Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart from the Book of James

by David Gibson

An Expository Journey through the Book of James Helps Christians Move from Double-Mindedness to Wholeness

Everyone longs for wholeness and honesty in their lives. In reality, people are often double-minded--pulled between good and evil--in their speech, actions, and character. These rifts can be spiritually and relationally devastating. So how does God heal a fractured heart?

This exploration of the New Testament book of James helps readers identify double-mindedness in their own lives and understand God's grace as he "pulls apart the divided heart to make it whole." Explaining James's challenging epistle chapter by chapter, David Gibson helps readers embrace the painful yet profound process of redemption, defeat double-mindedness, and experience wholeness in every area of their lives.

Theologically Rich: Thoroughly examines major themes in the book of James, including double-mindedness, pride, spiritual maturity, suffering, and God's grace Winsome and Accessible: This clear, expository study is ideal for pastors and laypeople, including college students and those involved in small groups or adult Sunday School Written by David Gibson: Author of Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End Includes Study Questions: Each chapter ends with questions for deeper reflection

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Faith, Spirituality

216 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

David Gibson (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is the Minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. Previously he served as a staff worker for the Religious and Theological Studies Fellowship (part of UCCF) and as an assistant minister at High Church, Hilton, Aberdeen. Gibson has also published a number of articles and books such as Rich: The Reality of Encountering Jesus and Reading the Decree: Exegesis, Election and Christology in Calvin and Barth.

Reviews

[Cameron McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon second reading, I have revived my love for this book. It has redirected my eyes toward the joy and fulfilment of committed Christian living as a radically whole disciple, pulled toward God and not toward the world. Gibson has such a way with words which makes him so easy to read. He examines 9 themes that appear in the book of James and helps us to understand the radically undivided aims we should have in our faith for areas like perfection, love and words and how we can reach them. He challenges us to think about one-minded Christian responses to wealth and suffering. I found Gibson’s exegesis of James 5 very sensible and convincing. All in all a delight to read, I used it as a devotional with the study questions at the end of each chapter, and I’d encourage others to do the same in order to get the most out of it!

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this to help lead a men’s Bible Study, such a good resource and one that blessed our men immensely. Gibson is a Great writer, and this book did not disappoint. Not as good as his Ecclesiastes book but still so good. Gibson! Write more books sir!!!

[Brandi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into reading this book, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Biblical wholeness has always been intriguing to me so I was taken by the title and back cover copy. I was even more delighted when I started reading the book. David Gibson takes the reader on a journey through the book of James, showing us how this epistle written by the half-brother of Jesus points to the wholeness that he desires the believers to whom he is writing to have.

Every chapter covers a section of text from the epistle, focusing in on James’ message and leaving us, the readers, with practical application and thought-provoking questions that help us to measure whether our way of living matches up with our confession of faith in Christ. He shows that unlike Martin Luther believed, James’ epistle isn’t just a hodgepodge of random thoughts that weren’t connected. This epistle has an aim and a rather pointed one—and it still serves as a heart-check for believers today.

This is a really great read for someone who wants to study a book of the Bible, but doesn’t feel comfortable doing it without a guide. It’s also a great read for anyone who has already read the book of James but would appreciate a pastor coming alongside them to help them apply its lessons practically. It’s a convicting and interesting read. What I love most is that the biblical exposition is deep, but it’s a totally approachable book—I recommend it!

I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley and Crossway in exchange for this honest review.

[Emma Lipetska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read with practicle implications!

A breakdown of the steps towards holiness were to:

1) Think Clearly “there is no wholeness without loving truth telling, so here we learn that there is no wholeness without soreness. There is no perfection and completeness without suffering trials of various kind”

2) Ask Boldly “experiencing suffering and counting it all joy certainly doesn’t come naturally; you need wisdom. But look who you are asking: the God “who gives generously to all without reproach””

3) Boast Rightly “we should, in godly self-sufficiency, accustom our soul to simplicity, and should substitute, for the variety of things the one God who is most sufficient in every way for all things (Gen. 17:1), who is accordingly for us the one thing necessary (Luke 10:42). So then let us possess him as our lot, with a simple acquiescence, and other things as corollaries (Matt. 6:33), looking to the Apostle, who urges this contentment (1 Tim. 6:6) and lights our way in it with his own example (Phil. 4:11-12)."

All in all I totally recommend this book, convicting, thought provoking, and a great resource that ties all points to scripture!

[Joshua Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good commentary for the book of James. There were pieces I disagreed with- but overall a good view of James.

Postscript was really really good.

