ANOTHER BOOK ABOUT GRACE?
Grace seems simple in definition yet
difficult to wrap the human brain around. Many attempt to explain
grace and how it should work. The
Romance of Grace goes beyond defining grace. Jim McNeely
explores the subject of grace from its root. The point is for us to
realize and embrace the fact that God is romancing us from a position
of unconditional love in which grace becomes the ultimate cost of God
giving his all.
TREASURE AND PEARLS; THE KINGDOM OF DESIRE
Desire, good, coercion, breathing
grace, living under grace, do we want grace, temptation, desire
again, giving gifts, gratitude, all wrapped up in hidden treasure and
pearls. This is grace. This is The
Romance of Grace.
Jim McNeely weaves meticulously through
a deep exploration of grace to the point of putting in this amazing
context: "He (God) has such overwhelming desire that He (God)
impoverishes Himself (God) in order to gain us (pg. 135, The
Romance of Grace)."
GRACE; GIVING IT ALL AWAY
I must confess that this book started
rather slowly for me. The depth to which the author probes required a
time of processing in my brain. However once I began thinking about
what I was reading, I had to read on. Each chapter builds
progressively on the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price.
The ultimate climax for me was the section "The Love of God
and the Suffering of God" in the final chapter. Then I "got
it." God made Himself poor because He loves me. God paid it all
for me. This is grace. This is the romance of grace.
Author Jim McNeely laces The Romance of
Grace with scripture. Each chapter concludes with questions for
reflection. I readily admit that I was doing plenty of reflecting
before I reached the end of each chapter! The chapter dealing with
the gift culture absolutely puts the subject of grace into another
realm of light. I cannot help but ask myself what would my life and
the lives of those around me be like if I were to embrace this gift
culture.
MY RECOMMENDATION
I would not recommend this book to a
brand new Christian convert. The depth to which the author explores
grace verses the law could become confusing. After a foundation is
laid however, I can highly recommend The
Romance of Grace to anyone looking to move their Christian
walk to another level. This book will also make for an excellent
group study. I give it four out of five stars.
I
received this book free from crossfocusedreviews.com.
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."
