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Free to Live: The Utter Relief of Holiness
What an utter relief it would be to be set free from all that plagues us-the inner struggle with anger, or contempt, the habitual sins. In the depths of your being, you ache to live a life of goodness; we all do. (Something caused you to pick up a book with the word holiness in the subtitle!) We are made for goodness just as we are made to breathe, just as we are made to love. Whatever life has to throw at you, friends, goodness is your strength, your refuge in the storm. And there is a way to be good again.Here is a book that explores the beauty of the genuine goodness available to us in Jesus Christ and guides us through the process whereby God sets us free by making us whole and holy through his love. You will be relieved. Utterly.Previously published as The Utter Relief of Holiness.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2013
140 people are currently reading
1189 people want to read
About the author
John Eldredge
227 books1,940 followersJohn Eldredge is an American author, counselor, and lecturer on Christianity. He is known for his best-selling book Wild at Heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
January 30, 2013
As a reviewer, I was delighted to discover a new John Eldredge release. And the cover certainly didn't dissuade my interest. I began reading with an openness to hear the author's premise, yet I admit to struggling with this book the further I read.
There seemed to be a greater focus on one's sin than the One Who has already conquered sin and it's wages. And where people focus their attention is where they walk. 'So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.' Romans 8.6 NLT. I continued to anticipate hearing the Good News of 2 Corinthians 10.5 'and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.' CJB , or in the words of Eldredge's main choice throughout the book, The Message, 'We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.' There was no pointing in the direction of these instructions.
So when I read [p.169] 'Wherever it is we find self struggling, we begin to choose love', my response is to say, 'if we choose Love, keeping our thoughts fixed on Love, Love is Who masters us and wins the struggle.' Not 'Jesus help me love this person' rather 'Jesus I love you' which changes the direction of my thoughts, increasing His Love within us, so that is what flows out of us. Rather than concentrating on my 'personality has motives behind it...most self protection...where most of our deepest repenting will take place'. Why not live in love with the One who has already conquered all of this? Why not develop a deep inner relationship with THE Lover of our soul, giving our attention to the development of that relationship, pursuing God, rather than beating ourselves over every real or imagined, sin? How would you rather spend your time? Pursuing the nature and Presence of God or your sins?
If you are focused, single minded, on expressing your love, your worship, with ALL your heart, mind, soul and strength as commanded, you won't have time for other distractions. Your heart will be 'fixed' on your first love, on what's important, on what truly matters. When you live by the experience of God's Love for you, your view of others will change. As directed in Eph 3.19 'I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.' As you receive this Love poured out it changes your heart, perspectives, actions and reactions. It's about letting your roots go down deep into the soil of God's Love then allowing the nourishment to bring life and growth. Unfortunately, not what this book focuses upon.
Eldredge's closing begins [p.177] 'Love God and love others. Honestly, if you set these two motives before you each day, they will see you through a thousand quandaries.' I would have to say, follow that first and greatest command. Love God. With ALL your heart, mind, soul and strength. Then you'll be facing the right direction as you enjoy a much more joy filled walk. And as the Love within you increases it will be what spills over in situations and on others. Without striving. Living at rest. Living refreshed. And living in increasing wholeness and holiness. Not by striving, but in living in the overflow of the Presence of Christ.
Many more instances cited [p.178] contrary to the life hidden in Christ, which I won't spend more of your time discussing. Suffice it to say, it definitely contrasts with Phillipians 4.7 'And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.' AMP
I would argue, the pursuit is not for 'a deep and genuine holiness'. [p 179] The pursuit is for Christ Himself. The holiness, the utter relief of holiness, is one of the amazing gifts of grace that results.
There seemed to be a greater focus on one's sin than the One Who has already conquered sin and it's wages. And where people focus their attention is where they walk. 'So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.' Romans 8.6 NLT. I continued to anticipate hearing the Good News of 2 Corinthians 10.5 'and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.' CJB , or in the words of Eldredge's main choice throughout the book, The Message, 'We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.' There was no pointing in the direction of these instructions.
So when I read [p.169] 'Wherever it is we find self struggling, we begin to choose love', my response is to say, 'if we choose Love, keeping our thoughts fixed on Love, Love is Who masters us and wins the struggle.' Not 'Jesus help me love this person' rather 'Jesus I love you' which changes the direction of my thoughts, increasing His Love within us, so that is what flows out of us. Rather than concentrating on my 'personality has motives behind it...most self protection...where most of our deepest repenting will take place'. Why not live in love with the One who has already conquered all of this? Why not develop a deep inner relationship with THE Lover of our soul, giving our attention to the development of that relationship, pursuing God, rather than beating ourselves over every real or imagined, sin? How would you rather spend your time? Pursuing the nature and Presence of God or your sins?
