Every Christian struggles with sin and wants to be victorious in the fight.Higher life theology--also known as Keswick theology--offers a quick fix for this struggle. It teaches that there are two categories of those who are merely saved, and those who have really surrendered to Christ. Those who have Jesus as their Savior alone, and those who have him as their Master as well. If Christians can simply "let go and let God" they can be free of struggling with sin and brought to that higher level of spiritual life. What could be wrong with that?A lot, it turns out. In No Quick Fix, a shorter and more accessible version of his book Let Go and Let God?, Andy Naselli critiques higher life theology from a biblical perspective. He shows that it leads not to freedom, but to frustration, because it promises something it has no power to deliver. Along the way, he tells the story of where higher life theology came from, describes its characteristics, and compares it to what the Bible really says about how we overcome sin and become more like Christ.
Andrew David Naselli (PhD, Bob Jones University; PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is associate professor of New Testament and theology at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota and an elder of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
This excellent book is a clear, concise critique of higher life theology, or Keswick theology. You may have never heard of the Keswick conferences, which began in the 19th century. You may have never heard of higher life, deeper life, or victorious life theology, at least not openly under those names. You probably have heard the phrase, "Let go and let God." But, if you've gone to church, listened to Christian radio or TV, or read any Christian books, then you have heard some of these erroneous teachings and you definitely should read this book.
To start with, the title is an appropriate nutshell of the pursuit of higher life, second blessing, or higher plane Christianity. It is the relentless pursuit of some experience or crisis whereby a believer is propelled to another level where they live above sin and with full Spirit power in their life. It that sense, it is seeking a quick fix. The title is also appropriate because emotionally high-charged atmospheres become an addiction where people are constantly seeking that high. Some think they experience it multiple and others think they must not have got it because it wears off and they need another fix. They try to create this weekly in services, in special meetings, and in special conferences or events. You can hear reports of consecrations, decisions, rededications, break throughs, deliverances, etc.
Naselli starts with the history of higher life theology. He traces some of the major proponents of the teaching and highlights some of their differences in approach to it. For instance, higher life theology is a form of perfectionism, but there have been different approaches and beliefs as to what that perfectionism is and how it works.
Naselli proceeds to objectively state what higher life theology is. As opposed to some forms of charismaticism, higher life theology bases its teaching on the Bible. Some other forms of charismatic teaching are nearly entirely experience based, with little thought or effort at reconciling the positions to Scripture. This makes the errors of higher life theology even more dangerous because it pretends to be based on Scripture, giving authority to the teaching.
The last part of the book lays out ten reasons why higher life theology is so dangerous. One of those reasons, obviously, being the misuse and misinterpretation of Scripture. The book ends with some recommendations for reading better books on the Christian life and sanctification.
Higher Life theology (Keswick theology) proposes that sometime after a person becomes a Christian and is justified, they should seek a second experience (“second filling” or “filling of the Spirit”) and thereby become sanctified (and “Spirit-filled’). This idea has become increasingly pervasive since the mid 19th century, often using the slogan, “Let go, and let God.” Naselli concisely but thoroughly debunks this view of sanctification, showing the errors that result: 1. It creates two categories of Christian (“carnal” and “spiritual”) 2. It portrays a shallow and incomplete view of sin in the Christian life 3. It emphasizes passivity, not activity 4. It portrays the Christian’s free will as autonomously starting and stopping sanctification 5. It does not interpret and apply the Bible accurately 6. It assures spurious “Christians” they are saved 7. It uses superficial formulas for instantaneous sanctification 8. It fosters dependency on experience at special holiness meetings 9. It frustrates and disillusions the have-nots 10. It misinterprets personal experiences
Naselli (and John MacArthur in the afterword) insists that “there is only one kind of Christian: a person who has been justified and is being sanctified.” Sanctification is a lifelong process that begins at justification.
