The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person

by E. Stanley Jones

Jesus swept onto the scene declaring that the Kingdom of God had arrived! He proclaimed that we would experience life at its fullest only when we organize our lives around the Kingdom. E. Stanley Jones suggests that life in any other way is a muddled, maddening, and impossible way to live. Throughout the centuries we have lost the Kingdom as a clearly defined and workable system for order and influence in our daily lives. We have reduced the Kingdom by putting it into narrower molds, a refuge now, a present security, a future hope, anything but the Kingdom as Jesus preached it - God's total answer to man's total need now." Dr. Jones shows us how to claim our spiritual heritage and the abundant life promised us by embracing the Kingdom and Person of Jesus. He suggests how our experience with God and His Kingdom should be taught and shared in the life of the individual, in the life of the church and in the nations of the world.

Genres: Christianity, Theology, Christian

301 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Patrick Roddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probable the most profound book I have ever read about life, love and faith. It connects the dots of what is The Kingdom of God NOW! Jones declares the Kingdom is 'God's total answer to Man's total need.'

Jones is considered the greatest missionary since St. Paul. A friend of Ghandi's, his writings about Ghandi's non-violence was the inspiration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach to the Civil Rights Movement.

He has the clearest descrition and insight into how Christianity if lived as it was intended would make all the totalitarian movements in the world...worthless and un-necessary.

I dare people to read the book that was published in 1972...when Jones was 87 years old. It is every bit as profound as C.S. Lewis...and brilliantly written.

I am rereading it for the 4th time it is that good!

[Adam Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another book by Stanley Jones which has fundamentally changed my understanding of the Christian faith. I can't think of a more influential author in my life. In this book, Jones expounds upon the complimentary message to the person of Jesus we have neglected in modern Protestantism: the Kingdom of God. It's a term we throw around periodically and loosely, but it is usually just Christian jargon. Jones lays out a compelling, narrative driven argument for why the Kingdom of God, which Jesus primarily preached about, is essential to a holistic understanding of Christianity and therefore life. The Kingdom of God is written into the fabric of the universe, our very beings, yet what do we know about it? Jones will tell you, if you have the time.

[Timothy Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely transformative. Took me years to read, because I had to keep stopping to apply and think through (in that order) what I was reading before I could continue.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

E. Stanley Jones was the embodiment of an evangelist during his lifetime and this book is a reflection of that reality. At the core of The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person is the conviction that an individual's return to God's kingdom leads not only to spiritual restoration but to an all-encompassing renewal of the total person. Why? Because the Kingdom of God exists not only from the foundation of the world but is wired into the very foundation of the universe.

There are three main sections to the book. The first two longer essays focused on defining the relationship between the Kingdom and Person of Christ, as well as, exploring the utility of the Christian worldview in a secular age. The last section is a collection of 43 entries that offer a biblical critique of how God's kingdom manifests itself in human existence.

The various entries in this book are devotional in tone. At times, they resemble a compilation of sermons and are replete with personal encounters that Dr. Jones experienced during his long and fruitful ministry. This literary method does seem to lead to a great deal of redundancy, yet the respective motifs are what holds the book together.

What I found most beneficial was the way the author embraced the kingdom in his personal life. His famed Ashram groups, his emphatic emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ, his belief that the Church exists for the greater purpose of displaying God's kingdom to a fallen world and his indomitable confidence that the Kingdom will endure forever give the reader a profound awareness of what Christ offers to those who enter His reign.

I recommend this book to those wanting a readable treatment of the doctrine of the kingdom of God. It is also fruitful reading for those seeking to deepen their sense of missionary calling. It certainly caused me to stop and ponder many times.

[Dylan Brobst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book breaks down the revelation in Scripture as God's Kingdom embodied by example in Jesus Christ as a way to live here and now. Jones explains to the reader that God's Kingdom, despite common thought, isn't something to be realized after we die, but spiritual life to be realized before our physical death. Not only do I encourage everyone to read this book, but I will most likely read it again.

[Ariail Lankford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best book I’ve ever read—second to scripture. E. Stanley’s books are prophetic and this one is no different.

Through this book He makes more sense out of life, answers questions from a cross cultural biblical perspective, and gives words to things we know to be true from scripture but can’t put into words ourselves. This book is also somehow incredibly practical.

Definitely a time commitment kind of read. For deep thinkers in it for the long haul.

[Buz Mayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a 'late find' in my life. Rather, the author is a new discovery to me even though he lived a generation before me. I was able to meet Mr. Jones in 1972, the year before he died. His two books, In Christ and The Unshakable Kingdom work together to bring a higher definition picture of the work of God in this world than either book can by itself.

His grasp of the Kingdom of God - and its present reality to us in a broken world - is breathtaking. I am so grateful that he wrote of his many experiences in India, China and Africa. It was in those places where his deep trust in Jesus Christ was formed. He preached in the midst of many different religious approaches in the world. His stories of the honest responses of Hindus, Buddhists and devotees of other gods is refreshing and live giving.

I have never been drawn to 'devotional writers' in my past. Now I feel cheated if I don't read 'In Christ' on a daily basis. And I continue to read this book, 'The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person' because he speaks living truth.

[Benjamin Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jones is extremely passionate and thorough about his understanding and belief about Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. While certain elements struck out to me as dated as well as some theological differences I respect and full heartedly appreciate the core message Jones articulates about what Christianity is. It is “The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person.” While long, Jones writes in a way that communicates well to any reader looking to dive into a deeper perspective on living the Christian life.

[Byran Smucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The OG modern kingdom book? I read it because John D. Martin recommended it. It was slightly disappointing; it didn't have the theological and intellectual heft I was expecting. But Jones seemed more an evangelist than a theologian in this book, and his enthusiasm for the subject is contagious.

