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  1. mojo
    Texas
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Good read
    November 7, 2012
    mojo
    Texas
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Kevin DeYoung is the the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan. Kevin is the author of several books including his most recent, The Hole in our Holiness.

    The title of this book is of course a play on words the "hole" that exists in our holiness is that the average Christian doesn't seem to care much for holiness, or the real crux of the matter is that they don't understand it. Who knows why this happens? Maybe the pursuit of holiness seems legalistic? Maybe it feels like one more thing to worry about in an already overwhelming life? Maybe the emphasis on effort in the Christian life appears unspiritual? Or maybe people have been trying really hard to be holy and it's just not working?

    Whatever the case, the problem is clear: too few Christians look like Christ and too many don't seem all that concerned about it.

    Hole in our Holiness is a book for those who are ready to start taking holiness more seriously, it's for people who are ready to be more like Jesus, and it's for people who are ready to live in light of the grace that produces godliness.

    As a pastor I am always critiquing books based on how "heady" and "weighty" they come across. I am always looking for books to recommend to the congregation and I am pleased to say that Kevin's voice is very sociable. Listening to Kevin's voice is like being in a conversation with a friend. This book is not a brow beating where the author rakes you over the coals and scorns you for not being "holy enough." Rather, DeYoung writes a book that is both to the point and inspiring that I think most people will find refreshing.

    Thanks so much to Crossway who provided this book for a fair and honest review.
  2. David Gough
    Alexandria, VA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Repairing the Hole in our Holiness
    September 13, 2012
    David Gough
    Alexandria, VA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Why is it that Christians often repel rather than attract others to their Savior? The answer seems to lie with the inconsistent or contradictory lives of those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. There is no greater need in the Church today than for Christians to live holy lives. Unfortunately, many of us are turned off by words like "holiness" and "sanctification" because they seem hopelessly impractical. Or we may think of them as what God has already done for us, thus relieving us of any responsibility to pursue them ourselves. In the spirit of Jerry Bridges' earlier work, "The Pursuit of Holiness"," Kevin DeYoung has presented us with a straight-shooting challenge to "chase after" holiness. He does so in an easily readable style that forces the reader to take a long, hard look at his own life of holiness. DeYoung draws a clear distinction between the position and the practice of the believer, demonstrating God's provision and our responsibility. While God provides all that is needed for us to pursue lives of holiness, our task is to appropriate that provision on an ongoing basis. Although God's grace is always the source, DeYoung points out that holiness is hard work requiring due diligence on the part of the follower of Jesus Christ. The author's discussion on the need for genuine repentance is not done with a "preachy" tone and is especially helpful. The sheer smallness of this volume (160 pages) may persuade some to check it out. They will not be disappointed. There is a list of study questions at the end of the book that may be helpful for small group discussions or personal reflection. DeYoung also makes good use of biblical quotes and other source material from Puritan to contemporary writers. This may be the most personally helpful book I have read this year. Coupling it with Greg Gilbert's "What Is the Gospel?" would make a wonderful gift for someone looking for solid spiritual footing. 5 Stars! Highly recommended!
  3. Chris Land
    Wichita Falls, Tx
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A Classic Book on Holiness
    September 11, 2012
    Chris Land
    Wichita Falls, Tx
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    God commands the church to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are to live holy and godly lives until the coming of the Lord Jesus (2 Peter 3:9). Yet, there have not been many sermons and/or books on holiness. The only that has come close is Jerry Bridges' classic, The Pursuit of Holiness. Then comes Kevin DeYoung's latest book, The Hole in Our Holiness, which bridges the gap of our love for the gospel and the desire to be holy.

    What is the hole in our holiness? DeYoung says, that it is when Christians love gospel-centered living, but think that holy living maybe too legalistic. When we think of holy living, it usually begins with what do I need to give up. DeYoung says that holiness is being obedient to Jesus Christ. Being holy is honoring God in every aspect of our lives.

    DeYoung writes, If we abide in Christ we must walk in the same way he walked (1 John 2:6). No abides in Christ keeps on sinning (3:6). Whoever does not love does not have eternal life abiding in him (3:15). Whoever keeps the commandments abides in God and God in him (3:24). If we love another, God abides in us and we abide in God (4:12, 16)...A complete disregard for holiness indicates that we do not have fellowship with Christ and are not in him.

    One thing that DeYoung does share that if we fail in holiness, we can receive grace and forgiveness from Jesus. However, just because we can get forgiveness from God, it does not mean we have a license to sin as some people define grace.

    I was delighted that DeYoung wrote this book. I believe this will indeed be a classic book on holiness that every Christian, new or maturing, would benefit from. I highly recommend this book.
  4. bookwomanjoan
    Oak Harbor, WA
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    every Christian should read this book
    August 22, 2012
    bookwomanjoan
    Oak Harbor, WA
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 5
    "The Bible could not be any clearer," DeYoung writes. "The reason for your entire salvation, the design behind your deliverance, the purpose for which God chose you in the first place is holiness." Holiness is not an option. (Heb. 12:14) "The hole in our holiness is that we don't really care much about it."

    He traces how we got to this point of holiness not being cool, the old taboos. He notes that holiness is hard and we are lazy. He is careful to distinguish the holiness that is reckoned to us because of the righteousness of Christ and the holiness commanded of us so many times in the Bible.

    He writes about what holiness is not, such as a moral checklist or being flawless. He clarifies what holiness is, such as a renewal of God's image in us, and a life of virtue. He notes that it is only possible for those in Christ.

    DeYoung is adamant on the importance of holiness in the believer's life. "No matter what you profess, if you show disregard for Christ by giving yourself over to sin — impenitently and habitually — then heaven is not your home." And, "A complete disregard for holiness indicates that we do not have fellowship with Christ and are not in him."

    Some might argue that living a holy life is not possible. DeYoung is convinced we can walk in a manner worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1). We can be trained to live in a way that is holy and acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1). We must "toil," struggling with all our energy, as Christ works in us (Col. 1:2).

    He adds four practices that move us in our oneness with Christ and he ends with a section on repentance.

    His explanation of "in Christ" is the best I've read. And understanding that is important because, "Union with Christ fundamentally and irrevocably changes our relationship to sin." Sin no longer has dominion.

    Every few years a book comes out about which I feel so strong I'll buy copies to give to others to read. This is such a book. One of the reasons God saved me is that I might be holy (Eph. 1:3-4). Like many, perhaps, I'd lost sight of that in this culture which is so unholy. This is a book I'll reread, write in, discuss, and work at living out its contents.

    Are you passionate in your pursuit of holiness? If you are, this book will be great encouragement. If you're not, this book will certainly jolt you into thinking again about your life, your actions, and pleasing God.

    I received an advanced reading galley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. Note that I read a galley and some of the quotes above may be changed in the final edition of the book.
  5. Smitty
    Tijeras, NM
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    This book is a real spiritual learning.
    November 8, 2013
    Smitty
    Tijeras, NM
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I really like the way this author writes simply and he has a sense of humor. Very interesting reading and very beneficial for living a life that Christ requires us to live. Helps one to know what is required to become like Christ.
Displaying items 1-5 of 9
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