position of complete inability to reach God. Discussed are the origin of man’s sinful nature, the imputation of that nature to his posterity, and the consequences of that nature. Also presented are the enormity, extent, ramifications, evidences and—most important—the remedy for the sin nature that can be found only in the redemptive work of Christ.
Part II investigates the area of man’s impotence—not his state, but his inability to move toward God. Pink discusses the reality, nature, root and extent of this impotent condition.
These two doctrines, both unpopular and long neglected, must be presented to declare the whole counsel of God. Gleanings from the Scriptures shows man in his proper place before God.
In the words of the author, “As we shall endeavor to show, our theme is one of immense doctrinal importance and of great practical value. Since it is a subject which occupies so prominent a place in God’s Word, no apology is needed for our engaging in such a task.” Gleanings from the Scriptures can be recommended for its thorough, complete and definitive handling of such an enormous area of doctrinal discussion.