Book Critique on the Complete Green Letters



Book Critique on the Complete Green Letters

Introduction

This paper analyzes and critiques the book, “the Complete Green Letters”, by Miles J. Stanford. The purpose of the green letters has been to set forth the truths of identification, as well as some of the basic principles by which God brings us into their reality. As a sequel to the letters, this study deals with the essential principles having to do with our reckoning upon the identification truths. It is an attempt to answer the question, "how do I reckon?" In order to facilitate our understanding of the subject, we will define at the outset the three basic elements of the reckoning that counts.

Summary

The Complete Green Letters is a compilation of five small books written by Miles J. Stanford espousing the identification and positional truths found mainly in the epistles of Paul. This is a valuable work, especially in light of the fact that identification truths are seldom taught today. There are a great number of books in print dealing with Christian living that make little or no mention of our position in Christ and how it affects our daily walk. Stanford's work goes a long way towards filling that gap, and in the process refocuses the readers' thinking. This is a book that is well worth our attention. The following quote catches the essence of what this volume is all about, "Let us cease laying down to the saints long lists of 'conditions' of entering into the blessed life in Christ; and instead, as the primal preparation for leading them into the experience of this life, show them what their position, possessions, and privileges in Christ already are".

Critique

Nevertheless, I would express three major concerns. First, Stanford is a strong supporter of the Keswick Convention teachings. The Keswick Convention laid heavy stress on identification and position, with which we are in agreement. But somehow the teaching evolved into a "Let Go and Let God" mentality. Stanford (in personal correspondence with me) denies that this is his view, but I fail to see otherwise in many places in The Complete Green Letters. One way or the other we receive the impression that our responsibility is to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (so far, so good) and then God does the rest (not so good). A typical quote: "The Holy Spirit says, you cannot do it; just withdraw; come out of it. You have been in the arena, you have been endeavoring, you are a failure, come out and sit down, and as you sit there behold Him, look at Him. Don't try to be like Him, just look at Him. Just be occupied with Him, forget about trying to be like Him. Instead of letting that fill your mind and heart, let Him fill it. Just behold Him, look upon Him through the Word”. This is not altogether wrong, it just goes too far. Stanford doesn't even believe we should ask the Lord for help, "We ...