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It Will Cost You Everything: What it Takes to Follow Jesus
Nestled in a few verses in Luke's Gospel is a Jesus who would not have been tolerated today: He was not politically correct and He certainly did not try to save people's feelings. Steven Lawson unpacks these few verses, looking at the unashamed honesty, passion, and urgency with which Jesus explains the life-long cost involved in choosing to follow Him. True Christianity is the biggest sacrifice any person ever makes ... but it is in pursuit of the most precious prize ever glimpsed.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2021
105 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Steven J. Lawson
78 books315 followersDr. Steven J. Lawson is the Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, having served as a pastor in Arkansas and Alabama for the past twenty-nine years. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Reformed Theological Seminary (D. Min.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 20, 2021
The Gospel According to Steven Lawson
Paul Washer identifies this book as a “clear exposition of the gospel”. What we find in its page is an exposition of some verses in Luke. Clear and gospel however do not apply. Instead of good news, Steve Lawson unfolds a litany of demands upon lost souls. While discipleship is as costly as declares, he requires lost people to choose discipleship before knowing Christ. This is a profound and damning error.
“Salvation is free. But it will cost you everything.” This is the title and focus of this book. It reads like a spiritual infomercial of nightmares. Free is free, and costly is costly—and it is either one or the other. Sadly, Mr. Lawson is mixing justification and sanctification, believing and discipleship, and Faith with works. In fact, he goes so far as to say that Salvation is by faith alone, BUT that saving faith includes the complete surrender of your life to Christ. (page 101) On another page (95) he claims that grace is offered without cost! Which is it—free or costly? If it costs, it is not free. If it is free, it doesn’t cost the recipient.
He falsely claims that true disciples will never turn back. (Page 72) Ironically, he quotes Peter to this effect, forgetting that Peter himself quit the ministry to go fishing AFTER his conversion. He falsely claims that discipleship is always public, and must be so. (Page 72) He contradicts the Scriptural account of John 19:38 that Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews.
He appeals to cross bearing as a condition of salvation. Of utmost importance is to see that cross bearing is works. It is effort. It is personal sacrifice. If our salvation is conditioned upon how well we work after the fact, is it any wonder why Reformed Christians struggle so with assurance of salvation? They are one lack of cross bearing moment away from deep doubt. Of course, he quotes Luke 14 on this point rather than Luke 9:23 where Jesus made it clear that this was a daily requirement. How could a daily requirement be a condition for salvation?
He tells lost people to count the cost of following Jesus—a hard enough idea for those who are saved!! One must commit to stop his sinning, give away his future life, and commit to always denying self. All this before becoming a child of God. If it sounds impossible... that’s because it is!
Our identity in Christ after salvation is the basis for forsaking sin. Not the other way around. We don’t have an identity of righteousness because we forsook sin before knowing Jesus!
Sadly, the true gospel is barely present in the book. Little or nothing is said about God’s wrath against sin, Jesus taking your place, the resurrection, or how salvation is “not of works, lest any man should boast.”
In summary Steven calls for a two-cross, works-infused “grace” to bring about salvation. Look to Christ, but more importantly look to yourself is his call. He is deeply confused and worthy of Paul’s anathema of preaching a different gospel.
As for me, “It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me.”
Paul Washer identifies this book as a “clear exposition of the gospel”. What we find in its page is an exposition of some verses in Luke. Clear and gospel however do not apply. Instead of good news, Steve Lawson unfolds a litany of demands upon lost souls. While discipleship is as costly as declares, he requires lost people to choose discipleship before knowing Christ. This is a profound and damning error.
“Salvation is free. But it will cost you everything.” This is the title and focus of this book. It reads like a spiritual infomercial of nightmares. Free is free, and costly is costly—and it is either one or the other. Sadly, Mr. Lawson is mixing justification and sanctification, believing and discipleship, and Faith with works. In fact, he goes so far as to say that Salvation is by faith alone, BUT that saving faith includes the complete surrender of your life to Christ. (page 101) On another page (95) he claims that grace is offered without cost! Which is it—free or costly? If it costs, it is not free. If it is free, it doesn’t cost the recipient.
