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Union
Tiefer: Wie Christen echte Veränderung erleben
Wie können Christen wachsen? Kaum jemand stellt in Frage, dass die Bibel uns dazu aufruft, in unserem Glaubensleben zu wachsen. Aber die Erklärung, wie das genau vor sich gehen soll, ist oftmals vage.Dane Ortlund lenkt den Blick der Gläubigen auf Christus. Er macht deutlich, dass der Weg der Heiligung nicht darin besteht, mehr zu tun oder besser zu werden, sondern tiefer in die wunderbaren Wahrheiten des Evangeliums einzutauchen, die für uns gelten, seit wir mit ihm vereint wurden.Dabei stützt sich Ortlund auf den Erkenntnisschatz von Persönlichkeiten aus der gesamten Kirchengeschichte. Er ermutigt seine Leser, im Kampf gegen die Sünde auf Jesus zu sehen, sich auf seine Gnade zu stellen und ihre unbesiegbare Identität in Christus auszuleben.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
1455 people are currently reading
17374 people want to read
About the author
Dane C. Ortlund
96 books670 followersDane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) is chief publishing officer and Bible publisher at Crossway. He serves as an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Gentle and Lowly and Edwards on the Christian Life. He is an elder at Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. Dane lives with his wife, Stacey, and their five children in Wheaton, Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,137 reviews
October 5, 2025
Christians have long been on a quest for the “holy grail” of the Christian life. The popular Keswick conferences that emerged in England in 1875 called it the “victorious Christian life.” Charismatics seek a so-called “second blessing.” Tragically, many evangelicals roll up their sleeves and seek supernatural transformation via will-power or works. These well-meaning followers of Christ are genuinely seeking something great in their Christian journey. They want something more. They are in need of transformation. They merely want to go deeper. Each of the above proposals falls short of the biblical model of sanctification and leaves Christians confused, disillusioned, and discouraged.
Dane Ortlund’s newest book addresses both the need and the desire to go deeper into the Christian life. Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners is a book about sanctification. The book strikes the biblical balance between vigorous God-centered striving and trusting the Holy Spirit to produce sanctification. Scripture is clear on this matter:
Ortlund offers nine meditations that push and encourage readers to a biblical model of sanctification. But more important than a model, the author suggests that “we grow specifically by going deeper into the gospel, into the love of Christ and our experienced union with him … we are reflecting on the way our souls must go out to God in Christ to desire, to long for, to receive, to dwell in, to thank him for his endless love. The gospel comes to us in the Scriptures, and in prayer we receive and enjoy it.”
Ortlund is not impressed with sanctification strategies or gimmicks; nor does he offer a series of steps that produce sanctification. Deeper is a book that pleads with Christians to do one thing: LOOK TO CHRIST!
Here is a book that is exceedingly warm, theologically rich, informed by Puritanical wisdom, and deeply personal and practical. I commend Deeper and trust that many will benefit from this wonderful book.
Dane Ortlund’s newest book addresses both the need and the desire to go deeper into the Christian life. Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners is a book about sanctification. The book strikes the biblical balance between vigorous God-centered striving and trusting the Holy Spirit to produce sanctification. Scripture is clear on this matter:
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:12–13, ESV)
Ortlund offers nine meditations that push and encourage readers to a biblical model of sanctification. But more important than a model, the author suggests that “we grow specifically by going deeper into the gospel, into the love of Christ and our experienced union with him … we are reflecting on the way our souls must go out to God in Christ to desire, to long for, to receive, to dwell in, to thank him for his endless love. The gospel comes to us in the Scriptures, and in prayer we receive and enjoy it.”
Ortlund is not impressed with sanctification strategies or gimmicks; nor does he offer a series of steps that produce sanctification. Deeper is a book that pleads with Christians to do one thing: LOOK TO CHRIST!
Be astonished at the gracious heart of Jesus Christ, proven in his atoning work in the past and his endless intercession in the present. Receive his unutterable love for sinners and suffers. Stop resisting. Let him draw near to you. Gaze upon him.
Here is a book that is exceedingly warm, theologically rich, informed by Puritanical wisdom, and deeply personal and practical. I commend Deeper and trust that many will benefit from this wonderful book.
July 28, 2022
“for every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. let your union with Jesus, the friend of sinners, take you deeper, ever deeper, into the wonders of the gospel. and watch your heart, and therefore your whole life, blossom.” 🌸🌷
November 26, 2021
"Do you want to grow in Christ? Never graduate beyond the gospel. Move ever deeper into the gospel."
"What is the Bible? It is your greatest earthly treasure. You will stand in strength, and grow in Christ, and walk in joy, and bless the world no further than you know this book."
This wasn't a huge theological treatise, it was a hard-hitting, easy to read but wonderfully deep nine chapters on growing deeper into Jesus. It was good for people like me, who have been following Jesus for many years, and I imagine it will be good for those just starting out. I imagine I will be referring back to this book for a refresh button from time to time. I saved a bunch of nuggets in my highlights, but instead of sharing them all, I'll just encourage you to grab this book.
