I will tell you right up front, I see good ideas in this book about living like you know that Christ is in you and claiming the power of that knowledge, but I do not wholly subscribe to the author's thought process behind that fact. This work is well written. It is easy to read and is not a long book. All good things for a reader who has a TBR stack and has this title in that pile. My review of the book based on those things alone would be four to five stars.
I will give you my thoughts on the subject matter and let you make your own decision about reading "Christ in You" which is what I always attempt to do on this blog.
Mr. Johnson begins his introduction with the story of his own "rewiring" by God in a few areas of his life. This took place over a period of about ten years. He relates that it did not happen overnight but through a series of small instances such as a scripture that stood out to him, or a situation that he was in or an experience that he had. This rewiring is what led to his writing of this book. He states our need to love humanity as Christ did, not just as an obligatory action that we choose because the Bible instructs us to love others. He states, "True love is not obligatory, rather, it comes from a deep place in your heart." Love for humanity does not always come from a deep place in your heart. Love for humanity, also known as having a burden for the lost, comes from God who plants that burden in your heart when you live from the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers. I say that to say this; many times feeling follows action. If we act out the love we know God wants us to have for our fellow human beings, He blesses that effort and in that blessing comes a genuine love for all human beings as He created us in His image. That is the love of God, perfected in His children.
The section on The Intent of Grace stresses the importance of our living not as "sinners saved by grace" which is a common thought, but to live as saved people, no longer sinners. Citing I Tim. I: 8-13, he states (pp. 96) that "...I believe what Paul is saying is "I was a chief sinner, but because of Christ's death and resurrection, I am now a righteous person through Him." Our righteousness is a work in progress, daily striving to attain that perfection in Christ. Becoming a Christian does not cause God to instantly make us righteous.
Mr. Johnson has a section in this work entitled "Co-Laboring with God" which is a good idea and a good goal. He states (pp.116) "It is fun to see how God allows the ideas of His people to become part of His plan." God does not take your ideas and make them part of His plan. His plan was put in place before the creation of man. The author quotes Ephesians 2:1-10 which says "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." I am not seeing our ideas in that. I do see God calling us to join Him where He is and do the works that He has prepared beforehand because they are the best work we can do.
I am disappointed that this book only talks about being put on earth to do good. We were first put here to be companions to God. We blew that but our loving Heavenly Father put a plan in place for us to be able to have that companionship with Him once again. Our charge is found in Matthew 28:19-20. Reaching out to others with the love of God by serving the unlovely and sinners such as ourselves is what brings us the reality that Christ lives in us and that God trusts us more than we trust ourselves.
These points I have mentioned are but a few from the book that stood out to me as I read.
I give "Christ In You" three stars. It is worth the cover price but must be read with discernment and an eye to scripture.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Chosen, for the purposes of review. These words are my opinion.
Thanks so much for being here! See you soon!
Jeri~
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