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Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken

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Sexuality was a part of God's good creation from the beginning. But with sin came a world filled with sexual brokenness. Thankfully, God is always in the business of restoration.

This book offers hope for both the sexually immoral and the sexually victimized, pointing us all to the grace of Jesus Christ, who mercifully intervenes each moment in our lifelong journey toward renewal. Author David Powlison casts a vision for the key to deep transformation, better than anything the world has to offer--not just fresh resolve, not just flimsy forgiveness, not just simple formulas, but true, lasting mercy from God, who is making all things new.

130 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2017

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884 people want to read

About the author

David A. Powlison

144 books221 followers
David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, Good and Angry, Making All Things New, God's Grace in Your Suffering, Safe and Sound, and Take Heart. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling.

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5 stars
518 (63%)
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233 (28%)
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53 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
Profile Image for Brett Wiley.
120 reviews15 followers
March 5, 2024
This one started slow for me. Even though it was solid content throughout, I found myself wanting more in the first couple of chapters. But then I got to chapters 3-7, and I found myself resonating with every line. Powlison’s words and wisdom ministered to me deeply. The Spirit especially used the chapters on the lifelong view of renewal and on the wider nature of the battle to encourage me and take me deeper into the gospel

Not only is sexual brokenness a part of my story, but as a pastor, I often find myself trying to counsel those who are either struggling with sexual sin, or who have been sinned against sexually. Moving forward, I will be referring to this book often, especially to some of the illustrations and metaphors he used.

Here is a favorite quote:
“We love gazelles [stories of explosive spiritual growth]. Graceful leaps make for great stories about God’s wonder-working power. And we like steady and predictable [seasons of growth]. It seems to vindicate our efforts at making the Christian life work in a businesslike manner. But, in fact, there’s no formula, no secret, no technique, no program, no schedule, and no truth that guarantees the speed, distance, or time frame. On the day you die, you’ll still be somewhere in the middle. But you will be further along. When we lengthen the battle, we realize that our business is the direction [we are facing/heading]. God manages to work his wonder-working power in and through all of the above scenarios! God’s people need to know that so someone else’s story doesn’t set the timetable for how Christ’s grace is working out in your life.”
Profile Image for Andrea G.
40 reviews
July 20, 2023
Excellent resource. Fighting sexual sin (or any besetting sin for that matter) is a continual walk in the right direction. It’s not about stopping the sin; it’s about the heart and becoming more Christlike. Sanctification is lifelong.
Profile Image for Samuel G. Parkison.
Author 8 books182 followers
September 18, 2017
The best thing I've ever read on the topic. So much hope, so much sobriety. Powlison, at several points in this little book, nearly frightens me with how penetrating his insights are. I think every Christian, in this incredibly confused and sexually broken time, needs to read this book.
Profile Image for Michael Locklear.
230 reviews10 followers
February 3, 2020
This is another excellent book by the late David Powlison. The aim of his book is directed toward the healing of the sexually broken. The book is unique for the author deals with both the sexually immoral and the sexually victimized. This small book is quite profound. The author is reaching out to those who are weary, frustrated, searching, and inwardly/outwardly crying-out for justice - "the wayward" and "the wounded" - desiring to help them begin the process of their much needed healing. And we know that true cleansing, real forgiveness, divine healing and lasting peace are found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Profile Image for Lydia Harry.
28 reviews
July 8, 2023
Read this book.

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18

Come! Now! Us! Together!
You can totally tell that Powlison knows God’s mercy and love so intimately by how he engages with the topic of sexual brokenness with SO much grace. Jesus came to forgive and redeem!!! There are such good things in store for all who trust in Him.
Profile Image for Jessica Duff.
46 reviews
March 14, 2023
Such a powerful application of gospel truth to this area of life that is utterly twisted and abused in our culture today. What purer hope is there to offer other than Christ? Who else can save us from this body of death? Surely His redemptive work reaches to the uttermost darkness of human depravity.
Profile Image for S.G. Willoughby.
Author 11 books127 followers
November 9, 2021
A book every Christian -- or really, everyone -- should read, when they're ready for it. There are so many resources on this topic, but I appreciated the unique focus this one had, which was helpful to me as a balance as I simultaneously read and listen to other resources. This is less of a guide, and more of an encouragement and a mindset shift for those healing from sexual brokenness or from those walking with others healing from it.
Profile Image for Andrew Forester.
9 reviews
November 21, 2021
One of the best books on understanding the nature and heart issues of sexual sin. Powlison weaves truth, compassion, and hope throughout this book. Highly commend to anyone struggling with sexual sin.

