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The Calvary Road
This is an updated edition of a book written by Missionary and evangelist Roy Hession in 1950 in which he profiles the nature of religious revival and lays out the prerequisites and consequences of the activity of God in the heart of the hungry seeker.
131 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1950
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1024 people want to read
About the author
Roy Hession
64 books14 followersRoy Hession (1908–1992) was a British evangelist and author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 13, 2026
4 stars
26 Nonfiction books in 2026... book 3 of 26
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Simon Vance
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Nonfiction
Length: 2h 20m
July 15, 2016
Honestly, this is a book every Christian should read. It's not long, and even if you have only a few minutes a day to read, the chapters are self-contained, and fairly short as well. I recently went through it in a Bible study, and was reminded to review it after doing a review of "True Discipleship" by William MacDonald (another good book with a similar theme).
Many Christians pray for revival in the Church, and so we should. What I think we tend to forget is that, in the words of the old song, it must "begin in me." In this brief, but rich little book, Roy Hession helps us find the path of personal revival, which starts at the narrow door of Calvary.
Many Christians pray for revival in the Church, and so we should. What I think we tend to forget is that, in the words of the old song, it must "begin in me." In this brief, but rich little book, Roy Hession helps us find the path of personal revival, which starts at the narrow door of Calvary.
January 13, 2021
“What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” (Rom. 6:15)
When we receive Christ, we are made completely clean. As Christians, we confess any sins we commit. Also as Christians, we have a joy that we never had before—because we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, and all our sins are gone. Do you have as much joy today as you had the day you received Christ? To get back to that, confess the sins you’ve committed since your conversion (or since the last time you confessed). And from now on, confess the sins as you commit them.
This was a lesson it took me several years to learn. I had become a Christian in 1947. In 1950, my ship was in and out of the port of Sasebo. I became acquainted with an Army sergeant who wanted to start an orphanage there. He had raised money and deposited it in the Shinwa Bank, then received orders to another station. I was stuck in Sasebo with the Brush, so he asked me to take charge of the money. We went to the bank together, and he signed the funds over to me.
I discussed the matter of the orphanage with Mr. Sakata, president of sixty branches of the Shinwa Bank in Kyushu. We did not know what to do with the money. I prayed about it.
In early 1951, my new ship, the Brinkley Bass, steamed into Yokosuka, and I went to a missions meeting. At the meeting, I heard of Doreen Shaw and Mabel Halversen, two women with World Missions to Children who had come to Japan to start an orphanage. They had been running into roadblocks everywhere while trying to open it.
I introduced myself to them and told them about Mr. Sakata and the money in Sasebo. I could tell that they were not open to the idea. I was a naval officer, they were missionaries—what did I know about such things? Nevertheless, I gave them the information for how to get the money.
Through my talks with Mr. Sakata, I had gotten to know the girl clerks at the Shinwa bank. When the ships were in Sasebo, the clerks had money-changing tables on the dock. The next time the Brinkley Bass steamed into port, all the bank clerks were on the wharf exchanging dollars into yen, and the girls recognized me. As I came off the ship, they ran up to me. “Your missionaries are here! Your missionaries are here!” Mabel Halverson and Doreen Shaw had opened the orphanage in Sasebo.
When my ship was in port, I would visit the orphanage. These two missionaries seemed to think (and they were right) that I was not very godly; I was a worldly naval officer. I wasn’t as worldly as they thought, but I was worldly. They gave me a book called The Calvary Road by Roy Hession. I read it in the Sea of Japan and found out that they were right. I suddenly realized that I had been accumulating sin since my conversion three and a half years earlier. I had three and a half years of unconfessed sins on my conscience (not gross sins—just sins like complaining, anxiety, impatience, etc.). While I was still at sea, I cleaned house.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
(Psalm 32:1-5 NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV).
Christians get disciplined, and it is not joyous when that happens. If you want to be back in the joy of the Lord, acknowledge your sin to God, and He will completely forgive you.
I had memorized 1 John 1:9 early in my Christian life, but I didn’t really start to practice it until this point. It made a major difference in my life. Although I had been a Christian for several years, had memorized a lot of Scripture, and had decided to obey God, I had not kept short accounts with Him through confession of sin. The result was that I did not have the joy that I had possessed when I first received Christ. Nor was I able to be as obedient as I had decided to be. Although God’s hand was upon me in protection, and His faithfulness was with me in using me in the lives of others, I still was not victorious. I confessed my three and a half years of accumulated sins to God. When I did that, my joy returned. I have been recommending this book ever since.
When we receive Christ, we are made completely clean. As Christians, we confess any sins we commit. Also as Christians, we have a joy that we never had before—because we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, and all our sins are gone. Do you have as much joy today as you had the day you received Christ? To get back to that, confess the sins you’ve committed since your conversion (or since the last time you confessed). And from now on, confess the sins as you commit them.
This was a lesson it took me several years to learn. I had become a Christian in 1947. In 1950, my ship was in and out of the port of Sasebo. I became acquainted with an Army sergeant who wanted to start an orphanage there. He had raised money and deposited it in the Shinwa Bank, then received orders to another station. I was stuck in Sasebo with the Brush, so he asked me to take charge of the money. We went to the bank together, and he signed the funds over to me.
