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Believing Christ: The Parable of the Bicycle and Other Good News

Stephen E. Robinson, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 2002, 4x7" softbound, 160 pages.

Note:This book is the same size as those in the Missionary Reference Library.

Author Stephen Robinson illustrates the power of the Savior as he uses analogies and parables, such as his own bicycle story, and scriptures and personal experiences in this moving, best-selling book. "Mortals have finite liabilities," he explains, "and Jesus has unlimited assets." By merging the two, exaltation can come. As long as we progress in some degree, the Lord will be pleased and will bless us. We must not only believe in Christ but also believe him-believe that he has the power to exalt us, that he can do what he claims. People will better understand the doctrines of mercy, justification, and salvation by grace after reading this book.

Review Excerpts:

"A destined classic! And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true (D&C 20:30) In a word, a destined classic. This is a great book that focuses us on the focus of the Gospel: the Atonement. In it, Brother Robinson provides an overview, or an outline-spine of the Atonement. We have the form, and can fill in the deeper details with later research.

The book analyzes the doctrine of justification, which is the immediate process where by we are forgiven of sins and brought into a we-us relationship with Christ, where His righteousness is imputed to our account. Therefore, justification serves as the gate of the Gospel, with sanctification being the pathway.

The beauty of the book is that it articulates an old doctrine in a new way. Justification has been around since the beginning, but oftentimes this word has not been used, not understood, and not taught. And a doctrine not taught is a doctrine denied. Brother Robinson writes in a clear and conversational manner, on a Junior Hugh level, so there are no excuses!

The analogies are another highlight of the books, and are Brother Robinsons genius. He is able to transpose these lofty theological comments into the world of every-day understanding. For example, the title analogy, the parable of the bicycle, explains the Atonement in terms of a girls wanting to buy a bike, but who is unable to. Daddy steps in and makes up the difference. Two sentences, and you understand the Atonement.

This is a particularly delightful book, and you cannot miss the message. The one caveat I have is that it not be read alone. First of all, it should be read in the context of his other book, Following Christ, since the two books express one idea. Secondly, it should be read with other books along similar themes: The Purifying Power of Gethsemane, The Miracle of Forgiveness, The Broken Heart, and Within Reach. These books in turn help us turn back to the Scriptures.

Lastly, after President Hunters ministry, who should never loose focus of the center of out religion. All of this theology has been here all the time, it is just that collectively we havent looked for it. After reading this book and its companion, go back and re-read Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, or Jesus The Christ, and you will see the doctrine there. Then go back to the Book of Mormon, see it again, then see it come alive in your life." --Kendal Brian Hunter, 2001

"As an Evangelical Christian, I very much appreciated Professor Robinson's approach to the concepts of God's grace, justification by faith, and our union with Christ through the atonement. There was scarely anything I had a disagreement with in the book, and I have found it personally helpful to me. I have high hopes that Dr. Robinson's works will help our two communities (Mormons and Evangelicals) understand each other better." --Mark Hausam, 1999

"An amazing book, simply fantastic. Robinson helped me greatly to understand the Atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He goes into excellent detail on many aspects of the Atonement, starting with the dilemma of mankind after the fall of Adam and continuing on by teaching how all who are saved will be saved by Grace. He gives excellent analogies and examples to reach out to all kind of readers. I would recommend this book to everyone!" --Bryan Holman, 2004

"This book helped me to understand aspects of the At-One-Ment that I had always struggled with. It helped me to put in perspective what my role is, and what the Savior's role is in realtion to the Gospel Covenant. I would recommend it to anyone, especially to those that get frustated when the demands for perfection we sometimes set for ourselves seem overwhelmingly impossible to achieve." --Marcelo Gomes, 2004

"I read this book at a time of my life when my testimony of the restored gospel was being developed. This book has had an incredible effect on my life then and it still does today. After reading the book for the 4th time, I still can't help but smile and swell up in gratitude for the Savior and His atonement. I strongly feel that the doctrine of the atonement is the most misunderstood doctrine of the church. Mr. Robinson is a genius with his ability to convey difficult concepts into simple and everyday concepts. If you truly want to understand the good news-the core of the restored gospel-this is the book to read!" --Jeremy Runnells, 2004

Brother Robinson is the author of several books and has taught in the Religious Education Department at BYU since 1986. He has a B.A. from Brigham Young University in English Literature and a Ph.D. from Duke University in Biblical Studies.

Title: Believing Christ: The Parable of the Bicycle and Other Good News

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