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The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church
For those who are weary of Christian cliché and compromise crowding out what was supposed to be good news, The Naked Gospel offers the fresh take on the story of Jesus you've been waiting for. As a university student, Andrew Farley found himself physically and emotionally addicted to street evangelism and Bible study. Yet despite his fervid behavior, he knew something was missing. That something was an understanding of the gospel that is stripped of the churchy jargon and hypocrisies of the modern church. The Naked Gospel finds kindred spirits among those who are burned out on experience-chasing, ceremonialism, or legalism. It dismantles churchy jargon and powerless ideas and puts forth a message that is simple but life Jesus plus nothing. 100% natural. No additives. The Naked Gospel is an invitation to dive deep into the indispensable, powerful core of the Christian faith. Are you ready? Spanish edition also available.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
290 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
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May 18, 2010
The message of The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley isn't a new one, but it's certainly one that isn't always preached clearly. As a woman who personally struggles with legalism and a sense of earning God's love and forgiveness and approval, I experienced a sense of relief as I read through the pages of this book. I have always known that Jesus' blood covered my sins, but I still felt like I needed to "do my best" and "make God proud." And if I sinned (which is daily . . . for everyone), I had better make sure those sins got confessed ASAP, and I'd better try harder to do the right thing next time. Effort, effort, effort. Thus telling God that His Son's blood must not've been quite enough.
But Farley reminds us, "Our forgiveness and cleansing are solely because of the finished work of Jesus Christ." It is FINISHED. Once-and-for-all forgiveness.
As I read his words, I could really feel the burden being lifted from Farley's shoulders. He dealt with being driven by a guilt-based faith for many, many years, which only led to depression. When he discovered the LIFE that God intended to give us through His Son's sacrifice, Farley began to experience freedom and God's truly unconditional love.
"Jesus exposed the futility of life under law," Farley explains. No one can keep every letter of it, and God doesn't expect us to. He simply desires for us to love Him and accept His grace and forgiveness. He doesn't want us to get down on ourselves when we sin; He wants us to simply desire what He desires. And since, as Christians, He truly does live in us, His desires become our desires. If we do not desire what He desires, then He is not in us.
"The message of 'Jesus plus nothing' from start to finish is often too humbling for us to swallow. Instead, we opt for performance hoops to jump through in order to impress God . . . The secret is that grace deactivates our pride. Removing the law from our lives means our self-effort is no longer prodded to control behavior. The law excites human effort. It encourages us to depend on resources outside of Christ. But unconditional acceptance deactivates human effort and allows the Holy Spirit to be all that he wants to be through us." I love this. This is the freedom God intended.
It is vital for everyone--Believers and non-Believers alike--to be exposed to The Naked Gospel. The author's fervor is contagious; his words are well-written; and his message is clear (as is the book cover--ha!) and well-delivered. Read it. And share it.
But Farley reminds us, "Our forgiveness and cleansing are solely because of the finished work of Jesus Christ." It is FINISHED. Once-and-for-all forgiveness.
As I read his words, I could really feel the burden being lifted from Farley's shoulders. He dealt with being driven by a guilt-based faith for many, many years, which only led to depression. When he discovered the LIFE that God intended to give us through His Son's sacrifice, Farley began to experience freedom and God's truly unconditional love.
"Jesus exposed the futility of life under law," Farley explains. No one can keep every letter of it, and God doesn't expect us to. He simply desires for us to love Him and accept His grace and forgiveness. He doesn't want us to get down on ourselves when we sin; He wants us to simply desire what He desires. And since, as Christians, He truly does live in us, His desires become our desires. If we do not desire what He desires, then He is not in us.
"The message of 'Jesus plus nothing' from start to finish is often too humbling for us to swallow. Instead, we opt for performance hoops to jump through in order to impress God . . . The secret is that grace deactivates our pride. Removing the law from our lives means our self-effort is no longer prodded to control behavior. The law excites human effort. It encourages us to depend on resources outside of Christ. But unconditional acceptance deactivates human effort and allows the Holy Spirit to be all that he wants to be through us." I love this. This is the freedom God intended.
It is vital for everyone--Believers and non-Believers alike--to be exposed to The Naked Gospel. The author's fervor is contagious; his words are well-written; and his message is clear (as is the book cover--ha!) and well-delivered. Read it. And share it.
January 19, 2013
Imagine the gospel message delivered exactly like the Bible gives it--no additives, all natural. Imagine that message--so often distorted by Law-practicing and guilt-bearing--delivered by a pastor of a Texas church for us common people, as God intended.
Yet again, this is a book that will change your life, if you're ready for the truth in its pages. Farley attacks the age-long myths of false humility and keeping of the Mosaic Law as Christians. He continuously asks the reader to answer for himself--how complete is God's complete, once-for-all forgiveness?
When I read this book, I realized the contradictory ideas modernism has supplanted for the true gospel message. Terms in the Books of Romans and Hebrews are studied more carefully, and the new life in Christ--at salvation and as a lifestyle--is drilled into the reader. The pure Word is not hidden in this book which will take Watchman Nee fans to a point of revolution in their Christian communities (mine is in upheaval but God is being lifted up).
This is the first book in my library that I have given copies to seven of my friends, and it has had no small impact. One man accepted Christ, realizing he'd never understood the gospel until reading The Naked Gospel. (Thank you, Andrew Farley.)
Read this book. Tell me how it put you into your Bible more and the flesh less. I give The Naked Gospel five stars and highly recommend that every Christian leader read it.
David Telbat
Yet again, this is a book that will change your life, if you're ready for the truth in its pages. Farley attacks the age-long myths of false humility and keeping of the Mosaic Law as Christians. He continuously asks the reader to answer for himself--how complete is God's complete, once-for-all forgiveness?
When I read this book, I realized the contradictory ideas modernism has supplanted for the true gospel message. Terms in the Books of Romans and Hebrews are studied more carefully, and the new life in Christ--at salvation and as a lifestyle--is drilled into the reader. The pure Word is not hidden in this book which will take Watchman Nee fans to a point of revolution in their Christian communities (mine is in upheaval but God is being lifted up).
This is the first book in my library that I have given copies to seven of my friends, and it has had no small impact. One man accepted Christ, realizing he'd never understood the gospel until reading The Naked Gospel. (Thank you, Andrew Farley.)
Read this book. Tell me how it put you into your Bible more and the flesh less. I give The Naked Gospel five stars and highly recommend that every Christian leader read it.
David Telbat
January 13, 2010
If you're Christian, you should read this book.