I discussed the matter of the orphanage with Mr. Sakata, president of sixty branches of the Shinwa Bank in Kyushu. We did not know what to do with the money. I prayed about it.
In early 1951, my new ship, the Brinkley Bass, steamed into Yokosuka, and I went to a missions meeting. At the meeting, I heard of Doreen Shaw and Mabel Halversen, two women with World Missions to Children who had come to Japan to start an orphanage. They had been running into roadblocks everywhere while trying to open it.
I introduced myself to them and told them about Mr. Sakata and the money in Sasebo. I could tell that they were not open to the idea. I was a naval officer, they were missionaries—what did I know about such things? Nevertheless, I gave them the information for how to get the money.
Through my talks with Mr. Sakata, I had gotten to know the girl clerks at the Shinwa bank. When the ships were in Sasebo, the clerks had money-changing tables on the dock. The next time the Brinkley Bass steamed into port, all the bank clerks were on the wharf exchanging dollars into yen, and the girls recognized me. As I came off the ship, they ran up to me. “Your missionaries are here! Your missionaries are here!” Mabel Halverson and Doreen Shaw had opened the orphanage in Sasebo.
When my ship was in port, I would visit the orphanage. These two missionaries seemed to think (and they were right) that I was not very godly; I was a worldly naval officer. I wasn’t as worldly as they thought, but I was worldly. They gave me a book called The Calvary Road by Roy Hession. I read it in the Sea of Japan and found out that they were right. I suddenly realized that I had been accumulating sin since my conversion three and a half years earlier. I had three and a half years of unconfessed sins on my conscience (not gross sins—just sins like complaining, anxiety, impatience, etc.). While I was still at sea, I cleaned house.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
(Psalm 32:1-5 NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV).
Christians get disciplined, and it is not joyous when that happens. If you want to be back in the joy of the Lord, acknowledge your sin to God, and He will completely forgive you.
I had memorized 1 John 1:9 early in my Christian life, but I didn’t really start to practice it until this point. It made a major difference in my life. Although I had been a Christian for several years, had memorized a lot of Scripture, and had decided to obey God, I had not kept short accounts with Him through confession of sin. The result was that I did not have the joy that I had possessed when I first received Christ. Nor was I able to be as obedient as I had decided to be. Although God’s hand was upon me in protection, and His faithfulness was with me in using me in the lives of others, I still was not victorious. I confessed my three and a half years of accumulated sins to God. When I did that, my joy returned. I have been recommending this book ever since.
October 29, 2011
Wow! What a powerful book! The Calvary Road developed from a series of brief paper/pamphlets that Roy and Revel Hession produced about the Message of Revival. God truly worked through the papers as they were originally printed and distributed as individual messages, so eventually they combined some of these messages into this publication. They recommend reading it a chapter at a time as that was how it was originally written and published. I think each chapter is so powerful that readers would benefit from time to think about what they read and pray. That is certainly what I did. I just kept underlining things, and praying about what I was reading. The chapters are as follows: Brokenness, Cups Running Over, The Way of Fellowship, The Highway of Holiness, the Dove and the Lamb, Revival in the Home, The Mote and the Beam, Are you Willing to be a Servant, The Power of the Blood of the Lamb, and Protesting our Innocence.
There is so much depth to this book. I felt like it spoke right to my heart. I plan on reading it again...and again! Let me share some of the great thoughts and truths in the book.
"The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through us until the proud self within us is broken."
"The only life that pleases God and that can be victorious is His life-never our life, no matter how hard we try." (which is why we must surrender to His will)
"Revival itself is being absolutely filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, and that is victorious living."
"Before we can enter the Highway, God must bend and break that stiff-necked self, so that Christ reigns in its stead. To be broken means to have no rights before God and man... It means just being nothing and having nothing that I call my own, neither time, money, possessions nor position."
"Revival simply means new life, in hearts where the spiritual life has ebbed--but not a new life of self-effort or self-initiated activity. It is not man's life, but God's life, the life of Jesus, filling us and flowing through us."
"Only a deep hunger for real fellowship with God will make us willing to cry to God for His all-revealing Light and to obey it when it is given."
I hope you'll take time to think about these quotes, or better yet take the time to read the entire book. It is free for kindle right now, just click here.
I highly recommend this book! It is a great instrument of conviction and spiritual growth.
There is so much depth to this book. I felt like it spoke right to my heart. I plan on reading it again...and again! Let me share some of the great thoughts and truths in the book.
"The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through us until the proud self within us is broken."
"The only life that pleases God and that can be victorious is His life-never our life, no matter how hard we try." (which is why we must surrender to His will)
"Revival itself is being absolutely filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, and that is victorious living."
"Before we can enter the Highway, God must bend and break that stiff-necked self, so that Christ reigns in its stead. To be broken means to have no rights before God and man... It means just being nothing and having nothing that I call my own, neither time, money, possessions nor position."
"Revival simply means new life, in hearts where the spiritual life has ebbed--but not a new life of self-effort or self-initiated activity. It is not man's life, but God's life, the life of Jesus, filling us and flowing through us."
