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Union Essentials
Right with God
How do we become right with God? Michael Reeves warmly and clearly introduces what the Bible teaches about justification by faith alone. For anyone who does not know Christ or is lacking confidence in their salvation, the Bible has good news of comfort and joy.
64 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reeves
75 books572 followersMichael Reeves (PhD, King's College, London) is President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology in the UK (www.ust.ac.uk). He is Director of the European Theologians Network, and speaks and teaches regularly worldwide. Previously he has been Head of Theology for the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship and an associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 18, 2025
A solid little gospel presentation read by the author with appropriately joyful affect. I just wish we'd repent of using the generic feminine. It's so cringe.
November 6, 2022
A short pamphlet on justification by faith. Ordered and read it on a whim, after seeing that Reeves wrote it as a somewhat “digestible” articulation of Luther’s doctrine of sola fide.
But…Luther really isn’t that hard to read, and I don’t think most people would benefit more from Reeves short book than from reading primary Reformation sources.
I think this is a good book for middle schoolers (maybe?). But even then, with the right teacher — the power and content of Luther’s The Freedom of a Christian is easily understood.
I still love Reeves, though, and am glad to give him my money
But…Luther really isn’t that hard to read, and I don’t think most people would benefit more from Reeves short book than from reading primary Reformation sources.
I think this is a good book for middle schoolers (maybe?). But even then, with the right teacher — the power and content of Luther’s The Freedom of a Christian is easily understood.
I still love Reeves, though, and am glad to give him my money
December 21, 2023
A crackin lil book that's simple, clear and life giving! A good one to hopefully pass on.
(Apologies for the spam, I've some recent reading to get caught up on)
(Apologies for the spam, I've some recent reading to get caught up on)
February 28, 2025
Another one to read annually... at least.
April 27, 2024
A helpful reminder of the wonderful truths of the Christian Gospel.
August 20, 2023
Excellent, brief summary of the the biblical gospel/truth of justification by faith. Essentially, he reminds us that in the gospel offer, we are not merely offered the benefits of the Gospel (forgiveness of sins etc) but offered Christ Himself. We receive union with Christ Himself, and are clothed with Christ Himself - and IN Him we receive forgiveness etc... and IN Him are clothed with righteousness IN Him. Even as believers, when we see this, we are liberated from a host of issues and doubts and questions that would otherwise diminish our assurance of salvation.
A short, simple. yet profound, book to read and give away to believers and unbelievers like. Marvellous.
A short, simple. yet profound, book to read and give away to believers and unbelievers like. Marvellous.
February 23, 2024
Clear and concise, a helpful booklet for those new to the Christian faith (particularly those who have been converted from another faith) or those who struggle with assurance of salvation. Would be great to go through with older high school students.
February 4, 2025
Great, quick read.
“Our confidence can all rest on Christ and His sufficient righteousness. No sin is greater than the blood of this lamb, and believers are clothed in Him… the curse is removed. We can indeed enjoy rock solid assurance.”
“Our confidence can all rest on Christ and His sufficient righteousness. No sin is greater than the blood of this lamb, and believers are clothed in Him… the curse is removed. We can indeed enjoy rock solid assurance.”
September 14, 2024
4.30 I think
It talks about the basic foundation of Christianity, which is friendly for non christian to want know the general of Christianity in simple way.
I like how it talks about the God love that is different compare to the worldly love, and how Christ justified us that we are now declare righteous due to Christ, and it answers the common question such as whether we continue in sin after being christian, how we sure that we have assurance, and how works and faith related to each other.
It talks about the basic foundation of Christianity, which is friendly for non christian to want know the general of Christianity in simple way.
I like how it talks about the God love that is different compare to the worldly love, and how Christ justified us that we are now declare righteous due to Christ, and it answers the common question such as whether we continue in sin after being christian, how we sure that we have assurance, and how works and faith related to each other.
May 13, 2024
A wonderful little book on the beauty of justification. God loves us and makes us lovely. We don’t have to make ourselves lovey to be loved by God.
January 1, 2024
Seminary president and professor Michael Reeves writes that this is a little book about being right with God. It is a book about the wonderful doctrine of justification.
The author tells us that to be justified is to be a sinner on whom God has graciously pronounced the verdict “righteous.” It is to be declared righteous, not slowly transformed to become righteous. We are justified when God announces the verdict that we have a righteous status before him. To be justified means to come before God the Father not righteous in myself, but clothed with the righteousness of my perfectly righteous first-born brother.
