The Gospel Call and True Conversion

Recovering the Gospel

by Paul Washer

The apostle Paul gave the gospel the first place in his preaching, endeavored with all his might to proclaim it clearly, and even went so far as to pronounce a curse upon all those who would pervert its truth. Yet how sad it is that many, even among those considering themselves evangelicals, have reduced the gospel message to a few trite statements to be repeated, and view conversion as a mere human decision. In The Gospel Call and True Conversion , Paul Washer challenges such easy believism as he examines the real meaning of things like faith, repentance, and receiving Christ. He also deals extensively with the effects of saving grace that God promises in the new covenant; namely, the creation of new hearts and new people. Table of
Series Preface
PART The Gospel Call
1. A Call to Repentance
2. A Call to Faith
3. Believe and Confess
4. Receiving Christ
5. Christ at Heart's Door
PART New Hearts and the Nature of True Conversion
6. The Great Motive and End of Salvation
7. The Author of Salvation
8. Separation and Cleansing
9. A New Heart
10. The Effectual Spirit
PART New People and the Nature of True Conversion
11. The Glory of the New Covenant
12. The Making of New People
13. The Christian's Sure Knowledge of God
14. The Heart and Way of God's People
15. The Everlasting Covenant
16. God's Goodness to His People

Genres: Theology, Christian, Audiobook, Christian Living, Christianity, Evangelism, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2012

About the author

Paul David Washer became a believer while studying at the University of Texas. He completed his undergraduate studies and enrolled at Southwestern Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. After graduating, he moved to Peru and served there as a missionary.

Paul ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. HeartCry's work now supports over 165 indigenous missionaries in over 26 countries throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com). He and his wife Charo have three children: Ian, Evan, and Rowan.

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

By means of transparency, I have been blessed enough to know Paul Washer since right after my conversion to Christ at the age of 19. Paul was a Missionary in Peru during the time that my former Pastor (who led me to Christ) was also a missionary in Peru with his family, so they had known each other for years. Also, the church I got saved out of supported Paul/HeartCry Missionary Society on a monthly basis. By God's Divine Providence, Paul preached 3 days straight at our Mission's Conference just a few weeks after I got saved and my life was forever changed for the better due to the truths presented by Paul from the Word of God. Truth be told, Paul was a little "rougher around the edges" when I heard him early on his ministry, so it has been awesome to see the Lord work in his life over the past few years as he has grown in grace and become much more passionate speaking out against "easy believism". Some people might not be aware that Paul was a pretty big proponent of "easy believism" early on in his missionary days in Peru. He has hinted at it some in his sermons, but I was blessed enough to hear the full story of how Paul spent so much of his time on the mission field trying to track down Peruvians who prayed a prayer in Paul's presence and "accepted Christ into their hearts" only for Paul to have to struggle on a daily basis to get them to come back to church. He was anti-Calvinistic (or anti-Spurgeonism as Paul would probably say) during most of his time on the mission field, but God used some health-related issues to bring him to a knowledge of his Divine Sovereignty the likes of which Paul had not experienced before and which radically altered his ministry (for the better of course).

Now, I said all that to say that I was really looking forward to this book by Paul. I have heard Paul preach countless sermons against the "easy-believism" that is so pervasive in American Christianity, but I was really looking forward to what God would have him write down in this book. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. In modern day literature, this is the single best book on what true biblical conversion looks like according to the Word of God. The chapter breakouts are as follows:

Part One: The Gospel Call
1. A Call to Repentance
2. A Call to Faith
3. Believe and Confess
4. Receiving Christ
5. Christ at Heart's Door

Part Two: New Hearts and the Nature of True Conversion
6. The Great Motive and End of Salvation
7. The Author of Salvation
8. Separation and Cleansing
9. A New Heart
10. The Effectual Spirit

Part Three: New People and the Nature of True Conversion
11. The Glory of the New Covenant
12. The Making of New People
13. The Christian's Sure Knowledge of God
14. The Heart and Way of God's People
15. The Everlasting Covenant
16. God's Goodness to His People

I like listing the chapter breakouts for people in my reviews, because it is one of the main things I look at when I considering purchasing a book or not, and I am sure that there are other people out there just like me.