I'm an atheist and I did. Of course, I also have a fascination with religion and faith, so perhaps I'm not the best judge! This book will definitely give anyone (with an open mind) something to think about.
While his ideas may seem radical to the church, they aren't offering a jihad or anything crazy, just telling people to live their life WITH Christ instead of FOR God (and there are a lot of details and specifics that I won't go into). His focus is on Christians and that if you believe Christ died for your sins then he did, so stop focusing on your sins and live your life and let Christ live through you. It's really optimistic.
I'm still going to Hell, according to him, which he doesn't focus on and never really says it outright. He actually says a few things that makes me think he'd be open to some alternative lifestyles that MIGHT be frowned upon by the Church. Or maybe I'm just reading the book as I do.
BTW, I read this book as the only atheist in a Christian youth group book study. I've been going there for almost a year now, because I like the people and the thought-provoking conversations. They let me come because they have open hearts, are awesome people, and they (I think) like my outside perspective and willingness to listen. I think some closed-minded people could learn alot from listening to us talk...and listening to us listen!
I'm an atheist and I did. Of course, I also have a fascination with religion and faith, so perhaps I'm not the best judge! This book will definitely give anyone (with an open mind) something to think about.
While his ideas may seem radical to the church, they aren't offering a jihad or anything crazy, just telling people to live their life WITH Christ instead of FOR God (and there are a lot of details and specifics that I won't go into). His focus is on Christians and that if you believe Christ died for your sins then he did, so stop focusing on your sins and live your life and let Christ live through you. It's really optimistic.
I'm still going to Hell, according to him, which he doesn't focus on and never really says it outright. He actually says a few things that makes me think he'd be open to some alternative lifestyles that MIGHT be frowned upon by the Church. Or maybe I'm just reading the book as I do.
BTW, I read this book as the only atheist in a Christian youth group book study. I've been going there for almost a year now, because I like the people and the thought-provoking conversations. They let me come because they have open hearts, are awesome people, and they (I think) like my outside perspective and willingness to listen. I think some closed-minded people could learn alot from listening to us talk...and listening to us listen!
October 1, 2014
I will admit that I am extremely bias rating and reviewing this book. Andrew Farley is one of my favorite preachers, the way he teaches is a gift from God, He practically breaks down the Gospel in baby steps that you can understand. The way he explains difficult passages of the Bible while still managing to keep the context is amazing and well done. I have been following his ministry for about a year now, he never disappoints me when I watch his sermons;learning something new everyday is remarkable and I really do plan on hearing him preach live. I believe the message he preaches is the only Gospel that will save, there is no other Gospel but Jesus plus nothing! Now let's get started on the review!
First and foremost, I absolutely love how this story was written. It is rare for authors, particularly Christian authors to write in a way that pulls the reader in. Most of them try to use big vocabulary words that takes away the essence of the book and they overdo scriptures that take away the quality of the book. However this book started of with his vivid testimony about how he encountered Grace. From him upbringing, college life and his frustration of trying to live the Christian life. I was captivated in the initial pages,it reminded me a lot of myself,thus I appreciate how honest and vulnerable he was telling the story. Also I love how the chapters was broken down into parts, that really made the book an easy read. If there is one MAIN thing I loved ( hard one!), it will be the chapter about the will of God. It spoke to me directly cause years I was questioning if I was in the will of God and when he explained how God gave us the freedom of choosing was life changing!
The reward chapter was good as well, many Christians have a flawed perception on that. I personally agree with his stance, I don't believe there is going to be different rewards based on our good behavior. Otherwise we would be boasting about what we can do for God, except it being out of Grace and not works. He tackled tough scriptures but he did it with clarity and ease.
This has become of my favorite books, it is so readable, truly this is the Gospel, all others are a counterfeit!
First and foremost, I absolutely love how this story was written. It is rare for authors, particularly Christian authors to write in a way that pulls the reader in. Most of them try to use big vocabulary words that takes away the essence of the book and they overdo scriptures that take away the quality of the book. However this book started of with his vivid testimony about how he encountered Grace. From him upbringing, college life and his frustration of trying to live the Christian life. I was captivated in the initial pages,it reminded me a lot of myself,thus I appreciate how honest and vulnerable he was telling the story. Also I love how the chapters was broken down into parts, that really made the book an easy read. If there is one MAIN thing I loved ( hard one!), it will be the chapter about the will of God. It spoke to me directly cause years I was questioning if I was in the will of God and when he explained how God gave us the freedom of choosing was life changing!
The reward chapter was good as well, many Christians have a flawed perception on that. I personally agree with his stance, I don't believe there is going to be different rewards based on our good behavior. Otherwise we would be boasting about what we can do for God, except it being out of Grace and not works. He tackled tough scriptures but he did it with clarity and ease.
This has become of my favorite books, it is so readable, truly this is the Gospel, all others are a counterfeit!
March 6, 2021
I was going to respond point-by-point to some parts that I thought were heresy as I was going through it, but then he just took the mask off so I'd prefer to explain more broadly why this is not actually a Christian book.
His most mask-less statement is probably in chapter 6:
"Some Christians mistakenly obsess over everything the historical Jesus did in the four gospels. They memorize his words and actions, and try to imitate them the best they can."
The author believes (correctly) that a sanctified heart will want what God wants, but he misses that to be justified is not to be sanctified, leading to his call for us to merely be ourselves. He actually throws out the sermon on the mount, the royal law, and the Lord's prayer (specific examples) because Jesus' was teaching these things to pre-crucifixion Jews, thus must be talking about the old law we no longer need to be concerned with. He's right to say we have the holy spirit, but misses that the spirit helps remind us of what Jesus said (John 14). He suggests we are *inherently* righteous as Christians, not cloaked in Christ's righteousness, where much of the rest of his mistakes come from that fatal flaw.
I don't think I need to spend a lot of time explaining why a call for us to stop paying attention to Jesus' teachings is a problematic message for the church. I'm just shocked to see Zondervan published this and that it's got good reviews. Needs to be clearly called out.
His most mask-less statement is probably in chapter 6:
"Some Christians mistakenly obsess over everything the historical Jesus did in the four gospels. They memorize his words and actions, and try to imitate them the best they can."
The author believes (correctly) that a sanctified heart will want what God wants, but he misses that to be justified is not to be sanctified, leading to his call for us to merely be ourselves. He actually throws out the sermon on the mount, the royal law, and the Lord's prayer (specific examples) because Jesus' was teaching these things to pre-crucifixion Jews, thus must be talking about the old law we no longer need to be concerned with. He's right to say we have the holy spirit, but misses that the spirit helps remind us of what Jesus said (John 14). He suggests we are *inherently* righteous as Christians, not cloaked in Christ's righteousness, where much of the rest of his mistakes come from that fatal flaw.
