Thoughts on Scriptural Subjects

Newton's collection of essays and notes takes up core Christian doctrines with a combative edge. Writing from the viewpoint of 19th-century Anglican orthodoxy, he examines justification and the atonement, contending that righteousness is credited to believers through the active and passive obedience of Christ. He also holds that Christ continues to serve as High Priest and Intercessor.

A large part of the book reads Scripture through typology. Newton traces how the Sabbath and the Lord's Day point to a creation rest that began with the Resurrection, replacing the old seventh-day rest, and he draws out what this means for Christian worship and the nature of the church. The Feasts of Israel, namely Passover, First-fruits and Pentecost, are presented as foreshadowings of redemption fulfilled in Christ. Passages from Hebrews, Romans and Isaiah support his case for a historic understanding of salvation by faith, apart from works.

The volume also contains critical notes on other theological works, among them the Eucharistic views of Dean Goode. It closes with reflections on the perseverance of the saints, the dignity of Christ's person, and the final fulfilment of the gospel in the new creation. The work suits readers interested in doctrinal debate and nineteenth-century Anglican theology.