If you are focused, single minded, on expressing your love, your worship, with ALL your heart, mind, soul and strength as commanded, you won't have time for other distractions. Your heart will be 'fixed' on your first love, on what's important, on what truly matters. When you live by the experience of God's Love for you, your view of others will change. As directed in Eph 3.19 'I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.' As you receive this Love poured out it changes your heart, perspectives, actions and reactions. It's about letting your roots go down deep into the soil of God's Love then allowing the nourishment to bring life and growth. Unfortunately, not what this book focuses upon.
Eldredge's closing begins [p.177] 'Love God and love others. Honestly, if you set these two motives before you each day, they will see you through a thousand quandaries.' I would have to say, follow that first and greatest command. Love God. With ALL your heart, mind, soul and strength. Then you'll be facing the right direction as you enjoy a much more joy filled walk. And as the Love within you increases it will be what spills over in situations and on others. Without striving. Living at rest. Living refreshed. And living in increasing wholeness and holiness. Not by striving, but in living in the overflow of the Presence of Christ.
Many more instances cited [p.178] contrary to the life hidden in Christ, which I won't spend more of your time discussing. Suffice it to say, it definitely contrasts with Phillipians 4.7 'And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.' AMP
I would argue, the pursuit is not for 'a deep and genuine holiness'. [p 179] The pursuit is for Christ Himself. The holiness, the utter relief of holiness, is one of the amazing gifts of grace that results.
July 31, 2017
I really wanted this book to be amazing. It was the title (in this release the subtitle) that got my attention: The Utter Relief of Holiness. That's just a breath of fresh air, isn't it? But Eldredge never really goes that far with this idea. He doesn't track it biblically, or even through testimonies of modern believers. He just sort of says it, and what follows is a fairly standard book about holiness. There are some good things, but I feel that Eldredge could have gone so much further than he did with the book's title concept; that's the book I wanted to read. Also, and this may be because of my own bias, but I found his occasional political comments distracting. Like product placement in a movie, these broke my suspension of disbelief and reminded me of what was really happening. They significantly detracted from the book as a whole.
My recommendation: don't read this book. Read the title, and pray and meditate on that - that title has influenced me from before I read the book, and I think will be the main thing I take away from it. Eldredge introduces some decent ideas, but nothing so groundbreaking to make the book worth reading if you've read other books on holiness, in my opinion. 2.5 stars.
My recommendation: don't read this book. Read the title, and pray and meditate on that - that title has influenced me from before I read the book, and I think will be the main thing I take away from it. Eldredge introduces some decent ideas, but nothing so groundbreaking to make the book worth reading if you've read other books on holiness, in my opinion. 2.5 stars.
February 4, 2013
I so love John Eldredge’s work. He has a way of capturing the essence of the desire in our hearts. This little book is no exception and in fact I’d suggest it’s one of his best.
He starts out by asking a question that I’ve never asked myself: “What is Christianity supposed to do to a person?” Such an obvious question I chided myself for never asking it of myself. He then points to Scripture to provide the answer. And we’re only at page 7.
A verse that I’ve read repeatedly through my life but never with the association to that question above.
“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.” (Eph 1:4)
The book is separated into two parts: the first outlines why we should desire it. Once we are captured by the “utter relief” grace provides through Jesus, Eldredge, in the second half of the book, provides a very practical outline for “The Way to Holiness”.
It’s confrontational, as holiness has to be. It’s only when we step out of our comfort zone and start dealing with the sin in our lives that we can begin the journey. And a journey it is. We so often want the magic pill or the miraculous moment that will transform us. Sometimes we receive those, but more often than not, it’s part way through the journey and not at the beginning. Otherwise, we wouldn’t need to depend on Jesus each day to help us.
Like any new habit we need to train ourselves. “The Way to Holiness” is no different. Yes, at first it feels like a chore, but via arming us with lots of Biblical references plus suggested prayers, Eldredge teaches us how “to lean into” catching the wave of holiness.
As with all of his books, Eldredge keeps his focus on Jesus. “The hope of Christianity is that we get to live the life of Jesus. His beautiful goodness can be ours.” (p179)
That’s my desire.