Very helpful, I didn't realize how much theology had influenced my thinking (for example, Hannah Whitall Smith's book "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" was the first Christian book I read after my conversion). Anyway, I would definitely give this book to someone in the grip of that theology.
A condensed version of his larger work "Let Go and Let God?" (available on Logos), this book is a short but powerful punch in the face to higher life theology. The essence of HLT is the exegetically unwarranted chasm it places between justification and sanctification, creating the need for someone to find a mystical secret to spiritual growth that is passive rather than active, instant rather than over time, and fueled by repeated crisis decisions aided by special meetings rather than by ongoing normal grace. The assumption held by HLT advocates is that "getting saved" makes a person a carnal Christian, and living the higher, abundant life or "abiding" in Christ is necessary to make the switch from carnal to spiritual. It creates two classes of Christians, gives unbelievers false assurance (since people that have no fruit but prayed the prayer must be "carnal Christians), makes church discipline nearly impossible, over-emphasizes one-time commitment decisions made during church services, makes one dependent on special meetings, and leads to a host of other problems. READ THIS BOOK and then buy copies for your friends!
Really helpful little book that deals charitably but firmly with the whole constellation of teachings known as "higher life theology." I appreciated the thoroughly researched material in the book (heavily footnoted - my favorite!); it helped me connect a lot of dots as the genealogy of the teaching was traced through history and various traditions down to our own day. Historical perspective is just so helpful in these matters. Consider this example: "Ephesians 5:18 commands, 'Be filled with the Spirit.' That is the only time Spirit-filling appears in Paul's letters, which suggests that higher life theology is out of balance when it makes Spirit-filling the secret key to victorious Christian living. Before higher life theology in the 1800s, Christians did not emphasize Spirit-filling as key to victorious Christian living. That does not mean that Spirit-filling is unimportant. but the way higher life theology has focused on Spirit-filling is unwarranted." (p.62)
The author was on the whole quite charitable and took the time to highlight some of the really wonderful positives of many higher-life groups, including this quote from D.A. Carson: "Although I think it extremely dangerous to pursue a second blessing attested by tongues, I think it no less dangerous not to pant after God at all, and to be satisfied with a merely creedal Christianity is kosher but complacent, orthodox but ossified, sound but soundly asleep." Also, this from Albert Martin: "Frankly, I would rather be with a warm-hearted woolly-headed 'Wesleyan' who thinks he needs and has had a second work of grace, but who is hungry for God, than the man who can sit for hours and prove that there is no such thing, and whose heart is as cold as stone." Nevertheless, the book is a critique, and interestingly the author devotes an entire chapter (out of only 4) to "the fundamental reason higher life theology is harmful," and that is the fact that it "creates two categories of Christians." The author shows from Scripture, through thorough exegesis, why this is problematic.
"Higher life theology chronologically separates justification from progressive sanctification by emphasizing a crisis of consecration that occurs at a point in time after justification and enables progressive sanctification to begin. That essentially divides Christ as one whom people can 'take' as their justifier (or Savior) without 'taking' him as their sanctifier (or Lord).
But the New Testament teaches that from the moment of justification, progressive sanctification is experientially actual (not merely potential or possible) for all Christians. It is impossible for a Christian to be justified without at the same time experiencing progressive sanctification." (p.51-52)
He goes on to list 9 more reasons why higher life theology is harmful, although no every reason listed is equally compelling.
For anyone wrestling through these issues, I think this is a helpful book worth checking out. I come away from it thankful for the increased clarity and understanding and also an appreciation for the strengths of the higher life teaching. Likewise, I feel I have a much better grasp of the fundamental issues and dangers inherent in higher life theology.
No Quick Fix is a very readable and helpful overview of Higher Life Theology, it’s origins, history, and impact within Evangelicalism today. In a sentence, Higher Life Theology views progressive sanctification as a two step process where, first, a person receives Jesus as saviour upon conversion and, second, after some time of living as a “carnal” Christian, re-receives Jesus as Lord, becoming Spirit filled in the process. (In contrast to the reform view which sees progressive sanctification as beginning with conversion and continuing progressively over the course of a Christian’s life.)
