Review - Active Spirituality: Grace and Effort in the Christian Life

Active Spirituality: Grace and Effort in the Christian Life, Brian G. Hedges, Shepherd Press, April 2014, 144 pages.

What is the Christian life all about? Do we rest or run? Does any effort on our part conflict with the grace of God? How do we know we're saved? What about continuing struggles with sin?

Have you ever asked these questions? I certainly have.

In Active Spirituality: Grace and Effort in the Christian Life, author Brian Hedges provides biblical and pastoral answers to these and other questions. While there are many books on Christian growth, Active Spirituality has taken a unique tack. These topics of the faith are discussed in the form of 31 letters from the author to a fictional young believer.

As far as the book's style, the letters are engaging and very believable. They are interspersed with scripture and quotes and are well-anchored in the gospel. As far as the content, Active Spirituality couldn't have come at a better time. Sanctification is a hot-button issue right now, and this book provides a very accessible, clear, and biblical balance between legalism and antinomianism. Hedges writes:

While the doctrine of justification by faith alone rescues us from the frozen glacier of legalism, it's the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, that liberates us from the miry bog of antimonianism (10)…

None of us fully understand the journey we're signing up for when we first begin to follow Christ. We all encounter obstacles for which we are unprepared… But the gospel promises that God's grace is far greater than the combined forces of all our foes. By faith, we can rest in knowing that every ounce of holy effort we exert is itself the fruit of God's grace. Whatever effort we make flows from the sovereign, unbreakable love of our Father; the effectual, finished work of our prophet, priest, and king, Jesus, the Son of God; and the mighty and mysterious power of the indwelling Spirit. (16)

I highly recommend Active Spirituality. It's not only suitable for young believers but any Christian who needs encouragement on the journey. This book could be used as part of a daily reading plan for a month or in a small group/one-on-one discipleship setting. I am looking forward to adding my review copy to my church library

For more information:

Interview with Brian Hedges about Active Spirituality
The author's blog.

[I received a copy of this book from Shepherd Press via Cross Focused Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]