He starts out by asking a question that I’ve never asked myself: “What is Christianity supposed to do to a person?” Such an obvious question I chided myself for never asking it of myself. He then points to Scripture to provide the answer. And we’re only at page 7.
A verse that I’ve read repeatedly through my life but never with the association to that question above.
“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.” (Eph 1:4)
The book is separated into two parts: the first outlines why we should desire it. Once we are captured by the “utter relief” grace provides through Jesus, Eldredge, in the second half of the book, provides a very practical outline for “The Way to Holiness”.
It’s confrontational, as holiness has to be. It’s only when we step out of our comfort zone and start dealing with the sin in our lives that we can begin the journey. And a journey it is. We so often want the magic pill or the miraculous moment that will transform us. Sometimes we receive those, but more often than not, it’s part way through the journey and not at the beginning. Otherwise, we wouldn’t need to depend on Jesus each day to help us.
Like any new habit we need to train ourselves. “The Way to Holiness” is no different. Yes, at first it feels like a chore, but via arming us with lots of Biblical references plus suggested prayers, Eldredge teaches us how “to lean into” catching the wave of holiness.
As with all of his books, Eldredge keeps his focus on Jesus. “The hope of Christianity is that we get to live the life of Jesus. His beautiful goodness can be ours.” (p179)
That’s my desire.
August 27, 2021
I only made it about 1/3 of the way through this book. I just couldn’t go on. It’s the first book by Eldredge that I have attempted, but I’m not sure I’ll try any others.
My main reason is the choice of the Message to build his arguments on. I wanted a book that solidly builds on God’s Word, not on someone’s paraphrase of it. I wanted solid Biblical exposition, and I don’t think I’m getting that from a book that uses for its main source a paraphrase that is so free with its changes to God’s Word.
I didn’t get far enough through it to speak to his full message, but so far, I was not impressed with what I have read. It struck me as rather shallow in its exposition. I wouldn’t recommend it.
My main reason is the choice of the Message to build his arguments on. I wanted a book that solidly builds on God’s Word, not on someone’s paraphrase of it. I wanted solid Biblical exposition, and I don’t think I’m getting that from a book that uses for its main source a paraphrase that is so free with its changes to God’s Word.
I didn’t get far enough through it to speak to his full message, but so far, I was not impressed with what I have read. It struck me as rather shallow in its exposition. I wouldn’t recommend it.
January 30, 2021
I've read many books on holiness, but this one felt just as fresh and convicting and empowering as any I've read with a rare section emphasising the difference between holiness and moralism. It is also appropriately thorough and practical without being too weighty. I loved the emphasis on Jesus's example as well. A welcome surprise.
October 7, 2024
A fast read, but highly convicting. It hit me right where I needed it.
June 4, 2013
It's always tricky when someone gives me a book -- I love books and often love the person giving them -- however, books from close relatives make me nervous. In recent memory, a book came by post from someone who felt my definition of forgiveness needed correction. Fair enough. But the book lacked subtlety to such degree that passages of competent writing were overwhelmed with didactic sap. And I felt insulted. So many good books, so little time. And I'd invested my time in this...
This memory colored my receipt of John Eldridge's recent title. Nevertheless, I dutifully added the book to my nightstand tower and when it rose to the top, read it front to back.
Some writers reveal themselves in their work more than others. I suspect that Eldridge, touted as the director of a ministry that "has become a grassroots phenomenon with millions of followers," my feel he must write; a striving quality rises from the pages. (All those grassroots to feed.) In spite of this, I realized that the bulk of the text really is hopeful, encouraging, and may, for many readers, be the first introduction to, or much needed reminder of, what makes the Gospel "good news."
Eldridge and I differ on our theology, no surprise. He is certain of hell, certain that homosexuality is a choice and a sin, and certain of certainty. "So let us remember this truth: Doubt is not a virtue. Doubt is not humility. Doubt is doubt. It is unbelief."
Hm. If one is certain, what's the point of faith?
However, instead of two stars, I opted for three. The writing is neither lyrical nor succinct, sage or surprising -- there is only one C.S. Lewis -- but I appreciate the choice of the Eugene H. Peterson's Message Translation as springboard for discussion. And as noted above, I appreciate Eldridge pointing out that following Christ, and through the Spirit emulating Christ's holiness, there is a way "to be good again." Finally, three stars may mean that I really would like to like books from relatives. So I flipped a coin. Two stars.
