Book review - The Ten Most Misunderstood Words in the Bible.

I have previously read and enjoyed several other books by Dr. Robert N. Wilkin. When I received The Ten Most Misunderstood Words in the Bible I was very interested in reading all 177 pages. I expected the book to be thought-provoking. I was not disappointed.

Divided into an introduction, conclusion, and a chapter for each word, the book makes for a smooth read. Dr. Wilkin's ten words are: Faith, Everlasting, Saved, Lost, Heaven, Hell, Repentance, Grace, Gospel, and Judgment. An appendix contains short discussions of eleven more misunderstood words with additional appendices discussing how to study Scripture and blessings and curses. Following the appendices is a study guide to aid in using the chapters for either group or individual study. The seven page Scripture index at the back helps insure the study is both Biblical and in depth.

Dr. Wilkin's challenge to the reader is not to radically redefine any of the words on his list or come to a understanding of any secret definitions. What he suggests is reading these words as they occur in Scripture and understanding them to mean what they mean in everyday English. Wilkin guides the reader through a word study of each word to show how we have fallen into the trap of using these words differently in understanding God's word than we do in understanding the speech of those around us.

While the definitions of these words are not earth-shattering, the realization of how they have been co-opted by theological systems can be. That's what caused me pause as I read through the book. Most of the chapters were either reminders of what I already knew or moments of "Why didn't I think of that?" A couple of words will bear further study on my part.

Overall I found The Ten Most Misunderstood Words in the Bible to be an interesting and thought-provoking read. It is well-grounded in Scripture and easily lends itself to further study at either a group of individual level. This book is a must read for anyone who is serious about reading and understanding the Bible. You may not always agree with Dr. Wilkin but we all need to understand what words mean to understand the Bible.