I received an ecopy of Deeper from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
"What is the Bible? It is your greatest earthly treasure. You will stand in strength, and grow in Christ, and walk in joy, and bless the world no further than you know this book."
This wasn't a huge theological treatise, it was a hard-hitting, easy to read but wonderfully deep nine chapters on growing deeper into Jesus. It was good for people like me, who have been following Jesus for many years, and I imagine it will be good for those just starting out. I imagine I will be referring back to this book for a refresh button from time to time. I saved a bunch of nuggets in my highlights, but instead of sharing them all, I'll just encourage you to grab this book.
I received an ecopy of Deeper from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
November 28, 2021
Look to Christ. Take this one slowly. Allow its thoughts and meditations to marinate. Look again to Christ.
Essential reading concerning sanctification, that which every believer is experiencing. A worthy followup to Gentle and Lowly, showing the reader how to move on and apply that which was often only implied in the previous.
Highly valuable for ministry, self evaluation, discipleship, and community. Similar to the first, Dane has written a book I hope to return many a time throughout the coming years of life.
Essential reading concerning sanctification, that which every believer is experiencing. A worthy followup to Gentle and Lowly, showing the reader how to move on and apply that which was often only implied in the previous.
Highly valuable for ministry, self evaluation, discipleship, and community. Similar to the first, Dane has written a book I hope to return many a time throughout the coming years of life.
November 26, 2021
"Do you want to grow in Christ? Never graduate beyond the gospel. Move ever deeper into the gospel."
"What is the Bible? It is your greatest earthly treasure. You will stand in strength, and grow in Christ, and walk in joy, and bless the world no further than you know this book."
This wasn't a huge theological treatise, it was a hard-hitting, easy to read but wonderfully deep nine chapters on growing deeper into Jesus. It was good for people like me, who have been following Jesus for many years, and I imagine it will be good for those just starting out. I imagine I will be referring back to this book for a refresh button from time to time. I saved a bunch of nuggets in my highlights, but instead of sharing them all, I'll just encourage you to grab this book.
I received an ecopy of Deeper from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
"What is the Bible? It is your greatest earthly treasure. You will stand in strength, and grow in Christ, and walk in joy, and bless the world no further than you know this book."
This wasn't a huge theological treatise, it was a hard-hitting, easy to read but wonderfully deep nine chapters on growing deeper into Jesus. It was good for people like me, who have been following Jesus for many years, and I imagine it will be good for those just starting out. I imagine I will be referring back to this book for a refresh button from time to time. I saved a bunch of nuggets in my highlights, but instead of sharing them all, I'll just encourage you to grab this book.
I received an ecopy of Deeper from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
August 23, 2023
This is Gentle and Lowly Part 2!!
A deep read into how to grow deeper in Christ. Another glimpse into pain and growth and Christ’s heart. A book that shows how growing deeper in Christ is not by doing and becoming but by grace and knowing God’s heart.
I listened to the audio but will be looking for the paper copy! If you have read Gentle and Lowly this is a must.
A deep read into how to grow deeper in Christ. Another glimpse into pain and growth and Christ’s heart. A book that shows how growing deeper in Christ is not by doing and becoming but by grace and knowing God’s heart.
I listened to the audio but will be looking for the paper copy! If you have read Gentle and Lowly this is a must.
February 1, 2022
It was a curious experience reading this book. The content is unmistakably sound and biblical and vital to Christians eager to grow. I kept thinking that I ought to be more captivated by what Ortlund was discussing.
I really can’t put my finger on it. But it’s interesting that my highlights in the back of the book (I do them as I go) are almost exclusively quotes from other authors.
I’m definitely an analogy guy, I love them. However I felt a little like Ortlund became over-dependent upon his analogies. It’s like it resulted In a sort of reflected emphasis or slight fuzziness to truths that might be better stated with primary clarity.
I wouldn’t say I disliked the book - I just wanted to like it more. Sanctification is the story of Christ in me over the course of my mortal life. There are few more vital topics I could possibly read about. I feel that in my Sydney evangelical circles not enough is said about growing in Jesus, on how believers become more like him, on how and why we might increase in godliness. I was excited for how “Deeper” might speak into this. So I’m not quite sure why this book never really zinged for me.
To add even more confusion to this review, as I read I thought that I’d really love others to read and be inspired to grow in Christ because of this book. I’d even recommend it. As I was reading it, conscious of being not fully engaged, I did think that maybe I’dread it again in the future and connect with it more successfully. I wouldn’t be entirely surprise if that happened. Although, in this case, maybe Ortlund has had his chance and not quite hit the bullseye…
With reading, sometimes it’s as much about the time in which a book finds the reader as it is about the inherent essence of work itself. Perhaps in this case, it’s a bit of both.
I really can’t put my finger on it. But it’s interesting that my highlights in the back of the book (I do them as I go) are almost exclusively quotes from other authors.