This memory colored my receipt of John Eldridge's recent title. Nevertheless, I dutifully added the book to my nightstand tower and when it rose to the top, read it front to back.
Some writers reveal themselves in their work more than others. I suspect that Eldridge, touted as the director of a ministry that "has become a grassroots phenomenon with millions of followers," my feel he must write; a striving quality rises from the pages. (All those grassroots to feed.) In spite of this, I realized that the bulk of the text really is hopeful, encouraging, and may, for many readers, be the first introduction to, or much needed reminder of, what makes the Gospel "good news."
Eldridge and I differ on our theology, no surprise. He is certain of hell, certain that homosexuality is a choice and a sin, and certain of certainty. "So let us remember this truth: Doubt is not a virtue. Doubt is not humility. Doubt is doubt. It is unbelief."
Hm. If one is certain, what's the point of faith?
However, instead of two stars, I opted for three. The writing is neither lyrical nor succinct, sage or surprising -- there is only one C.S. Lewis -- but I appreciate the choice of the Eugene H. Peterson's Message Translation as springboard for discussion. And as noted above, I appreciate Eldridge pointing out that following Christ, and through the Spirit emulating Christ's holiness, there is a way "to be good again." Finally, three stars may mean that I really would like to like books from relatives. So I flipped a coin. Two stars.
April 1, 2014
This book requires you to get honest with yourself. It brings to light, how much do you want Jesus? How much do you love Jesus? Are you willing to allow Jesus full control over your life so that He can accomplish all that He wants for you? This is not a book for the feint of heart but for people that want to grow closer to the Messiah.
It's a great book on Jesus's power in living a holy life. Eldredge address humanities need for wholeness and holiness in God; by giving ourselves to God we are more established in the powerful freedom of Jesus. This book gives you biblical steps to walk out a life of wholeness and holiness. If you want all that this book has to offer be prepared to dig deep and really evaluate the hard places in your life. One of the great lines of this book is this, "God makes us whole by making us holy; He makes us holy by making us whole."
It's a great book on Jesus's power in living a holy life. Eldredge address humanities need for wholeness and holiness in God; by giving ourselves to God we are more established in the powerful freedom of Jesus. This book gives you biblical steps to walk out a life of wholeness and holiness. If you want all that this book has to offer be prepared to dig deep and really evaluate the hard places in your life. One of the great lines of this book is this, "God makes us whole by making us holy; He makes us holy by making us whole."
February 9, 2013
"There is a way to be good again." It's the premise that underlies John Eldredge's latest release, "The Utter Relief of Holiness."
At first blush, the title seems an oxy-moron. Most people don't mention "relief" and "holiness" in the same breath. Eldredge shows us how a popular misconception of "holiness" - technical rule-keeping - is so far from the mark: the life of Jesus lived out in you.
Tight prose, personal illustrations and practical applications show you how God's love can make you both whole and holy, and why you can't be one without the other.
Insightful, refreshing, thoroughly biblical. A worthy read.
At first blush, the title seems an oxy-moron. Most people don't mention "relief" and "holiness" in the same breath. Eldredge shows us how a popular misconception of "holiness" - technical rule-keeping - is so far from the mark: the life of Jesus lived out in you.
Tight prose, personal illustrations and practical applications show you how God's love can make you both whole and holy, and why you can't be one without the other.
Insightful, refreshing, thoroughly biblical. A worthy read.
December 27, 2012
Nope, couldn't finish it. Got 75% through, and I found myself getting more annoyed at his conclusions. It's sad, because his earlier books were great.
July 7, 2017
A beautiful look at righteousness by faith in Jesus.
April 5, 2025
A sin-management book.
April 24, 2019
I really liked wild at heart, so I was a little let down that this didn't connect in a helpful way to me.
In short, I thought the presentation of Holiness and righteousness thru Christ was fine, but the application was lacking. "Repeat these prayers" and "if sin is in your life, get rid of it" just don't cut it, at least they haven't for me. Suggestions like this gave me permission in the past to seek holiness, growth and follow Jesus all on my own. I beat myself with this type of self-sufficient christianity. Maybe the author has seen and witnessed other experiences, but for me, growth finally took off when I got out of isolation and brought my sin into the light with others, prayed with others, had others pray for me and sought to follow Jesus with the help of people. I can't do it on my own. I don't think the author's intent was to say "here's how to do this by yourself" but without application regarding how this all plays out in the church, I think it's lacking an important aspect of following Jesus: namely, you need others.
