As Sure as the Dawn

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The gladiator returns ý but not as gloriously. - Rated
In this third volume of the "Mark of the Lion" series, Francine Rivers chronicles the journey of the ex-gladiator Atretes back to his Germanic homeland, accompanied by the Christian widow Rizpah, nursemaid to his son. For Atretes, it proves to be much more than just a journey to his barbarian Chatti tribe, but also a romantic journey of love, and a spiritual journey of faith.

Readers familiar with the "Mark of the Lion" series will know that the central issue of the first volume in the series - "A Voice in the Wind" - was how to witness to an unbelieving world, and this is the most powerful and convincing book of the entire series. Like the second volume of the series ("An Echo in the Darkness" - an exploration of forgiveness), the third volume ("As Sure as the Dawn" - an exploration of anger) is much more introspective than the first. Since "As Sure as the Dawn" shares with "An Echo in the Darkness" a focus on inner conflict, it unfortunately also shares many of its weaknesses. Certainly it has to be conceded that Rivers writes on a much higher level than most contemporary Christian fiction. When packed with a deep theological message, such literary fiction has the potential to pack a serious punch. But not when the theology is weak. Sadly, that is the case not only with "An Echo in the Darkness", but also with "As Sure as the Dawn".

The most serious theological weakness is that Rivers places the events of her story *after* the apostolic era, and yet incorporates signs and wonders that were unique to the apostolic era. These include direct revelation (to Rizpah p.26 and Theophilus p.354), the gift of tongues (when the main characters suddenly speak German, p.314), and miracles (resurrection, p.278-80 and miraculous deliverance by walking on water, p.467). The presence of miracles outside of the apostolic era is particularly unfortunate, because Rivers makes them decisive turning points of the plot - in both instances resulting in conversions. That the miracle of resurrection causes a conversion appears to be in direct contradiction with the words of Jesus in Luke 16:31 "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." Not only do these miracles and wonders result in an overly optimistic story-line that fails to reflect the harshness of real life for Christians today, they are dependent on a tenuous theological position. If one agrees with the assertion that apostolic wonders and miracles ceased with the apostolic era, one must also concede the plot of "As Sure as the Dawn" is not credible.

There are other minor theological weaknesses that are not as crucial to the plot. The portrayal of first century worship (p.126) is questionable, and certainly the idea of "coming forward" (p.5) is anachronistic and without basis in the New Testament, and is more indicative of contemporary rather than ancient worship. The exegesis of several Bible passages is highly disputable, such the use of Matt. 7:1 "do not judge" (p.53) which fails to take into consideration the immediate context dealing with hypocrisy; the use of 1 John 4 "love one another" to include unbelievers (p.83,373), despite the clear application of this text in Scripture to fellow believers; the suggestion that each piece of the armor of God in Eph. 6 is another name for Christ (p.87); the understanding of Rom. 6 as requiring baptism by immersion (p.283); and the explanation of Gen. 6:5 as meaning that after the fall there was just a "seed of sin" which progressed into increasing corruption (p.291). Also questionable are the assertions that Satan was God's most beautiful creation (p.291), that the Israelites are still God's children today (p.301), and that forgiveness is required independent of repentance (p.423 - note that Christ did not forgive his murderers, rather He *prayed* for their forgiveness). As usual, the theology of universal atonement (p.60,112,314), partial depravity (p.248-9, 290) and the emphasis on Christ as an example rather than as an atoning substitute (p.306) is typically Arminian.

Like the first volume of the series, the graphic allusions to Atretes' sexual relations outside of marriage and frank discussion of sexual thoughts makes "As Sure as the Dawn" unsuitable for children. In fact the emphasis that Rivers lays on physical attraction is somewhat disturbing (p.187,189). Romantic love appears to play just as much a role as religion in determining the course of events, as evidenced in the fact that one of the religious climaxes of the novel (baptism) is promptly overshadowed by a romantic climax (marriage). The fact that this baptism was rather premature (one of the characters later observes that the baptized person does not even really understand what it means to be a Christian! p.309) appears to confirm this.

The above criticisms may seem harsh but they are honest. At the same time, there are many positive theological insights that Rivers successfully and effectively shares. The fact that the apostle John quotes numerous Scripture passages verbatim is a real strength. The portrayal of spiritual conflict as the gospel is proclaimed in pagan territory is particularly convincing. Rivers' description of demonic powers at work among the pagans under the guise of their gods is powerful and accurate. Thankfully the third volume of the series is not ALL internal conflict like the second volume, and thus overcomes some of its weaknesses. There are also some exciting action scenes reminiscent of the first volume. A reasonable effort, but unfortunately not enough to equal the first gem produced in this series. Like Atretes, Rivers is back, but not with the same glory as we saw at our first meeting.

A wonderful conclusion - Rated
The final part of 'The Mark Of The Lion' trilogy. This book follows the events in the life of Atretes, who was first introduced in 'Voice In The Wind'. The gutsy determination of Rizpah, along with the struggles she faces combine to make this a compelling story. The author takes us on a journey into another culture and it is easy to become completely engrossed in the fascinating historical side to the story. You have to admire this lady for the hours of research she must have had to do to produce such a brilliant novel. A wonderful conclusion to a brilliant series.

Rizpah - Rated
I can identify so much with Rizpah, that I even named my screename for her. I enjoyed this last of the trilogy. My favorite character has to be Theophilis. His quiet and gentle spirit, and his faith and love, comforted me. He seemed like the kind of grandfather I always wished I'd had. I cant wait for the next book to come out so that I can find out what happens to everyone.

No words can express! - Rated
This 3rd and final book of the Mark of the Lion Series was SUCH A BLESSING to me! I am a lot like Rizpah (I tend to be stubborn in situations like hers, and I am sometimes far too outspoken for my own good). This book encouraged me in so many ways... proved how deep God's forgiveness and love reach, and how dramatically they change the lives of those they touch! I was so BLESSED! This book dramatically portrays God's faithfulness, answers to prayer, and real-life examples of where we would all be without God. Even if you haven't read Books 1 and 2, this one stands alone and is a must-read.

Not as good as the first two - Rated
I have read the first two books in this series and I really didn't enjoy this one as much as the others. I was bored with the book almost from the start. I would recomend the first two, A Voice in the Wind and An Echo in the Darkness, but not this one.