I don't think I need to spend a lot of time explaining why a call for us to stop paying attention to Jesus' teachings is a problematic message for the church. I'm just shocked to see Zondervan published this and that it's got good reviews. Needs to be clearly called out.
April 26, 2010
I received a free copy of this book through The Blog Tour Spot. I did not receive any money for this review.
This book got my interest with the whole concept of taking the Gospel at face value nothing added, nothing subtracted just the Gospel. My husband and I have within the last few years have gotten dissatisfied with the way the modern churches have gotten into programs and gotten into the newest things and have kind of gotten away from the teaching of the Bible.
This book is in no way a bashing of the church. It is just a straight forward challenge to us as Christians to take the Gospel as is and not try to add anything to it.
I wasn't really surprised at the results of the survey that was taken at Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois. Just because you are very active in church doesn't automatically lead to feeling fullfilled.
I was also not surprised at the story of the author's father asked to give his testimony and the father wasn't even a Christian at the time. Yes he attened church but had not made the decision to follow Christ yet, He recieved a great response. I have recently had a conversation with my oldest daughter about this. She recetnly moved out and meet some new people at a local church's singles ministry but none of this young people are Christians!!.
This book is really good at getting you to see the difference between the Old and the New (referring to the Old Testament and New Testament).
I would encourage anyone who wants to just get back to the Gospel to read this book and keep your mind open. There are many things that author brings out that goes against what we have always been taught or learned in church, but then again didn't Jesus go against the religious traditions of his day?
This book got my interest with the whole concept of taking the Gospel at face value nothing added, nothing subtracted just the Gospel. My husband and I have within the last few years have gotten dissatisfied with the way the modern churches have gotten into programs and gotten into the newest things and have kind of gotten away from the teaching of the Bible.
This book is in no way a bashing of the church. It is just a straight forward challenge to us as Christians to take the Gospel as is and not try to add anything to it.
I wasn't really surprised at the results of the survey that was taken at Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois. Just because you are very active in church doesn't automatically lead to feeling fullfilled.
I was also not surprised at the story of the author's father asked to give his testimony and the father wasn't even a Christian at the time. Yes he attened church but had not made the decision to follow Christ yet, He recieved a great response. I have recently had a conversation with my oldest daughter about this. She recetnly moved out and meet some new people at a local church's singles ministry but none of this young people are Christians!!.
This book is really good at getting you to see the difference between the Old and the New (referring to the Old Testament and New Testament).
I would encourage anyone who wants to just get back to the Gospel to read this book and keep your mind open. There are many things that author brings out that goes against what we have always been taught or learned in church, but then again didn't Jesus go against the religious traditions of his day?
November 11, 2010
MY REVIEW:
Reading this thought-provoking book by Andrew Farley stripped away some of the "religious" thoughts I have attached to the Gospel. He poked and probed around several scripture passages that I personally have never thought through but rather just taken for granted. Much of what he said was intriguing and helpful, but some left me still "chewing" to determine my own beliefs on particular parts. There were multiple chapters and portions I really enjoyed, but one of my favorites was when he dove into the official start of the New Testament and how that impacts our life.
The overall reading of the book is fairly deep, yet his style of writing is easy to read in that it's personal. You are not just reading heavy thoughts, but rather Farley's own testimony to a degree. I personally felt that the theme throughout the book was hard to follow and that each "Part" was like reading a mini book in of it's self. However, I still enjoyed this book despite the weak spots along the way. I would highly recommend this for a seasoned Christian who seems to be in a Christian bubble and would like to challenge the rut of his/her living.
My only caution is that this book needs to be read with great discernment. I am still unsure of how I think about certain thoughts that Farley addressed and I would not read this book with abandon, but with great contemplation and thoughts. Remember that this book is not the Gospel.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Jesus plus nothing. 100% natural. No additives. It’s the truth you may never hear in church. The Naked Gospel is a chapter-by-chapter assault on the churchy jargon and double talk of our day. It puts forth a message that is simple but life-changing. With a fresh take on Scripture and unapologetic style, The Naked Gospel will challenge you to re-examine everything you thought you already knew.
Reading this thought-provoking book by Andrew Farley stripped away some of the "religious" thoughts I have attached to the Gospel. He poked and probed around several scripture passages that I personally have never thought through but rather just taken for granted. Much of what he said was intriguing and helpful, but some left me still "chewing" to determine my own beliefs on particular parts. There were multiple chapters and portions I really enjoyed, but one of my favorites was when he dove into the official start of the New Testament and how that impacts our life.
The overall reading of the book is fairly deep, yet his style of writing is easy to read in that it's personal. You are not just reading heavy thoughts, but rather Farley's own testimony to a degree. I personally felt that the theme throughout the book was hard to follow and that each "Part" was like reading a mini book in of it's self. However, I still enjoyed this book despite the weak spots along the way. I would highly recommend this for a seasoned Christian who seems to be in a Christian bubble and would like to challenge the rut of his/her living.
My only caution is that this book needs to be read with great discernment. I am still unsure of how I think about certain thoughts that Farley addressed and I would not read this book with abandon, but with great contemplation and thoughts. Remember that this book is not the Gospel.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Jesus plus nothing. 100% natural. No additives. It’s the truth you may never hear in church. The Naked Gospel is a chapter-by-chapter assault on the churchy jargon and double talk of our day. It puts forth a message that is simple but life-changing. With a fresh take on Scripture and unapologetic style, The Naked Gospel will challenge you to re-examine everything you thought you already knew.
December 20, 2015
Life Changing!
If you believe that:
- Christians should regularly ask for forgiveness
- Christians struggle against their old selves
- God should help us with decisions
- Christians can be out of fellowship with God
- OT law is written on Christian hearts
- Christians will account their sins at the Great White throne
- Christians will get many rewards
- Christians should tithe
- God gets angry at Christians
Then you need to read this book!
I have totally changed the way I look at Jesus's ministry and the epistles. Read this book!
If you believe that:
- Christians should regularly ask for forgiveness
- Christians struggle against their old selves
- God should help us with decisions
- Christians can be out of fellowship with God
- OT law is written on Christian hearts
- Christians will account their sins at the Great White throne
- Christians will get many rewards
- Christians should tithe
- God gets angry at Christians
Then you need to read this book!
I have totally changed the way I look at Jesus's ministry and the epistles. Read this book!
