The central claim in Christ Formed in You is that it is God s purpose to change us by progressively making us more like Jesus, and that this happens only as we understand and apply the gospel to our lives. In the pages that follow we will explore the transforming power of the gospel from several angles. Part One focuses on the foundations for personal change. We will look at God s ultimate goal in transforming us (Chapter One); the key to transformation, which is the gospel itself (Chapter Two); and the application of the gospel to our lives in three specific ways (Chapters Three, Four, and Five). Part Two then takes up the pattern of personal change. We will explore the captivating beauty of gospel holiness (Chapter Six); with its demands that we both kill sin (Chapter Seven); and grow in grace by the power of the Spirit (Chapter Eight); and the quest for joy that motivates us in this pursuit and strengthens us in the battle for holiness (Chapter Nine). Part Three of the book focuses on the means of personal change, the tools God uses to transform us. These final three chapters, while building on the foundation of the gospel discussed earlier in the book, are the most practical. We will learn how God uses spiritual disciplines (Chapter Ten); suffering (Chapter Eleven); and personal relationships in the body of Christ (Chapter Twelve) to conform us to the image of Christ. In each of these chapters, my aim has been to connect the dots between the gospel, the goal of Christlikeness, and the specific aspect of spirituality under discussion.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"a very clear and carefully written book...a gift to the church" --Themelios
Those who apply the message of this insightful book will, by God's grace, find themselves growing into authentic Christlikeness." --Steven J. Lawson, Senior Pastor, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, AL --Back Cover
"This is a Gospel primer that I will recommend again and again." --Paul David Tripp, Pastoral staff of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA --Back Cover
"Christ Formed in You is evangelical spirituality at its best!" --Del Fehsenfeld III, Pastoral Services Director, Life Action Ministries --Back Cover
"Brian Hedges sets the fullness of the gospel to work on the lives of believers, wielding it like a craftsman to shape us into images of Christ." --Kris Lundgaard, author of The Enemy Within --Back Cover
Those who apply the message of this insightful book will, by God's grace, find themselves growing into authentic Christlikeness." --Steven J. Lawson, Senior Pastor, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, AL --Back Cover
"This is a Gospel primer that I will recommend again and again." --Paul David Tripp, Pastoral staff of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA --Back Cover
"Christ Formed in You is evangelical spirituality at its best!" --Del Fehsenfeld III, Pastoral Services Director, Life Action Ministries --Back Cover
"Brian Hedges sets the fullness of the gospel to work on the lives of believers, wielding it like a craftsman to shape us into images of Christ." --Kris Lundgaard, author of The Enemy Within --Back Cover
From the Back Cover
"Brian Hedges brings a beautiful clarity to our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and pulls together a comprehensive patchwork of the Gospel's implications for everyday life. The result is a precise and practical picture of a lifestyle rooted in grace. This is a Gospel primer that I will recommend again and again." --Paul David Tripp, Pastoral staff of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA
"With clarity, balance, common sense, and a relentless commitment to keeping his eye on the goal, Brian Hedges sets the fullness of the gospel to work on the lives of believers, wielding it like a craftsman to shape us into images of Christ." --Kris Lundgaard, author of The Enemy Within and Through the Looking Glass
"Brian Hedges combines credible exegesis with astute theological balance in his approach to spiritual formation. And he wraps it all up with a thoroughgoing Christ-centeredness that is practical and winsome. Christ Formed in You is evangelical spirituality at its best!" --Del Fehsenfeld III, Pastoral Services Director, Life Action Ministries
"Brian Hedges has done the church a great service in writing this book, which reveals the God-intended path of sanctification. The ultimate goal in spiritual maturity is to transform believers into the image of Christ. Those who apply the message of this insightful book will, by God's grace, find themselves growing into authentic Christlikeness." --Steven J. Lawson, Senior Pastor, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, AL
"With clarity, balance, common sense, and a relentless commitment to keeping his eye on the goal, Brian Hedges sets the fullness of the gospel to work on the lives of believers, wielding it like a craftsman to shape us into images of Christ." --Kris Lundgaard, author of The Enemy Within and Through the Looking Glass
"Brian Hedges combines credible exegesis with astute theological balance in his approach to spiritual formation. And he wraps it all up with a thoroughgoing Christ-centeredness that is practical and winsome. Christ Formed in You is evangelical spirituality at its best!" --Del Fehsenfeld III, Pastoral Services Director, Life Action Ministries
"Brian Hedges has done the church a great service in writing this book, which reveals the God-intended path of sanctification. The ultimate goal in spiritual maturity is to transform believers into the image of Christ. Those who apply the message of this insightful book will, by God's grace, find themselves growing into authentic Christlikeness." --Steven J. Lawson, Senior Pastor, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, AL
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More About the Author
Brian Hedges is the Lead Pastor for Fulkerson Park Baptist Church in Niles, Michigan, where he has served since 2003. He is the author of Christ Formed in You: The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change (Shepherd Press, 2010), Licensed to Kill: A Field Manual for Mortifying Sin (Cruciform Press, 2011), and Active Spirituality: Grace and Effort in the Christian Life (Shepherd Press, forthcoming). He has also written for several journals and periodicals. He has been married to Holly since 1996 and they have three children. For fun, Brian enjoys reading, golf, and good movies.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book had at least three things going for it before I even picked it up - the publisher (Shepherd Press, whose books I regularly enjoy), the endorsements (Tripp and Lundgaard among others), and most of all the topic...books on spiritual formation abound, but good books are far less frequent. Scanning the contents and forward (by Don Whitney) confirmed my desire to invest the time in reading the book, as well as the works referenced (by men such as Ferguson, Lloyd Jones, Carson, MacArthur, Ryle, