Book Review: The Christian Manifesto by Alistair Begg

The Christian Manifesto: Jesus’ Life-Changing Words from the Sermon on the Plain by Alistair Begg

I wish that back in 2022, as I was preaching through the early chapters of the book of Luke, that I would have had a copy of Alistair Begg’s The Christian Manifesto. But unfortunately for me, this book was just published in September of 2023. As one of the best expositors of our time, Begg puts on a master class, expositing several verses from Luke 6. Begg isn’t writing a “Christian Manifesto” but showing us what Jesus gave as Manifesto for Christians to live by. If you have ever wondered what the “good life” looks like, what it looks like to have a joy filled life, Begg shows us that Jesus has the answer in Luke chapter six. 
 
What we find out is that “the good life” according to Jesus looks nothing like what the world calls the “the good life.”  Begg says “This manifesto is a description of the life we were all made for, but it is a challenge to be different from how I naturally am and how the world around me operates.” (14) We were made in the image of God to shine His glory, but our inherited sin nature keeps us from living how we should. It should be of no surprise that what Jesus says leads to a good life is just about the exact opposite from what the world is telling you! Unfortunately, many believers listen to and are trapped by what the world says is good. 
 
James 4:4 tells us “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (ESV). Believers must look and be different from the rest of the world. The good life is not found in leaning into the world but in leaning into the Lord. Begg says “We have spent decades congratulating ourselves for being able to go among our non-Christian friends and say, ‘You know what? We’re just the same as you.’ And they’ve said, ‘You know what? I think you’re absolutely right!” (15) How sad it is that today that there are so few distinguishing factors between Christians and the lost. 
 
Our culture is sad, depressed, stressed, and generally unsatisfied. Mental illness is everywhere! The coming generations are extremely fragile, “triggered” by what was once normal. This is the product of the pursuit of what this world calls “good.” That why Jesus, in his sermon on the plain, calls for what Begg refers to as “a reversal of values.” Jesus tells us it is better to be poor, hungry, sorrowful, and unpopular. He says love those who hate you and give without expecting something in return. This is not the way of the world! 
 
I recommend you go buy a copy of Alistair Begg’s Christian Manifesto, open your Bible to Luke 6 and begin living the good life!

The Christian Manifesto is available at the retailers below.

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Next Book:
Seasons of Sorrow: the pain of loss and the comfort of God
​by  Tim Challies
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