I must say that even though this isn't a big book (about 240 pages in total), it is a very thorough book in which Paul does a great job of making sure he keeps all the verses that he uses in their proper hermeneutical context. The depth he goes to explain what the words repentance and regeneration mean in the Hebrew/Greek in Part One of his book is awesome and really sets the tone for the rest of his book. One sentence that I highlighted in my Kindle on repentance is as follows: "Repentance not only involves inward sorrow of the heart but also personal acknowledgment and open confession that God's opinion of us is true and His verdict is just: we are sinners, we have sinned, and we deserve divine condemnation." Amen, and something that American Christianity a lot of times fails to properly express to those that God is drawing to Himself. We love to exhort people to walk the aisle, come down to the altar, pray a prayer, or squeeze my hand if what I am praying is something you agree with, but we fail at our mission to biblically exhort people to repent and believe in Christ. We spend way too much time unbiblically telling people that they are saved and that they can know that they are saved because of what they did (i.e. prayed a prayer), but we "miss the mark" by not telling them what true repentance and belief in the finished work of Christ will look like in their lives. That is why I love what Paul says about true repentance: "A life marked by simple and heartfelt obedience to God's commands may be the most obvious and certain proof of true repentance. A person may boast of an inward passion for God and of sincere feelings of piety, but such claims are valid only to the degree that his life conforms to the commandments of Scripture."

I honestly can not recommend this book enough (hence the 5 star rating). It is a book that I will recommend to anyone and everyone who wants a biblical understanding of the Gospel, repentance and conversion.

Title: The Gospel Call & True Conversion

Author: Paul Washer

Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books (June 21, 2013)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Heritage Books book review bloggers program on Cross Focused Reviews. 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 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is solid, & deals with, what has become a very troubling issue in the American church. Large numbers of conversions but lives seemingly untouched or unchanged by the truth of Christ. People who claim they are devoted to Christ who have little if any interest in the Bible, Christian Fellowship, prayer, & the pursuit of holiness; a Christianity that resembles a phone app more so than a life altering encounter with the living God.

I believe “The Gospel Call & True Conversion” is one of the most trustworthy books I have read on the topic. (other book of note on this issue “The Gospel According to Jesus”, “The Gospel According to the Apostles’, “Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart”, & “Finally Alive”) In a gracious & hermeneutically consistent manner, Washer refutes antinomianism, cheap grace & the other strains that has represented the vast majority of evangelicalism in the past century. "The Gospel Call & True Conversion" provides a thorough & yet very readable explanation of the call of the gospel & true conversion.

What you will find when you read this book is an in-depth exegesis of many Biblical passages dealing with the nature of the gospel & what it means to be truly converted, from both the Old & New Testaments. I was especially enjoyed his analysis & application of Old Testament passages predicting the new covenant & work of Christ in conversion, particularly Ezekiel 36 & Jeremiah 31. This book is an excellent resource for Pastors, Evangelists, Bible teachers, etc. who want to clearly understand, communicate & apply the true gospel message in their ministries.

Despite the fact that Paul Washer spends a good portion of this book correcting errors perpetuated by modern Christianity, the tone is not what you might think. He is not combative or derogatory; it is evident from the reverence he has for the Word that his goal in writing this book is to guide people to biblical, God-glorifying doctrines about the gospel. It's meant to correct peoples' misconceptions about the gospel so that they do not find themselves on the last day hearing the words, "Depart from me, I never knew you."

Just great reading!

[Caleb CW · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good listen for people on the faith journey looking to mature their relationship with Christ. It had some very enlightening passages that I found encouraging and would recommend this. I can't think of much more to say on the matter, so...