I’m definitely an analogy guy, I love them. However I felt a little like Ortlund became over-dependent upon his analogies. It’s like it resulted In a sort of reflected emphasis or slight fuzziness to truths that might be better stated with primary clarity.
I wouldn’t say I disliked the book - I just wanted to like it more. Sanctification is the story of Christ in me over the course of my mortal life. There are few more vital topics I could possibly read about. I feel that in my Sydney evangelical circles not enough is said about growing in Jesus, on how believers become more like him, on how and why we might increase in godliness. I was excited for how “Deeper” might speak into this. So I’m not quite sure why this book never really zinged for me.
To add even more confusion to this review, as I read I thought that I’d really love others to read and be inspired to grow in Christ because of this book. I’d even recommend it. As I was reading it, conscious of being not fully engaged, I did think that maybe I’dread it again in the future and connect with it more successfully. I wouldn’t be entirely surprise if that happened. Although, in this case, maybe Ortlund has had his chance and not quite hit the bullseye…
With reading, sometimes it’s as much about the time in which a book finds the reader as it is about the inherent essence of work itself. Perhaps in this case, it’s a bit of both.
October 28, 2021
Think “Gentle and Lowly” but for sanctification and with more systematic categories. These are the doctrines he used to ‘cook’ Gentle and Lowly.
Also, don’t miss the dedication at the back of the book.
Also, don’t miss the dedication at the back of the book.
November 8, 2023
I found this both convicting and greatly encouraging, which really go hand-in-hand. Ortlund’s illustration of inhaling the Word and exhaling prayers has been transformative in my view of reading the Bible.
September 24, 2022
This is a great little book on the subject on how to grow as a Christian. There are larger and more in-depth works on the subject of sanctification, but Ortlund's Deeper: Real Change for Sinners lays the ground work that every Christian should know, believe, and live out. The book is filled with Puritan wisdom and a biblical, theological richness that is often lacking in other works on this subject. Sure, I have some small quibbles with the author: he thinks the ESV is the best English translation and that the kingdom of Christ is here now (Amillennialism). But those take up at most three or four sentences in the whole book.
Overall, this is a great book and highly recommended (along with the rest of the Union Series).
Overall, this is a great book and highly recommended (along with the rest of the Union Series).
June 28, 2024
Deeper was probably the best book I've ever read for 'Real change for real sinners.' He gives an amazing nine points which, in the end, all point back to looking on Christ. Here is an excerpt...
"I am not writing to you nine points on how to grow on your own, because the more you focus on that growth, the less you actually achieve the growth you desire. I am writing to you nine points on how to look to Christ."
THAT got me. I was just so mesmerized that... OH my Goodness I can't even explain it. Christ should be my center focus. Not me.
"I am not writing to you nine points on how to grow on your own, because the more you focus on that growth, the less you actually achieve the growth you desire. I am writing to you nine points on how to look to Christ."
THAT got me. I was just so mesmerized that... OH my Goodness I can't even explain it. Christ should be my center focus. Not me.
January 13, 2022
Dane Ortlund's Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners was a mixed bag for me that I find incredibly difficult to review. I think most readers will find the experience of reading this book incredibly helpful, encouraging, and insightful - especially if you're new to the Christian faith. However, if you're looking for a more robust (and less me-centric) applicability of Christianity to day-to-day life, you might want to look elsewhere.
First, the positives: Dane Ortlund is a very good writer. The prose in Deeper is absolutely stunning in places. I mean, how can you not swoon at sentences like, "If Jesus himself was willing to journey down into the suffering of hell, you can bank everything on his love as you journey through your own suffering on your way up to heaven"? For a concise and approachable overview on how justification and sanctification work hand-in-hand, Deeper succeeds for the most part.
Also, like Michael Reeves's Rejoice & Tremble (the first book in the "Union" series), it's short - less than 200 pages - and the cover design is beautiful.
Now, for the negatives: Throughout Deeper, Ortlund makes it repeatedly clear that he's not writing a "how-to" or "self-help" guide for going deeper in your faith. I applaud that sentiment, but Deeper is literally about "how sinners can change." Ortlund seems pretty dismissive of instituting spiritual disciplines, liturgy, or habits into your daily routine. In Ortlund's view (I think, it's not very clear), heart transformation should precede any type of behavior modification for it to be authentic. Part of me agrees with this idea, but I also believe - especially within the Christian life - that behavior modification can work in tandem (and sometimes lead to) heart transformation.
You'll find a lot of vague spiritual sentimentality in Deeper that reads great - like "Sin loses its appeal as we allow ourselves to be re-enchanted time and again with the unsurpassed beauty of Jesus." At one point, Ortlund writes, "There is no special technique to mortifying sin. You simply open your Bible and let God surprise you each day with the wonder of his love, proven in Christ and experienced in the Spirit." In both cases, it's hard to disagree with Ortlund's sentiment, but at the same time, it's hard for me to see how helpful it'd be to someone who's really struggling with something.