This was taken from a lecture he did at a desiring God conference years ago that you can listen to in an hour if you don’t have the time to pick through the book. I’ve found myself revisiting that message often!
Profile Image for Stephanie Ridiculous.
470 reviews10 followers
December 18, 2022
This was a very frustrating read. While there are some good truths here they are often side by side with gross over simplifications and generalizations & often just very unhelpful thoughts/summaries. In an attempt to help both folks who suffer from their own sin & those who suffer because of sin done to them Powlison renders most of the book unhelpful to either. I genuinely don't know what your take away could be if you came to these pages in the midst of struggle, either. It is a thought exercise, a musing if you will, that offers very little actual help to people.
Profile Image for Nathan Pettit.
23 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2024
I’d highly recommend. Very short read thats helpful. Powlison is specific enough to address a particular experience, but broad enough that anyone could find it relevant.

There is some language that I wasn’t familiar with, but he presents his reader with a sweet, holistic treatment of the gospel.
Profile Image for Sarah.
99 reviews3 followers
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March 4, 2025
One can’t expect a book this short to address all the issues related to sexual sin, particularly the hurdles and obstacles for those who have been victimized.

But Powlison speaks truth, bright and clear, into an issue that is and has always been (archaeology, anyone?) a major source of temptation. Refreshingly, he also acknowledges the struggle for women, though perhaps in a different form—some Christian romance novels being like emotional porn.

He also talks about the perceived ideal that sex should be over the top vs. the reality that sex can very often be quite, well, everyday. For many, the luxury of privacy and quiet is entirely irregular. He challenges selfless sexual giving, for ongoing connection in every way, for enjoyment of the simple pleasures as well as the intentionality to create those special moments.

Sex is too hush-hush for Christians, with the occasional book about technique given gingerly to newlyweds. Counsel for sexual sins or struggles is too little and too late. When the world speaks so loud and often and aggressively about sex, why are those who know the truth often silent or confused?

All should read this.
Profile Image for Elise.
70 reviews
June 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's full of rich insights and I love that it addresses both those mired in sexual sin and those who have been victims of abuse. I also love that he writes to both genders—this is not just a male problem or a female problem, but a human problem.

I would recommend this book to others. It's the good news of our sanctification as a process where we press in to what God is revealing to us today and God meets us there, helping us win these battles and drawing us close to him as he continues to reveal the struggles of our hearts.
Profile Image for Grace.
242 reviews8 followers
March 28, 2019
David Powlison is one of the best Christian writers I have read — he thinks clearly, creatively, and in living color, and his writing reflects those things.
Profile Image for C.H. Cobb.
Author 9 books39 followers
January 5, 2018
“Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken” is an outstanding book, suitable for both counselors and counselees, and in all probability needed by both (and for the same reasons). Even if we’ve never crossed the line in sexual sin (possible, but highly unlikely in light of Matthew 5:27-28), we’ve all been tempted to find our comfort in resources other than God Himself. That’s ultimately the issue David Powlison addresses.

Though expressing himself in prose Powlison writes like a poet, with deep empathy and suffused with understanding and hope. The intended audience includes both the victimized and the victimizer, and both men and women. This book is no “bible band aid,” but is a theologically responsible, Christ-centered look at the knotty problem of sexual sin.

Powlison spends Chapter 1 orienting the reader to his approach; it is grounded in the realities of the biblical Christian faith: sexual fidelity is good, sexual sin is wrong, and Christ alone can transform the unfaithful into the faithful. The reader is questioned in Chapter 2 about where he or she stands in relation to the topic of sexual brokenness. Hope wrapped in warm understanding of life’s suffering and difficulty is offered. The road of healing is characterized as “walking toward the light,” a metaphor that disabuses us of the notion of quick fixes, all the while holding forth hope for the future.

In Chapter 3 he explores the wide varieties of behaviors that can turn God’s wondrous gift of sex into tragic darkness. At each turn he reveals how such behaviors fall short of and pervert God’s good intentions, and how God in Christ draws near to offer deliverance and healing to both the victim and the predator.

