Author BRYAN CHAPELL
Publisher CROSSWAY
ISBN 1-58134-465-1
The title condenses the contents of this book for us, the three words “holiness by grace” spelling out the thrust of these chapters. Although the author is a middle aged seminary president from the United States the book does not come across with any heavy theoretical or scholarly flavor, there are plenty of personal examples, anecdotes from the lives of others that helpfully illustrate the subject matter, but above all it is a book with ‘life’ about it. The notes of humility, worship and love for God are clear to be heard. Technically we can say that this book “explains sanctification in the context of grace.” It is a needed emphasis and a vital joining of grace and holiness. In these days of the extremes of holiness earned and achieved by dedicated works and religious exercises, or its opposite, holiness is not important for we are saved anyway and God will cover our failings (cheap grace) this is a welcome book, it does not seek to bring a balance to those extremes but guides us through the scriptures on the matter and in a joyous way too. Here are a few chapter titles, “The Power of Joy,” “Repentance that sings,” “The Power of Mercy,” “Fighting with All His Might,” and “What has discipline Got to do with It?” The chapters are full of sane, Biblical exposition, illustrations and practical theology that is helpfully applied for those who desire to live for Christ. Many who look for the Wesleyan emphasis of holiness as a distinct work of grace, an experience, a new heart received from God will not find such doctrine here but will still benefit from reading this. Oswald Chambers, in all his writings links holiness with the Person of the Lord Jesus, Bryan Chapell unfolds the way holiness, obedience to the Lord from the heart and shows that it is joined completely with God’s mercy. I am aware that there are many writing about grace in these days and another book might seem superfluous, but when we consider that some writings on this subject tend to peddle erroneous ideas, this one is a loving corrective, a Biblical one and an inspiration to obedience.
