The Romance of Grace; A Gift of Eternal Love

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."