There it is and there you have it.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrs teikums tik pilns! Katra nodaļa tik bagātīga!
Zinu, ka grāmatas nosaukums kādiem neizklausās kā aizraujoša lasāmviela, bet tā ir! (Un, ja tā nav, tev ir jāradina sevi pie tādas). Autors skaidro glābšanu, viltus atgriešanos, augļus kristieša dzīvē, pārliecību par glābšanu un citas lietas tik labi, ka tu spēsi atbildēt uz šiem (un cigtiem) jautājumiem: "Kāpēc šī draudze neaug? Kāpēc šai draudzei ir 4x vairāk locekļi nekā apmeklētāji? Kāpēc mans draugs pieņēma Jēzu savā sirdī un atkrita no ticības? Kāpēc ir miesīgi kristieši? Kāpēc man labāk patīk skatīties filmu nekā klausīties veselīgas mācības pilnu svētrunu? Vai kāpēc man labāk patīk tas, ko piedāvā pasaule, nevis - Bībele? Kā es varu būt drošs par to, ka esmu glābts? Kāpēc tas, ka es mācekļoju, nedod augļus, un pat pēc vairāku gadu pūlēm mans mentorējamais cilvēks nepieaug? Kas cilvēkam būtu jāsaprot atgriešanās mirklī?"

Amazing! Every sentence is so full! Every chapter so rich!
I know that the title doesn't sound like an exciting read, but it is. (And if it is not, you should train yourself to like it.) Author explains salvation, false converts, fruits in a christian life, assurance issues so good that we should be able to answer these questions (and others) : "Why does this church doesn't grow? Why does this church have 4x more members than attendees? Why did my friend accepted Jesus into his heart and then fell away from faith? Why are there carnal Christians? Why do I like a movie better than sound preaching - or world better than what the Bible has to offer? How can I be sure of my salvation? Why my discipling relationships didn't work and even after years of trying my mentee is not growing? What should a person understand at the time of conversion?"

[Kevin Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the greatest scourges upon the modern evangelical church is that of easy-believism. Easy believism is the idea that one can truly express saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but not be willing to submit to Him as Lord. It’s justification with no sanctification but still hoping for future glorification. In other words, a supposed convert may make a confession of faith, yet be completely unchanged by this statement. Their lives produce little to no evidence of any fruit of godliness but still are convinced of their own salvation. What this false teaching produces is nominal Christians who live like the world and have no real connection to the Lord. These are false sheep clear and simple. Paul Washer, in his latest book, The Gospel Call and True Conversion, leaves little doubt that this heresy is both unbiblical and dangerous for churches and individuals alike.

Before reading this book I was not too familiar with its author, but had heard him recommended by people I would respect. After reading this book, I can see why. Washer not only does an excellent job defending the true, powerful gospel of Christ but does so in a way that leaves little doubt of what Scripture actually teaches on the subject. Every sentence this man writes drips with Scripture. I’m reminded of what was once said of John Bunyan – prick him anywhere and he will bleed “bibline”… I think the same could be said of Washer. His great familiarity and sound exegetical study of the Word of God will leave you impressed, edified and convicted. This certainly creates a desire to listen to more of his teaching.

The book is divided into three parts. In part one, The Gospel Call, Washer sets out to define just what is meant by the use of words and doctrines such as repentance, faith, belief and the real meaning of receiving Christ. In part two, New Hearts and the Nature of True Conversion, we are shown salvation from God’s perspective. We see His sovereignty, work and care in the salvation of the believer. In part three, New People and the Nature of True Conversion, we see what ought to result in the life of the believer should God’s saving work genuinely be applied to His life.

Paul Washer leaves us with little doubt that a truly converted believer will be changed both inside and out. There is no room in Scripture for a supposed believer that shows no evidence of his faith or no desire to follow the Lord in discipleship. We tend to focus only on one’s personal aspect of salvation, the remorse of a crying sinner or the sincerity of his prayer. If this is our only focus, than easy believism would be appealing for how could we judge another man’s sincerity or remorse? Yet, salvation is not accomplished by human means. We do not become converted simply because we are sorry for sin or wish to turn over a new leaf. We are not saved simply because we want to be saved. We are saved only because of the love of God, atonement of Jesus and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. If it were possible to be saved but not changed in the least, this would imply that God’s work was not powerful enough or somehow lacking.