In short, I thought the presentation of Holiness and righteousness thru Christ was fine, but the application was lacking. "Repeat these prayers" and "if sin is in your life, get rid of it" just don't cut it, at least they haven't for me. Suggestions like this gave me permission in the past to seek holiness, growth and follow Jesus all on my own. I beat myself with this type of self-sufficient christianity. Maybe the author has seen and witnessed other experiences, but for me, growth finally took off when I got out of isolation and brought my sin into the light with others, prayed with others, had others pray for me and sought to follow Jesus with the help of people. I can't do it on my own. I don't think the author's intent was to say "here's how to do this by yourself" but without application regarding how this all plays out in the church, I think it's lacking an important aspect of following Jesus: namely, you need others.
March 20, 2020
How did I miss this book? John Eldredge has been my favorite author for this category of books since reading Wild at Heart back in 2001 and yet, I somehow overlooked this book. Perhaps its original title (The Utter Relief of Holiness) didn't resonate with me. But I believe it was God's timing because so much of what Eldredge has written here speaks to where my heart has been for a while, as his books often do.
This is such a necessary book. I hesitate to call it foundational because when I hear that word I think, "Oh, this is stuff I already know." but it's stuff I should already know in the sense that the early church knew it and somehow the ball got dropped getting it to me over the 2000 years since.
The topics that stand out to me most are about spiritual warfare and our role in it, how it works, how the enemy attacks, and how to stand against him. Secondly, Eldredge brings up a couple of traditions of theology that I had previously believe were true.
I found myself devouring this book so quickly that I am going back through to let it really hit home.
This is such a necessary book. I hesitate to call it foundational because when I hear that word I think, "Oh, this is stuff I already know." but it's stuff I should already know in the sense that the early church knew it and somehow the ball got dropped getting it to me over the 2000 years since.
The topics that stand out to me most are about spiritual warfare and our role in it, how it works, how the enemy attacks, and how to stand against him. Secondly, Eldredge brings up a couple of traditions of theology that I had previously believe were true.
I found myself devouring this book so quickly that I am going back through to let it really hit home.
July 6, 2018
Good Again!
For starters, I am SO grateful for the heart and ministry of John Eldredge and Ransomed Heart. How they walk with Jesus is incredible!
I love the premise of this book and it’s general tone. The difficulty for me was in some of the language regarding the sin nature or flesh. One moment, it would sound like it is dead to us, and the next, it would have the tone of all of this “battle” to not let it dominate. In this, I found the pace and some of the conclusions regarding this burdensome and effort driven (instead of resting in the finished work of the one who has sanctified us).
That said, the portions on the motives of our hearts and loving God and others are some of the best stuff I’ve read. Grateful for this book!
For starters, I am SO grateful for the heart and ministry of John Eldredge and Ransomed Heart. How they walk with Jesus is incredible!
I love the premise of this book and it’s general tone. The difficulty for me was in some of the language regarding the sin nature or flesh. One moment, it would sound like it is dead to us, and the next, it would have the tone of all of this “battle” to not let it dominate. In this, I found the pace and some of the conclusions regarding this burdensome and effort driven (instead of resting in the finished work of the one who has sanctified us).
That said, the portions on the motives of our hearts and loving God and others are some of the best stuff I’ve read. Grateful for this book!
July 24, 2024
Maybe my fav John Eldridge yet
“The pursuit of a deep and genuine holiness is worth whatever it costs you. Because holiness is an utter relief. It is a joy and a healing of your creation. It will make you powerful in the Spirit, it will rescue you again and again, it will fortress you to the enemy’s attacks, it’ll make your life a compelling argument for Jesus because it is of the same quality as His.”
“There is a reality of being in which all things are easy and plain— oneness, that is, with the Lord of life.”
“The pursuit of a deep and genuine holiness is worth whatever it costs you. Because holiness is an utter relief. It is a joy and a healing of your creation. It will make you powerful in the Spirit, it will rescue you again and again, it will fortress you to the enemy’s attacks, it’ll make your life a compelling argument for Jesus because it is of the same quality as His.”
“There is a reality of being in which all things are easy and plain— oneness, that is, with the Lord of life.”
January 23, 2025
Engaging and challenging, in a good way.
