Veiled in Flesh

Reviews / Votes

One of the most urgent needs of the church is the re-articulation of ancient and fundamental doctrines, in a style that is both accessible and winsome. That is what Melvin Tinker offers for the incarnation, borrowing the title from the Christmas carol with the lines, 'Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see; / Hail th'incarnate deity.' Unpacking parts of Hebrews 1, and then reflecting on an array of topics tied to the incarnation, Tinker brings his readers along with easy prose, eager to show how this essential Christian truth works out in the lives of Christians. This book could be usefully read by folk who are not yet Christian believers but who would like to gain a better grasp of what Christians think, and by Christians who are still a little wobbly about the non-negotiable tenets of the faith. * D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, USA * In his latest, book Melvin Tinker takes pains not to compromise the great mystery of the incarnation, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. He writes insightfully, with new modes of expression, and dips into a great store of examples. He's familiar with the great Christian minds who have stretched their thinking about the very apex of our faith. He follows them in ways that respect the 'mystery of godliness', and encourages the reader to think along with them. Doctrine may divide, but it's certainly not dull, dry nor dead. Not, at least, while Melvin's around. * Paul Helm, formerly Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion, King's College, London * There is no subject more important for Christians than the person and work of Jesus, and so there is no subject more profitable for us to explore. Melvin Tinker has given us a great starting point, combining biblical insight with theological reflection while always keeping practical application in view. Prepared to be stretched, but in this case being stretched will make your life deeper rather than thinner. * Tim Chester, faculty member of Crosslands Training and pastor of Grace Church Boroughbridge. * This is a thoughtful and informed exploration of the profound truth that is at the centre of Christian faith. It is that through Christ we are encountered by God in all of his greatness and goodness. This is the message we hear from Scripture and this is what shines its bright light into our dark world. I commend this excellent study. * David F. Wells, Distinguished Research Professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary * The incarnation is such an overwhelming doctrine - so central in its immediacy, so vast in its implications, so deep in its importance - that we can almost excuse preachers and teachers who feel too intimidated to dwell on it in much detail. But there is a way to ponder the depths of this doctrine without falling into error or drifting into unprofitable speculation. This fine book points out that way: grounded in Scripture, guided by the great creeds and confessions, nourished by spiritual experience, and always within easy distance of pastoral application, Veiled in Flesh is an invitation to deep reflection on the incarnation. * Fred Sanders, Professor of Theology, Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University *