“Is salvation so weak that it has no effect upon a person unless he follows up with a lifetime of intensive personal discipleship and accountability?” – pages 47-48

“God in Christ is not only the author of our salvation, but also its finisher. Therefore, participation in the process of sanctification is not an option in the Christian life that a believer may choose for himself. It is a certain and indispensable aspect of salvation over which the unfailing providence of God presides. The God who has justified the believer and has given to him His sure promise of future glorification will also sanctify him until that final day.” – pages 186-187

If there is one thing you walk away with after reading this book is awesome power and sovereignty of God! That is what I think I appreciate most about this book, his God-centered focus.
I also appreciate the balance this book strikes. Again, there is no doubt that a genuine Christian will be forever changed by his encounter with Christ. However, not all people will be changed in the same way or to the same extend or right away. Likewise, every true believer in Christ will continue to struggle and fight against sin this side of glory.

“It is imperative for us to understand that these characteristics of genuine repentance will not necessarily appear in their fullest or most mature form at the moment of conversion but will continue to grow and deepen throughout the believer’s life. It would be terribly misleading and destructive to suggest that true conversion requires that a person should attain a depth of repentance and faith that is rarely seen in the life of the most mature Christian.” – page 5

“…Even the most mature one will find the Christian life to be a great struggle against sin with frequent battles, great victories, and discouraging defeats. On this side of heaven, no believer will ever make a complete break with sin to be immune from its deception and free from all moral failure. Although true believers will grow in their forsaking of sin, sin will still be a repetitive malady in their lives. Although it may become less frequent or pronounced, sin will never be eradicated completely until the believer’s ultimate glorification in heaven.” – page 12

“The radical nature of our conversion cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, the Christian is not perfected on the day of his conversion. We are all still awaiting our final redemption and ultimate glorification. In spite of all of the Holy Spirit has wrought in us, there is an aspect of our fallenness that remains. It sets itself against our new nature and fights against every attempt at conformity to Christ and true piety.” – page 165

While I certainly recommend this book for all, this is not an easy book to get through. First, there are hard spiritual truths there that some Christians will find hard to take. But second, Washer tends to be a little wordy in my opinion as well as a little technical at times. It’s a heavy read, but it is worth it!

I close my review with the warning that concludes this book: “Let the struggling believer be comforted; let the apathetic church member be warned.” (page 188)

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one for the list of books for my children when they become believers. Do you, or does someone you know, struggle to understand how to know if you are a true believer in Christ and if you are part of his Covenant People? This book is a go-to.

[Rev Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are things to appreciate about Washer's call to sanctification and Christian growth. His emphasis on God's working in the lives of His people is important and encouraging. I still see a major flaw in this book. Washer believes that a Christian gains assurance through works. Based on this book, if I want to know that I am saved, I need to look at what I have done and I am currently doing. I think that is the wrong way to look for assurance. I always look to Christ. If I want to know I am saved, I look to Christ. I remember His sacrifice. A book on the Gospel Call should have a greater emphasis on Jesus' work and the believer's faith in Him. It should not be about the believer's work.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about what it means to be a Christian and what it means to be called. This book is saturated with God's word. Never have I read a book with so many footnotes from one source, the Bible!!! Awesome!!!

[Carol Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on what constitutes true conversion. Mr. Washer boldly confronts the false gospel so prevalent today which invites "seekers" to just pray this prayer and you're in! And don't let anyone ever tell you you are not saved!!! Our churches are filled with these false converts and the reputations of Christ and all Christianity are paying the price. This is the first book that I have read by Washer, but it won't be the last. I listened to the audio version of this book and thought it such a good book that I bought the paperback edition. I highly recommend this book to all Christians, especially pastors and anyone involved in evangelism.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes an informative and fruitful Bible study, Small group, or Sunday school resource. Mr. Washer does a fantastic job of walking the reader through the chain of redemption and the various aspects of the Gospel call, conversion, and life in Christ. Super saturated with Scripture and clear biblical teaching, I would recommend this book for anyone who wishes to grow in Christ. This is a basic and simplistic work, but the author's clear illustrations and exhortations are a refreshing help in allowing the reader to grasp the beauty and wonder of God's amazing grace. The new believer will be nourished and built up and the more mature believer will be encouraged and renewed.

[Mathew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul Washer provides a clarion call for gospel fidelity and recovery. His passion for the gospel drips from the pages of the book. You can just sense how much he loves Jesus and the church.