The author utilizes a good deal of scripture in this book, as well as writings from Luther, Calvin, Bunyan, Sibbes and others. He states that Paul’s letter to the Romans gets to the heart of the apostle’s understanding of how to get right with God. He also looks at the objections to justification, beginning with the letter of James.
The author tells us that justification by faith alone must therefore be the very foundation stone of healthy Christian living. Without it you will not lean into the Christian life or have real joy and integrity before God.
This short book is packed with biblical wisdom. It is written in an easy-to-understand manner and can be read in one sitting.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• God does not love people because they have sorted themselves out: he loves failures, and that love makes them flourish.
• My current sin can and will hamper my enjoyment of the Christian life, but it can never alter my identity in him.
• Christ, our great Bridegroom, has taken all our sin, death, and judgement, borne it on the cross, and drowned it in his blood. He has then given to us all his righteousness, blessedness, and beloved status before his Father.
• We need not ask, “Have I got enough faith?” Faith is simply accepting, receiving, believing Christ—and he is enough.
• For all the sin that remains in our hearts and lives, we who trust Christ cannot be condemned without Christ being condemned with us. All his is ours.
• Salvation by grace alone is simply another way of saying salvation by Christ alone. There is no grace or salvation or righteousness without him.
• Sadly, far too many Christians lack the solid assurance that they have eternal life. The day of judgement need not be a day we dread, for it is the day of Jesus, our friend who has given us his righteousness.
• The simple fact is, you will not love God unless you know he loves you first. You will not love him unless you can know a security to enjoy him in.
The author tells us that to be justified is to be a sinner on whom God has graciously pronounced the verdict “righteous.” It is to be declared righteous, not slowly transformed to become righteous. We are justified when God announces the verdict that we have a righteous status before him. To be justified means to come before God the Father not righteous in myself, but clothed with the righteousness of my perfectly righteous first-born brother.
The author utilizes a good deal of scripture in this book, as well as writings from Luther, Calvin, Bunyan, Sibbes and others. He states that Paul’s letter to the Romans gets to the heart of the apostle’s understanding of how to get right with God. He also looks at the objections to justification, beginning with the letter of James.
The author tells us that justification by faith alone must therefore be the very foundation stone of healthy Christian living. Without it you will not lean into the Christian life or have real joy and integrity before God.
This short book is packed with biblical wisdom. It is written in an easy-to-understand manner and can be read in one sitting.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• God does not love people because they have sorted themselves out: he loves failures, and that love makes them flourish.
• My current sin can and will hamper my enjoyment of the Christian life, but it can never alter my identity in him.
• Christ, our great Bridegroom, has taken all our sin, death, and judgement, borne it on the cross, and drowned it in his blood. He has then given to us all his righteousness, blessedness, and beloved status before his Father.
• We need not ask, “Have I got enough faith?” Faith is simply accepting, receiving, believing Christ—and he is enough.
• For all the sin that remains in our hearts and lives, we who trust Christ cannot be condemned without Christ being condemned with us. All his is ours.
• Salvation by grace alone is simply another way of saying salvation by Christ alone. There is no grace or salvation or righteousness without him.
• Sadly, far too many Christians lack the solid assurance that they have eternal life. The day of judgement need not be a day we dread, for it is the day of Jesus, our friend who has given us his righteousness.
• The simple fact is, you will not love God unless you know he loves you first. You will not love him unless you can know a security to enjoy him in.
February 8, 2024
A profoundly gospel-rich book for its short and readable size.
A book to return to often, as well as give away for others to read.
It touches on each of the key aspects of justification and our union with Christ, bringing great gospel comfort and assurance.
A book to return to often, as well as give away for others to read.
It touches on each of the key aspects of justification and our union with Christ, bringing great gospel comfort and assurance.
October 28, 2025
A concise yet profound gospel tract that presents salvation through the essential doctrine of justification. This well-crafted treatise beautifully calls sinners to look to Christ alone for their justification.
November 7, 2022
A great primer on justification. If you’ve read other stuff by Mike there will be some content overlap with this, but would be great to hand out to newer Christians.
January 28, 2024
Very encouraging and helpful for someone who struggles with trying to understand justification.
April 18, 2023
The gospel explained vividly and most helpfully for this wretched one
August 21, 2023
On a 10-13yrs camp as Chaplain.
A simply short read for campers on the simple truths of the gospel.
A simply short read for campers on the simple truths of the gospel.
November 25, 2024
TLDR Review
Rating: 5 Stars. How do we become right with our Creator? This book explains what believing in Jesus Christ is and how God saves us through faith alone in Christ alone. He is the source of real life, real love, real joy, real hope.
Introducing the author: Michael Reeves is President of Union School of Theology in Bridgend and Oxford, United Kingdom. He teaches in the areas of systematic and historical theology, preaching, and spiritual formation. He has authored several books: Rejoicing in Christ; Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith; Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord; and other titles.
Introducing the book: Right with God is a clear explanation and warm expression on how God saves us through faith alone in Christ alone.
The Essentials Series: Union Publishing is producing a series of books focused on key aspects of Christian belief. The books are written at a popular level to help people across the globe to better understand what we believe as Christians.
Summary Review
Right with God is a book written to be read widely. It is written in common language and is relatively brief, coming in at under 60 pages. It explains what "Justification by Faith Alone" is, but this is no academic tome which throws around Latin phrases willy-nilly.
Dr. Reeves writes on how God saves through the overflowing abundance of his love expressed in the life, death, and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ. The tone is warm throughout, hope-filled, and intoxicatingly God-centered. To be saved by faith alone in Christ alone is no mere doctrine. It is to be brought into the life of Jesus Christ, in every aspect helpful and life-giving to those who come because they are joined with Christ, in union with him. "Take up and read" is my most hearty recommendation for you.
Extended Review
This book begins and ends with God's love. Chapter 1 is titled "Love That Liberates". Chapter 8 is called "Hallelujah! What a Savior!". Between these bookends of God's love is a pastoral call to receive the Savior sent, to believe in the One sent for sinners, to believe in the name of Immanuel, God with Us.
Chapter 1 - Love That Liberates
Am I loved? Have I done enough to win love from anyone? You may have asked yourself this kind of question at some point in your life. Out of this need, an even greater question arises. "Does God truly love me? Have I done enough to win God's love?" Yet, that question is framed in the pattern of our world, not in the way God speaks of love. Reeves points out that God's love for sinners is real. His love for the lost is authentic and deep. His love for the world is the foundation for sending the Savior. Most surprisingly and hopefully, His love is not based on your performance, on how well you have done.
"God does not love people because they have sorted themselves out: he loves failures, and that love makes them flourish." - p.9
In our present day, we love the victor, the achiever, the powerful and confident, the beautiful. Our cultural moment looks to fame, adulation, money, and power as the engine which drives the love and acceptance we receive from those around us. For many of us, this cultural current pulls us along, dragging us under the surface when we begin to consider whether we will find love today, if ever.
I have good news for you. There is an entirely different perspective on love which differs from our culturally-formed expectations. The Bible tells us that God's love is not earned by achievement, by power, or by our quest for human perfection. Rather, God's love is freely bestowed without regard for your performance. God's love brings liberation for the weak, for the guilty, for the rebel. His love brings joy and life through the gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is good news to all kinds of people, including people like you and me.
Chapter 2 - Justification Changes Everything
One struggle faced by many Christians is muddled thinking, where our justification and our sanctification are mingled and blended together. In this murky muddle, we fall in and out of God's favor depending on the type of day we are having. But our justification by God is not based on our achievement, on our performance. God's declaring us "justified", "righteous", springs from God's grace. Reeves points this out as follows:
"To be justified, then, is to be a sinner on whom God has graciously pronounced the verdict 'righteous.' It is to be declared righteous, not slowly transformed to become righteous." - p.19
Chapter 3 - New Clothes
How can God deliver the verdict "righteous" to you, to me, when we are sinners and are certainly unrighteous. How can we possibly be justified before our Creator who sees and knows all things about us, including our inner thoughts and motives? How, indeed. The facts upon which our justification rests are all "in Christ."
Believing in Jesus, we are joined in union with him. His death is become our death. His death on the cross in our place cleanses us from all our filth before the Almighty. Yet, this union goes even deeper, even higher than a removal of uncleanness. He does more than remove the filthy rags of our sin through his death on the cross. Our union with Christ gives us new clothes, clothes not fashioned by our past rebellion, failure, and sin... clothing not fashioned by our life in the least. Rather, new clothes of righteousness cover us, spun in golden threads of the righteous life of our Savior, given to all who believe in him, who receive him, who believe in his name.
This one sent by God, the Son of God in the flesh, fully God and fully man, stands in our place of condemnation, his righteous life stands in the place of our life.
"We try to dress ourselves before God in the fig leaves of our own righteousness, but he clothes us kindly and properly with the righteousness of Christ. So we come before our Father clothed in Christ." - p24-25
Reeves expands on this with the story of Jacob, drawn from John Calvin. He explores our union with Christ in more depth and addresses common misunderstandings. All of this is to help you, if you are a Christian, to know you are loved by God and clothed in Christ, truly justified by your Creator King.
Chapter 4 - The Astonishing Swap
The theme of union with Christ continues across this chapter. Reeves patiently reminds us that "justification by faith alone" does not make faith the one true virtue we must seek to possess. Rather, faith is the means wherein we have Christ himself in our place. His death saves us. His righteousness saves us. His resurrection saves us. He saves us.
Faith is simply accepting, receiving, believing Christ -- and he is enough. - p.33
The great exchange is miraculous and gracious indeed. As Christ takes our sin fully upon himself, to bear it away in the cross, so he fully gives us his righteous life that we are fully justified in him. He is enough. This chapter is central to the entire book. Much more could be written here, but I leave this chapter encouraging you to read and consider what Dr. Reeves points out in its pages.
Chapters 5-7 Yes, But...
Dr. Reeves addresses common concerns which have arisen when "justification by faith alone" has been proclaimed and believed.
How Do We Explain Works and Faith?
Are We to Continue in Sin?
Can I Really Know?
The questions are real, whether they arise from the Bible, or from those who hold differing convictions, or from our own hearts which, like sheep in a field, probe every inch of fencing in search of greener grass on the other side.
Reeves explores these potential stumbling blocks with refreshing directness. In such a brief book, significant space is notably devoted to exploring these concerns. My recommendation remains... read the book and consider.
In addressing works and faith from the book of James, Reeves writes:
"A living faith is a heartfelt trust in Christ which will manifest itself in love for God, a changed life, and good works--just as Abraham's faith, expressed in Genesis 15, proved itself to be a living faith through his works in Genesis 22." - p.40
Reeves is a student of the Reformation. He proves out from Scripture, time and time again, that justification by faith alone is truly justification by Christ himself. He is enough. Take up and read, friend.
Chapter 8 - Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Our love for God does not spring from the infertile soil of our sin-filled heart. Rather, our love for God finds its origins in God's love for us. "We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
Consider for one moment how deeply this love of God reaches into your life. In all things you can be thankful. In every trial you can rejoice. In every hardship you can trust the One who holds you.
"Justification by faith alone must therefore be the very foundation stone of healthy Christian living." - p.51
This world will continue to have its beauties, its failings, its dangers. Where will you look? Who will you look to as your days linger in the ebb and flow of life?
"I will rise and go to Jesus! He will save me from my sin. By the riches of his merit, There is joy and life in him." (Joseph Hart, 1759) - p.54
Conclusion
Right with God is a book which honors God, magnifies the Savior, and savors how justification by faith alone is truly how "He Himself becomes ours." Take up and read, friend, brother, and sister.
Rating: 5 Stars. How do we become right with our Creator? This book explains what believing in Jesus Christ is and how God saves us through faith alone in Christ alone. He is the source of real life, real love, real joy, real hope.
Introducing the author: Michael Reeves is President of Union School of Theology in Bridgend and Oxford, United Kingdom. He teaches in the areas of systematic and historical theology, preaching, and spiritual formation. He has authored several books: Rejoicing in Christ; Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith; Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord; and other titles.
Introducing the book: Right with God is a clear explanation and warm expression on how God saves us through faith alone in Christ alone.
The Essentials Series: Union Publishing is producing a series of books focused on key aspects of Christian belief. The books are written at a popular level to help people across the globe to better understand what we believe as Christians.
Summary Review
Right with God is a book written to be read widely. It is written in common language and is relatively brief, coming in at under 60 pages. It explains what "Justification by Faith Alone" is, but this is no academic tome which throws around Latin phrases willy-nilly.
Dr. Reeves writes on how God saves through the overflowing abundance of his love expressed in the life, death, and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ. The tone is warm throughout, hope-filled, and intoxicatingly God-centered. To be saved by faith alone in Christ alone is no mere doctrine. It is to be brought into the life of Jesus Christ, in every aspect helpful and life-giving to those who come because they are joined with Christ, in union with him. "Take up and read" is my most hearty recommendation for you.
Extended Review
This book begins and ends with God's love. Chapter 1 is titled "Love That Liberates". Chapter 8 is called "Hallelujah! What a Savior!". Between these bookends of God's love is a pastoral call to receive the Savior sent, to believe in the One sent for sinners, to believe in the name of Immanuel, God with Us.
Chapter 1 - Love That Liberates
Am I loved? Have I done enough to win love from anyone? You may have asked yourself this kind of question at some point in your life. Out of this need, an even greater question arises. "Does God truly love me? Have I done enough to win God's love?" Yet, that question is framed in the pattern of our world, not in the way God speaks of love. Reeves points out that God's love for sinners is real. His love for the lost is authentic and deep. His love for the world is the foundation for sending the Savior. Most surprisingly and hopefully, His love is not based on your performance, on how well you have done.
"God does not love people because they have sorted themselves out: he loves failures, and that love makes them flourish." - p.9
In our present day, we love the victor, the achiever, the powerful and confident, the beautiful. Our cultural moment looks to fame, adulation, money, and power as the engine which drives the love and acceptance we receive from those around us. For many of us, this cultural current pulls us along, dragging us under the surface when we begin to consider whether we will find love today, if ever.
I have good news for you. There is an entirely different perspective on love which differs from our culturally-formed expectations. The Bible tells us that God's love is not earned by achievement, by power, or by our quest for human perfection. Rather, God's love is freely bestowed without regard for your performance. God's love brings liberation for the weak, for the guilty, for the rebel. His love brings joy and life through the gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is good news to all kinds of people, including people like you and me.
Chapter 2 - Justification Changes Everything
One struggle faced by many Christians is muddled thinking, where our justification and our sanctification are mingled and blended together. In this murky muddle, we fall in and out of God's favor depending on the type of day we are having. But our justification by God is not based on our achievement, on our performance. God's declaring us "justified", "righteous", springs from God's grace. Reeves points this out as follows:
"To be justified, then, is to be a sinner on whom God has graciously pronounced the verdict 'righteous.' It is to be declared righteous, not slowly transformed to become righteous." - p.19
Chapter 3 - New Clothes
How can God deliver the verdict "righteous" to you, to me, when we are sinners and are certainly unrighteous. How can we possibly be justified before our Creator who sees and knows all things about us, including our inner thoughts and motives? How, indeed. The facts upon which our justification rests are all "in Christ."
Believing in Jesus, we are joined in union with him. His death is become our death. His death on the cross in our place cleanses us from all our filth before the Almighty. Yet, this union goes even deeper, even higher than a removal of uncleanness. He does more than remove the filthy rags of our sin through his death on the cross. Our union with Christ gives us new clothes, clothes not fashioned by our past rebellion, failure, and sin... clothing not fashioned by our life in the least. Rather, new clothes of righteousness cover us, spun in golden threads of the righteous life of our Savior, given to all who believe in him, who receive him, who believe in his name.
This one sent by God, the Son of God in the flesh, fully God and fully man, stands in our place of condemnation, his righteous life stands in the place of our life.
"We try to dress ourselves before God in the fig leaves of our own righteousness, but he clothes us kindly and properly with the righteousness of Christ. So we come before our Father clothed in Christ." - p24-25
Reeves expands on this with the story of Jacob, drawn from John Calvin. He explores our union with Christ in more depth and addresses common misunderstandings. All of this is to help you, if you are a Christian, to know you are loved by God and clothed in Christ, truly justified by your Creator King.
Chapter 4 - The Astonishing Swap
The theme of union with Christ continues across this chapter. Reeves patiently reminds us that "justification by faith alone" does not make faith the one true virtue we must seek to possess. Rather, faith is the means wherein we have Christ himself in our place. His death saves us. His righteousness saves us. His resurrection saves us. He saves us.
Faith is simply accepting, receiving, believing Christ -- and he is enough. - p.33
The great exchange is miraculous and gracious indeed. As Christ takes our sin fully upon himself, to bear it away in the cross, so he fully gives us his righteous life that we are fully justified in him. He is enough. This chapter is central to the entire book. Much more could be written here, but I leave this chapter encouraging you to read and consider what Dr. Reeves points out in its pages.
Chapters 5-7 Yes, But...
Dr. Reeves addresses common concerns which have arisen when "justification by faith alone" has been proclaimed and believed.
How Do We Explain Works and Faith?
Are We to Continue in Sin?
Can I Really Know?
The questions are real, whether they arise from the Bible, or from those who hold differing convictions, or from our own hearts which, like sheep in a field, probe every inch of fencing in search of greener grass on the other side.
Reeves explores these potential stumbling blocks with refreshing directness. In such a brief book, significant space is notably devoted to exploring these concerns. My recommendation remains... read the book and consider.
In addressing works and faith from the book of James, Reeves writes:
"A living faith is a heartfelt trust in Christ which will manifest itself in love for God, a changed life, and good works--just as Abraham's faith, expressed in Genesis 15, proved itself to be a living faith through his works in Genesis 22." - p.40
Reeves is a student of the Reformation. He proves out from Scripture, time and time again, that justification by faith alone is truly justification by Christ himself. He is enough. Take up and read, friend.
Chapter 8 - Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Our love for God does not spring from the infertile soil of our sin-filled heart. Rather, our love for God finds its origins in God's love for us. "We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
Consider for one moment how deeply this love of God reaches into your life. In all things you can be thankful. In every trial you can rejoice. In every hardship you can trust the One who holds you.
"Justification by faith alone must therefore be the very foundation stone of healthy Christian living." - p.51
This world will continue to have its beauties, its failings, its dangers. Where will you look? Who will you look to as your days linger in the ebb and flow of life?
"I will rise and go to Jesus! He will save me from my sin. By the riches of his merit, There is joy and life in him." (Joseph Hart, 1759) - p.54
Conclusion
Right with God is a book which honors God, magnifies the Savior, and savors how justification by faith alone is truly how "He Himself becomes ours." Take up and read, friend, brother, and sister.
October 2, 2025
Encouraging and devotional.
“We also see that when we doubt our standing with God, we need never look within ourselves to see how righteous we are, for our righteousness is external to ourselves…believers will grow more Christlike over time, but never more righteous.”
“We also see that when we doubt our standing with God, we need never look within ourselves to see how righteous we are, for our righteousness is external to ourselves…believers will grow more Christlike over time, but never more righteous.”
April 25, 2024
Excellent little book for new believers or to give to people that want to know how to be right with God. This is helpful for people that are religious but don’t know yet the beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ.
September 23, 2024
This book clearly lays out what the doctrine of “justification by faith alone” means. I didn’t find it as helpful as I was hoping (considering I knew much of the content covered already), but I’d still recommend it for introducing someone to this doctrine. Super short read (less than an hour).
January 7, 2023
A rich introduction to justification by faith alone. Enough to get you hungering for much more on the topic!
August 6, 2024
What an excellent short book explaining justification. Both assuring and comforting. A real easy read.
September 25, 2024
Good little primer on justification.
“We who trust Christ cannot be condemned without Christ being condemned with us. All his is ours.” (34)
“We who trust Christ cannot be condemned without Christ being condemned with us. All his is ours.” (34)
October 1, 2024
A very short book that helps you understand the sweetness of Justification. I would recommend this book for anyone struggling with scrupulosity, to see just how gracious our Lord is.
July 5, 2025
A good short reminder of the simplicity of the gospel, of how the Author justifies us.
January 19, 2025
I really appreciated his differentiation between living faith and dead faith in chapters 5: "a living faith is a heartfelt trust in Christ, which will manifest itself in love for God, a changed life, and good works," and he helpfully elaborates on that love for God in chapter 6: "believers come to Christ to receive him, not first and foremost to get heaven, righteousness, life, or any other blessing, but to get Christ, in whom all those other blessings are then found."
But he lost me in chapter 7. I get that 1 John proves that assurance is available. But for people like me who have biblical evidence we're not saved (Eph 5:5-6, 1 John 2:15-16, and many more parallel passages) there's no help here. For assurance, his solution is circular: find assurance by expressing assurance, even to the devil himself: "I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? Does this mean I shall be sentenced to eternal hell and damnation? By no means. For I know one who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf."
Did he make satisfaction on everyone's behalf? (Then nobody has to preach anymore. We're all going to heaven.) But since he didn't make satisfaction on everyone's behalf, by what authority do I tell the devil that I am among the few saved? Is it because there's no such thing as false assurance?
Chapter 6 (accurately I believe) demonstrates that no matter how glad I used to be about Jesus's redemption, I never was saved, because I always loved the gift (saved from eternal fire) more than the giver (the marvelous God who offers us his love).
But the book's descriptions of God's sacrificial love weren't enough to move my stony heart. God help me.
But he lost me in chapter 7. I get that 1 John proves that assurance is available. But for people like me who have biblical evidence we're not saved (Eph 5:5-6, 1 John 2:15-16, and many more parallel passages) there's no help here. For assurance, his solution is circular: find assurance by expressing assurance, even to the devil himself: "I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? Does this mean I shall be sentenced to eternal hell and damnation? By no means. For I know one who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf."
Did he make satisfaction on everyone's behalf? (Then nobody has to preach anymore. We're all going to heaven.) But since he didn't make satisfaction on everyone's behalf, by what authority do I tell the devil that I am among the few saved? Is it because there's no such thing as false assurance?
Chapter 6 (accurately I believe) demonstrates that no matter how glad I used to be about Jesus's redemption, I never was saved, because I always loved the gift (saved from eternal fire) more than the giver (the marvelous God who offers us his love).
But the book's descriptions of God's sacrificial love weren't enough to move my stony heart. God help me.
September 5, 2023
Right with God is the first book I have read by Michael Reeves, and although I listened to the audiobook version, I greatly enjoyed this book and his writing style. Reeves is a man who delights in God – he has experienced the fulness of joy that can only be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and this becomes clear in his writings, especially on a topic such as justification.
This short book focused on the foundational, yet often overlooked doctrine of justification in the Christian life. As Dr. Reeves mentions, Christians often think justification is something that happens at the start of your Christian pilgrimage, and as you grow in maturity you ‘move on’ to more sophisticated and advanced doctrines. In this book I realized firstly how quick I am to forget the substance of my justification by faith, and secondly how detrimental this can be to my faith. Reeves explained in the clearest way possible what justification is, why it matters, and how this changes everything for the one who is trusting in Christ.
The brevity of this book only added to its brilliance. Considering the practical-theological nature of this book along with its simplicity and length, I would argue that any new believer or long-serving Christian should read it. I was reminded not only how to be Right with God, but also of the glories of the gospel, and why I am constrained to Worship God.
This short book focused on the foundational, yet often overlooked doctrine of justification in the Christian life. As Dr. Reeves mentions, Christians often think justification is something that happens at the start of your Christian pilgrimage, and as you grow in maturity you ‘move on’ to more sophisticated and advanced doctrines. In this book I realized firstly how quick I am to forget the substance of my justification by faith, and secondly how detrimental this can be to my faith. Reeves explained in the clearest way possible what justification is, why it matters, and how this changes everything for the one who is trusting in Christ.
The brevity of this book only added to its brilliance. Considering the practical-theological nature of this book along with its simplicity and length, I would argue that any new believer or long-serving Christian should read it. I was reminded not only how to be Right with God, but also of the glories of the gospel, and why I am constrained to Worship God.
December 24, 2023
This book achieves what it sets out to do without christian jargon or overcomplication. It simply presents the gospel and explains in simple terms what 'justification by faith alone' really means, and more importantly, what it means for us. This short book ought to be passed on to anyone who doesn't know the great comfort we have as Christians: our future is secure because we are united to Christ, and His righteousness is our own.
Reeves, as always, keeps the bible at the centre of his writing. The short testimonies help ground these doctrines by showing that justification is not merely an academic concept, but has significant practical outworkings in the life of believers
Reeves, as always, keeps the bible at the centre of his writing. The short testimonies help ground these doctrines by showing that justification is not merely an academic concept, but has significant practical outworkings in the life of believers
June 4, 2023
Really enjoyed this one. For some reason, I thought this was written by Carl Trueman (I read too many books at once) and was somewhat surprised to see that Reeves wrote this once I finished it. It's a short work, but so good. Packed full of practical truths about what it means to be right with God and answers the common responses to that privilege. I commend this work to you.
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