“Christian, you have the task of being a brother or sister in the most precious living organism on earth. That is your calling, to live out the family identity that God has given you. Search and rescue is your calling when it’s needed, every single time, because that’s how much we’re worth to each other. You cannot wander away from the truth into error and sin without me coming after you, and I shouldn’t be able to do so either without you coming to find me. So, if you want to pursue wholeness in your life, confess your sins when this is needed. Keep short accounts, but grow long fuses. I love a phrase I heard recently: in your church, be that person who
is very easy to please and almost impossible to upset. Use gentle words. Speak words of prayer for one another. James is clear about what will happen as we live like this: such humility will grow maturity in our hearts, and we will be on the
path to wholeness. Radical wholeness.” (P.196)

[Isaac Hulse · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Christians, I think we all gravitate towards books that encourage and uplift us but are we so keen to read a book that confronts and corrects us? David Gibson very much does the latter and does so with humility, grace, and skill. He brings the believer face to face with the difficult truths in the epistle of James and if read prayerfully and humbly, I trust that God will use it to make the reader more like our Saviour, and the church more like the firstfruits we are meant to be (James 1:18).

[Nathan Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a more humbling and gracious book. The author unpacked the deep theology of the book of James in a practical and unavoidable manner for each believer. No one is exempt in each chapter! I’m very thankful for the deep cuts the book had on my heart to expose areas that were preventing my wholehearted obedience. This book will definitely be a book I return to often.

[Bobby James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good take on James! I appreciated Gibson’s insight (which seems to be taken from Doug Moo) on the central concern of James. Wholeness is his motivating concern and is the theme that drives the entire letter. After reading Gibson along with Moo and others, I’m convinced that’s the central concern as well.

It was very practical, much like James itself. Would be helpful to go through in a small group and to combat the tendency to paint all obedience as legalism.

Chapter 4 was meh. It covered James 2:14-26 which puts a heavy emphasis on faith being made visible through works. And I didn’t appreciate the tunnel vision that Gibson treated the passage with. It was the classic, “if you love theology and Bible study and not people, you need to check yourself.” Which I acknowledge is true and too be fair is the emphasis that James himself puts on the matter. But I would’ve appreciated a category of “works” that is not simply doing some sort of bodily, religious activity. I don’t think that James’s idea of works excludes what we typically think of as “non-practical.”

[Traci Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent walk through the book of James, in both context and application. I found myself convicted at times. Again, did I mention it's a commentary-of-sorts on James? Always convicting.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radically Whole
Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart
by David Gibson
Pub Date 11 Oct 2022 |
Crossway
Christian | Religion & Spirituality


I am reviewing a copy of Radically Whole through Crossway and Netgalley:



We all long for wholeness and honesty in their lives. In reality, people are often double-minded, pulled between good and evil in their speech, actions, and character. These rifts can be spiritually and relationally devastating. So how does God heal a fractured heart?



Radically Whole is an exploration into the New Testament book of James helps readers identify double-mindedness in their own lives and understand God’s grace as he “pulls apart the divided heart to make it whole.



David Gibson helps readers embrace the painful yet profound process of redemption, defeat double-mindedness, and experience wholeness in every area of their lives.


I give Radically Whole five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Brendan Westerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Some chapters are better than others, (I liked the earlier chapters best) but on the whole it was pretty helpful.

Perhaps my favorite aspect was his interaction with the Jewish literature that would have been the backdrop to the book of James. In particular, his treatment of the Shema: (“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.) Gibson's understanding is, (to paraphrase): "The Lord your God is one; you also should be one." And this undergirds the book of James and its polemic against double-mindedness.

He does hold forth "wholeness" as a goal ultimately fulfilled in the age to come, but he also encourages us to take real steps here and now to bring our wills and affections in line with the Lord.

[Parker Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after really enjoying David Gibson's book on Ecclesiastes, and his work here on James is great as well. He focuses on the main themes from James's epistle and guides Christian readers to applying the scriptures to their lives. The work is practical and convicting as would be expected. Would recommend as a good companion to a study of James, or to anyone wanting to think more about key areas of the Christian life (love, words, wisdom, wealth, and suffering, to name a few).

[Ethan Moehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the best book I read in 2024. Gibson has a gift for simple, punchy application. My appreciation for the tricky little letter of James has gone significantly up through this heart searching book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pastoral and deeply challenging book on James. I needed it.

[Hannah Mignard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful guide while reading the book of James. Gibson offered new perspectives for me and stuck closely to the scriptures, which I greatly appreciated. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

“For underneath it all is this question: What is the church worth to God?”

[Gareth Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant, easily accessible commentary on the Bible book James. Clear with piercing application. Thoroughly recommended.

[Emilie Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, extremely practical, highly readable study on James. I have firmly established myself as a fan of Gibson (his books a go-to gift for people in my life), and Radically Whole did not disappoint. I found this really helpful to read after deep diving into James, and - in typical Gibson fashion - extremely pastoral in its tenderness. That being said it does not shirk on theological deepness, deftly dealing with the topics discussed in the epistle with refreshing accessibility.