What I also immediately noticed is how much Scripture saturates the book. I caught myself on more than one occasion reading a paragraph and realizing much of the wording and phrasing is Scripture. I could tell he lives his life in God’s Word.

Each chapter focuses on one clear concept relating to the gospel call and conversion and usually expounds one passage of Scripture because these originated as sermons. So in one sense translating them helped, but in another sense some passages seemed a little wooden. Reading it I could hear Washer’s cadence, but I’m not sure it always translated well on the page.

He seems to make too much of the distinction between the old and the new covenant especially as it relates to the church. For instance, he says in the old covenant God’s people were national and mixed whereas in the new they are spiritual nation and there’s no remnant because the true church is the remnant (p. 121), but in the next paragraph says, “The Scriptures teach that there will always be believers and unbelievers mixed in the professing church” (p. 121). I wasn’t always sure whether he was talking about Church universal and church local (an issue through the book). Another example, he writes off any bad the church or people in it have done as a sign of false conversion.

Overall a good exposition of basic gospel truth in the reformed tradition. Would be a good resource for a small bible study with Christians who have some experience reading practical theology books. Also, if you enjoy reading the Puritans, you’d probably enjoy Washer. His tone and style remind of them (i.e., saturated in Scripture, zealous for God, and intensely practical).

[Andre Argolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro maravilhoso! Todo pastor deveria ler esse livro. Mostra nossa conversão como fruto tão somente de Deus, do início ao fim, analisando os problemas nas doutrinas atuais que colocam uma simples confissão em um apelo como segurança da salvação.

[Michael Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, the issue of “easy-believism” or cheap grace has emerged as a topic of discussion, specifically, the tendency of some to treat salvation as merely a singular event rather than an event followed by a transformative process in the life of the believer through the work of the Holy Spirit. The reality of what it means biblically speaking to BE a believer rather to simply wear the nametag of Christian is the focus of Paul Washer’s latest book, The Gospel Call & True Conversion.

Washer divides his effort into three parts: 1) The Gospel Call; 2) New Hearts and the Nature of True Conversion; and 3) New People and the Nature of True Conversion. Each section is extremely straightforward avoiding any sense of theological meandering that often finds its way into books on this same subject matter. Washer does not mince words as he consistently and fervently reminds the reader of what the gospel message is all about and how the response to that message should be reflected in the life of the believer, essentially the “where the rubber meets the road” evaluation so often missing today in the body of Christ.

In the first section, Washer adroitly walks the reader through what the gospel call looks like from a biblical perspective. Understanding how to respond to the question “What must I do to be saved” is absolutely vital for preacher and layman alike. As Washer rightly notes, “Repent and believe is the gospel call for yesterday, today, and forever” so it would be highly incorrect to view the statements and examples provided in Scripture as merely a phenomenon of days gone by. Thus, responding to the gospel call requires repentance which Washer does an excellent job of expositing. He rightly outlines the true application of the verb repentance in Scripture as a change of mind “never confined to the intellect.” Conversely, repentance “has an equally radical effect on the emotions and will.” One can quickly see that responding to the gospel call involves far more than saying a prayer and then moving on with life. It involves a paradigm shift in one’s approach to every aspect of their life which is a truth Washer repeatedly reminds the reader should be the focus of their understanding of this issue.

An element of the gospel that is equally important is the call to faith that is concomitant to that of repentance. Washer aptly comments “In the Old Testament, the word believe comes from a Hebrew word that means to stand firm, to trust, to be certain or sure about something.” So when Scripture describes a person of faith believing in something, it connotes the idea of standing firm in God’s promises as outlined in His word. Since God’s word is true, we can have assurance through faith and belief in the promises found in God’s word, thus having assurance of salvation. This involves the necessity to “forsake all other confidences and place our trust exclusively in the person and work of Jesus Christ.” This element of exclusivity is an essential element of salvation. Scripture declares there is only one path to salvation and that is through the cross. Furthermore, faith, specifically saving faith as outlined in Scripture firmly requires one to understand they “cannot make the claim of saving faith in Christ as Savior without the absolute rejection of any other means. Genuine faith does not trust in Jesus as a Savior, but as the Savior.” Of course, the rejection of any other means and placing our trust and confidence exclusively in Christ is something that happens both immediately at the point of salvation but that takes a lifetime to play out in our lives as the Holy Spirit works in our lives to bring to light that which needs to come under the subjection of the One who has saved us.

