The Grace of God by Andy Stanley - Book Review
I’ve been a Christian all my life. In fact, I’m a missionary. I tell you that to give you perspective. I thought I could explain the theme and concept of grace through the Bible as well as anybody. Andy Stanley’s thorough yet very easy to read, “The Grace of God” not only defines grace simply but take reader deeper through the story of grace weaved in Scripture. Instead of ignoring any apparent discrepancies of an Old Testament God vs the New Testament God, Andy tackles the tough topic like a middle linebacker meeting the running back in the hole on 4th and inches. What you come away with is not an explaining away but reassurance that even in the Old Testament full of laws and bloodshed “don’t stand in contrast to grace; they are introduced within the story of God’s grace.”
As a former youth pastor and missionary, I’ve seen too many people slip into rule based Christianity. I wish every one of them could read chapter four, “Redeemed by Grace.” The law is put into perspective. Andy points out that our modern mindset is to jump to the “thou shall nots”, “simply stated: obedience gets you in, disobedience keeps you out.” Grace is a subject that I believe too many Christians take for granted and don’t have complete freedom because of a lack of receiving the fullness of God’s grace.
I would have given “The Grace of God” a perfect rating but for a few times when Andy seems to want the reader to use his imagination to make a point instead of letting the Scripture speak for itself. Though I do believe our imagination can be used by God, it’s difficult to make that jump for it to form our theology. Overall though, this is minor.
Get the book, and allow the Spirit of God to teach you about grace all over again. You will not regret it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