The first half of the book is intended to ‘objectively’ present what Higher Life Theology is and where it came from, while the second half serves as critical evaluation. Naselli does a good job in the first half at remaining as impartial as possible in his chronicling of HLT, and is convincing in his analysis in the second half.
Naselli clearly explains the issue and frames it in appropriate language—HLT is certainly not the most serious theological issue in vogue today, but it does have harmful implications for the church. Naselli deals with ten such implications in the second half of the book, arguing his points well with solid Biblical support.
The book is packed full of charts and figures to help illustrate the main points, and generally I found these very helpful. One or twice, though, they felt a slight bit redundant.
Higher Life Theology goes by many names and comes in many forms. Chances are the average Christian will have encountered it at some point, to one degree or another. As someone who has not been directly affected by HLT I still feel that the information in this book was well worth reading!
No Quick Fix is a response to Keswick theology. In part 1, Naselli gives an historical and theological survey of the doctrine. In summary, Keswick theology (higher life theology) says that there are 2 categories of Christians (carnal and spiritual). One moves from one stage to the other after an instantaneous work of God which now empowers sanctification (hence "higher life"). Part 2 unpacks 10 reasons why Naselli finds this doctrine harmful. He presents a counter view that sanctification begins at the point of salvation and that there is only 1 category of Christians.
Naselli's book is commendable for its clarity, its charts, its readability, and its exposition of Scripture. It is a condensed version of his dissertation "Keswick Theology: A Historical and Theological Survey and Analysis of the Doctrine of Sanctification in the Early Keswick Movement, 1875-1920."
This one took me a long time to finish, which is sad considering it’s 100 pages, but I’ve had to read and reread repeatedly. I have known for years that Keswick Theology is erroneous and dangerous, but I had no idea how much of my thinking was influenced by this false teaching. Frankly, it has startled me at times! I am so thankful for Naselli’s work and clear writing. Praise the lord for this resource and many others like it that give hope to genuine believers in the midst of progressive sanctification. Highly recommended!
If you know the Christian cliche "Let go and let God," then you're already familiar with the essence of higher life theology (also called Keswick theology). Although higher life theology is not a heresy, it is a misguided teaching on sanctification. Here's the gist: Following justification, all Christians are carnal and cannot live victoriously over sin until they have a "crisis" moment of complete surrender and full dedication to God. After this "crisis," Christians reach the plane of being spiritual and living in constant victory over sin because they are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Staying Spirit-filled then becomes the only way to keep living victoriously. God does all. We put no effort into our sanctification.
Besides explaining the "what" of higher life theology, highlighted above, this book also explains higher life theology's origins, evaluates it against Scripture, and gives several reasons why it is harmful to Christians (even if they are sincerely trying to pursue holiness). Although Naselli approaches the discussion and evaluation from a Reformed perspective, this book is still an informative, helpful look at an important theological topic.
A couple notes to potential readers: 1) Although this book is intended for the average layperson in the church, it is still ultimately a pared-down version of a dissertation. I don't say that as a criticism, per se, but rather I say it to give fair warning. There are quite a lot of diagrams and tables (felt almost overwhelming at times reading on my Kindle) and a decidedly academic quality to the writing. 2) Naselli charitably but honestly mentions some well-known Christians who held to higher life theology: J. Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, and Frances R. Havergal, to name a few. Out of a sincere desire to honor truth, it would be easy to overreact, throw the baby out with the bathwater, and turn against these godly Christians and their God-honoring labors. However, Naselli at no point endorses such a response, nor do I. On the issue, my pastor wisely told me, "Hero worship no. Admire, even with their warts, yes. Everyone has warts. We lose too much when we discount men and women of whom the world was not worthy."