"Only a deep hunger for real fellowship with God will make us willing to cry to God for His all-revealing Light and to obey it when it is given."
I hope you'll take time to think about these quotes, or better yet take the time to read the entire book. It is free for kindle right now, just click here.
I highly recommend this book! It is a great instrument of conviction and spiritual growth.
December 5, 2023
I stumbled on this little book in college, and it’s a gem of truth. When I feel like a high school graduate will not read or appreciate a larger (and, yes, more expensive) book like Life Quest, I instead hand out copies of Calvary Road and encourage them to read it before the summer is done.
Calvary Road has an old-timey Puritan feel to it, but, strangely, I only give it away to some of those “fringe” teens, often with a personal note in the front cover. Whether they read it or not, it will likely sit on their shelves for later. I think it paints such a vivid picture of Jesus Christ, written in such an important tone, that a seeker will immediately sense the gravity of the words once they pick it up. I like that.
Calvary Road has an old-timey Puritan feel to it, but, strangely, I only give it away to some of those “fringe” teens, often with a personal note in the front cover. Whether they read it or not, it will likely sit on their shelves for later. I think it paints such a vivid picture of Jesus Christ, written in such an important tone, that a seeker will immediately sense the gravity of the words once they pick it up. I like that.
December 31, 2020
A must read for every follower of Christ. Ever wonder why the church is full of dead and lifeless souls? It’s because we’re out of fellowship with God. It’s because we’ve chosen our on road versus the Calvary Road. Hidden amongst the pages of this tiny book is the Truth followers of Christ so desperately need to remain in fellowship with the Lamb of God...then and only then will we experience and see revival.
April 13, 2025
this is not worth reading for anyone really. the theology that is espoused in this short book is weak, modern, and continently unhelpful. at points the author puts forth genuinely destructive ideas. his entire focus is on self. he does not believe that God is able to do anything in us or through us apart from extreme cooperation on our parts, pushing to an absurd limit that effectively argues against his own ideas the notion of free will.
on top of that it is not enjoyable to read and he prepared himself a lot. i do not know what made this a “classic” or if that is just what the book claims of itself. stay far away from this one and read something like “beginning to pray” by anthony bloom if you are interested in spirituality with true experience of God’s goodness and a beautifully true theology in support of it.
on top of that it is not enjoyable to read and he prepared himself a lot. i do not know what made this a “classic” or if that is just what the book claims of itself. stay far away from this one and read something like “beginning to pray” by anthony bloom if you are interested in spirituality with true experience of God’s goodness and a beautifully true theology in support of it.
June 3, 2023
Great read. Personal revival is the beginning of community revival. It was intriguing and aided me in some much needed introspection. I would recommend to people who want to deepen their relationship with Christ! WARNING….. this book is convicting.
April 20, 2025
A fine little book to help one get into the solemn state of mind most appropriate for Good Friday.
January 27, 2022
I don't feel like I resonated as much with my yearly reading of Calvary Road as I have in the past. However, I still appreciated the reminder and challenge to not let the "little" things slide but rather keep confessing and pursuing holiness. 27/1/22
Finished it again... need to start it again. I was reflecting this time that the moments where I have felt most vibrant, fruitful and full of love for God have been in the days following deep confession (through prayer ministry). The victorious Christian life is meant to be God's life lived through me, and the only hinderance to that happening is my own unsurrenderedness and sin. 22/1/21
Love this book every time. I always want to start it over again the moment I finish it. 26/2/20
Reading again... God changing me, again. Going deeper.. 29/7/18
This is the third or fourth time I've read this little book. When I feel myself heading 'off' into living this Christian life for myself and in my own strength, I need to go back to this book (or a couple other gems) to be re-grounded in truth. The challenge is to call sin, 'sin' - and he particularly points out the sins of reaction to others' actions. In our confession and brokenness, we experience Christ's cleansing and filling ('Revival'). This is Christ's life, daily offered for us. 4/9/16
Finished it again... need to start it again. I was reflecting this time that the moments where I have felt most vibrant, fruitful and full of love for God have been in the days following deep confession (through prayer ministry). The victorious Christian life is meant to be God's life lived through me, and the only hinderance to that happening is my own unsurrenderedness and sin. 22/1/21
Love this book every time. I always want to start it over again the moment I finish it. 26/2/20
Reading again... God changing me, again. Going deeper.. 29/7/18
This is the third or fourth time I've read this little book. When I feel myself heading 'off' into living this Christian life for myself and in my own strength, I need to go back to this book (or a couple other gems) to be re-grounded in truth. The challenge is to call sin, 'sin' - and he particularly points out the sins of reaction to others' actions. In our confession and brokenness, we experience Christ's cleansing and filling ('Revival'). This is Christ's life, daily offered for us. 4/9/16
March 30, 2019
The word "revival" can spark different thoughts and feelings in different people. In this book, it simply means a life of constant repentance of sin and unhindered fellowship with Jesus Christ. And in this book, Mr. Hession explains how one can practically go about living such a life.
