Good Enough for God? Recent surveys indicate that the vast majority of Christians, those claiming to be born-again, believe that their salvation is at least in part dependent upon their behavior and actions. Yes, they believe Jesus died for their sin, but once they accept Him as their Savior they believe they must still meet a certain standard to be "good" enough. If that is true, then what is that standard and how do you know when you have met it? The Church has tried to answer these questions for centuries and it always results in religious and legalistic bondage. So what is the answer? It begins by asking the right question. It is not, "What must we do?" but rather, "What did Jesus do?" By understanding the Apostle Paul's revelation of what Jesus did from the book of Romans, you will never again wonder if you're meeting the standard.
Andrew began his ministry in 1972 and is the President and Founder of Andrew Wommack Ministries and Charis Bible College located in Colorado Springs. For four decades Andrew has been teaching the Word of God. His revelation is taught with clarity and simplicity, emphasizing God’s unconditional love and grace. His daily Gospel Truth radio and television programs are broadcast domestically and internationally.
He founded Charis Bible College in 1994 and has established 70+ extension colleges in major cities of America and around the world. Andrew has produced a library of teaching materials in print, audio, and visual formats.
Let me start out with the positives. This book is not hard to understand but is simply written. It is also not very long and generally progresses sequentially through Romans. Every once in a while Wommack comes out with a real gem of an analogy or a well-written truth. I appreciated those things.
However, the negatives far outweigh the positives. I would probably give it a one-star rating were it not that this book is probably helpful for many people. It is written mainly to those who have a wrong understanding of the gospel and who do not embrace the radical grace of God after salvation. The core of Wommack's teaching on grace is accurate and helpful. I believe it is a message most Christians need to hear. Personally, I grasp this doctrine already--at least to the level at which Wommack describes it, and therein lies my dissatisfaction. The main problem I have with Wommack's book is that it is largely written at the level of a high school sophomore. I simply found the depth of his mastery of logic, language, and theology to be woefully insufficient. He repeats himself unnecessarily throughout. His vocabulary is bland and very limited. The substance of his message on grace is far too basic to fill a 200-page book.
Particularly problematic is his ignorance (or ignoring?) of logic. Early in the text, he give what I think is an attempt at an argument which will underpin part of what he says throughout the book (if it's not an argument, then he never offers an argument). The structure of his argument is a simple fallacy, though! He argues that since if A, then B, and if A, then C, that therefore if B, then C. That is, since the Greek word "sozo" is used for salvation from sin and also salvation from sickness, Wommack asserts that anyone who is saved from sin is also saved from sickness. From there, he simply leaps to salvation from a lack of financial prosperity. Never again does he try to support his numerous statements throughout the rest of the book that a proper understanding of grace frees one from condemnation and sin AND from sickness and a lack of fiscal prosperity. I'm not saying there are no compelling arguments for that doctrine. I'm saying Wommack certainly doesn't provide one. While this three-fold teaching is not the thrust of his book, he certainly brings it up enough to merit more than a logical fallacy in support of it.
In a couple other places he creates false dichotomies or glaringly misrepresents someone else's view. While there are plenty of pages of good, accurate writing and doctrine, these errors in logic and rhetoric cannot be excused, and they destroy the foundation for part of his message.
Never having heard of Andrew Wommack, I was given this book by a relative and approached it with the expectation of getting solid charismatic teaching about grace and the work of Christ. After spending 200 pages with Wommack, I had the feeling that he was part of the Word of Faith denomination (though I don't think they call themselves a formal denomination). On-line sources supported my intuition. Unfortunately, these low standards in logic, language, and sadly theology, have become characteristic of leading figures within this denomination. That doesn't negate everything they teach, but it doesn't lend credence to it. Those of us who want solid argument, intellectually stimulating writing, and theology grounded in Scripture will want to look elsewhere.
This book is for all of us. For new believer to understand what Jesus did for us. For believer as a reminder and encouragement. Knowing Jesus and believe in Him for long period of time doesn’t mean we live in Him. We should live in His words every day.
I heard concerns of Wommack's teachings from friends I trust, so I though I would read him for himself to find out. I am not sure of his other material but this work on grace is severely deficient. I appreciate his aim to emphasis the finished work of Jesus for us and how we cannot rely on ourselves to be saved- but beyond this- I could never recommend this to any believer.
I expected a proper, well-rounded argument but Wommack simply ignores the many scriptures that need to be honestly answered- the ones that don't fit into his view of grace. His view of God is of a Father who doesn't at all seem bothered or affected by the sin of his people- because of a lopsided view of grace- and his concept of holiness and repentance does not do justice to what the NT teaches.
Do you know the gospel? Not the music genre or pop culture gospel. The real gospel. The “almost-too-good-to-be-true good news” of what Jesus Christ achieved on our behalf through His birth, life, and resurrection. Do you know it?
If you want to know Jesus, personally, read this book. If you’re a Christian but your born-again life isn’t living up to your expectations, read this book. If you want to know what Christianity actually is about. Read this book.
The Gospel is not complicated. Andrew made sure to remind the world of that fact. My favourite thing about his writing (and teaching) has always been its simplicity. This is a perfect read for anyone who wants to have an understanding of salvation, whether new in Christ or not. He clearly defines what the Gospel is and what it is not. Once again, I am brought to tears as I ruminate - while reading this book - how much my Father loves me. On to the next one...
Excellent book! 29 years as a believer, learned so much.
This book stripped away 29 years of religious performance based relationship with God. What freedom it brings once you truly understand how grace for your life.
Clearly a five star book. I already a revelation of grace but this book helped to put more things in perspective. I recommend you read. You'll either refuse all he says or accept it. There is no middle ground.