May 3, 2013
Farley wrote with such compassion and conviction. He cuts through the junk that we have built up and goes straight to the heart of the Gospel. His words hit me hard. The Naked Gospel is just that, naked and pure. The heart of the Gospel is portrayed as simple, and something that we can ultimately have. Farley gives us a message that makes Jesus comes alive, and convinces readers that God is a loving God, and if we are in Christ, We are a new Creation!
Want to read
September 2, 2011Wow. Talk about a shake up. After one chapter I was surrounded with ??? and now I'm rereading Hebrews.
October 29, 2019
This book gave me a life changing perspective and an inner freedom from previous Christian, religious, or personal held beliefs about my walk with God!
It's easy in Christian culture to be consumed by the vacuum chamber that is stereotypes. We can often grow up believing things about Christian culture that are misrepresentations of the truth. This book sheds light on some of those misrepresentations. In doing so, it allows you to see the gospel with an unearthing freedom which leaves you feeling inspired and liberated all at the same time! This book really did change my life. If your a fan of Brennan Manning or consider yourself a ragamuffin, then you won't want to put this book down. I feel thankful for finding this book, because I will forever be changed!
It's easy in Christian culture to be consumed by the vacuum chamber that is stereotypes. We can often grow up believing things about Christian culture that are misrepresentations of the truth. This book sheds light on some of those misrepresentations. In doing so, it allows you to see the gospel with an unearthing freedom which leaves you feeling inspired and liberated all at the same time! This book really did change my life. If your a fan of Brennan Manning or consider yourself a ragamuffin, then you won't want to put this book down. I feel thankful for finding this book, because I will forever be changed!
February 13, 2025
A good book that strips down the basics of the true gospel in a way to easily understand.
This was a good book to read in our small group because many of his ideas sparked good discussions as we dove into what he really meant, what scripture says, and helped reinforce what we believe.
This was a good book to read in our small group because many of his ideas sparked good discussions as we dove into what he really meant, what scripture says, and helped reinforce what we believe.
July 11, 2010
I was more than a little disappointed with this book. Farley makes big claims about what he is going to deliver, and i never really was impressed. It seemed a dumbed down version of both Owen's _Mortification of Sin_ and a number of other Puritan thinkers. The language of the book is far too jazzed up, the metaphors and anecdotes are often weak and pedantic, and the writing is coddling to the point of being hard to bear. Now, i realize that this may simply be the product of where American Christian readership is at: not many are used to reading Tozer, Bonhoeffer, Kierkegaard, Edwards and Owen anymore and Farley's language may simply reflect that. This is a Zondervan publication after all.
However, i have some theological problems with the book as well. Completely jettisoning the Old Covenant seems to me both theologically and intellectually problematic. similarly, Farley's main thesis seems to be that we are to no longer worry about rules and laws and just live by the spirit. A good thought. by no means a new one. But the problem is that he downplays the moral law (making no distinction between moral and ceremonial law) and acts as if the Spirit won't lead you to hold to the moral law.
Generally, this was a problem with the book. Shallow theological treatments and below average writing. The message is generally good, but it has been said before and more comprehensively.
However, i have some theological problems with the book as well. Completely jettisoning the Old Covenant seems to me both theologically and intellectually problematic. similarly, Farley's main thesis seems to be that we are to no longer worry about rules and laws and just live by the spirit. A good thought. by no means a new one. But the problem is that he downplays the moral law (making no distinction between moral and ceremonial law) and acts as if the Spirit won't lead you to hold to the moral law.
Generally, this was a problem with the book. Shallow theological treatments and below average writing. The message is generally good, but it has been said before and more comprehensively.
April 4, 2010
One of our minister's gave this book to my husband to read. After hearing my husband talk about it and discovering the first section was entitled, "Obsessive Christianity Disorder," I decided I needed to read it also. The author's description of his "OCD" could have been my own autobiography! Some of his premises in a nutshell -- we are no longer under any part of the old law (not even the 10 commandments); we have been forgiven of our sins permanently and eternally, so there is no need to continue to ask for forgiveness; once we're saved we're "in Christ", so there's no need to ask for more of Him in our life, He's already there. These are just a few of the ideas that stood out to me. I got a bit bogged down in the "why we still sin" section in which he talks about "the flesh," but the next section piqued my interest again. He used Scripture to back up his premises and even trouble-shooted some potential arguments the reader might have. I don't think I disagree with any of his points, but I have some further questions. For now, I'm mulling over his perspective and the freedom that comes with it! For someone like myself, who has been a lifelong Christian, and has tried not to get tied up in legalism, but yet has experienced the benefit of Christian disciplines... this was a well-timed "out-of-my-usual-box" read.
February 21, 2022
I like the main concept of this book as it explains the basic message of the Gospel well - the Gospel = Jesus + nothing. I also think it is a good book for people struggling with the emptiness of churches - especially the "Mega Churches" in America - to shift focus to what's critical. I feel this book is focused on fitting the Bible into the secular culture of mediocrity and I'm OK - You're OK - Don't change - just be you, etc. However, we don't get to change the Bible to fit in a box that sells Christianity - I think the book falls short in theology overall and misses the mark on the teachings of Christ - and fulfilling the desires of the heart committed to Jesus. Overall, though it was worth the read, especially if the concept of the "salvation" is difficult to understand.
July 4, 2011
Short review: The basic idea is right, that anything added to the gospel means it is not the gospel as Christ has presented it to us. The problem is that in his attempt to counter legalism, his removes most of scripture and most of the historical teaching of the church. Anything in the Old Testament (according to Farley) cannot teach us anything except what we were saved from. Most of Jesus' teaching is discounted because Farley says he was teaching to Jews that were bound to the old covenant. Even Paul's teachings are sometimes discounted because Farley says that anything that disagrees with his point was referring to Paul's life before he was saved.
A longer review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/naked-gospel-farley/
A longer review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/naked-gospel-farley/
July 31, 2025
“The gospel is a bulletproof message that is essentially spiritual common sense from every angle. It makes biblical and practical sense, and there is no verse in the entirety of the Scriptures that ruins its splendour. Think about it. If it’s the genuine historical message that God had always intended for us, then every passage in the Bible must eventually fall into place in light of the most powerful, overarching truths.”
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November 7, 2024Life-changing! The pressure to "do" this Christian life is off and Jesus is on! The message of the Gospel really is simple and straightforward "once we remove the clutter from our theological closet." And now that I "have been awakened to how good we have it on this side of the cross...there's only one sensible thing to do. Thank God."
