In every wave of Christian renewal, God raises faithful voices who both tell the stories of the faithful and nurture fresh devotion in future generations. Iain H. Murray (b. 1931) stands among them a gift to the church as author, editor, and co-founder of the Banner of Truth Trust.
A Life Shaped by God’s Grace and History
Born in Lancashire, England, Murray studied at King William’s College (Isle of Man) and the University of Durham, where he embraced Christ in his late teens. After military service, he embarked on pastoral ministry first assisting Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956–59).
In 1957, he co-founded the Banner of Truth Trust alongside Jack Cullum and Sidney Norton a ministry devoted to reviving Puritan and Reformed voices through faithful publishing and discipleship.
Championing Reformed Biographies and Church History
Murray has penned dozens of biographies and theological works that illuminate the lives of godly leaders and challenge modern believers toward deeper truth:
- The Forgotten Spurgeon
- Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography
- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years and The Fight of Faith
- The Life of Arthur W. Pink
- Revival & Revivalism and The Puritan Hope
- Evangelicalism Divided and more.
His writing isn’t dry history it’s spiritual nourishment, reminding us that robust doctrine empowers deep devotion.
Why Reformed Readers Treasure Murray
1. Ink Meets Soul
Murray’s prose reflects more than information it breathes reverence. He tells true stories not to celebrate the past, but to shape faithful living today.
2. Preservation of Truth
Through Banner of Truth, he preserved books that might have been lost to fading trends ensuring Puritan, Reformed, and revivalist works still feed hungry hearts.
3. Connecting Generations
As he once said, biographies show how "doctrinal belief… has vital consequence in the way Christians live".
Books by Iain Murray You’ll Love
Available now at ReformedBooks.org, here are some of Murray’s enduring titles:
- The Forgotten Spurgeon a portrait of grace and gospel courage
- Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography exploring devout theology and revival zeal
- Evangelicalism Divided an insightful account of late 20th-century shifts in evangelicalism
- Heroes biographical reflections encouraging faithfulness in today’s church
Final Thoughts
Iain Murray stands as both historian and shepherd. His life reminds us that sound doctrine and tender devotion go hand in hand. His work urges Christians not only to know the path of faith but to walk it with courage and conviction.
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise” (Proverbs 13:20).
Through Murray’s books and legacy, we walk with the faithful of past generations, renewing our hearts to serve Christ today.