By George R. Knight - I Used to Be Perfect: A Study of Sin and Salvation (2nd Edition) (2001-09-16) [Paperback]

by George R. Knight

Writing in a highly engaging oral style from his own early struggles with legalism, Knight examines some of the most basic questions about What does it mean to sin? What is temptation? What is the law? What does it mean to "be saved"? What does it mean to "be perfect"? Special features include study questions at the end of each chapter, reference notes to sources, a topical and scripture index, and a bibliography.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, Spirituality

Unknown Binding

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Esther Louw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever may be your personal opinion of George Knight, it is my opinion that this book ought to be read by every Adventist. It contains by far the clearest, most concise outline of salvation and the Christian experience that I have yet to encounter. George Knight contrasts false understandings of sin (often understood as actions and things that we do) with the biblical definition of SIN (the principle of self-interest) from which all sinful actions arise. Thus SIN results in sins, but overcoming specific sins does not solve the bigger problem of SIN in our heart. He then argues for a biblical concept of FAITH in Christ which alone is able to solve the problem of SIN and ultimately transform our lives into the image of God. If you've never read this book, you should!

[Charles R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommended For Pastors & Churches!!!

George R. Knight dives into one of the most controversial topics in the church today, which is how to understand Christ's role in our salvation! The book does not shy away from theological concepts such as Christ's nature, perfectionism, our sinful nature, justification, sanctification, and more.

Knight manifests gospel-oriented beliefs that need to be understood by both progressive and traditional Adventists. He favors neither side but gets right to the root of many false doctrines.

If you want your church to change, I will start with this book! He has questions at the end of every chapter to review with a small group or yourself.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is certainly worth a read as it's trying to pull people back from the brink of a fruitless perfectionism that usually tends to make people prickly and ornery.

He distinguishes between SIN and sins, LAW and laws, perfect, but not yet PERFECT.

People often focus on the 'don'ts' but sin is much more than that, it's what we should and could do. It's how we love other people. Often, the perfectionism that people think the Bible is calling them to is a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of wha the Bible is actually talking about, to the detriment of all involved.

Ultimately, God is calling us to love like He loved.

[João Marcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma obra escrita com a simplicidade marcante de George R. Knight. Que consegue trazer pontos de grande profundidade teológica a uma luz mais acessível. Mesmo carregando visões profundas sobre temas difíceis. Que deixa bem claro para aqueles que buscam compreender verdadeiramente, o que é a perfeição bíblica.

[Jerry Mahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! I enjoyed learning from Knight when I was in seminary. I've enjoyed every book of his that I've read. This book lays out the depth of love as the basis for our salvation, and our relationship with Jesus. The book reminds me of the teachings of Morris Venden, who was my teacher in college. I highly recommend this book.

[13260 Daniel Georgiev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for every Christian

Mr. Knight delves into the problems of modern day adventism, especially what it means to be perfect as Christ ordered us to be.

[Charles Roldan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down best book ever! Don't be fooled by the low ratings! Discover the GOSPEL!!!

[Lalnuntluanga Ralte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book puts into words what I’ve always believed as an Adventist but couldn’t quite express myself. I’m truly grateful to the author for that.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book!

[Emillie Lacson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book really didn't appeal to me because of the word perfect. Perfect is such a strong word to me. But after reading this book, it made me see a different side to the title. This book seems like something you would read for a religion class.. which I know some people have.. but it has a good moral lesson to it. Knight Describes in each chapter different subjects such as the different between SIN and sins. He uses the same word, but uses capitalization to differentiate the terms. It was a little confusing at first, but if he did it another way, the book probably wouldn't make sense. This was a good read, especially if you in a period of life about searching.

[Juliano Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

O livro é excelente. Linguagem clara e objetiva, sem perder a erudição que é peculiar do autor. Ótima leitura.