In the book's conclusion, Ortlund writes that the book's "one point" is to "...Stop resisting. Let [Jesus] draw near to you. Gaze upon him." Good words, but again, what does this really look like in practice?
If you're someone - like me - who struggles with the metaphysical aspects of Christianity, you probably won't find much in Deeper to be very helpful beyond some pretty prose.
And, paradoxically, despite his insistence that Deeper isn't a how-to guide, Ortlund does offer some steps on how to go "deeper" in one's faith:
1) Think about your depraved and sinful nature.
2) Confess your sin to another Christian.
3) Read your Bible (preferably the ESV - something he says).
4) Pray throughout your day.
And that's kind of it. There's absolutely no mention of sharing one's faith, serving the poor, or advocating for the needs of others. I'm not sure if it's a result of American Evangelicalism's resurrected allergy to anything resembling "social justice," but it's kind of a bummer that there's no mention of the joy of working alongside other Christians to achieve a shared goal. Ortlund is clearly a more astute theologian than me, but I think Jesus (and the apostles) are pretty clear that one of the best ways to actualize one's faith and grow closer to the heart of God isn't through personal reflection but through serving others and sharing one's faith.
Maybe I'm splitting hairs here. There's not a lot in Deeper I actually disagree with, but it seems written with a particular audience in mind - one that's probably already in tune with Ortlund's message. Therefore, most people who pick up this book will probably love it - (and if you find this book helpful, I don't want to take that away from you). But, in lieu of Deeper (and for anyone looking for a bit more practicality), I recommend Richard Foster's The Celebration of Discipline, Aaron Niequist's The Eternal Current, or Euguene Peterson's A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.
First, the positives: Dane Ortlund is a very good writer. The prose in Deeper is absolutely stunning in places. I mean, how can you not swoon at sentences like, "If Jesus himself was willing to journey down into the suffering of hell, you can bank everything on his love as you journey through your own suffering on your way up to heaven"? For a concise and approachable overview on how justification and sanctification work hand-in-hand, Deeper succeeds for the most part.
Also, like Michael Reeves's Rejoice & Tremble (the first book in the "Union" series), it's short - less than 200 pages - and the cover design is beautiful.
Now, for the negatives: Throughout Deeper, Ortlund makes it repeatedly clear that he's not writing a "how-to" or "self-help" guide for going deeper in your faith. I applaud that sentiment, but Deeper is literally about "how sinners can change." Ortlund seems pretty dismissive of instituting spiritual disciplines, liturgy, or habits into your daily routine. In Ortlund's view (I think, it's not very clear), heart transformation should precede any type of behavior modification for it to be authentic. Part of me agrees with this idea, but I also believe - especially within the Christian life - that behavior modification can work in tandem (and sometimes lead to) heart transformation.
You'll find a lot of vague spiritual sentimentality in Deeper that reads great - like "Sin loses its appeal as we allow ourselves to be re-enchanted time and again with the unsurpassed beauty of Jesus." At one point, Ortlund writes, "There is no special technique to mortifying sin. You simply open your Bible and let God surprise you each day with the wonder of his love, proven in Christ and experienced in the Spirit." In both cases, it's hard to disagree with Ortlund's sentiment, but at the same time, it's hard for me to see how helpful it'd be to someone who's really struggling with something.
In the book's conclusion, Ortlund writes that the book's "one point" is to "...Stop resisting. Let [Jesus] draw near to you. Gaze upon him." Good words, but again, what does this really look like in practice?
If you're someone - like me - who struggles with the metaphysical aspects of Christianity, you probably won't find much in Deeper to be very helpful beyond some pretty prose.
And, paradoxically, despite his insistence that Deeper isn't a how-to guide, Ortlund does offer some steps on how to go "deeper" in one's faith:
1) Think about your depraved and sinful nature.
2) Confess your sin to another Christian.
3) Read your Bible (preferably the ESV - something he says).
4) Pray throughout your day.
And that's kind of it. There's absolutely no mention of sharing one's faith, serving the poor, or advocating for the needs of others. I'm not sure if it's a result of American Evangelicalism's resurrected allergy to anything resembling "social justice," but it's kind of a bummer that there's no mention of the joy of working alongside other Christians to achieve a shared goal. Ortlund is clearly a more astute theologian than me, but I think Jesus (and the apostles) are pretty clear that one of the best ways to actualize one's faith and grow closer to the heart of God isn't through personal reflection but through serving others and sharing one's faith.
Maybe I'm splitting hairs here. There's not a lot in Deeper I actually disagree with, but it seems written with a particular audience in mind - one that's probably already in tune with Ortlund's message. Therefore, most people who pick up this book will probably love it - (and if you find this book helpful, I don't want to take that away from you). But, in lieu of Deeper (and for anyone looking for a bit more practicality), I recommend Richard Foster's The Celebration of Discipline, Aaron Niequist's The Eternal Current, or Euguene Peterson's A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.