Finally, a word about my rating: The content of this book is more on the level of 4 stars than 3. Unfortunately, I felt I had to knock off a star because this "book" is really just a glorified essay that people are still expected to pay full book price for (as of my writing this review, Amazon's prices are $9.99 for Kindle and $16.10 for paperback). I would be more forgiving if all 160 pages were substantive content. But at the 26% mark on my Kindle, I had already reached "Acknowledgements." Then the rest of the book was a subject/name index, Scripture index, endnotes, and Bible references (full text of all the Scripture passages Naselli uses). The Bible references section alone takes up 44% of the Kindle edition (!). In other words, there's a ridiculous amount of padding to justify selling and marketing No Quick Fix as a book. Disappointing.
I’m very glad this book exists. In merely 100 pages, Naselli densely examines and rightly critiques “second blessing” theology. This can be called by various names—“second blessing,” “Spirit-baptism,” “second work of grace,” “complete surrender,” etc. In this book, he focuses mainly on Keswick theology, which he calls “higher life” theology throughout.
The table of contents, with it’s parts and chapters, explains the entire book well:
Part 1 is about where higher life theology came from, and here he explains “What is the story of higher life theology?” (ch. 1), and “What is higher life theology” (ch. 2). The first chapter especially is incredibly informative. Naselli did his doctrinal dissertation on the history and issue, and you can tell he’s jam-packing information into a 20 page chapter. The same goes for his explanation of what it is. He does a good job giving an accurate description of it.
Part 2 then is about why higher life theology is harmful. He talks about “the fundamental reasons higher life theology is harmful” (ch. 3), and “nine more reasons higher life theology is harmful” (ch. 4). The number one reason is that it creates two sets of “Christians” (“carnal” and “spiritual”), but the other nine reasons are dangerous as well.
Then, as an added bonus, he includes an Afterword by John MacArthur in which he gives a little backstory on how higher life theology influenced him.
In brief, this was excellently done. His history was fantastic, leaning heavy on primary sources (not secondary ones). His explanation on what they teach was not a straw man. And most importantly: his exegesis was great (he even has whole pages diagraming important passages on the subject like Romans 6 and 1 Corinthians 2!). And he does so with the constant support of other theologians, especially J.I. Packer.
Overall, very well done. I’m shocked how much this “higher life” theology has impacted evangelicalism. And after reading this, I see it in many places. And so, this book is a good read. I still believe (as does Naselli) that many of those who hold/held to higher life theology are saved, and many of them are amazing Christian influences, but the truth is that the second blessing, the carnal vs. spiritual distinction, and the idea of concentration and sanctification after conversion is just not biblical—and more importantly, not helpful, but quite hurtful. Naselli shows so with grace and clarity.
Good and concise book on higher life theology (which may be more recognizable by the name victorious Christian life theology). The first half of the book deals with where it came from and what it teaches, the second half with why higher life theology is wrong and dangerous. I was raised in this theological stream, and Naselli hits the nail on the head. I wish he hadn't cut quite so much from the book that this one is condensed from (Let Go and Let God? A Survey and Analysis of Keswick Theology) - it would have been nice to have a little more depth in the second half of the book. A very helpful and useful book, and at about 100 pages of text, an easy read.
Before being introduced to this book, I was unaware of the term "higher life theology", but I was familiar with its tenets. From constant defeat to constant victory, from Jesus as Savior to Jesus as Lord, and from being indwelt by the Spirit to being filled by the Spirit, higher life theology asserts that a Christian can achieve a second, higher level of Christianity whereby sanctification begins. A Christian is a lower-level Christian until they fully surrender to the Lord, then attaining a higher level. Naselli does a wonderful job of explaining the history and danger of this theology, and I think this is well worth a read if you are looking to grow as a Christian.
“I hoped that in some favored hour, He’d subdue my sin and give me rest” John Newton’s famous line in “I asked the Lord that I may grow” is consistent with the propensities of every Christians heart. Every brother or sister who desires the grow in holiness, at some point, has this notion that there’s a “favored hour” they should be looking for where they’ll no longer battle with besetting sins. This is not to say we shouldn’t fight sin, but it is to say we should make sure we’re fighting it the right way. This book is helpful in that it helps the reader remember that progressive sanctification walks hand in hand with our justification.