He falsely claims that true disciples will never turn back. (Page 72) Ironically, he quotes Peter to this effect, forgetting that Peter himself quit the ministry to go fishing AFTER his conversion. He falsely claims that discipleship is always public, and must be so. (Page 72) He contradicts the Scriptural account of John 19:38 that Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews.
He appeals to cross bearing as a condition of salvation. Of utmost importance is to see that cross bearing is works. It is effort. It is personal sacrifice. If our salvation is conditioned upon how well we work after the fact, is it any wonder why Reformed Christians struggle so with assurance of salvation? They are one lack of cross bearing moment away from deep doubt. Of course, he quotes Luke 14 on this point rather than Luke 9:23 where Jesus made it clear that this was a daily requirement. How could a daily requirement be a condition for salvation?
He tells lost people to count the cost of following Jesus—a hard enough idea for those who are saved!! One must commit to stop his sinning, give away his future life, and commit to always denying self. All this before becoming a child of God. If it sounds impossible... that’s because it is!
Our identity in Christ after salvation is the basis for forsaking sin. Not the other way around. We don’t have an identity of righteousness because we forsook sin before knowing Jesus!
Sadly, the true gospel is barely present in the book. Little or nothing is said about God’s wrath against sin, Jesus taking your place, the resurrection, or how salvation is “not of works, lest any man should boast.”
In summary Steven calls for a two-cross, works-infused “grace” to bring about salvation. Look to Christ, but more importantly look to yourself is his call. He is deeply confused and worthy of Paul’s anathema of preaching a different gospel.
As for me, “It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me.”
November 5, 2021
Good book! An exposition of Luke 14:27-35, very clear explanation of the gospel and what it will cost. Recommended
January 11, 2024
A great emphasis on what it really means to be a Christian directly from the words of Christ! Great for people who are interested in Christianity and wanting to know more about it.
January 31, 2023
Excellent book. Trapped at home. Dallas ice storm. This was the next book to read on my mile high stack of books calling me to read.
If you dare open this short book (126 pages), this book will confront you with what a true disciple of Jesus Christ looks like.
I warned you. You may not like what you see if you compare the Bible’s description of true discipleship with that of your own life.
This man (me) was convicted to the bone and am left examining and confessing my sloth before the Lord, impediments that keep creeping into my soul that slow me in my Pilgrim’s Progress.
Bottom Line: A must read that captures the passion that only one preacher in this modern age delivers, Pastor Steve Lawson.
Sincerely,
Chas Morse
If you dare open this short book (126 pages), this book will confront you with what a true disciple of Jesus Christ looks like.
I warned you. You may not like what you see if you compare the Bible’s description of true discipleship with that of your own life.
This man (me) was convicted to the bone and am left examining and confessing my sloth before the Lord, impediments that keep creeping into my soul that slow me in my Pilgrim’s Progress.
Bottom Line: A must read that captures the passion that only one preacher in this modern age delivers, Pastor Steve Lawson.
Sincerely,
Chas Morse
February 18, 2022
Excellent
I found this book a blessing. It is confrontational. It beautifully lays out the gospel using the Sermon on the Mount and complacency has no place here. It is a call to action and repentance. Recommending it to all I know, both Christian and those who have not accepted salvation yet.
I found this book a blessing. It is confrontational. It beautifully lays out the gospel using the Sermon on the Mount and complacency has no place here. It is a call to action and repentance. Recommending it to all I know, both Christian and those who have not accepted salvation yet.
June 2, 2021
This is a very good book to help people count the cost of following Jesus. Walking through some of the harder sayings of Jesus, Lawson helps point out that while salvation is a free gift it will cost a believer their life given to Christ.
January 30, 2023
Grace is God's design, Faith is God's choice of whom He will allow to Hear the voice of the Savior, and then there is our responsibility which is to work out salvation with fear and trembling because of a Holy, Holy, Holy God who has endured the Wrath of sin against His holiness. The sanctification and the cost of that grace endured on the cross, come from our desire by a new heart to fulfill the cost of discipleship. This book informs on what that cost is and why. Highly recommend
July 6, 2023
A very good reminder of the importance of counting the cost.