July 28, 2022
So. I was torn between giving this book five stars and giving this book one star. I landed on two after much internal conflict and it's primarily because of one paragraph in the preface that tainted the entire book for me sadly...
This book is part of the Union series and the preface states that "Each exploration of a subject in the Union series will appear in two versions: a full one and a concise one. The idea is that church leaders can read the full treatment, such as this one, and so delve into each topic while making the more accessible concise version widely available to their congregations." How very Catholic of the publishers...
So according to this preface, I shouldn't even be reading this book but as a lowly lay person should have picked up the "more accessible" version. Now. Keep in mind this "full version" book even 200 pages. We're not talking Calvin's Institutes or even Grudem's Systematic Theology... I read the entire book in one sitting (and didn't even need a dictionary or Greek/Hebrew translation beside me.) There's just a level of arrogance demonstrated that's saddening to me.
This disappointing mindset carries over into the voice of the book. So despite the fact that the actual content of the book is excellent, the condescension in which it's written almost nullifies the quality of the content for me and keeps me from being able to recommend it.
This book is part of the Union series and the preface states that "Each exploration of a subject in the Union series will appear in two versions: a full one and a concise one. The idea is that church leaders can read the full treatment, such as this one, and so delve into each topic while making the more accessible concise version widely available to their congregations." How very Catholic of the publishers...
So according to this preface, I shouldn't even be reading this book but as a lowly lay person should have picked up the "more accessible" version. Now. Keep in mind this "full version" book even 200 pages. We're not talking Calvin's Institutes or even Grudem's Systematic Theology... I read the entire book in one sitting (and didn't even need a dictionary or Greek/Hebrew translation beside me.) There's just a level of arrogance demonstrated that's saddening to me.
This disappointing mindset carries over into the voice of the book. So despite the fact that the actual content of the book is excellent, the condescension in which it's written almost nullifies the quality of the content for me and keeps me from being able to recommend it.
August 31, 2022
In my own life and the lives of those I’ve counseled one of the most common questions is “how do I grow? How can I love Christ more?” Ortlund’s Deeper provides a wonderful launching board for the answer. By looking to Christ and truly understanding who He is, and what He did for us, we grow to love Him more. But only the Spirit can truly make us look to Christ. Without Him it’s useless.
I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to grow in their sanctification (so everyone ;)). My only quibbles are with his amillenial viewpoint, and his “ESV-only” attitude. Other than that, fabulous!
I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to grow in their sanctification (so everyone ;)). My only quibbles are with his amillenial viewpoint, and his “ESV-only” attitude. Other than that, fabulous!
December 17, 2021
“…Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely. Such infinite majesty, and yet such meekness and grace, and all for sinners, even the chief! Live much in the smiles of God. Bask in his beams. Feel his all-seeing eye settled on you in love, and repose in his almighty arms.”
A beautiful book. A challenging book. A book that pushes me deeper into the person and love of Christ.
A beautiful book. A challenging book. A book that pushes me deeper into the person and love of Christ.
October 11, 2021
Wonderful! Diving deeper into what it means to look to Jesus over and over from different angles. This book is contemplative, deep, worshipful, and a joy to read. It really is a book that should be meditated on and put down while you think and breathe in the realities of Christ and his work. I didn’t do that because the air was too good to stop breathing in. Enjoy!
February 20, 2022
This really fed my soul.
January 8, 2025
10 stars! Do you want to grow in Christ? Look to Christ and go deeper in your moment-by-moment communion with him. "The Christian life is at heart a matter not of doing more or behaving better but of going deeper...deeper into the gospel, into the love of Christ and our experienced union with him" (pp. 152-53).
The whole book is beautiful and full of gospel wisdom, but I was particularly helped by his chapters on union with Christ (ch. 3), justification (ch. 5), and the Holy Spirit (ch. 9).
The whole book is beautiful and full of gospel wisdom, but I was particularly helped by his chapters on union with Christ (ch. 3), justification (ch. 5), and the Holy Spirit (ch. 9).
February 1, 2023
I cannot say enough good things about this book. It was such a comfort to me in this season and I truly probably need to be reading it on rotation every few months. The gospel of grace is as important and vital each day of sanctification as it was the second we first believed!!
September 23, 2024
This work, just like Gentle & Lowly, was so powerful. But definitely a totally different work! I love Ortlund’s simple and approachable writing style while grappling with some rich concepts. He makes bold statements but so thoroughly and immediately backs them with scripture every time. It truly is the perfect work for anyone wanting to go “Deeper” with Christ. He isn’t trying to reinvent Christianity into something new, just reigniting the flame of my heart to want to gaze deeper into His Glory.
February 19, 2024
Epic 🤙🏼 Must-read for all believers. Top book of all time for me.
June 29, 2024
As believers we all know that we should be growing in Christ, growing in loving Him and others, and growing in godliness. “Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners” by author Dane Ortlund covers the topic of sanctification, of how we grow as Christians.
Known well for his book “Gentle and Lowly,” Ortlund reminds us that we have all we need in Christ already, and we find that Christ cares about us beyond His death and resurrection, that He is interceding for us and assisting our spiritual growth day after day continually.
If I could choose one word to describe what I felt from this book, it would be “hope.” Incorruptible hope that can only come from God through His truth emanated from this book as it described Jesus’ tender, unchanging heart toward us in our challenges with sin and godliness. Christ who gave Himself up for us, intercedes always for us, gives us His Spirit’s help, and will return for us is our greatest asset and enablement in our growth as His disciples.
Also, this book has an index. This is a rarity these days, and it is so helpful if you want to go back to a specific topic in the book such as suffering, temptation, or knowing Christ’s love.
Highlights:
“When we were running full speed the other direction, he chased us down, subdued our rebellion, and opened our eyes to see our need of him and his all-sufficiency to meet that need.”
“It is at our point of deepest guilt and regret that his friendship embraces us most assuredly, most steadfastly.”
“Your vision of the love of God needs to be not just heard but seen; not just known but tasted.”
“the Spirit changes us by making Christ wonderful to us.”
". . .God made you so that he could love you. His embrace of you is the point of your life. I know you don't feel it. Even that is taken care of. He wants you to know a love that is yours even when you feel undeserving or numb."
“He did not die and rise again on our behalf back then only to stand now with arms crossed seeing how we’ll do in response . . . He is more committed to your growth in him than you are.”
Readability: 4
Impact: 5
Content: 5
Enjoyment: 4
Total: 4.5
Thank you to Crossway for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Known well for his book “Gentle and Lowly,” Ortlund reminds us that we have all we need in Christ already, and we find that Christ cares about us beyond His death and resurrection, that He is interceding for us and assisting our spiritual growth day after day continually.
If I could choose one word to describe what I felt from this book, it would be “hope.” Incorruptible hope that can only come from God through His truth emanated from this book as it described Jesus’ tender, unchanging heart toward us in our challenges with sin and godliness. Christ who gave Himself up for us, intercedes always for us, gives us His Spirit’s help, and will return for us is our greatest asset and enablement in our growth as His disciples.
Also, this book has an index. This is a rarity these days, and it is so helpful if you want to go back to a specific topic in the book such as suffering, temptation, or knowing Christ’s love.
Highlights:
“When we were running full speed the other direction, he chased us down, subdued our rebellion, and opened our eyes to see our need of him and his all-sufficiency to meet that need.”
“It is at our point of deepest guilt and regret that his friendship embraces us most assuredly, most steadfastly.”
“Your vision of the love of God needs to be not just heard but seen; not just known but tasted.”
“the Spirit changes us by making Christ wonderful to us.”
". . .God made you so that he could love you. His embrace of you is the point of your life. I know you don't feel it. Even that is taken care of. He wants you to know a love that is yours even when you feel undeserving or numb."
“He did not die and rise again on our behalf back then only to stand now with arms crossed seeing how we’ll do in response . . . He is more committed to your growth in him than you are.”
Readability: 4
Impact: 5
Content: 5
Enjoyment: 4
Total: 4.5
Thank you to Crossway for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 27, 2025
I wanted to love this book. I just...don't. I just don't. The book as a whole feels too academic/intellectual when it's marketed as a book about "real change." Put more pointedly, other books (like the last one I read by Josh Nadeau) that are about growth as a Christian feel raw and REAL and tug at my heartstrings. This one feels detached and sterile, and didn't really tug at my heart. It didn't feel real, which is ironic given the subtitle. I felt myself wanting to know how to go deeper, being met with only read my Bible and pray as the two practical suggestions in Chapter 8.
I get that Dane is trying to get at the core of what will change a Christian. But like, obviously I should read my Bible and pray. I've been hearing that for 30 years. Tell me how to go deeper, I don't think I ever got that from this book. Maybe I'm not the desired audience. I approached this book with optimism, I left with disappointment and frustration.
I fear that there are those who are already doing what Dane suggests here, they will come to this book because they haven't experienced "real change," and then they will be met with "do what you're already doing," which is the theological equivalent of your dad sending 👍 when you send him a picture of his new grandchild.
It's an anemic take on how to experience real change. I'd recommend this book to a new Christian, but if you're practicing the spiritual disciplines already and haven't experienced change in your life, look elsewhere. This book has little for you, despite the truths about Christ and how we should depend on him ultimately. There is good teaching here, but I feel like it is not as advertised.
I think this is my last Crossway book. Going to read books by more thoughtful and sensitive authors instead.
I get that Dane is trying to get at the core of what will change a Christian. But like, obviously I should read my Bible and pray. I've been hearing that for 30 years. Tell me how to go deeper, I don't think I ever got that from this book. Maybe I'm not the desired audience. I approached this book with optimism, I left with disappointment and frustration.
I fear that there are those who are already doing what Dane suggests here, they will come to this book because they haven't experienced "real change," and then they will be met with "do what you're already doing," which is the theological equivalent of your dad sending 👍 when you send him a picture of his new grandchild.