I found the chapters on words, wisdom, presumption, and suffering particularly helpful (in reality I found the whole book helpful, and would struggle to narrow it down much further). Also a really hopeful + heartening postscript; and good wee discussion at the close of each chapter - would be ideal for book club/Bible study/general discussion purposes. My copy has been defaced by underlining and exclamation points as a result of its aforementioned helpfulness! Felt like copying out lines of its wisdom onto sticky notes and surrounding my room/car/surroundings/etc with them on multiple occasions. I just really really did enjoy reading this book, and found myself challenged, encouraged, and primed to conduct a serious heart-check in light of it.

A mere few of the sticky note worthy aphorisms:
- ‘What will be different in God’s eternal kingdom this year because of what you chose to do with your time, your money, your resources?’

- ‘Whatever tomorrow holds, he wills, and what he wills he wills for my good and his glory’

- ‘The suffering of Christ’s people is always there to remind us that Christ the King is coming again’

- ‘The Bible teaches us to weep patiently. I dont have to see the point to know that there must be one, and I don’t have to know all the answers to know that God must have them’

[plus some seriously staunch quotes at the proem of each chapter - Machen/ Billy Graham/Augustine/etc… things you love to see🤠]

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The fundamental problem of the human condition is not primarily what we say or do; rather, it is who and what we love instead of God."

This practical reflection on the book of James is relevant and insightful, helping you thoughtfully consider areas in your life that are either outright or drifting, outside of faithful Christian living. I believe this topic is relevant and applicable to all believers and useful for discipleship.

The delivery fell a bit flat for me. He cites the same commentary repeatedly and the application seemed distant and less inviting. So, it's not that I have a problem with the principles or truths expressed, just came across lacklustre for me.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radically Whole goes through the biblical book of James, drawing out each theme and exploring important implications for our lives. At the beginning, David Gibson addresses ways that Christians have often misunderstood James, and he handles its complex themes in a careful, insightful manner. He begins each chapter with a striking quote, and then he shares the next section of James, unpacking its content throughout the chapter. He emphasizes the unifying theme of being "whole" rather than double-minded and inconsistent, and he interprets James's teaching on a variety of ever-pertinent issues in church life and individuals' faith. The chapter about the impact of words is especially helpful.

Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart shares lots of wise reflections and practical encouragements, but it doesn't fully live up to the subtitle. This is a commentary on James, not a topical book, and the focus on double-mindedness fades away about halfway through. Nonetheless, this is an excellent, highly readable commentary, with great insights for both pastors and laypeople. Gibson breaks down the eminently practical wisdom of this book of the Bible in a very helpful way, sharing life applications for our modern context and clearing up confusing things that people often misinterpret.

I found this book to be very logical, well-organized, and carefully reasoned, and I appreciate Gibson's insight and strong communication skills. This is an excellent refresher on James, and because Gibson goes through the entire book, he addresses parts that would rarely come up in a topical study, such as the sudden shift in chapter five towards denouncing the ungodly rich who exploit and trample on the poor. People often don't know how to handle this section, which seems to come out of nowhere, but Gibson clearly relates it to the overall themes and progression of the letter, and gives a well-balanced, helpful look at every element of this often underappreciated book of the Bible.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read David Gibson's exposition on the book of Ecclesiastes so I immediately added his latest book, Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart to my TBR. I am grateful to Crossway Books for a finished copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

David Gibson breaks down the book of James into nine major points all driving to the main thesis of the book which is that we are a double-minded people in need of the grace only God can bestow. Gibson wrote, "James is saying that our deepest problem, the well from which all the symptoms flow, is a spiritual split personality; we are divided on the inside which is what leads us to cause division on the outside."

Two of the most constant sources of conviction for me in the book of James center around the call to be doers of the word rather than merely hearers of the word and to tame my tongue which is a daily struggle for me personally. Gibson aptly presents a call to action that I found at once convicting and encouraging- "So, where are you with Christ and his word? Do you nod at its truth? Do you expect the Bible to comfort but never rebuke you? To encourage you and exhort you but never to humble or admonish you? When was the last time a behavior changed, an action started or stopped, because of what the Bible says?" What a word!

In his analysis of our need to tame the tongue, Gibson once again made a keen observation on James' exhortation to believers saying, "We each go through life with the capacity to be molded or misshapen by the words of others that land on our ears. All the time we are being pressed or pulled, and harmed or healed, because of the penetrating power of words. It is possible for someone to reach the end of this day in a far worse condition because of the words you send that person's way. It is also possible today to leave someone in significantly better shape because of something you might say to him or her."

Overall, this book is a highly accessible text that takes a verse by verse approach to a thorough understanding of James. I heartily recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.

[Mark Linton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radically Whole neatly demonstrates the thread of gospel grace running through the Epistle of James. Before, I always struggled to see the epistle's logic. This book has given me a useful interpretive grid in its vocabulary of 'wholeness'.

