Book Review: Active Spirituality by Brian G Hedges

There has been a lot of talk lately over the debate of law and gospel where we Christians believe that we trust solely on Jesus not our works for salvation yet our works after we are saved is evidence of our salvation. Many Christians struggle that they are not doing enough. Some even feel that God will be done with them if they do not measure up.

Young Christians feel that especially when they are bombarded with messages that say you must do this to secure your salvation rather than giving the assurance they are saved in Christ. I know for myself, I fit into the category, I know God loves me but I will do not want to disappoint him or he will take away. I lived that for a great majority of my Christian life six years ago where God healed me from cancer and He led me to study better theology.

Brian G Hedges has written a book called, Active Spirituality which deals with the assurance of salvation. Instead of being a book where it may seem a little more academic than some books, Hedges decided to write a series of letters to a young believer named Chris, which I felt at times he was talking to me, but Hedges stated that Chris is short for Christian which means he is writing to all believers. He writes, "I've written (these letters) in my own voice, and all of the significant autobiographical details are true of me, but I do claim creative license for some incidental details, which I've sometimes invented or changed for the sake of interest. The letters do build on one another and follow an implicit storyline, so you should read them in order rather than skip around" (pg. 15).

Hedges in each letter addresses different topics that are important for those struggling with assurance. Some of those are doubt, trusting in God, is salvation unconditional, what is an apostate, and even resting in Jesus. These were not very long letters so one can read these in a devotional setting along with their Bible reading. Hedges does not use big theological terms but does point to the Scriptures to back up what he is writing.

For new Christians, this is a must-read book. This is a book for those struggling with their assurance of salvation. This would be good in a small group setting and even in one-on-one discipleship. For church leaders, this is a great book to have for those talking with someone who has doubts about their salvation. I have always enjoyed Brian Hedges' writings and this book did not disappoint.

Thanks Shepherd Press for letting me review this book.

I also recommend Brian Hedges' two other books:

License to Kill: A Field Manual for Mortifying Sin

Christ Formed in You: The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change