Section two addresses what it means to be given a new heart and how that relates to what Washer describes as the evidence of a true conversion. Building on the foundation of what a true response to the gospel call looks like, Washer then proceeds to elaborate further what that means in the daily life of the believer. Given the relative dearth of focus on this particular aspect of the Christian walk, it was refreshing to see such an excellent exposition of what it means to be given a new heart. Being a mature bride is not just a suggestion, it is a requirement and moving towards maturity is something all believers should strive for, not in order to gain salvation, but because the faithful bride so loves the bridegroom they will demonstrate that love by being an obedient bride, obedience meaning the necessity to do that which is outlined in the marriage document between the bride and bridegroom, namely God’s Word. In this regard, Washer does a marvelous job of understanding the love of God and His pursuit of His bride as well as recognizing that we will more often than not fall short of God’s glorious standard. We should not lose heart knowing God is both the author and finisher of our faith. A believer who has a proper foundational understanding of what repentance is and what sanctification means, will better understand “some may seem to fly to maturity while others barely crawl.”

I also very much appreciated Washer’s treatment of what it means to separate oneself from the world. He describes this process as “a gradual divorce or withdrawing from all that is displeasing to God and in opposition to His will.” Now how many believers can honestly say they evaluate every aspect of their lives to ensure what they do is centered on bringing glory to God? I certainly will raise my hand and say I fail miserably in that regard. Washer urgently reminds the reader this divorcing or separation from the things of the world is a foundational element of spiritual maturity while certainly affirming it is a lifelong process. He saliently states the twin doctrines of justification and sanctification must be understood as the immediate rectification of relationship with a holy God and the process of maturity respectively. It is absolutely important for the believer to understand the need and biblical requirement to be a mature bride, one who seeks to glorify God in all they do which must include obedience to God’s word.

Finally, in the last section of the book, Washer elaborates on what it means to be the people of God. The modern approach of encouraging people to “make a decision” is often rooted in the over emphasis on that particular event with no element of discipleship or understanding of what it actually means to be a child of God. That relational aspect of the faith is something Washer appropriately emphasizes commenting believers should “be united in their affections for God, in their love for each other, and in the purpose and conduct of their lives.” Now Washer readily admits the body of Christ consists of sinners saved by grace. Those who point their finger at the church as being no better than the rest of the society do have a point to some degree. Washer rightly notes, however, “the vast number of carnal people who identify with the church comes from our low view of conversion. The understanding of regeneration has nearly been lost, and the term born again has come to mean “making a decision for Christ” and “praying the sinner’s prayer” rather than what repentance, conversion and being given a new heart actually mean from the perspective of Scripture.

The Gospel Call & True Conversion will definitely be a needed kick in the shorts for most readers. Their understanding of what it means to be saved will be challenged and rightly so. The Christian walk is far more than a moment in time. It is a minute by minute movement towards a mature relationship with the God of the Universe. Washer does an excellent job of addressing this somewhat controversial topic pulling no punches while consistently looking to what Scripture outlines as how we should define and understand what the gospel is, what true conversion looks like and how that should impact our lives as believers and our comprehension of what it means to be the bride of Christ. May we jettison the idea that salvation is only a prayer that gives us our ticket to the train to glory. Instead, let us heed the call Washer provides to become that mature bride, one who seeks to make much of God in all that we say and do.