For me, this book was deeply convicting. What was fantastic, though, is that it wasn't a conviction that pointed out what needed to change and left me clueless as to how to change it. It was doctrine and teaching that I have been able to immediately apply to my life and see the blessedness of living a life of brokenness before the Lord.
As other reviewers have stated, I do think that every Christian should read this book. It's a short book, written simply and compellingly. Read it expectantly, read it humbly, read it ready to heed the voice of Christ. The Calvary road is not an easy way to take, but it is a blessed road to travel.
For me, this book was deeply convicting. What was fantastic, though, is that it wasn't a conviction that pointed out what needed to change and left me clueless as to how to change it. It was doctrine and teaching that I have been able to immediately apply to my life and see the blessedness of living a life of brokenness before the Lord.
As other reviewers have stated, I do think that every Christian should read this book. It's a short book, written simply and compellingly. Read it expectantly, read it humbly, read it ready to heed the voice of Christ. The Calvary road is not an easy way to take, but it is a blessed road to travel.
February 25, 2023
This is not a book I would see on a shelf and think to read it. I read fiction pretty much 100% of the time.
But throughout some unique circumstances, I was asked to just read it and then give a person who was conducting Sunday School Lessons on it some thoughts that I may have had from the book. I kinda rolled my eyes at first, not going to lie. I thought I was going to have to absolutely force myself to read it.
But then I started it.
And finished it in under 24 hours.
To say I loved this book would be an understatement. This book was exactly what I needed and I'm so glad I read it. So many amazing spiritual truths and wonderful reminders that absolutely touched my heart.
Again, it was exactly what I needed.
Please do yourself a favor and read this book. I know it may not be your usual cup of tea, but it is so worth the time.
But throughout some unique circumstances, I was asked to just read it and then give a person who was conducting Sunday School Lessons on it some thoughts that I may have had from the book. I kinda rolled my eyes at first, not going to lie. I thought I was going to have to absolutely force myself to read it.
But then I started it.
And finished it in under 24 hours.
To say I loved this book would be an understatement. This book was exactly what I needed and I'm so glad I read it. So many amazing spiritual truths and wonderful reminders that absolutely touched my heart.
Again, it was exactly what I needed.
Please do yourself a favor and read this book. I know it may not be your usual cup of tea, but it is so worth the time.
May 25, 2020
A short (or long) read full of encouragement to re-kindle the heart, and pray for revival. A great reminder of the glory of God, the love of Jesus and the joy which we may have from trusting Him. This book helps bring to light how knowing God better will drive us to walk closer with him and to be faithful witnesses, longing to see others saved.
April 17, 2023
This book has so many foundational gospel truths sprinkled through out its pages. It’s great for the newer believer or even the seasoned believer who has been in Christ for decades. Roy Hession has the gift of simplifying big theological ideas, like repentance, in a way that is easily digestible! It’s certainly an older book, but it contains timeless nuggets of wisdom.
May 18, 2024
Quick read. Loads of really good reminders and exhortations to regularly check your heart and confess sin. Working out your sanctification ought to be a priority.
However, some theology is kind of off for me. The author seems to suggest you can lose your salvation or lose the Holy Spirit. Or that you can’t grow as a Christian until you are not just “saved” but then filled with the Holy Spirit.
As one from a Reformed and covenantal background, there was a lot I skipped over.
However, some theology is kind of off for me. The author seems to suggest you can lose your salvation or lose the Holy Spirit. Or that you can’t grow as a Christian until you are not just “saved” but then filled with the Holy Spirit.
As one from a Reformed and covenantal background, there was a lot I skipped over.
May 5, 2025
I read this one with my husband, and we loved it. Both of our copies are well highlighted! We had lots of great discussions stemming from these short chapters, we read a few a week so we could digest them as we went along. I highly recommend!
January 21, 2022
This is one book I will keep coming back to as I do life with Christ.
August 21, 2025
Short, yet so deep and impactful! So much power to these words. Each chapter left me with something to ponder… convicting to say the least. Highly recommend this quick and encouraging read!
July 8, 2023
Tread with caution: you will be convicted if you read this book…guaranteed. cried a few times during this one.
July 19, 2025
“He humbled Himself to the manger,
And even to Calvary’s tree;
But I am so proud and unwilling
His humble disciple to be.
He yielded His will to the Father,
And chose to abide in the Light;
But I prefer wrestling to resting,
And try by myself to do right.
Lord break me, then cleanse me and fill me
And keep me abiding in Thee;
That fellowship may be unbroken,
And Thy Name be hallowed in me.”
And even to Calvary’s tree;
But I am so proud and unwilling
His humble disciple to be.
He yielded His will to the Father,
And chose to abide in the Light;
But I prefer wrestling to resting,
And try by myself to do right.
Lord break me, then cleanse me and fill me
And keep me abiding in Thee;
That fellowship may be unbroken,
And Thy Name be hallowed in me.”
January 1, 2016
This was along the same lines as Continuous Revival in terms of content, but I found it less objectionable and more helpful.
Between these two books and a Voddie Baucham sermon and one or two other things it seems I've read or heard but can't think of off the top of my head, the theme of brokenness has been repeating itself in recent weeks. I don't think any of these sources has gotten it quite right, but they've obviously been conspiring to get me to think about it, and I'm happy to oblige. Here are a few random thoughts in no particular order:
• "Brokenness...is simply the response of humility to the conviction of God" (Hession's definition).
• There is always reason to be humble before God, so in that sense the idea of continuous brokenness is agreeable to me. We should always be willing to confess sin -- to agree with God about what it is and whose fault it is and what it deserves. And even when we've confessed it all, humilty's the proper posture, but now in the form of gratitude for forgiveness and restored fellowship.
• What I don't agree with (and maybe they weren't saying this, but I think it's important to refute the notion) is that brokenness has to look like going around beating our breasts and remembering our sin all the time. For one thing, it is not humble to hold on to sin that's been forgiven. Jesus took that away -- how dare you snatch it back? And it's not obedient. We're to think about such things that are true and noble and good and pure and the like. "My sin is always before me," but "I have set the Lord always before me." Once sin has been dealt with by grace, get your eyes off of it and fix them on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Ah...there is a Subject far more worthy of your attention!
• Godly sorrow, godly brokenness, produces repentance without regret (2 Cor. 7:10). I kind of like the way the KJV puts it: "repentance...not to be repented of." The words are the same root in the Greek (μετάνοιαν...ἀμεταμέλητον). I wish I had a better grasp to really understand the meaning of the phrase, but my best guess is that it means what I've written above -- repentance that really completes the transaction of receiving forgiveness and cleansing and moves on with life. It doesn't stare deeply into the toilet contemplating what's been flushed.
• Brokenness, therefore, ends not in a life of perpetually bringing up the same transgressions and beating oneself up over them, but in a cheerful, worshipful humility.
Hession's thoughts about interrupted and restored fellowship with God were helpful. At some point in the past few weeks when I was reading the book, I had an experience when I could distinctly see the moment I'd stepped out of fellowship. I was too slow in getting back into fellowship, but eventually I did. I'd certainly been in and out of fellowship with God before, but it was good to have a clearer sense of the process than I'd had before.
I also thought Hession's discussion of the servant in Luke 17:7-10 was quite good and helpful. I'm prone to laziness and shirking in what God calls me to do, so the encouragement to willing and contented obedience was appreciated.
I skipped the epilogue with the interview because I was rushing to finish, but I should go back and finish that sometime.
Between these two books and a Voddie Baucham sermon and one or two other things it seems I've read or heard but can't think of off the top of my head, the theme of brokenness has been repeating itself in recent weeks. I don't think any of these sources has gotten it quite right, but they've obviously been conspiring to get me to think about it, and I'm happy to oblige. Here are a few random thoughts in no particular order:
• "Brokenness...is simply the response of humility to the conviction of God" (Hession's definition).
• There is always reason to be humble before God, so in that sense the idea of continuous brokenness is agreeable to me. We should always be willing to confess sin -- to agree with God about what it is and whose fault it is and what it deserves. And even when we've confessed it all, humilty's the proper posture, but now in the form of gratitude for forgiveness and restored fellowship.
• What I don't agree with (and maybe they weren't saying this, but I think it's important to refute the notion) is that brokenness has to look like going around beating our breasts and remembering our sin all the time. For one thing, it is not humble to hold on to sin that's been forgiven. Jesus took that away -- how dare you snatch it back? And it's not obedient. We're to think about such things that are true and noble and good and pure and the like. "My sin is always before me," but "I have set the Lord always before me." Once sin has been dealt with by grace, get your eyes off of it and fix them on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Ah...there is a Subject far more worthy of your attention!
• Godly sorrow, godly brokenness, produces repentance without regret (2 Cor. 7:10). I kind of like the way the KJV puts it: "repentance...not to be repented of." The words are the same root in the Greek (μετάνοιαν...ἀμεταμέλητον). I wish I had a better grasp to really understand the meaning of the phrase, but my best guess is that it means what I've written above -- repentance that really completes the transaction of receiving forgiveness and cleansing and moves on with life. It doesn't stare deeply into the toilet contemplating what's been flushed.
• Brokenness, therefore, ends not in a life of perpetually bringing up the same transgressions and beating oneself up over them, but in a cheerful, worshipful humility.
Hession's thoughts about interrupted and restored fellowship with God were helpful. At some point in the past few weeks when I was reading the book, I had an experience when I could distinctly see the moment I'd stepped out of fellowship. I was too slow in getting back into fellowship, but eventually I did. I'd certainly been in and out of fellowship with God before, but it was good to have a clearer sense of the process than I'd had before.
I also thought Hession's discussion of the servant in Luke 17:7-10 was quite good and helpful. I'm prone to laziness and shirking in what God calls me to do, so the encouragement to willing and contented obedience was appreciated.
I skipped the epilogue with the interview because I was rushing to finish, but I should go back and finish that sometime.
August 19, 2013
I have wanted to read The Calvary Road for years, having heard it recommended often, so I was surprised when initially I struggled. The early chapters seemed to fall into a familiar trap – the gospel was taken for granted as the basis for everything that was said, but never directly addressed. As a consequence, I felt the burden of all that I was being called to “do” without having been reminded of all the Jesus as already “done” for me to make it all possible. Being called to a life of holiness (“cleansing the cup”) in order to experience revival is not very encouraging if we are not directed to Jesus as our source of holiness. This kind of unbalanced emphasis is a constant danger for me as a disciple of Jesus and as a Christian teacher.