June 15, 2025
Sehr gute Darstellung und Erklärung dessen, was es bedeutet, ein Jünger Jesu zu werden.
Das Buch ist voller Gedankenanstöße und Aufforderungen zur Selbstreflexion.
Vor allem gut geeignet als Geschenk für Ungläubige.
1 Stern weniger wegen der Länge. Hätte viel kürzer geschrieben werden können.
Das Buch ist voller Gedankenanstöße und Aufforderungen zur Selbstreflexion.
Vor allem gut geeignet als Geschenk für Ungläubige.
1 Stern weniger wegen der Länge. Hätte viel kürzer geschrieben werden können.
January 19, 2022
It Will Cost You Everything by Steven J. Lawson is based on the passage in Luke 14 in which Jesus says you must hate mother and father to follow Him. Lawson explains that what Jesus meant is that to following Jesus means to love Him above all else, and it will cost you everything. Your life is no longer your own. You may not live unto yourself. You don't get to have your own time and agenda, but must be willing to give it to God.
The message of this book is very needed this day and age, when many people want to take only the scriptures they like to apply to their lives. People want the social belonging of a church and the feeling of security in checking the God box, but many people have not truly given their lives to Christ and may have a false security. This book is written to encourage and admonish those in the church, whether they are truly saved or whether they are just going through the motions. No matter where you stand, Lawson challenges you to consider whether you have truly counted the cost and whether you have truly put your faith in Jesus.
The message of this book is very needed this day and age, when many people want to take only the scriptures they like to apply to their lives. People want the social belonging of a church and the feeling of security in checking the God box, but many people have not truly given their lives to Christ and may have a false security. This book is written to encourage and admonish those in the church, whether they are truly saved or whether they are just going through the motions. No matter where you stand, Lawson challenges you to consider whether you have truly counted the cost and whether you have truly put your faith in Jesus.
November 6, 2021
This was a little book that packed a big punch. A wonderful, quick read that breaks down the true cost of following Christ. It also thoroughly detailed the differences between a true follower and those who are self-deceived, seekers, or just curious. Steven J. Lawson doesn't mince words or tone down Jesus' message of counting the cost and choosing this very day who you'll serve. An encouraging, yet sobering read for believers and convicting, hopefully, for those who are not. I highly suggest checking this book out if you're looking for a thorough explanation of what it means to truly follow Jesus.
April 30, 2021
A excellent book for those interested in becoming a Christian and for those who already are. Lawson cuts straight to the heart of the matter of what it really means to follow Christ. An encouraging and challenging book.
October 22, 2021
Want to know what it looks like to be a disciple of Christ? Here's the book for you.
November 8, 2021
Amazing book!
Enjoyed this book from start to finish, it definitely put some things into perspective as a young Christian still learning about the things of God.
Enjoyed this book from start to finish, it definitely put some things into perspective as a young Christian still learning about the things of God.
April 5, 2022
Wow-what a book! Definitely, a must-read to fully understand more about living for Christ and how to be a true disciple of Christ.
November 3, 2022
This book is a great exposition of Christ's teachings in Luke 14 about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. It seems like this book is written to non-Christians, to call them to repentance and trust in Jesus, yet the clear gospel seems to be lacking a bit, only focusing on everything you have to give up (which I get is the point of the book), without equally focusing on the free gift of salvation. It might be confusing for a non-Christian who is struggling with faith vs. works. As a strong believer, I found the book to be VERY repetitive and boring, yet it would be a great book for unbelievers or cultural Christians to read. Overall, it is well-written but felt it was a little too juvenile for where I am in my walk with God. My takeaway from every chapter was, "_______ is what I still struggle with giving up to God."
February 24, 2024
This is not an easy book to read, obviously underscored and highlighted by the title.
It is not an easy journey to follow Christ, yet it is a beautiful and wonderful one to know our Lord in a deeper and more intimate way.
This book is definitely not for the faint-hearted, for every sentence will grip your heart with conviction and deep reflection.
A slow burn, this one. Not to be consumed in one sitting.