June 3, 2014
My eyes were opened wide to seeing I had never heard about my spiritual co-death, burial and resurrection with Christ until I attended a Network 220 Conference where the core scriptures are Galatians 2:20 and Romans 6:6. The complete Gospel motivated me to want to know more about what I had heard! I love how Andrew's book confirms more on the life of Christ we received with our faith!
November 20, 2017
WOW this book just blew my mind!
Scripture I've read and thought I knew was both challenged and clarified. I think at least some of my misinterpretations came from well meaning friends trying to help me grow.
Everybody should read this book; it may challenge, anger and inspire you. Unless you've already discovered you need Jesus and ... nothing else!
Scripture I've read and thought I knew was both challenged and clarified. I think at least some of my misinterpretations came from well meaning friends trying to help me grow.
Everybody should read this book; it may challenge, anger and inspire you. Unless you've already discovered you need Jesus and ... nothing else!
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June 13, 2011Reading right now and this book is bad ass!
August 4, 2021
You think you know how great the gospel is? Dig deeper. This books helps us discover just how radical it is.
June 3, 2013
Refreshing writer
Enjoyed and appreciated his insights
Enjoyed and appreciated his insights
April 20, 2015
Fantastic book
This teaching gives such liberty in our walk with God. I am very grateful for his teaching. Everyone should read it
This teaching gives such liberty in our walk with God. I am very grateful for his teaching. Everyone should read it
June 14, 2015
I got to hear Dr Farley speak, so there was a bit more insight for me with this book. This makes you think outside the box about long-held beliefs that may or may not line up with the Bible.
July 8, 2017
Andrew Farley mixes truth with error to get a book that is damnable heresy but that will be enticing to many who do not understand the grace of God. Not recommended for anyone.
February 4, 2012
Well, first off the book is easy reading, like a stroll down a gradual hill, personally I like it when books can communicate their ideas, without me having to stumble, crawl over, walk around and climb while reading, due to their rough writing style.
I read quite a few other books similar to this one, but Farley made a little more of a scriptural case on aspect of the grace message and covered a few things that I don't recall being touched on in other books I've read. I don't like writing negative reviews, because I am sure many of my reactions are do to misunderstanding or not understanding where he is coming from. As he writes, he sees the whole and therefore, as he shares the parts, the parts make sense to his mind and also to those who see things like he does. But i see things from a different perspective, so i struggle to make all the parts to make sense and fit together. Its like he has the puzzle box and I don't, so its easy to spot pieces that don't seem to fit, and yet if I were to talk to him, I am sure he could show me how they do. But with that said. I'll go ahead and share some of my reaction to the book.
So of course he makes his first attack on the law, insisting that all the law is to be discarded, not just the irrelevant ceremonial laws, but also the moral-code, and not only that but all the extremeness that flowed from the lips of Jesus. This is because it was directed to people under the old covenant, and the only purpose of his preaching law was to stir up sin in them, so they might come to the end of themselves and embrace the naked gospel. But yeah, Farley gave me the impression ALL ethics are bad, any good advice is trying to add on to the gospel. That morality only pollutes, law only burdens people down and makes people more sinful, etc... so we're to somehow just close our ears to all of it, and just be lead by the Holy Spirit and go by how we feel. Maybe I heard him wrong. But yeah, in the real world, on the national scale, there is no liberty without law, law has greatly reduced evil and has increased freedom. On a individual level, God who knows how we were designed and how we're meant to function, was kind enough to share with us design requirements and we ignore this to our own determent. After Jesus died and raised again, his followers, including Paul filled the latter half of their books, with TONS of thou shalts and thou shalt nots. A Mammoth portion of the New Testament is telling us what to do and what not to do. So yeah, I would need to have a conversion with Andrew Farley, because he talks down on all law, insisting that its Jesus plus nothing (Whatever that means), yet what on earth does he do with the freaking New Testament? how on earth does he and the other grace-thumpers see what is staring them in the face? (I am sure they have some way) Do they think us Christians are stressing out, miserable and are overwhelmed with guilt, because we're trying to follow the OLD TESTAMENT law? Heck no!!! people aren't depressed because they can't wear pants with mixed cloth, or because their worried they've not kept the Sabbath day holy. No! they are shaking under the weight of the New Testament, yes all the commands of Paul, Peter, James and John! These guys set a standard so absurdly high we shutter and it is written to Christians! Yet the ethic they present is beautiful and even if I was an atheist I still would want to live by it. But the problem is, dang it, we can't live up to it even though we've been given all things pertaining to life and godliness. Even though we have the Holy Spirit, some reason He refuses to be this external power source, some reason instead carrying us all the time, he wants us to stumble, stagger and fall, I mean... learn to walk.
My question is how does the Holy Spirit work? Does He use natural means? What if one of the ways he wants to instruct us in how to live is from the scriptures? And what if one the main ways He brings about change is through natural means? We may be driven to love people, but if we have a warped understanding of how to love, we can cause a lot of damage. Wisdom, understanding, and applying those godly principals (Which he also calls "law") are necessarily if we are to truly do the highest for God, others and ourselves. If the Holy Spirit is our Fuel, the New Testament laws are our map. You cannot wisely just tell people to do what is right in their own eyes. Which I feel is what Farley is communicating. One of the problems in the world is that people are doing this very thing, full of good intentions and pure motivations, yet mucking everything up due to their ignorance and lack of understanding concerning reality. I am just not sure how much the Holy Spirit will override our messed understanding of how to do things, because well, sadly I don't see the holy Spirit doing this very often.
Farley, uses a lot of scripture and a lot of it does seem to imply his point, but I suppose I notice the scriptures on the other end of the spectrum which causes me to wonder, is there a balance of sorts, sort of like we're walking a tight rope, and if we're holding a balancing stick that has a weight one side and an equal amount of weight on the other side, well, then we walk the line.
Let me use an analogy, we have a boy in kindergarten who thinks phonograms are to hard, he whines that he can't do it, that its impossible. The law (which is he HAS to learn his phonograms) is a heavy burden to the boy, its making him miserable, causing him to hate life. Would it be a good idea for the teacher to approach the child, try to boost his self-esteem and tell him how smart he is and then say, you're free! You don't have to learn if you don't want to! Your not under the law, go play in the play ground if you want, have fun!!!! Oh yes, the little boy will love his teacher for this, finally he'll be freed from the horrible law, and now carefree, he is having the time of his life!!!! Oh wait, until several years down the road, when his not being able to read has part in screwing up his life.