It's an anemic take on how to experience real change. I'd recommend this book to a new Christian, but if you're practicing the spiritual disciplines already and haven't experienced change in your life, look elsewhere. This book has little for you, despite the truths about Christ and how we should depend on him ultimately. There is good teaching here, but I feel like it is not as advertised.
I think this is my last Crossway book. Going to read books by more thoughtful and sensitive authors instead.
January 6, 2022
For us to have any chance of seeing God, we must starve our sinful nature.
Oh to see God and behold His glory. There are no words that can describe God's glory but we feel it. We feel that there is more. It has been said and I believe it, that we were created for more. The more is God himself. But we get lost in our own sinful desires, lusts, fears, insecurities, etc. The list goes on. This text is gold. Ortund's teaching recognizes who we are before a Holy God and reminds us that it is not a fast walk to arrive. It is a lifestyle, decisions that are made every day, the mundane to the biggest days of our lives.
What I got most from this text is not the focus on me but on Christ. Ortlund says, do not take up your time so much with studying your own heart as with studying Christ's heart. For one look at yourself, take 10 looks at Christ. Looking at Christ helps you see.
1) His righteousness, not your rebellion.
2) His faithfulness, not your failure
3)His beauty, not your burden.
There are 7 more but I am not going to give it away. The book is worth your reflection on a great and good God.
A special thank you to Crossway Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Oh to see God and behold His glory. There are no words that can describe God's glory but we feel it. We feel that there is more. It has been said and I believe it, that we were created for more. The more is God himself. But we get lost in our own sinful desires, lusts, fears, insecurities, etc. The list goes on. This text is gold. Ortund's teaching recognizes who we are before a Holy God and reminds us that it is not a fast walk to arrive. It is a lifestyle, decisions that are made every day, the mundane to the biggest days of our lives.
What I got most from this text is not the focus on me but on Christ. Ortlund says, do not take up your time so much with studying your own heart as with studying Christ's heart. For one look at yourself, take 10 looks at Christ. Looking at Christ helps you see.
1) His righteousness, not your rebellion.
2) His faithfulness, not your failure
3)His beauty, not your burden.
There are 7 more but I am not going to give it away. The book is worth your reflection on a great and good God.
A special thank you to Crossway Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
December 12, 2022
might be a 5 if nearly every sentence didn't feel like ortlund was on the verge of tears, speaking softly but intently to me like he was so stressed about the potential of me having a mental breakdown that he was about to have a mental breakdown
March 16, 2022
“The final conclusion, the deepest secret, to growing in Christ is this: look to him. Set your gaze upon him. Abide in him, hour by hour. Draw strength from his love. He is a person, not a concept. Become personally acquainted with him, ever more deeply as the years roll by.”
Dane Ortlund has written another winner. This book gets to the heart of sanctification by showing us that the gospel “is not a hotel to pass through but a home to live in. Not only a gateway into the Christian life but the pathway of the Christian life.” And what is the gospel? The apostle Paul’s explanation in 2 Corinthians 4:4 is my favorite, hands down: “the gospel of the glory of Christ.” The glory of Christ! Seeing it, drinking it in, drawing from it—this is how we overcome sin and grow in our faith. And so, every chapter in this book shows us one facet of becoming steeped in the gospel of the glory of Christ.
It's quite fitting that I finished Deeper so close to St. Patrick’s Day because although Ortlund doesn’t mention the prayer known as “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” anywhere, his book channels the same spirit conveyed in my favorite part of that prayer:
Dane Ortlund has written another winner. This book gets to the heart of sanctification by showing us that the gospel “is not a hotel to pass through but a home to live in. Not only a gateway into the Christian life but the pathway of the Christian life.” And what is the gospel? The apostle Paul’s explanation in 2 Corinthians 4:4 is my favorite, hands down: “the gospel of the glory of Christ.” The glory of Christ! Seeing it, drinking it in, drawing from it—this is how we overcome sin and grow in our faith. And so, every chapter in this book shows us one facet of becoming steeped in the gospel of the glory of Christ.
It's quite fitting that I finished Deeper so close to St. Patrick’s Day because although Ortlund doesn’t mention the prayer known as “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” anywhere, his book channels the same spirit conveyed in my favorite part of that prayer:
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
December 24, 2024
Wow this book was amazing. After reading this book and Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund writes in a way that always brings you back to who Jesus is, what he’s done, and how that impacts our life. This book was refreshing and I had many moments where I thought, “I’ve never thought about it like that.”
Some of my favorite quotes below:
“I am suggesting you let yourself maintain throughout the whole course of your christian journey a salutary remembrance of just how much evil resides within you, even as one born again. Feel your sinfulness. Let it humble you. Let it sober you. Beware of filling your life with talk shows and phones calls that you don’t regularly stop and consider the ruinous condition of your life apart from Christ.”