"At the heart of James 1:1-18 is a fundamental contrast between God, as our Creator and perfect heavenly Father, and us, as creatures shot through with imperfection and sin. God is everything we are not. He is simple, undivided, and whole, and there is nothing about him that lacks integrity. We are partitioned, fractured, double-minded..."

As James is a practical letter, so Gibson's book applies the language of oneness to each practical element of the letter, including words, favouritism, wealth, time, and sickness. He acknowledges that these "might be hard words to hear. The Lord's healing medicine for the malaise of our divided hearts might be a bitter pill to swallow."

But the remedy to our divided hearts is also beautiful and transformative in nature. It is transformative "from the inside out." True change can only result from a healed heart.

"Maybe the best thing you can do as you read these things is simply wonder and adore, for God has taken the truth about you and let the Lord Jesus pay for it all in his death on the cross. Humility grows from here. It comes from the grace of God to us in Jesus. You cannot change your words without killing pride. And you cannot kill your pride while staying far away from Christ. So, humble yourself before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is not quite right but the content is spot on.

If readers take the time to look at the webpage blurb about this title or use the “Look Inside” feature, they will get an accurate picture of what to expect from David Gibson’s new book, “Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart”.

Nine chapters of expository, inductive teaching explore the book of James. It’s a tiny New Testament book that’s full of life and character challenges for Christians. Gibson does a great job of directing readers to the potential divides one might experience. This is done in a loving way pointing readers to the gospel and prayer for answers and healing.

All things considered, a Bible study with good personal applications📚

[Andy Treece · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. David Gibson is a pastor, and he shows a pastor’s heart in his very good exposition of the book of James. He teaches that an overriding theme in James is we have divided hearts and are double-minded (between the world and Christ’s kingdom) and the remedy is to humble ourselves before God and seek forgiveness found only through the blood of Jesus Christ.

The book of James teaches us that we are to seek God’s way in every aspect of our lives - to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Gibson uses apt illustrations and stories throughout the book to help readers better understand James and how the Gospel gives us the wholeness in Christ that our hearts and minds need to better live out our faith - to become what we are declared to be in Christ.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book on March 6th, and in the course of the introduction, the Lord broke my heart of sin I was blinded to. I am not the same Christian as I was March 6th as I continued in this detailed and rich study in the book of James, the “heart doctor.” Far more important than this, this book reminds us of our value in being a member of Christ’s church and bride, and how we are to love one another.

“So, if you want to pursue wholeness in your life, confess your sins when this is needed. Keep short accounts, but grow long fuses.
I love a phrase I heard recently: in your church, be that person who is very easy to please and almost impossible to upset. Use gentle words. Speak words of prayer for one another.”

[Amanda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the New Testament book of James in how it applies to becoming "whole". In today's world "finding yourself" is something we hear a lot. Usually, it actually translates to finding fleeting happiness in worldly things. This book covers becoming whole without trying to find yourself in worldly things.

I thoroughly enjoyed the topics covered in this book. I was currently reading through the New Testament on my own when I picked up this book. I found myself reading along in my own Bible. This book gave me a great viewpoint for today's life.

I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

[Amy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

James is a no-nonsense epistle. This is a no-nonsense exposition of James that helps us see James' great value in context.

It is full of good, short illustrations and brings us back to the gospel again and again.

I found myself deeply convicted at points and greatly reassured at the same time.

Finally, it is also written with gracious words for those of us already prone to excessive introspection and misplaced guilt.

Like James, Gibson aims to hit us where it hurts, so we see our sin as vile, then quickly applies the healing salve of God's word, which is the only thing that can make us truly whole.

[Dylan Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

“So often we want to know what following Christ means in all the nitty-gritty. We want our preachers and our small group Bible studies to spell out for us what it looks like to be a Christian in every corner of our lives. James is willing to lay the practical Christianity on thick for us, just as we asked, but this is likely to make things more difficult for us in the short run. For he just keeps smacking us between the eyes with direct, hardhitting, bold, punchy applications to our lives, and here is what he is going to tell us: if you can’t see your faith, maybe that’s because it’s not there. It’s not real. Ouch.”

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

Gibson is on top form here - opening up James in a pastorally sensitive, culturally attuned and theologically rich way. The last chapter and his comments on James 5 make it a worthy addition to any pastor or preacher's James shelf.

More generally, it's a good book for young and old Christians alike, and perhaps especially for those of us who find other Christians (including those in our own local church) a challenge.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook is wonderful to listen to as the author (who is a pastor in Scotland) reads it himself. However, I will be buying a hard copy for my library and probably several more to gift to friends/family. I found it invaluable in its timely message to live undivided in light of eternity. There’s so much packed into this book it’s difficult to believe that it’s as short as it is. I look forward to re-reading this regularly!