A Book Review: Starting at the Finish Line

John Wallace is a former member of the LDS church who has written an excellent resource for those seeking to share the gospel with Mormons.  Starting at the Finish Line is an effort to present the gospel of grace in a way that challenges the beliefs of Mormons.  Wallace states his goal as seeking to paint a beautiful picture of the gospel while brushing up against the doctrines of Mormonism.

Wallace writes, "The book, then, is very simply a defense of that gospel: Christ on the cross, suffering and paying the penalty for our sins, and us, trusting in His sacrifice and His sacrifice alone as our salvation—as proclaimed in the New Testament of the Bible."

The author's goal is not to write a thorough rebuttal to Mormonism.  His goal is not to point out discrepancies in the teachings of Joseph Smith.  His goal is not to give a history of Mormonism, pointing to its polygamous and racist history.  His goal is to share the gospel with his readers.  Wallace has family members who are still members of the Mormon church.  His desire to see them and others saved by the gospel of Christ is evident in this book.

I find this to be a timely book.  There is a move among Mormons today to gain acceptance of their religion from evangelicals.  Some evangelicals have contributed to the blurring of the lines between Mormonism and Christianity.  This book adds clarity to the differences in our beliefs.  This is a resource that I am sure I will go back to as I have opportunity to proclaim the gospel to Mormons.

I received this book as a part of the Cross-focused reviews program.