I grew up in an era where the influence of 'higher life' theology was heavy. For much of my young adult life I fully accepted the various forms of this understanding of the Christian life. I even longed for the day I too could enter into such a state as a Christian that I would, with very little effort conquer sin & temptation. This book is an excellent & helpful study into what the Bible has to say about all this, he shows us how the New Testament affirms that believers must actively fight sinful desires and do good works, & of course how God enables us to do so. An excellent quote from the author-"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace."
This book is quite dense for its lightness! It does a good job of being written on a popular level, but is obviously based on a lot of deep thought–with footnotes to prove it!
As for content, I agreed right away with many of the Naselli's statements. Other statements pushed me to study more, for which I am thankful. His history of the higher life movement was very interesting. This book certainly helped me to have a better understanding of various viewpoints I have heard.
Quite the outstanding critique of higher life theology. I have friends and family that have suffered as a result of this teaching. The depression and anxiety of never reaching the spiritual plateau that others around you claim to have reached is often quite emotionally damaging. If I could do anything for those dear to me that have been harmed by this teaching, it would be to get this book in their hands.
Really helpful. I grew up in a regular revival-meeting-holding, weekly altar-call-giving, “dedicate your life to Christ” church that left me totally confused as to how sanctification works and how I could grow in holiness. Andy (a former teacher and friend) helpfully gets the ball rolling on this issue, and I’m eager to get it into the hands of as many Christian friends, family members, and people in our church as I can.
this book exposed so many lies i believe about God and opened my eyes to so many heresies in the church today. it took me three months and many tears to finish this book (although it was short, I was convicted of something on every page).
would recommend to anyone who experiences sanctification from our Lord.
An excellent book that helped me put to words some red flags that I had concerning the Keswick school of thought. It'd long failed the smell test but I did not know how to explain why precisely.
The Keswick/Higher Life/Let Go and Let God theology has permeated the Bible belt and this is an excellent resource for understanding it and why it is wrong.
This is an excellent book on an important subject. I had some idea of the problems with this theology after reading things like this- https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl... . I knew I had been influenced by this theology at that point, and was starting to notice where it crept in more often. However, reading this book was very eye opening to me and really brought to light the dangers of this theology in a concise and easy to read way. It helped me put my finger on some of the ways I was influenced negatively by these teachings. I saw how in my own life I opened the door to morbid introspection by internalizing this kind of teaching. This book consists of two main sections- Part 1- Where Higher Life Theology Came From and What It Is and Part 2- Why Higher Life Theology is Harmful. I found the history of the movement in Part 1 especially fascinating as it really put the pieces together for me in seeing where I had taken in so much of the teaching. Part 2 is very helpful and thorough in enumerating the harm this theology does. Naselli quotes J.I. Packer as saying, "It is not much of a recommendation when all you can say is that this teaching may help you if you do not take its details too seriously. It is utterly damning to have to say, as in this case I think we must, that if you do take its details seriously, it will tend not to help you but to destroy you." I highly recommend this book to all Christians. Chances are, you have been influenced by Higher Life theology as well, and will be encouraged and enlightened by reading this short book.