[Mikey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in an interesting style, almost poetical at times, its message is “the Kingdom of God is God’s total plan for man’s total need now.” “To accept the Person, Jesus, is to accept the Kingdom”, however Stanley believed that message was largely lost or forgotten in the Church.

For in war, which I loathe, we can learn this: You can afford to make mistakes in tactics, the carrying out of plans, but you can't afford to make any mistakes in Strategy, the overall plan. The Church has lost the overall plan, the Kingdom, the strategy, and is vainly trying to make up the loss by correcting its tactics.(pg 254)

I found a few little treasures throughout and I actually like the way it wraps up, and did not find the repetition bothersome. (I did read it slowly over the course of five months though) My favorite part so far is a list he recommends we review weekly applied to our self.
Nine Hindrances to the Kingdom (Matthew 6-7) —
“Inner Division”- Trying to walk on two sides of the street at the same time
1) What am I doing to be seen of men (Matt. 6:1-4)
Where does the herd operate instead of the Kingdom? Where am I being an echo instead of a voice- Looking around instead of up?
2) When I pray am I listening for the approval of men (vss 5-6)
3) When I fast: or do I fast — say no to lower level to say yes on a higher level (vss 16-18)
4) Am I laying up treasures upon earth or in heaven? KEY WORDS “FOR YOURSELVES” (vss 19-21)
5) Eye generous or Eye selfish? The outlook or viewpoint of the Kingdom (vss 22-23)
6) Loyal in two directions? God and mammon (vs. 24)
7) Are you anxious in two directions? (eat, drink, put on & the Kingdom) (vss 25-34)
We must learn to surrender ourselves and our burdens
8) Are you criticizing in two directions —toward your brother with heavy emphasis, toward yourself lightly? Center criticism on yourself, that is the demand of Jesus.
Fellowship is based on confidence; secret criticism breaks that confidence; we will therefore renounce all secret criticism.
The only possible way of effective criticism is by a demonstration of the opposite in one’s own moral life. (How bad he is = How good I am) (vss 7:1-5)
9) Are you giving yourself in two directions? (To God and holy personality to the dogs of appetite and swine of desire) (vss 7:6)
Jesus said: don’t put your lighted personality —
o Under a Bushel–symbol of Trade *(The Light can shine in business)
o Under a Vessel–symbol of Houskeeping or homemaking *(the Light can help make a home orderly, inviting and healing)
o Under a bed–symbol of laziness or sexual lust (Luke 8:16)
o In a cellar–symbol of shut-in-ness, afraid to witness (Luke 11:33)

[Ramón · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been hearing about this book for a few years now and finally got the chance to read it in its entirety. The truth is that this book would easily garner five stars except that the final 75-100 pages are wearyingly repetitive. I've heard this is a feature of several of Jones' books, which is unfortunate.

The main content of the book, however, is fairly captivating. While there are certainly places where I diverge in opinion, the author tries to lay out a compelling, comprehensive vision of the nature of the kingdom of God and Jesus as the king of that kingdom. In particular, Jones wants to show the reader how humanity is designed to live according to the dictates of said kingdom, and shares a mountain of short anecdotes illustrating how people's acceptance of the kingdom lifestyle has positive effects on every area of life from physical health to political effectiveness. Again, though there are not a few places of disagreement, I cannot deny feeling compelled by his force of argument.

At the very least, I highly recommend this book because it treats as of foremost importance a concept that was lost very early on in the historical development of Christianity - the kingdom of God. Having lived as a missionary in India for many decades, his experiences lead him to a viewpoint that challenges some of the assumptions of authority within denominational Christianity. He does not delve much into historical analysis, and he does not make citations for any of his quotes or stories, so this is not the book for you if you are looking for a scholarly work. This is an unblushingly straightforward evangelistic pitch which also aims to be a corrective for what the author sees as shortsighted manifestations of the Christian message, a message which he sees as centering on this idea of the kingdom of God.

It is worth seeing past the sometimes tiring tone of a 70 year old evangelist to engage with the content of Jones' main arguments. At the very least, its assertions could make this book a great conversation starter. Check it out for yourself.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book on my trip to Europe in May. I thought for sure I would read it on the 10 hour plane flight, cruising down European rivers, and on the flight back; but NO! There were too many great movies on the plane that I really wanted to see, and I had too much fun touring European cities and talking to interesting people on the boat to read. I wish I had not taken it with me and just stuck with shorter books on my Kindle if I were desperate (and I never was!). So, it sat in my "TBR" (too be read) pile for too long until I had a stack of seven books to read, and this is the last of the seven!

This is a GREAT book! It is one that needs to be read in small chunks and savored. I believe that concepts of the Kingdom of God in Dallas Willard's Divine Conspiracy come from E. Stanley Jones' excellent writings! Prepare to have your spiritual brain stretched!

I also recommend his book, The Christ of the Indian Road. Of the two books, The Christ of the Indian Road is a much easier (and shorter) read. But both are excellent!

I wish I could have met E. Stanley Jones. He was a contemporary of Ghandi. How cool is that? This will probably not be the last book I read by this great and godly man!

[Holle Tubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book is probably the equivalent to sitting under the teachings of a Christian yogi. Jones has a distinctly Eastern delivery, which sometimes makes for repetitive reading and points that are backed up by more anecdotal evidence than any objective research. He does have some great insights into the Kingdom's place in the Christian's worldview, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for Grudem-esque hard-line theological theses.

[Bryan Neuschwander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some details of the presentation feel a bit dated, but Jones' life-passion for the unshakeable kingdom and unchanging person endure, still persuasive after 40 years.

[Jyoti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man was a true man of Faith. He lived his life by it.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfuly revelational

[Mat Rueter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seek the Kingdom, first, last, and always, and "all these things will be added unto you."