There is a more balanced way, I would suggest. So yeah, first off, the teacher should never condemn or put down the child, but she also can't lower the standard, she must remain strict with him. Both the teacher and the child need to understand its a process! There a lots of things that the child is capable of learning, but is quite literally unable to do at the present. Yet with effort, perseverance and help, these things can be conquered. Paul talked about being extremely disciplined, he said he beat himself black and blue and was disciplined in ALL ways, comparing himself to the one preparing for the Olympics and then he has the audacity to command us to do the same. Moreover he said, he was not just boxing the air, aimless, running in who knows what direction. But he has a plan, he has a goal. Its like he was not lifting weights to be accepted before God, but that he could better serve him.
Oh man, as i flip through the book again, there are SO many things that I want to respond to. But I suppose i would need to write a whole book to response to all of it. but yeah, I'll mention a few other things and then finish my review.
So yeah, he insist that we are born sinners and that who we are has nothing to do with what we do, this really bothers me, he thinks its biblical, but I beg to differ, we read "Adam sinned and brought death into the world, and death spread to all mean BECAUSE ALL HAVE SINNED." Adam was an example and all have chosen to follow in his tracks, so all are guilty and responsible for what we have done and we're not punished and guilty because of what someone over a 6,000 years ago did. But of course the reason he mentions this, is that we are perfectly set and can be at ease, because just like we were born a sinner, once we are born again, we are a new creature and it does not matter what we do. Now what I sort of get the impression of from Farley and even more so from other grace preachers, is that "God can't see our sin" which implies He does not care about it, its a non-issue, its gone and we can live care-free happy lives and the only sin is to feel guilty for sinning, because we are eternally secure and in Christ. But what about the countless times throughout the New Testament that we are told that we're set only IF we endure to the end and for us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling and all the warnings and exhortations and threats. I don't like all of these scriptures, but dang it, they are there and none of the grace books address them.
As far as it being unbiblical for Christians to ask for forgiveness for there sins, I was like, wait! What about 1 John "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us..." Well, finally Farley got to that, and claims that John is writing to non-Christians, because he starts of by addressing some of the gnostic heresy. But yeah, I am translating 1 John right now in Greek class, and leading up to this verse, John says things like "We write these things that you might CONTINUE having fellowship with us and the Father, and Jesus, etc..." So if these are pagans John is writing to, its interesting he is saying they are already having fellowship with him and God and He wants them to continue. So I am not convinced. But yeah, nevertheless, it was an interesting case Farley made here. Of course the "Lord forgive us" part of the Lord's prayer is Old Covenant stuff which does not apply to us. But hey, Farley has a point that the teaching that Christians are to ask forgiveness when they sin, does not have much scriptural suppose outside of 1 John. But my problem, is even if Farley is right, that its a sin to ask forgiveness for our sins. Then what does this do to relationship? Does God really not care at all what we do? Does our sin not hurt him? Does our sin not produce in him any grief? How can he insist that sin has not affect to our relationship with God? Are we in fellowship with God while looking at porn or getting drunk, or while exploding in anger at a family member? Are Christians in fellowship with God when they fornicate? I know of to many who have done this very thing. Causing great pain to themselves and to others. Yet God never saw it because he only could see the spotless Christ? They should never even tell God "I'm sorry?" Does this make God indifferent? I have a hard time with this. Surely God is sensitive to the destruction our choices cause ourselves, his people and his creation. I wonder if its like we are Forgiven with a capital F. But its still like we need to allow Jesus to wash our feet, because we walk in the world. Jesus made it clear to Peter, if he didn't allow him to wash his feet (Even though he just told him that he was clean) that he could have no part with him. This implies, keeping short accounts is important in our relationship with God. Its important in ALL relationships. If everything was as magical and simple as Farley seems to makes out, i am wrong. But I fear we are a mixed bag of desires, motives and wants. And the fact of the matter is we don't always want to do right. Oh how I wish God would write his laws (His new testament laws) upon our hearts, and make it were we continually wanted to do as we ought.
Now finally, though I could go on and on about so many other things. I'll finish with this. So yeah, He says when we want to sin, its not us, but sin in us, this mysterious something in us that is causing us to sin. And yeah, this idea is based on Scripture, but what about the brain? A lot is due to the fact we've hard-wired our brain through bad choices to naturally act in a certain destructive ways, and the only way to fix this problem is through a long process of actually changing the physical brain. Maybe this is why Paul wrote, "be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind". So yeah, a lot has to do with the brain, and a lot of the change is going to happen there. And though we are born again, and through trial and error, learning, diligent, exercise and effort can grow and mature and become more Christlike, at the moment we're not there yet, its like we're still babies. A human baby has all things pertaining to life and humanness and can mature to do what adults do. Likewise, we are are given all things pertaining to life and godliness, but we're still in the baby stage and must grow. There is lots we presently CAN'T DO.
Farley does not really reflect on much of the relational aspects, much more is legal, and absolute standing and all. But yeah, God promises to scourge every son (This is in the New Covenant!) he reserves and to discipline and chasten, a fact of life is that God often test us with silence and hiddenness, every now and then, God does convict one of sin. And yeah, on and on I could go. But yeah, this is way to long as it is.
Though, much of my response were negative, there were parts I did agree with. And yeah, I thought he did a pretty good job at presenting his ideas. Towards the end of the book, i would read things that seemed inconsistent with the first half of the book, meaning most likely he has more of a balance view one things then earlier parts of his book suggest, it is just i am not reading the book from his eyes. Its clear he does not want to give license for people to sin and the reason he presents what he does, is because he firmly believes this is the only way to be free from sin.
I read quite a few other books similar to this one, but Farley made a little more of a scriptural case on aspect of the grace message and covered a few things that I don't recall being touched on in other books I've read. I don't like writing negative reviews, because I am sure many of my reactions are do to misunderstanding or not understanding where he is coming from. As he writes, he sees the whole and therefore, as he shares the parts, the parts make sense to his mind and also to those who see things like he does. But i see things from a different perspective, so i struggle to make all the parts to make sense and fit together. Its like he has the puzzle box and I don't, so its easy to spot pieces that don't seem to fit, and yet if I were to talk to him, I am sure he could show me how they do. But with that said. I'll go ahead and share some of my reaction to the book.