I received this for free from Reformation Heritage Books via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Deanna Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Washer is one of my main "go to" preachers because his passion and brutality behind the pulpit are a beautiful demonstration of how preaching ought to be done. "The Gospel Call and True Conversion" is a reflection of the man's very heart in desiring his readers to properly understand neglected areas of Christian theology and salvation, like regeneration, repentance, and growing in sanctification throughout the duration of one's life. Paul Washer beautifully teaches on how we need to get back to a proper understanding within the church of salvation being a supernatural working of the Holy Spirit, and that salvation must first be initiated by the Holy Spirit. In particular, one section of the book that I tremendously enjoyed and appreciated was the author's warning to those new believers making their profession of faith, in that God will come into your life, but He will come as Lord. He will test you, discipline you, and remove from your life anything that does not reflect Him. So often we fail to warn new believers professing faith in Jesus Christ that they must first count the cost to becoming a new believer in Christ. Paul Washer leaves no stone unturned, and his passion for teaching proper biblical theology is truly breathtaking.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note that this review is for the Christian Audio version of this book, as it did effect my rating. Content-wise, this book is fantastic. Washer is bold and clear in his message. I was challenged most in how I think of the church and the accounts we hear of sin committed in her; of who the chosen people of God are; and of assurance of salvation. Ultimately, I grew in my love for Christ and understanding of His Gospel.

And this was despite the rather monotonous, inexpressive, and sometimes awkward reader for this audio book. He's the reason I can only give this four stars. The fact that I listened to the whole thing is testimony to how enjoyable the content was, haha. I still highly recommend this book - but I highly recommend reading it rather than listening to it. ;)

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate Washer and feel like he says a lot of important things---a lot of things that are wrong with the modern church---but I'm not sure who he is saying them to. It just seems to me that this book would appeal to people who are already disheartened by the modern evangelical movement, cheap grace, etc. but it's hard to see how it would change anyone's mind. It wasn't a bad book by any means, I just wasn't sure what I was supposed to learn from it except that the church at large isn't following Scripture, which I already knew.

[Ricky Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on conversion. Washer reminds us of God's sovereignty and mans responsibility in conversion. Helpfully and faithfully unfolding key passages of Scripture, to show two things: 1) the modern errors of evangelism. 2) the need get back to a Biblical understanding of true gospel conversion, and how it applies to evangelism and the church.

I will certainly look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another good book on the gospel that is especially good for those engaging in evangelism.
Washer has a clear and straightforward style that helps the reader understand key gospel principles quickly and succinctly --- which, in turn, will help the reader learn to better present these principles. He challenges the false notions of conversion that plague nominal Christianity, so it may be a good book to pass on (though, it's far better to learn the principles found herein).

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, in humility, that I am surprised by this book. Sadly, I've misunderstood Paul Washer, and have been intimidated by him, but this book was balanced and balm to my soul. Washer doesn't pull any punches and calls the American church to repent and believe the gospel, but the Christian fighting sin isn't run over in zeal. Outstanding!

[Vera Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was so encouraged by Paul Washers book. Every page my heart was swelling with gratitude and excitement at the GOD we worship and the Lord Jesus we serve.
How completely blessed we are to be called Children of God. All my struggles make sense. All my life until now, aged 55, makes sense. To GOD be all the Glory and through Christ Jesus our Lord and saviour. ❤️❤️❤️

[Felipe Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um livro simples que trata a questão da conversão sob os aspectos da depravação humana, da regeneração, da santificação e da soberania divina, não anulando a responsabilidade do homem. Há um apelo intenso sobre arrepender-se de seus pecados e buscar com diligência a santidade.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit to spacing out a little during the last couple chapters (my usual audiobook struggle) but this was a clear and interesting presentation of not just the theology, but the importance behind thinking through these issues. I don't agree with every point, but it's a compelling work.

[Daniel Burkeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many important points

Christians must return to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything else is idolatry. So many are being deceived today. The points made by Paul Washer need to be proclaimed everywhere.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of food for thought in the book. I listened to an audio version, and I don't think the reader did a good job.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shameless presentation of the gospel, with serious implications for nominal Christians.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent straight forward gospel presentation, comparing the truth of Scripture with shallow evangelicalism, and finishing with an encouraging section on assurance of salvation.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. In a culture of "easy believism" this books forces us to look at what true conversion is.

[Savio Sebastian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paul Washer rehashes the gospel - keeping it central. It is easy to forget why the cross is the pinnacle of our faith.

[Yodato Maiato · Rating 5 out of 5]

The True Gospel

If you really want to be a real Christian, I recommend this book. It shows you step by step how to get away from non Christianity.

[Sherman Burkhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for any believer who wants to truely understand the gospel.