I typically would not score a book so poorly for theological disagreement. I engage with those from whom I differ quite frequently. A number of reformed theologians adorn my shelves. The problem with Naselli’s book is that he grossly oversimplifies the holiness tradition, including the Pentecostal stream, to the degree most couldn’t recognize what’s (supposedly) their own theology. Certainly there are some who adhere to this very strict (and very false) Kenswickian theology, but they are not the mainline adherents of holiness or propagators of Spirit baptism. Whatsmore, Naselli frequently posits false dichotomies (or trichotomies), offering a handful of alternative ways to approach various doctrinal points, none of which are truly exhaustive. Now, no 100 page doctrinal thesis can ever hope to be truly exhaustive, but I spilled a great deal of ink adding counterpoints and rebuttals to the margins, and citing scriptures conspicuously absent from the author’s mosaic (in true reformed fashion, the 65 books of the Bible which aren’t Romans receive very little lip service). Perhaps this is a genuinely accurate portrayal of higher life theology (which I do not claim to affirm), but by ignoring any and every other shade of “holiness” doctrines of sanctification, after explicitly linking them as part of this same family (which we admittedly are), it leaves those of us in that camp saying “so what?” (and I can assure you, leaves our reformed critics no better off engaging with us apologetically).
This book was an easy read, and serves as a good overview of "Higher Life theology", a view of sanctification that has pervaded Evangelicalism since the late 1800's. Higher Life theology is the flawed framework which led to the Lordship Salvation controversies, so this book gives useful background and history. Ultimately, Higher Life theology's mantra of "Let go and let God" (in regards to sanctification) is unbiblical and harmful.
This book serves as good introduction to the above (particularly to those who were not around during those debates), but the author's refutation of Higher Life theology could've been stronger and more encompassing of the debated Biblical texts. This is a companion to his larger treatment on the subject, however, so the emphasis on background and history in this volume is understandable.
Readable explanation of the danger of “higher life theology”. Proven supports for his arguments and charitable critique make this an exemplary volume in Christian disagreement.
If you believe there are three categories of people (non-Christians, carnal Christians, and Christians), then this book’s arguments will press you to prove your theology from the Word, itself.
If you know people who believe that you can make Jesus your Savior, and (later on) then make him your Lord, read this book.
The brief, autobiographical afterword by MacArthur was a bonus: I didn’t realize he grew up in this type of theology.
Voor mij herkenbare inhoud gezien de kerk waar ik tot geloof kwam elementen bevat van deze 'higher life theology'. Vooral het gedeelte van de geschiedenis van deze leer is verhelderend, omdat we altijd te horen kregen dat we alles regelrecht uit de Bijbel halen (zeggen we overigens allemaal).
Minder sterk is het gedeelte waarin de auteur uitlegt waarom deze theologie bijbels slecht onderbouwd is. Hij heeft wel gelijk, maar gezien de korte lengte was hij genoodzaakt zijn gedachten minder uitgebreid te onderbouwen.
Goed boek om te lezen, vooral voor degenen die een vorm van higher life theology aanhangen (al weten veel van hen niet dat zij ermee te maken hebben).
What a helpful, brief introduction, description, and critique of higher life theology.
Higher life theology is where the phrase "let go and let God" originated. It argues that there are two stages or levels to Christianity--initial justification, and then later full sanctification that occurs through full surrender.
The book has four chapters. One introducing the history of this thinking. One describing the theology, and then two providing biblical critiques of it.
This is the second book by Naselli I've read this month. He is setting a wonderful example of how to use his scholarship to produce accessible, important material for Christians. Praise God for his ministry.
I wish I had this book 15 years ago as a teenager in a Pentecostal church.
Naselli provides an excellent overview and critique of Higher Life Theology. In part 1 he traces the roots of the movement and where we see it today. In part 2 he shows how harmful theology really is.
The figures, diagrams, and charts—especially his in-depth breakdown of Romans 6, 1 Corinthians 2, and John 15—are very helpful.
This is a book you should buy in bulk for your Wesleyan, charismatic, and Pentecostal friends.
A clear and concise overview and response to an unhelpful doctrine.
This is an excellent book. Naselli effectively overviews the background of “higher life” theology and responds with 10 dangers the theology has. This put into words so much of the concerns I have with the Pentecostal theology I grew up in. But the influence of the Keswick convention goes far beyond the bounds of Pentecostalism. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any believer. It is informative, insightful, and respectful of the faithful saints who have held and preached this off the mark view.