So of course he makes his first attack on the law, insisting that all the law is to be discarded, not just the irrelevant ceremonial laws, but also the moral-code, and not only that but all the extremeness that flowed from the lips of Jesus. This is because it was directed to people under the old covenant, and the only purpose of his preaching law was to stir up sin in them, so they might come to the end of themselves and embrace the naked gospel. But yeah, Farley gave me the impression ALL ethics are bad, any good advice is trying to add on to the gospel. That morality only pollutes, law only burdens people down and makes people more sinful, etc... so we're to somehow just close our ears to all of it, and just be lead by the Holy Spirit and go by how we feel. Maybe I heard him wrong. But yeah, in the real world, on the national scale, there is no liberty without law, law has greatly reduced evil and has increased freedom. On a individual level, God who knows how we were designed and how we're meant to function, was kind enough to share with us design requirements and we ignore this to our own determent. After Jesus died and raised again, his followers, including Paul filled the latter half of their books, with TONS of thou shalts and thou shalt nots. A Mammoth portion of the New Testament is telling us what to do and what not to do. So yeah, I would need to have a conversion with Andrew Farley, because he talks down on all law, insisting that its Jesus plus nothing (Whatever that means), yet what on earth does he do with the freaking New Testament? how on earth does he and the other grace-thumpers see what is staring them in the face? (I am sure they have some way) Do they think us Christians are stressing out, miserable and are overwhelmed with guilt, because we're trying to follow the OLD TESTAMENT law? Heck no!!! people aren't depressed because they can't wear pants with mixed cloth, or because their worried they've not kept the Sabbath day holy. No! they are shaking under the weight of the New Testament, yes all the commands of Paul, Peter, James and John! These guys set a standard so absurdly high we shutter and it is written to Christians! Yet the ethic they present is beautiful and even if I was an atheist I still would want to live by it. But the problem is, dang it, we can't live up to it even though we've been given all things pertaining to life and godliness. Even though we have the Holy Spirit, some reason He refuses to be this external power source, some reason instead carrying us all the time, he wants us to stumble, stagger and fall, I mean... learn to walk.
My question is how does the Holy Spirit work? Does He use natural means? What if one of the ways he wants to instruct us in how to live is from the scriptures? And what if one the main ways He brings about change is through natural means? We may be driven to love people, but if we have a warped understanding of how to love, we can cause a lot of damage. Wisdom, understanding, and applying those godly principals (Which he also calls "law") are necessarily if we are to truly do the highest for God, others and ourselves. If the Holy Spirit is our Fuel, the New Testament laws are our map. You cannot wisely just tell people to do what is right in their own eyes. Which I feel is what Farley is communicating. One of the problems in the world is that people are doing this very thing, full of good intentions and pure motivations, yet mucking everything up due to their ignorance and lack of understanding concerning reality. I am just not sure how much the Holy Spirit will override our messed understanding of how to do things, because well, sadly I don't see the holy Spirit doing this very often.
Farley, uses a lot of scripture and a lot of it does seem to imply his point, but I suppose I notice the scriptures on the other end of the spectrum which causes me to wonder, is there a balance of sorts, sort of like we're walking a tight rope, and if we're holding a balancing stick that has a weight one side and an equal amount of weight on the other side, well, then we walk the line.
Let me use an analogy, we have a boy in kindergarten who thinks phonograms are to hard, he whines that he can't do it, that its impossible. The law (which is he HAS to learn his phonograms) is a heavy burden to the boy, its making him miserable, causing him to hate life. Would it be a good idea for the teacher to approach the child, try to boost his self-esteem and tell him how smart he is and then say, you're free! You don't have to learn if you don't want to! Your not under the law, go play in the play ground if you want, have fun!!!! Oh yes, the little boy will love his teacher for this, finally he'll be freed from the horrible law, and now carefree, he is having the time of his life!!!! Oh wait, until several years down the road, when his not being able to read has part in screwing up his life.
There is a more balanced way, I would suggest. So yeah, first off, the teacher should never condemn or put down the child, but she also can't lower the standard, she must remain strict with him. Both the teacher and the child need to understand its a process! There a lots of things that the child is capable of learning, but is quite literally unable to do at the present. Yet with effort, perseverance and help, these things can be conquered. Paul talked about being extremely disciplined, he said he beat himself black and blue and was disciplined in ALL ways, comparing himself to the one preparing for the Olympics and then he has the audacity to command us to do the same. Moreover he said, he was not just boxing the air, aimless, running in who knows what direction. But he has a plan, he has a goal. Its like he was not lifting weights to be accepted before God, but that he could better serve him.
Oh man, as i flip through the book again, there are SO many things that I want to respond to. But I suppose i would need to write a whole book to response to all of it. but yeah, I'll mention a few other things and then finish my review.
So yeah, he insist that we are born sinners and that who we are has nothing to do with what we do, this really bothers me, he thinks its biblical, but I beg to differ, we read "Adam sinned and brought death into the world, and death spread to all mean BECAUSE ALL HAVE SINNED." Adam was an example and all have chosen to follow in his tracks, so all are guilty and responsible for what we have done and we're not punished and guilty because of what someone over a 6,000 years ago did. But of course the reason he mentions this, is that we are perfectly set and can be at ease, because just like we were born a sinner, once we are born again, we are a new creature and it does not matter what we do. Now what I sort of get the impression of from Farley and even more so from other grace preachers, is that "God can't see our sin" which implies He does not care about it, its a non-issue, its gone and we can live care-free happy lives and the only sin is to feel guilty for sinning, because we are eternally secure and in Christ. But what about the countless times throughout the New Testament that we are told that we're set only IF we endure to the end and for us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling and all the warnings and exhortations and threats. I don't like all of these scriptures, but dang it, they are there and none of the grace books address them.
As far as it being unbiblical for Christians to ask for forgiveness for there sins, I was like, wait! What about 1 John "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us..." Well, finally Farley got to that, and claims that John is writing to non-Christians, because he starts of by addressing some of the gnostic heresy. But yeah, I am translating 1 John right now in Greek class, and leading up to this verse, John says things like "We write these things that you might CONTINUE having fellowship with us and the Father, and Jesus, etc..." So if these are pagans John is writing to, its interesting he is saying they are already having fellowship with him and God and He wants them to continue. So I am not convinced. But yeah, nevertheless, it was an interesting case Farley made here. Of course the "Lord forgive us" part of the Lord's prayer is Old Covenant stuff which does not apply to us. But hey, Farley has a point that the teaching that Christians are to ask forgiveness when they sin, does not have much scriptural suppose outside of 1 John. But my problem, is even if Farley is right, that its a sin to ask forgiveness for our sins. Then what does this do to relationship? Does God really not care at all what we do? Does our sin not hurt him? Does our sin not produce in him any grief? How can he insist that sin has not affect to our relationship with God? Are we in fellowship with God while looking at porn or getting drunk, or while exploding in anger at a family member? Are Christians in fellowship with God when they fornicate? I know of to many who have done this very thing. Causing great pain to themselves and to others. Yet God never saw it because he only could see the spotless Christ? They should never even tell God "I'm sorry?" Does this make God indifferent? I have a hard time with this. Surely God is sensitive to the destruction our choices cause ourselves, his people and his creation. I wonder if its like we are Forgiven with a capital F. But its still like we need to allow Jesus to wash our feet, because we walk in the world. Jesus made it clear to Peter, if he didn't allow him to wash his feet (Even though he just told him that he was clean) that he could have no part with him. This implies, keeping short accounts is important in our relationship with God. Its important in ALL relationships. If everything was as magical and simple as Farley seems to makes out, i am wrong. But I fear we are a mixed bag of desires, motives and wants. And the fact of the matter is we don't always want to do right. Oh how I wish God would write his laws (His new testament laws) upon our hearts, and make it were we continually wanted to do as we ought.
