For many people, the resurrection is a nice thing to believe in; a handy subject to return to at Easter time or when discussing apologetics. Usually, we treat it as an event that happened long ago and far away--a "happy ending" to the gospel, after the darkness of the cross.
But Sam Allberry shows us that the resurrection is far more than a mere event. It isn't just for Easter; it has overwhelmingly positive implications for our lives every day.
The resurrection gives us real assurance of forgiveness and salvation, power to live new and transformed lives, and hope for life after death. Our lives are now different; we have been lifted . Read and be transformed by the real signifcance of the resurrection.
Sam comes from Sevenoaks in Kent, but studied theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford, and has since worked at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, and now serves at a church in Maidenhead. Hobbies include reading, watching The West Wing and anything to do with South-East Asia.
If you're a believer, chances are that you believe in the resurrection. But I have a question for you, how often do you think about the resurrection? Do you think about it a couple of times a year? Like on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, or perhaps even a funeral? Sam Allberry invites you to think deeply about the resurrection and see how it changes everything about how you live your life day to day. The resurrection is not just a doctrine to be paraded out a couple of times a year. The resurrection is to be a lived doctrine. It should have an impact on your life.
The book has four chapters: "Assurance," "Transformation," "Hope" and "Missions." In the first chapter, readers learn that the resurrection assures us of who Jesus is and of what Jesus has done. In the second chapter, he talks about rebirth or new life. Because of the resurrection, we have received new life in Him and through Him. (2 Corinthians 5:17) In the third chapter, he distinguishes between Christian hope and worldly hope. Worldly hope is something we want, something we wish for. But there are no certainties, no guarantees, no true assurances that it will ever come to be. Christian hope is founded on something certain: God himself. "The Bible speaks of hope as something we have. It is about looking forward to something that is certain. There is no degree of risk or disappointment. It cannot be frustrated by anyone." When our lives are built upon hope--hope found in God himself--then our lives will reflect it. In the fourth chapter, he addresses an unpopular issue: God's future judgment or wrath. The resurrection, he argues, is proof that Jesus will return as judge. This judgment is good, righteous, and certain. Because of the resurrection, we have a mission--an ongoing mission--to share the gospel with anyone and everyone.
Quotes: The resurrection means that we can be assured of our salvation. It confirms two things: that Jesus is who he says he is, and that he's done all that he said he would. The Savior is vindicated in the face of all who rejected his claims. Salvation is assured in the face of all our doubts. (21) What we need to see is this: the resurrection is the consequence and demonstration of our salvation because death is the consequence and demonstration of our sin. (36) Sin is not deciding to break the rules, it's deciding to make the rules. (37) Being raised with Christ should change our perspective. We need to see reality in the light of where we now are. Things are now different in resurrection life. We are not where we were, and we need to keep up with that. We need to set our hearts and minds on things above. Notice that it will take some determination on our part. It's not automatic. (60) Whenever people begin a statement about God with, "I like to think of God as…' they are telling you a certain amount about themselves and nothing at all about God. Reality is not based on our likes and dislikes. (124) For God not to judge us, and for our lives not to be held accountable, would mean that we didn't ultimately matter to him. So the fact that he will one day judge the world is actually a good thing. It means we have value and purpose. It means wrongdoing will not go unpunished. And since God knows all things, fairness and equity are guaranteed. There will be no injustice when this God makes his judgment. (126) Mission is about attitude, not geography; what we're doing, not where we are; a particular priority, not a particular place. It is about an attitude that has come to terms with the resurrection of Jesus and what that means for the world. God has exalted him to be worshipped. He is confirmed as the Judge of all, and in his rising the day of judgment has been fixed and confirmed. People need to be reached with his gospel of forgiveness, hope, and new life. (136)
There are not many books on the Resurrection so when I saw this book I was very interested in reading it. It did not disappoint! After reading this book you will never doubt the significance of the resurrection of Christ. Easter will not just be another holiday but a day to reflect on all Christ has given you by rising from the dead.
This book was laid out in a very easy to follow format. The language was very understandable and all the content was relevant. I liked the ample usage of Biblical references to help make his points. I especially enjoyed his writing style, as it was direct as well as instructional. I gave this book 5/5 stars because it was a well written and informative book about a subject not often written about.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
The title 'Lifted' might be easy to forget (I actually forgot what the book was called until this review!), but the content is memorable. There are (only) four chapters (Assurance, Transformation, Hope, Mission), each showing us the difference the resurrection makes, and who could deny -- from a glance at the chapter titles alone -- that we need difference made in all these areas?