None-the-less as I continued to read, the actual cross-centred nature of the book began to become clearer. The book is in fact based on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross on our behalf, and many times Roy Hession calls his readers to return to the cross as the basis of the entire Christian life. I began to appreciate the simplicity of his message, especially his focus on brokenness. The Christian life is about constantly acknowledging our brokenness before God and before others. Chapter 10 (“Protesting Our Innocence”) was particularly powerful, a challenge to admit that God is right in his judgment of our sin and to stop keeping up the pretence that we are actually righteous.
None-the-less as I continued to read, the actual cross-centred nature of the book began to become clearer. The book is in fact based on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross on our behalf, and many times Roy Hession calls his readers to return to the cross as the basis of the entire Christian life. I began to appreciate the simplicity of his message, especially his focus on brokenness. The Christian life is about constantly acknowledging our brokenness before God and before others. Chapter 10 (“Protesting Our Innocence”) was particularly powerful, a challenge to admit that God is right in his judgment of our sin and to stop keeping up the pretence that we are actually righteous.
June 16, 2015
This ten-chapter devotional is powerful, leading the Christian to ponder their walk with the Lord. I could fill a whole review full of amazing quotes...but it is just worthwhile to read the whole book.
There was one main thing I didn't agree with how he worded, and that was his analogy of the dove and the Holy Spirit. I think that if you view the analogy as the dove being the PEACE of the Holy Spirit, it makes more sense, seems more in line with the Bible.
There was one main thing I didn't agree with how he worded, and that was his analogy of the dove and the Holy Spirit. I think that if you view the analogy as the dove being the PEACE of the Holy Spirit, it makes more sense, seems more in line with the Bible.
January 13, 2011
I would recommend this book to anyone. The only thing that bothered me (and BARELY bothered me) is that the focus is entirely on being a bond-servant of Christ, which is true, but the author neglects the truth of also being sons and daughters of God. The relationship part is missing. But, seriously. Five stars. Megan
May 23, 2025
It seems to me that The Calvary Road by Roy Hession could also be aptly titled The Revival Road. Throughout the book, Hession provides simplistic but deep truths that, if carried out in the life of the believer, will lead to a personal revival in each heart and, ultimately the collective church. This is a brief review of the work I have read.
Roy Hession is a man well-educated in the text and tradition of the church. Long before writing this book, he lived a life dedicated to service to God. And yet, he wound up in the same pit many believers fall in today. His ministry lost fervor, and he did not know what to do. From here, he learned from an African Revival many simple but vital principles that led to revival. Among these principles are things like open and honest community, humility, brokenness, and the emptying of self for Jesus to “fill your cup.” This book was saturated with scripture in both the moments he was directly quoting and the moments he did not. I will take away from this many important lessons to apply consistently to my daily life. And I believe that if every believer did so, revival would truly break out. It would not be loud and boisterous (as we often come to expect) but God’s presence would be in it.
Positive Elements
The entire premise of Hession’s book is simple: true revival comes first in the heart of the individual believer and later becomes a movement of the Lord. This true revival comes only when the Christian humbles himself before the Lord and cedes his responsibility for revival to the only One who can make it happen. This, of course, comes when the believer experiences true brokenness. Much has been written on brokenness, my first thought being the popular work A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. While I do not know Edwards’s story, the presence of Hession’s experience of brokenness at the beginning was highly motivating and encouraging. I sincerely enjoy a good theology book, but there is something about personal experience that draws the reader into the truth. I also found it helpful that this book was clear, concise, and heavy with scriptural support. The latter should be a key mark for whether or not any Christian book is truly successful.
Surrounding the conversation on brokenness, I found Hession’s illustrations to be both helpful and timeless. Part of this stood because he used illustrations that were mostly derived from the Bible (like the log in your eye). But another part was simply because it is common to the human experience to have conflict and blame others, it will be until the end of time. It will also always be comprehendible to the average reader that everything negative in his life stems from a selfish arrogance preventing him from being broken by the Lord. God gives us the truth and the key to an abundant life so easily, we would be wise to take it.
The only negative I have in review of this book is that it may have been slightly too long. Hession wrote 125 pages on the way in which brokenness and humility (the way of Jesus) can transform your life from being self-led to being Spirit-led. The aforementioned Gene Edwards book did the same through the story of David. I love books of all lengths, and comparatively, this book is short. But it was honestly so repetitive at times that I wondered why he did not simply write a thirty-page pamphlet. The reading was certainly enjoyable, but the concept was simple and did not need to be exhaustive. My one complaint, however, should be taken lightly, as the content was still of high quality.
Roy Hession’s book is a great study in the way brokenness at the foot of the cross leads to revival in one’s personal life. This revival leads to revival in our homes, communities, and our world. The Christian would be wise not to take Hession’s words lightly, as they are scripturally sound. I would recommend this book to anyone considering reading it.
July 2, 2017
I have heard so much good things about this book from other books I just had to read it.