Now finally, though I could go on and on about so many other things. I'll finish with this. So yeah, He says when we want to sin, its not us, but sin in us, this mysterious something in us that is causing us to sin. And yeah, this idea is based on Scripture, but what about the brain? A lot is due to the fact we've hard-wired our brain through bad choices to naturally act in a certain destructive ways, and the only way to fix this problem is through a long process of actually changing the physical brain. Maybe this is why Paul wrote, "be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind". So yeah, a lot has to do with the brain, and a lot of the change is going to happen there. And though we are born again, and through trial and error, learning, diligent, exercise and effort can grow and mature and become more Christlike, at the moment we're not there yet, its like we're still babies. A human baby has all things pertaining to life and humanness and can mature to do what adults do. Likewise, we are are given all things pertaining to life and godliness, but we're still in the baby stage and must grow. There is lots we presently CAN'T DO.
Farley does not really reflect on much of the relational aspects, much more is legal, and absolute standing and all. But yeah, God promises to scourge every son (This is in the New Covenant!) he reserves and to discipline and chasten, a fact of life is that God often test us with silence and hiddenness, every now and then, God does convict one of sin. And yeah, on and on I could go. But yeah, this is way to long as it is.
Though, much of my response were negative, there were parts I did agree with. And yeah, I thought he did a pretty good job at presenting his ideas. Towards the end of the book, i would read things that seemed inconsistent with the first half of the book, meaning most likely he has more of a balance view one things then earlier parts of his book suggest, it is just i am not reading the book from his eyes. Its clear he does not want to give license for people to sin and the reason he presents what he does, is because he firmly believes this is the only way to be free from sin.
November 3, 2017
I've been familiar with Andrew Farley through his sermon messages, since going through a discipleship program several years ago connected with Farley's Network 220. His teaching is focused on what the New Covenant truly means for us as followers of Christ and new creations! The Old Covenant is (unknowingly, I believe) taught in so many conservative Christian churches that we are left with a vague sense of unease, even as we are excited about our forgiveness and salvation. Farley's Scripture-laden teaching breaks through that wrong focus with clarity and joy, and the common-sense light that he sheds on many Scriptures that had previously seemed vague is truly amazing. As I said, I've learned these concepts and his teaching before, and so I did not need any convincing that the our identity as holy children of God is Biblical truth, and that it leads us into a desire for holy living, not a desire to sin. My only regrets in this book are: 1- I wish he had left out chapter 2, which includes a sort of mini-survey that I think is unnecessarily provocative. When I think of sharing this book with friends who have not yet heard the teaching of the New Covenant, who perhaps are more familiar with a legalistic approach to Christianity, I think that this chapter would dissuade them from further reading. And regret #2 - I wish it were longer!! Like fresh clear water on a hot dry day, we need more!
September 29, 2020
What’s good about this book is that it is an argument against the church legalism and pharisaical views that still plague the church. There are many times in this book where I was nodding and following along, because the Gospel of grace means grace! Jesus spoke against legalism. Paul spoke against legalism. The Bible is against legalism.
I think there are sections that I would agree with and share with other who feel like they are in the chains of legalism. We don’t measure our faith by our works, but in Christ and Christ alone. This book would be really helpful for the Christian that has “works-based” theology integrated in their system
But it felt that there were moments where the book muddied the waters instead of making it more clear. The main disagreement I would have is how Farley talks about Christ replacing the Law, instead of Christ fulfilling the Law. I think those things are different and have different applications and this led to minor disagreements throughout. Having said that, I still don’t think that this is the best book out there on emphasizing grace over works and sometimes goes a couple steps too far in to liberty in order to escape legalism. Having said that, I would much rather be on the side of liberty than legalism, but proper discernment is needed and you should look study the scriptures he interprets for yourself as well.
I think there are sections that I would agree with and share with other who feel like they are in the chains of legalism. We don’t measure our faith by our works, but in Christ and Christ alone. This book would be really helpful for the Christian that has “works-based” theology integrated in their system
But it felt that there were moments where the book muddied the waters instead of making it more clear. The main disagreement I would have is how Farley talks about Christ replacing the Law, instead of Christ fulfilling the Law. I think those things are different and have different applications and this led to minor disagreements throughout. Having said that, I still don’t think that this is the best book out there on emphasizing grace over works and sometimes goes a couple steps too far in to liberty in order to escape legalism. Having said that, I would much rather be on the side of liberty than legalism, but proper discernment is needed and you should look study the scriptures he interprets for yourself as well.
August 6, 2019
This book is about an identity issue in the church. Notice a pattern of identity crisis in the world today? Why do you think knowing our TRUE identity in Christ is such a HUGE thteat to Satan.? Cuz it empowers us to take those miracle instegating steps of faith that no longer keeps the believer powerless due to erroneous teaching & consequent powerless belief systems. No wonder Satan has wormed his way into the church with his twisted doctrine about the Christian's identity too. It keeps him in authority & keeps the believer powerless.Well no more! Your hand has been revealed Satan. This book has been a HUGE
answer to yrs of prayers for me but I also love love the way it reveals the "TRUE" nature of our God and uncovers the erroneous demonic teachings that have been coming from the pulpits thru Twisted Scripture (which btw is also the title of Farleys newest book). Place an order with your local library to bring in "Twisted Scripture" so that many others can be tremendously encouraged and empowered as well ! Enjoy both of these radically changing books !
answer to yrs of prayers for me but I also love love the way it reveals the "TRUE" nature of our God and uncovers the erroneous demonic teachings that have been coming from the pulpits thru Twisted Scripture (which btw is also the title of Farleys newest book). Place an order with your local library to bring in "Twisted Scripture" so that many others can be tremendously encouraged and empowered as well ! Enjoy both of these radically changing books !
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