One of the main strengths of the book is Allberry's writing skill. The content is well-organized and the progress is natural. It won't take an academic to follow him. The illustrations (not too many, not too few) are helpful and the humour that sprinkles the book is most definitely "off the beaten path" (which may be why I liked it so much, the humour that is).
I will definitely be getting a copy for our church library.
The resurrection of Christ is the single most important teaching in the Christian faith—indeed, without it, faith becomes useless. Allberry gives proper emphasis to the risen Christ, discussing how His resurrection informs and empowers a believer’s assurance, transformation, hope, and mission. The depth of sin and necessity of sacrifice to atone for it shows why the resurrection is the believer’s only hope. Well-written and full of helpful implications, Allberry’s book warrants careful reflection and application.
"Lifted" is a solid, thorough little primer on resurrection theology and its application to the daily Christian life, and it's written in a simple, accessible style that would be manageable for even book-shy readers to comfortably digest in a week.
I enjoyed “Connected” (by the same author) and so I picked up this title written in a similar format on the doctrine of the resurrection. Allberry is so helpful in these books in that he takes doctrines I felt I had a fairly good grasp on and unpacks them so that not only does my understanding deepen but I can better articulate the value of this truth in my life - not only verbally but in how I live! I’d highly recommend this book and it would make a great read any time but perhaps especially pertinent in these weeks leading up to Easter!
Evangelical literature makes much of the cross but we often fail to exalt and make much of the empty tomb and its connection to everyday life. Allberry's book is a step in the right direction...better than Eugene Peterson's book "Living the Resurrection" but inferior to Adrian Warnock's "Raised with Christ".
first book for 2026 finished. pondering eternal life and the resurection of Jesus showing the nations that He is Lord of all and forever. A good way to start the year, as all things pass away , except the word of the Lord and his promises.This book walks is throigh the bible from creation , showing us how the resurection of Jesus made all things new . paperback
Read this with my Mum and we both found it really clearly written and helpful. About Jesus' resurrection from the dead, why it matters and the impact and implications for his followers. There are 4 sections - assurance, transformation, hope and mission.
I was looking for a book that explored what the resurrection life will be like for a follower of Jesus Christ. It lead me to this book (there weren't that many to choose from!) and I have found this quite eye-opening. For someone brought up to emphasise the death of Jesus Christ, it was a challenge (and is a continuing challenge) to my thinking to think of the resurrection as being so important. In talking to those who are unconvinced about Christianity, the resurrection is key. In thinking about who has the right to judge us, again, it is the resurrected man who has been given that right. And in thinking about our lives, our future, resurrection is a abiding picture of new life given by Jesus Christ. So this book was great, small, pithy, good illustrations, easy to read, and very helpful. I bought a larger book on the same subject, but to be honest, this about covers most things for me - I am not sure now if I'll get to read the larger tome by Warnock. So I recommend it. It drew me to Romans 10:9, whoever believes that 'He' was raised from the dead, will be saved. I'd always known that verse, but it has really caused me to think about how I speak about becoming a Christian - given that the resurrection is so vital (and full of vitality).
This is a solid treatment of why the resurrection of Jesus is good news for Christians. There are four chapters in the book, each highlighting one benefit of the resurrection of Christ for believers: assurance, transformation, hope, and mission.
Each chapter offers insightful, clear, and engaging teaching. Allberry is British, thus he was blessed with a quirky-yet-entertaining sense of humor that makes reading his book enjoyable (for all nationalities).
A great work showing us how the resurrection affects all of our Christian walk, giving us certainty of Christ being raised for our justification, making it possible for us to change (truly change), giving us certain hope in our future (the best is yet to come for the Christian), and sending us to speak of Jesus to the world because His is the name above all names.
Great read leading up to Easter this year. A new British author, master illustrator, and enthusiastic gospel centered writer. I will re-read some of these chapters again next year leading up to Easter.
Sam writes in a very engaging way. He concisely deals with four aspects of the resurrection in a way that helps shift your perspective and get you more excited about Jesus: -Assurance -Transformation -Hope -Mission
Short and sweet. Very good illustrations and humorous. Each chapter got better as the book progressed. The resurrection is fundamental to Christian faith, not only as a validation of Christ's atoning sacrifice and as a first-fruits but it carries weight for our spiritual lives today.