Take your time to let the Holy Spirit speak these truths into your heart and brand them into your mind, because this is a deep, deep one that could potentially overturn your entire walk thus far with the Lord, and bring it to a deeper and higher level.
Warning: Definitely a lot of tears and uncovering of self. But it is always safe and worth it to run to the Lord.
It is not an easy journey to follow Christ, yet it is a beautiful and wonderful one to know our Lord in a deeper and more intimate way.
This book is definitely not for the faint-hearted, for every sentence will grip your heart with conviction and deep reflection.
A slow burn, this one. Not to be consumed in one sitting.
Take your time to let the Holy Spirit speak these truths into your heart and brand them into your mind, because this is a deep, deep one that could potentially overturn your entire walk thus far with the Lord, and bring it to a deeper and higher level.
Warning: Definitely a lot of tears and uncovering of self. But it is always safe and worth it to run to the Lord.
September 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5: Steven J. Lawson’s It Will Cost You Everything: What it Takes to Follow Jesus offers a concise yet thorough explanation of the Gospel, what comes next for the believers and followers of Christ, and the commitment it requires. For non-believers, this book provides a straightforward and accessible introduction. For Christians, it serves as both a challenge and an encouragement. While I find certain sections repetitive, which the author may have found necessary, it slightly detracted from the overall experience. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable and impactful read. You will need your Bible when reading this book.
June 25, 2025
Steven Lawsons teachings are always gospel driven, convicting, and full of Christ. This book gave me the big smack I needed as I have been, in my opinion, of the world lately. He always takes this teachings from a verse, to an explanation, to a why, and to a practice and it is to humbling. Praise Gos for this book. Will keep and return to when I need those pushes to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ.
February 6, 2023
Great exposition of Luke 14:25-35 and the cost of discipleship.
Particularly liked how he explained the two parables in this text to show that regardless of whether you follow Christ or not, it will cost you everything (either in this life or the next): “There is no neutral state with Christ.”
Particularly liked how he explained the two parables in this text to show that regardless of whether you follow Christ or not, it will cost you everything (either in this life or the next): “There is no neutral state with Christ.”
June 13, 2023
A must read and decide your future!
I love that this book preaches Jesus Christ as the one and only way to be saved and that it tell the sinner not only why but how to accept him as such.
I recommend both sinner and saved to read this book, you won't be sorry you did.
I love that this book preaches Jesus Christ as the one and only way to be saved and that it tell the sinner not only why but how to accept him as such.
I recommend both sinner and saved to read this book, you won't be sorry you did.
July 25, 2022
It’s one of the greatest sermons I’ve ever heard turned into book form, but the adaptation could’ve been done a little better. Still a fantastic message!
September 26, 2022
Not what I expected. This is NOT the good news, but a legalistic treatise. The author lays burdens on people's back and does nothing to help them with the truth of the Gospel. IMHO.
November 29, 2022
Well written and readable
Steven Lawson has written a very important and well thought out book. It is deep and yet plain and readable. I highly recommend it.
Steven Lawson has written a very important and well thought out book. It is deep and yet plain and readable. I highly recommend it.
January 18, 2023
Challenging
Such a great book. Really challenging but a great reminder of what is required to follow Christ. Recommend for sure.
Such a great book. Really challenging but a great reminder of what is required to follow Christ. Recommend for sure.
February 4, 2023
it’s costly but worthy
It’s a concise summary of what we need to commit ourselves to God to be the slave of God but not sins.
It’s a concise summary of what we need to commit ourselves to God to be the slave of God but not sins.
March 1, 2024
Not a fan of Steve Lawson's writing style but praise God for a faithful brother like him.
April 8, 2024
The book did well balancing grace and the great calling we have as followers of God. The timing of the book was hugely beneficial for me.
May 3, 2024
One of Steve Lawson’s great strengths in preaching and writing is taking God’s Truth and making it clear. This book is no exception. This a great primer on taking up one’s cross to follow Jesus.
May 29, 2024
Convicting book
Easy to follow and easy to read in small increments. Every chapter and section has something convicting in it. Now one of my favorites.
Easy to follow and easy to read in small increments. Every chapter and section has something convicting in it. Now one of my favorites.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews