Pure Before Thee - Becoming Cleansed and Changed by Christ

by C. Robert Line

As Latter-day Saints, we may struggle with doubts about whether we have done enough or whether we are good enough, and we may be weighed down with self-perceived spiritual failure. Even amidst the joys of life, there are times when we may despair over the weakness in ourselves and in those we love, sensing the horribly wide gulf between us and the Father of our spirits. At these times, we wish, hope, and pray that relief—real relief—could miraculously be just a step away. It is. Scripture and modern prophets both affirm that Christ’s atoning sacrifice provides the justification through which our sins can immediately be pardoned or forgiven. The Atonement also unlocks the door to sanctification, a holy state of being in which we lose the desire to sin. In this engaging and encouraging guide, we see where and how these doctrinal concepts fit into the overall plan of salvation, beginning with our premortal existence and continuing through the eternities. We learn how justification brings immediate relief to our burdened souls and opens the pathway for us to be permanently sanctified. We come to understand what role our own works and efforts play in this process and what roles only the Holy Ghost, the Savior, and our Heavenly Father can fill. And as we grasp these truths, we also grasp hope—hope that we can overcome our own struggles, hope that we can make a difference in the lives of others, and hope that we can all make it back to our heavenly home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

Audio CD

First published March 4, 2011

Reviews

[Andrew Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. Read it a long time ago and came back to it to brush up more on justification and sanctification. It’s a must read if you want to study more on those two subjects.

[Chris Lindblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had him for an institute teacher at the University of Utah and his classes have completely changed my life. This book sums up what all of his institute classes were like. His brilliant insights on God's grace have given me hope and made me realize that I'm not as much of a lost cause as I thought I was. If you really want to learn more about and feel God's love for us, read this book!

[Kim Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I wish I'd had 20 years ago. For some reason, during that time, I was on something of a personal quest to understand justification and sanctification. In this book, he thoroughly discusses each topic. There were a couple of things in the book that really touched me personally. I really enjoyed it.

[Heidi Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative book on understanding the role of the Savior and His atonement.

[J Kir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep doctrine book. Breaks down the Doctrine very well. No fluff.

[Erika B. (SOS BOOKS) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked about two pages of this book so I think that the two stars are a nice balance. I liked the information it was just presented in a very boring way! I did like this quote from C.S. Lewis in it!

"Christ says "Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down...Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked-the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself; my own will shall become yours."

[Kole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helped me to understand better the meanings and differences between justification and sanctification as well as look at them in new lights. While there was a little repetitiveness at the beginning of the book I did enjoy it. One great thing is that the author didn't try to compact everything there is about the doctrines of justification and sanctification into one book. He included what was necessary to understand his point and move on which made this book an easier read.

[Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

C. Robert Line's insights on the Atonement are worth reading. He brings up an interesting perspective that I'd never thought of before and answers several important questions. I enjoyed his discussion of works and grace. He does an excellent job explaining how the two work together. Although fairly repetitive initially, I would recommend it.

[Kurt Francom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the chance of being in one of the author's institute classes a few years back. I loved his classes and I really liked this book as well. He really does well explaining this important doctrine that so many misinterpret. It's an easy read. Only took me a week to read. I recommend it.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty much talks about the difference between justification (being forgiven of your sins) and sanctification (having a change of heart, a desire not to commit the sin).
really really good!

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to learn more about sanctification and justification, the author covers it in great detail.