Review: Captured by Grace by David Jeremiah

Summary: In "Captured By Grace," Dr. David Jeremiah goes beyond the typical idea of "grace" and uses Scripture and the stories of Paul and John Newton (author of the hymn Amazing Grace) to explore in depth how to define grace and how to live by grace. A good third of the book could be considered a minnie biography of Newton and Paul. God pursued Newton and Paul, and he pursues you. He offers you the gift of grace through the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. It's not something you can earn. Yet, God also expects you to live differently once saved. He expects you to live through the eyes of grace. That means performing the works God has planned for you and living with an attitude of gratitude.

Review: This is the second book by Jeremiah that I have read, and I've gotten a lot out of both of them. Jeremiah never fails to combine practical advice with deep explorations of Scripture. I would have liked to have read more about how grace affects sin and the sinner. Jeremiah spends one chapter talking about maturing in the faith through trial and through transformation. He writes that Christians should not return to their former sinful lifestyles. That is a truth that many will struggle with. Jeremiah could have expanded on this. I would like to know his take on whether you can continue in sin (think repetition of the same sin - i.e. addiction) and still be a Christian. Nevertheless, Jeremiah still delivers in all other areas, making grace more than a concept, but, rather, a reality for Christians to live by.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com in exchange for my honest review of it.