Chapter 4, Renewal is Lifelong, is outstanding. Though aspects of sanctification are indeed crisis events, and God does sometimes deliver in a single stroke, more frequently the process is a long one involving progress, regress, and sometimes standing still. Both healing and growing in obedience are challenges requiring endurance and patience. For biblical counselors, this is a helpful corrective to some of Jay Adams’ earlier writings. One could get the impression from, say, “Christian Counselor’s Manual,” that nouthetic counseling fixes problems in a relatively short time. Sometimes it does. But the more frequent experience (and I think Adams would agree) is that progress in overcoming habitual sin issues is often slow, beset with setbacks, and in many cases continues until the end of life. Powlison makes the important point that the crucial issue in sanctification is that we are oriented in the right direction—towards Christ.

In Chapter 5, Powlison pulls the dirty veneer off long-term sexual sin, demonstrating that there is more going on in the heart than simply the fall to lust. In fact, what’s going on in the heart might be even more abominable: a reduction of grace to an inverted retribution theology (“I serve You, but You haven’t given me what I want, therefore I will take revenge by indulging in sexual sin”).

In Chapter 6, Powlison discusses some of the motives that might be at work behind sexual transgression, and some of the motivations that might be behind a victim’s responses.

Chapter 7 is spent peeling back the layers of the onion to show that the battle is not simply against the outward, obvious, “big” sin. There are progressive levels of sin and temptation on which the battle for Christ-glorifying purity will be fought, some of which are so subtle and insidious we can barely detect them except in retrospect.

Powlison reminds the reader in Chapter 8 that the goal is much larger than merely not sinning: it is Christlikeness. God’s words to us, “I am with you,” become the focus of the final chapter, in which Powlison encourages us to “get down to today’s skirmish in the great war.”

David Powlison is a gifted counselor and writer: this book just might be Powlison at his best. Highly recommended.
28 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
Vintage Powlison. This book is biblical and immensely practical. Refusing to settle for lust management approaches to sexual sin, Powlison zeroes in on the heart motives behind our sin and helps us see that renewal is longer, deeper, and wider than how we typically think of it.
Profile Image for Grace.
75 reviews
May 10, 2024
One of the best counseling books I’ve read I think. Powlison is wise to call us to a higher level of holiness than what we’ve settled for. Probably not the first book I’d recommend to someone who’s been sinned against in these ways but otherwise very helpful for anyone
Profile Image for Andi Carter.
55 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2023
Wonderful biblical counseling book both for those who struggle with sexual sin and those who have been sinned against sexually.
148 reviews19 followers
March 26, 2022
This book was remarkable for people who struggle/have struggled with sexual sin, addressing both the large-scale theological assumptions that fuel different kinds of sin as well as practical help in fighting against them. The book's focus was always on becoming more Christlike and never lost sight of the gospel.
I think the book would have been even more helpful if it focused specifically on sexual sinners and dropped the parts geared toward victims of sexual misconduct. Addressing the two together was confusing at times. Amid discussions of those heavy topics I would've appreciated more effort and clarity going toward the truth that victims/survivors have not engaged in sin and are not guilty. I know the author is very aware of this fact, but including discussion of sexual assault in a section about repentance, among other things, made the writing itself unhelpfully ambiguous.
Overall, a fantastic book that I'd recommend to everyone — just not survivors of sexual violence.
Profile Image for Jackson Stewart.
40 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2021
Sharp, yet so comforting.
Powlinson shows in clear scriptural language the depth of the struggle with sexual sin. As he explains, the wounds caused by the affliction of sexual immorality are not nearly as deep as the grace and mercy of Christ, who understands more fully than we will our humanity, and our sinfullness. The battle with sexual sin will never be won by a rigid change in behavior, self-reproach, or constant cycles of shame, but only by a heart touched by the Christ, the rescuer and refuge for our souls. Sanctification is never instantaneous, but rather Christ’s daily commitment to purify us deeper.

This book is a wellspring of hope to the afflicted, ashamed, and those in despair. But for those who have sinned greatly, and are stumbling towards the light, “kyrie eleison” - Lord, have mercy.