The main message is that we as Christians need to constantly ask the Lord to reveal to us our sins in his light, confess them, and be drawn closer to him through that process.
Overall, it did not disappoint. Even though the message is straightforward even "simple" at times, the conviction and honestness with which it was delivered makes it a worthwhile read.
The author's conviction and the forcefulness is this book's asset but at times in its zeal became overstated/sloppy in their theological preciseness. This is not to say I am Mr. know it all on theology, I am just speaking from my understanding and I am liable to be wrong, nonetheless, here is made me wonder:
1. The frequent labelling of shyness as a sin. Others have already commented on this.
2. "Sin is almost the only thing we have in common with everyone else, and so at the feet of Jesus where sin is cleansed is the only place where we can be one."
What about Eph 4:4-5 "4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
I get the author is trying to say that we CAN united on the fact that we are all sinners, I just felt it was bit overstated at the cost of not mentioning the unity in the Lord.
3. "Quite obviously, then, it is utterly impossible for us to be walking in any degree of darkness and have fellowship with God."
I think from the rest of the book the author would readily agree the basis of our fellowship with God is the Spirit enabled faith in the finished work of Jesus. But here, in this sentence, it almost sound like the it is grace + my complete and unreserved confession of all my sins, nothing hidden whatsoever (which is author's definition of "darkness", more on that later).
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves," Col 1:13 RESCUED, past tense.
"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Eph 5:11 Here it seems it is possible to participate in the "deeds of darkness" (and our experiences certainly leaves no illusion that we are sin free!).
So it is "already and not yet", we have already been transferred from darkness to light, but we still need to choose to live in the light. It is entirely possible to be a true Christian and have unconfessed, unacknowledged, unaware sins. I agree with the author they are not good, confess them! But the BASIS of my fellowship with God is "does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly" Rom 4:5
4. "But more than that, the effect of such sins is always to make us "walk in darkness" - that is, to cover it up and hide what we really are or what we are really feeling. That is always the meaning of "darkness" in Scripture, for while the light reveals, the darkness hides."
Darkness is so much more richer and nuanced word than "ALWAYS" meaning hiding our sin.
Colossians 1:13 "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" Here darkness is the totality of sin/evil/devil, not just self denial.
Matthew 8:12 "But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." That darkness is NOT just a place of unconfessed sin, it is place of punishment.
In final analysis, I think a lot of author's points are excellent and God honoring, they are just bit overstated/sloppy in their theological preciseness.
The main message is that we as Christians need to constantly ask the Lord to reveal to us our sins in his light, confess them, and be drawn closer to him through that process.
Overall, it did not disappoint. Even though the message is straightforward even "simple" at times, the conviction and honestness with which it was delivered makes it a worthwhile read.
The author's conviction and the forcefulness is this book's asset but at times in its zeal became overstated/sloppy in their theological preciseness. This is not to say I am Mr. know it all on theology, I am just speaking from my understanding and I am liable to be wrong, nonetheless, here is made me wonder:
1. The frequent labelling of shyness as a sin. Others have already commented on this.
2. "Sin is almost the only thing we have in common with everyone else, and so at the feet of Jesus where sin is cleansed is the only place where we can be one."
What about Eph 4:4-5 "4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
I get the author is trying to say that we CAN united on the fact that we are all sinners, I just felt it was bit overstated at the cost of not mentioning the unity in the Lord.
3. "Quite obviously, then, it is utterly impossible for us to be walking in any degree of darkness and have fellowship with God."
I think from the rest of the book the author would readily agree the basis of our fellowship with God is the Spirit enabled faith in the finished work of Jesus. But here, in this sentence, it almost sound like the it is grace + my complete and unreserved confession of all my sins, nothing hidden whatsoever (which is author's definition of "darkness", more on that later).
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves," Col 1:13 RESCUED, past tense.
"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Eph 5:11 Here it seems it is possible to participate in the "deeds of darkness" (and our experiences certainly leaves no illusion that we are sin free!).
So it is "already and not yet", we have already been transferred from darkness to light, but we still need to choose to live in the light. It is entirely possible to be a true Christian and have unconfessed, unacknowledged, unaware sins. I agree with the author they are not good, confess them! But the BASIS of my fellowship with God is "does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly" Rom 4:5
4. "But more than that, the effect of such sins is always to make us "walk in darkness" - that is, to cover it up and hide what we really are or what we are really feeling. That is always the meaning of "darkness" in Scripture, for while the light reveals, the darkness hides."
Darkness is so much more richer and nuanced word than "ALWAYS" meaning hiding our sin.
Colossians 1:13 "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" Here darkness is the totality of sin/evil/devil, not just self denial.
Matthew 8:12 "But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." That darkness is NOT just a place of unconfessed sin, it is place of punishment.
In final analysis, I think a lot of author's points are excellent and God honoring, they are just bit overstated/sloppy in their theological preciseness.
July 8, 2022
Powerful and eye opening revelations of myself
While I sometimes found the message jarring, I realized that this may be the point. It was my self wanting to preserve itself. Roy Highlights the reality that for many, including myself, Christ or Christianity can merely be tools to promote one self as a good and worthy of admiration. And in so doing, Christ cannot have dominion in a life utterly focused on itself.