“Choose holiness. In those hundreds of little decisions each day, choose holiness. The more you do, the more you will find yourself able to. The more we make choices that comprise our integrity, the weaker we feel and the more the enemy pours it on. However, the more we side with the Spirit in us, the stronger we feel. Over time it becomes easier to choose; our will gets stronger; we discover that in fact, we really do want goodness and nothing else.”
“Choose holiness. In those hundreds of little decisions each day, choose holiness. The more you do, the more you will find yourself able to. The more we make choices that comprise our integrity, the weaker we feel and the more the enemy pours it on. However, the more we side with the Spirit in us, the stronger we feel. Over time it becomes easier to choose; our will gets stronger; we discover that in fact, we really do want goodness and nothing else.”
August 31, 2017
Eldridge is a good writer and this is not a long read. It was recommended to me by a friend who found it immensely helpful. He uses Scripture well, usually The Message version, depending and exhorting through the power of truth in Romans, acknowledging the warfare issues and exampling prayers of Dependance.
December 31, 2017
Very good concepts, nicely challenging. My one complaint is how colloquial the writing is. Such beautiful truths surely deserve to be expressed more eloquently -- although I get the desire to make them approachable for any and all readers. I just can't help question anything that uses The Message so profusely.
July 26, 2018
It had its moments. I’m glad I read it in a lot of small chunks though. Best chapter was on our “personality” really being a reflection of our motives.
I would have liked less direct bible quotes and more exposition or even just references to back up his point(s) that I could have looked up if I so chose.
I would have liked less direct bible quotes and more exposition or even just references to back up his point(s) that I could have looked up if I so chose.
June 7, 2022
Free Indeed
I love how John cuts right to the point of the matter, yet helps you understand Gods love for you and able to apply it every minute of every day. He cuts through the “religious “ laws everyone has been taught to believe where you can receive and give Gods love freely, should you choose to do so.
I love how John cuts right to the point of the matter, yet helps you understand Gods love for you and able to apply it every minute of every day. He cuts through the “religious “ laws everyone has been taught to believe where you can receive and give Gods love freely, should you choose to do so.
February 2, 2025
I enjoyed the intent behind this book, but had to put the book down a few times and ponder and pray. I t is a relief to be intentional in holiness, but apart from Jesus I can’t be holy. I felt we needed more of Jesus in this book, and less of me. But I did enjoy the purpose the author was leading us to: the utter PURSUIT of holiness.
January 3, 2026
Well written. Well thought out. Easy to follow and understand. I want to read again but in print format. I think physically reading it and digesting it slowly can be life changing. Studying with a group could also be powerful. Some of the ideas he was portraying really made me think. So much to unpack.
January 30, 2018
This book has flashes of great insights around the topic of holiness. I wanted to like this book more but it just didn't finish the thoughts completely. I was left a little frustrated by the potential that was left on the table.
July 24, 2019
I highly recommend it for Eldredge fans. It's got all the merits of his unique style and it's his most convicting offering yet in which he focuses on walking in holiness and wholeness.
His love for Christ radiates throughout and the book includes a beautiful daily prayer.
His love for Christ radiates throughout and the book includes a beautiful daily prayer.
September 24, 2019
I liked this book by John Eldredge. He writes in an easy, comfortable style, giving practical illustrations to explain his points. This is a book about holiness: what it means to be holy, how to live a holy life; why God wants us to be holy, etc.
October 3, 2020
Freedom
What I loved is how my heart was set free with the idea of holiness. In the past it felt like a prison, now the reality is inviting. The utter relief of letting holiness reign in me!
What I loved is how my heart was set free with the idea of holiness. In the past it felt like a prison, now the reality is inviting. The utter relief of letting holiness reign in me!
December 15, 2024
What true Christianity should be!
If you want to know Jesus intimately this book is for you! Learn how to pray true powerful prayers, get rid of all that entangles you and say good bye to habitual sin this book is your map!
If you want to know Jesus intimately this book is for you! Learn how to pray true powerful prayers, get rid of all that entangles you and say good bye to habitual sin this book is your map!
January 11, 2025
This book was timely, and much needed.
“Choose holiness”.
1 Peter 1:15,16- Be holy, as I am holy.
Audiobook
Continual submission, remember that shame and guilt is from the Accuser, and conviction is from the Spirit.
“Choose holiness”.
1 Peter 1:15,16- Be holy, as I am holy.
Audiobook
Continual submission, remember that shame and guilt is from the Accuser, and conviction is from the Spirit.
May 2, 2019
Loved the message and found this little book to be full of challenges for me to go deeper.
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