I will recommend this book to many in the near future.
Profile Image for Brittany.
101 reviews42 followers
January 20, 2018
I highly recommend this clear, concise, compelling book to anyone who has experienced brokenness over sexuality (whether as a victim or a victimizer), or cares for those who have. The way Powlison makes the connection between our sin and Christ’s total mercy is so refreshing and encouraging. And the road he outlines for renewal is wonderfully simple.

“We are enmeshed in unsettling realities. So Christ’s grace sets out to do something more multifaceted than simply charging the unambiguously guilty and rescuing the unambiguously innocent. He enters sympathetically into the totality of human experience. He touches all our sins and all our afflictions. Jesus’ mercies make all things new. His grace is a most versatile stain remover. He redeems both the wayward and the wounded.” pg. 27
Profile Image for Abbie.
191 reviews
May 19, 2023
Excellent!
-this book comforts the conflicted and conflicts the comfortable
-remember to have a long view of sanctification
-we need to understand the underlying heart issues that are driving the sexual sins
-God really does make all things new
(I listened to the audiobook, but would like to go through it again and actually read it.)
Profile Image for Michael Philliber.
Author 5 books70 followers
October 19, 2018
I purchased a copy at a recent conference on abuse and helping the abused. It's a small, readable book with a simple focus on a formidable subject. "Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken" is a 128 page softback artfully crafted by the veteran biblical counselor and executive director of Christian Counseling Education Foundation (CCEF), David Powlison. The author addresses both those who struggle with immoral sexual desires, and those who struggle with the impact of sexual betrayal, molestation, and assault (20). The theme is consistently positive. As the author rightly asserts, what "is perverted can be converted" (18).

"Making All Things New" leads the reader through the beauty sex was intended for, the flourishing garden of wise love, self-control and delight. But it also takes up the existential reality that sex is like a mechanic's shop rag, and "soaks up dark, dirty stains." Therefore we "must face ground-in evils if we are to repair what's wrong with us and help others with what's wrong with them" (13). The author addresses, as well, how there are proactive sins "inflamed by immoral desires" and reactive sins "energized by fear and self-protection" (19). But this is not a book that only diagnosis the problems. It guides toward integration, a Gospel-driven, grace-empowered resolution; a resolution that lives in the sunshine of Christ's "Behold, I make all things new" (Revelation 21.5); a resolution that is built on and rejuvenated by Christ's rich compassion: "If the Lord is merciful, then mercy gets final say" (47).

"Making All Things New" is an ideal resource for those crying out for relief from their sexual bondage. It is an excellent asset for those crying out because they have been sexually bludgeoned. And it is a fitting aid for those crying out on behalf of both and desiring to benefit each. I strongly recommend the book.
Profile Image for Neil Richardson.
94 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2022
Deeper causes

Powlison brings God’s Word to bear on this vital issue that affects us all and is particularly effective in turning over every stone to examine what the underlying causes of our sexual malaises might be (disappointment, self-pity, etc). He looks at the subtlety of sinner but always the great mercies of our one Saviour Jesus who came not only to forgive but also to set free and transform forever.
Profile Image for Matthew Watkins.
11 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2020
Excellent little book that I would highly recommend to any Christian in the midst of sexual sin, or past it. Shines some great light on the total depravity of man, that we are not merely outwardly sinful creatures but severely, deeply inwardly evil; but we have a great savior able to divide the bones and marrow and forgive us wholly. Go read it!
Profile Image for Hannah Garcia Sadler.
101 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2022
Powilson writes with such care and precision. He addresses his topic delicately, while recognizing the reader may have their own heartbreak and difficulty reading the subject matter.

It was a good reminder of the love God has for his children!
Profile Image for Matt Calio.
16 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2018
Great book on the topic of sexuality. Powlinson is more ministerial than academic in his work, which makes for a great piece for anyone looking for wisdom in the gospel with a concentration on sex.
Profile Image for Austin Harris.
34 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2022
Great little book for either self-counsel or counseling another who is struggling with sexual sins or being sinned against.
Profile Image for Drew Meanor.
12 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2024
One of the most helpful books I’ve read on fighting sexual sin. Powlison helps readers to see the power of the gospel and how God is redeeming people into the image of Christ, in both body and soul. 10 outta 10 would recommend.
Profile Image for Anna Grace Galkin.
32 reviews12 followers
July 24, 2023
“Consider two specific implications. First, sanctification is a direction you are heading. Second, repentance is a lifestyle you are living” (60).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews

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