My only disagreement comes from some of his comments on emotions. He seems to characterize any emotion such as grief or anger as indicative that we are somehow sinning or separated from God. I find this problematic since God both wept and was angry in scripture and also would not give such counsel to a person struggling with clinical depression. Similarly, I think anger can be used constructively if that anger is steered towards realizing that someone is being diminished and being filled with anger at that diminishing of humanity. This can then be channeled to positively change the circumstances of those around us. Again, Jesus expressed anger when he saw the treatment of temple visitors in the temple. His anger led to Him calling out the injustices and extortion taking place, and calling for a change of heart.
Overall, I found some deeply impactful insights in this book that will cause me to be much more wary and on the look out for manifestations of self on my dealings with others and my motivations for doing things. I would recommend this to any Christian who has grown tired of dissatisfied in their experience, especially if you are a burned out leader (like myself). Christ wishes to create a revival in you.
While I sometimes found the message jarring, I realized that this may be the point. It was my self wanting to preserve itself. Roy Highlights the reality that for many, including myself, Christ or Christianity can merely be tools to promote one self as a good and worthy of admiration. And in so doing, Christ cannot have dominion in a life utterly focused on itself.
My only disagreement comes from some of his comments on emotions. He seems to characterize any emotion such as grief or anger as indicative that we are somehow sinning or separated from God. I find this problematic since God both wept and was angry in scripture and also would not give such counsel to a person struggling with clinical depression. Similarly, I think anger can be used constructively if that anger is steered towards realizing that someone is being diminished and being filled with anger at that diminishing of humanity. This can then be channeled to positively change the circumstances of those around us. Again, Jesus expressed anger when he saw the treatment of temple visitors in the temple. His anger led to Him calling out the injustices and extortion taking place, and calling for a change of heart.
Overall, I found some deeply impactful insights in this book that will cause me to be much more wary and on the look out for manifestations of self on my dealings with others and my motivations for doing things. I would recommend this to any Christian who has grown tired of dissatisfied in their experience, especially if you are a burned out leader (like myself). Christ wishes to create a revival in you.
September 30, 2024
A clear, concise, and powerful message.
Each chapter has a different title, stemming from a different bible verse. Yet, all together they make the argument clearer and stronger from the various angles presented. Again and again, the author urges us to be broken and repent at the fountain of water, Jesus. Revival then follows.
To be broken, to come back in the light, to be selfless, to be quiet and slow to show our own judgement, to repent and ask for the blood of Jesus..... powerful is the message when at the center of the message is simply the cross and the revealing of our own selfishness and sin. Although the time I've spent with this book remains short, I truly wish that the time in which I keep this message close to my heart spans through my time in this world. I wish to learn the true nature of Jesus, the lamb of God, and be more like thee. I wish to walk in the light and repent and return to the Lord, again and again.
Ending with a quote from the book:
"The simple truth is that the only beautiful thing about the Christian is Jesus Christ."
Each chapter has a different title, stemming from a different bible verse. Yet, all together they make the argument clearer and stronger from the various angles presented. Again and again, the author urges us to be broken and repent at the fountain of water, Jesus. Revival then follows.
To be broken, to come back in the light, to be selfless, to be quiet and slow to show our own judgement, to repent and ask for the blood of Jesus..... powerful is the message when at the center of the message is simply the cross and the revealing of our own selfishness and sin. Although the time I've spent with this book remains short, I truly wish that the time in which I keep this message close to my heart spans through my time in this world. I wish to learn the true nature of Jesus, the lamb of God, and be more like thee. I wish to walk in the light and repent and return to the Lord, again and again.
Ending with a quote from the book:
"The simple truth is that the only beautiful thing about the Christian is Jesus Christ."
December 15, 2022
Such a small yet powerful book. Definitely a must read. “Revival is just the life of the Lord Jesus poured into human hearts” “ whatever may be our experience of failure and barrenness, He is never defeated. His power is boundless” This book gave me greater understanding to the two greatest commandments. We are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, and strength. And to love our neighbor as ourselves. “Everything that comes as a barrier between us and another, be it never so small, comes as a barrier between us and God.” For scripture does say in
1 John 4:20 “ if anyone says, “I love God,’ but hates his brother. He is a liar for whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” Read it! You will be glad you did!
1 John 4:20 “ if anyone says, “I love God,’ but hates his brother. He is a liar for whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” Read it! You will be glad you did!
February 16, 2023
I was hopeful this was going to bless my devotional time, but it ended up making me feel more burdened over how sinful and "not broken enough" I was. It was a good call for the need for repentance and to be broken over our sins, but Christ is presented here as more of an example, than a Savior. He modeled surrender and submission and we need to be like Him. I agree, but I would have liked to hear more about how His KINDNESS leads me to repentance. He does mention coming to the cross, but it is more just to repent and not enough emphasis on why it's a time to rejoice. Yes, we need to see our sins more, but please show me a Savior, who has far greater grace in His heart than sin in mine. As Robert Murray McCheyne used to say, "For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ." Amen!
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