I had originally scheduled this book review for Thanksgiving! That’s how long I have lingered over Jesus + Nothing = Everything?
Tullian Tchividjian’s book is meaty. It is one of those books that you can read on one level, thinking there’s nothing new. But if you read it more slowly, savoring it, and sucking out the marrow of the message of grace, you will be truly blessed.
The title is an example. Jesus + Nothing = Everything makes sense. We know that it’s true in a logical and theological way. But is it a reality in our lives? When our things, whether they are people, positions or possessions, are taken away, do we still live in the truth of having everything in Christ? But this isn’t really a book about loss. It’s about the very nature of our salvation and the sanctification process.
I have struggled with reviewing this book. Maybe it hits me in a new way that is so deep and personal that I can’t quite put it into words. I can’t seem to look at this book objectively and give an impartial review.
I’ve seen lots on the Internet about choosing one word for the year — a theme of sorts. My word for 2012 is freedom. And this book — its message of grace — sets me on the path.
Tchividjian talks about a common falsehood in Christianity, a “do more, try harder moralism that robs us of the joy and freedom Jesus paid dearly to secure for us. ” Salvation becomes man centered, another tool in our belt of personal development. The remedy, according to Tchividjian is to meditate on and live in the reality of Jesus’s victory. I love this quote.
The only way to deal with remaining sin long-term is to develop a distaste for it in light of the glorious acceptance, security, and forgiveness we already possess in Christ. I need to be reminded of this all the time, every day. Because the fact is, guilt doesn’t produce holiness; grace does.
If you want a preview of Jesus + Nothing = Everything, watch the author speak on the subject.
http://youtu.be/5U8t5TqCVMA
Disclaimer
I received a copy of Jesus + Nothing = Everything from Crossway Books in exchange for my honest review.
Yes and AMEN! Several years ago I went through a great study on the book of Romans where the truth of what HAS BEEN DONE hit me like a tons of freeing bricks.This finsihed work concept I had missed my whole life up until then. Knowing it has revolutionized my life. If I AM free from the power of sin and righteous by His blood! “How would I live today if this was true?” became the question I asked myself moment by moment. This questions implies I have faith that a few things I was “wroking on” were already complete. Paul even says that faith in his work on the cross will rectify my behavior and make my everyday life more holy good etc. Six years later I can say faith in Jesus’s finished work has done just that. To boot I have victory over sin, bad habits, and joy to overflowing. I think the joy comes from the knowledge daily I am clean and free from guilt and shame, and that daily victories I never could accomplish with my old chistian life is freedom indeed.
May the freedom you have laid hold of bless you with this great joy and give life to those round you. 🙂
Sarah
Thank you for this review! This sounds like a book I will look into for my reading list.