“Anyone remotely in touch with reality walks this earth acutely aware of the deep inadequacy within, the sense of not measuring up. And we medicate that deep, nagging sense of insufficiency through the swelling bank account, the perfect face, the sculpted body, the number of social media followers, the reputation, the beautiful spouse, the famous friends, the sense of humor, the appearance of intelligence, the political outmaneuvering and one-upmanship, the sexual exploits, or even the upstanding moral resume. We feel our nakedness and see to be clothed by these accomplishments. We seek to be justified by these things. And as surely as the Galatians claimed Christ as their Savior, but slipped in circumcision as a justification enhancement and thereby emptied the gospel of its power, so we claim Christ as our savior but slip in our own favorite idol and thereby empty the gospel of its power.”
Some of my favorite quotes below:
“I am suggesting you let yourself maintain throughout the whole course of your christian journey a salutary remembrance of just how much evil resides within you, even as one born again. Feel your sinfulness. Let it humble you. Let it sober you. Beware of filling your life with talk shows and phones calls that you don’t regularly stop and consider the ruinous condition of your life apart from Christ.”
“Anyone remotely in touch with reality walks this earth acutely aware of the deep inadequacy within, the sense of not measuring up. And we medicate that deep, nagging sense of insufficiency through the swelling bank account, the perfect face, the sculpted body, the number of social media followers, the reputation, the beautiful spouse, the famous friends, the sense of humor, the appearance of intelligence, the political outmaneuvering and one-upmanship, the sexual exploits, or even the upstanding moral resume. We feel our nakedness and see to be clothed by these accomplishments. We seek to be justified by these things. And as surely as the Galatians claimed Christ as their Savior, but slipped in circumcision as a justification enhancement and thereby emptied the gospel of its power, so we claim Christ as our savior but slip in our own favorite idol and thereby empty the gospel of its power.”
May 4, 2024
Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners
This was my second book by Dane Ortlund and it was insightfully good like I expected!
He said the premise of the book so well in the introduction:
“Growing in Christ is not centrally improving or adding or experiencing but deepening.”
He takes you through 9 chapters of growth focusing on different aspects of salvation and our relationship with Christ.
You definitely need a hard copy as I was underlining on almost every page. I slowly savored this over several months as some parts I needed to sit and think on awhile.
The chapter on Pain alone is worth the read.
The author is Presbyterian so I knew I wouldn’t agree with everything he wrote and there were a couple parts. I would give this disclaimer before recommending to others.
Way too many quotes to share but here’s just a few:
📖 “We grow in Christ no further than we enjoy his embrace of us.”
📖 “Idolatry is the folly of asking a gift to be a giver.”
📖 “A crucial building block in our growth in grace is a humble openness to receiving the bitternessess of life as God’s gentle way of drawing us out of the misery of self and more deeply into spiritual maturity.”
If you want to grow in Christ and know more of his beauty and fullness, definitely pick this up!
This was my second book by Dane Ortlund and it was insightfully good like I expected!
He said the premise of the book so well in the introduction:
“Growing in Christ is not centrally improving or adding or experiencing but deepening.”
He takes you through 9 chapters of growth focusing on different aspects of salvation and our relationship with Christ.
You definitely need a hard copy as I was underlining on almost every page. I slowly savored this over several months as some parts I needed to sit and think on awhile.
The chapter on Pain alone is worth the read.
The author is Presbyterian so I knew I wouldn’t agree with everything he wrote and there were a couple parts. I would give this disclaimer before recommending to others.
Way too many quotes to share but here’s just a few:
📖 “We grow in Christ no further than we enjoy his embrace of us.”
📖 “Idolatry is the folly of asking a gift to be a giver.”
📖 “A crucial building block in our growth in grace is a humble openness to receiving the bitternessess of life as God’s gentle way of drawing us out of the misery of self and more deeply into spiritual maturity.”
If you want to grow in Christ and know more of his beauty and fullness, definitely pick this up!
June 4, 2023
Super funny story you guys are gonna love this. I thought I hadn’t read it before and kept finding annotations in my handwriting and realized this was my second read like 3/9 chapters in. Crazy right??
That being said, I did enjoy this book. It took way too long to finish, but I also think I was glad to have some timely moments with each chapter. Thank you Jesus. Helps me think through my desire to take care of my sin but how Jesus already did it, as well as the fact that I just can’t. More importantly though, it helped me think through some lil suffering and how the Lord is with me.
Would recommend!
That being said, I did enjoy this book. It took way too long to finish, but I also think I was glad to have some timely moments with each chapter. Thank you Jesus. Helps me think through my desire to take care of my sin but how Jesus already did it, as well as the fact that I just can’t. More importantly though, it helped me think through some lil suffering and how the Lord is with me.
Would recommend!
October 24, 2025
By far this is the best book on sanctification I’ve read. Ortlund exalts Christ in such a way that your heart is warmed to him, the glorious Messiah, as you read. If you want to grow deeper roots in the love of Christ, this book will only fuel that righteous passion.
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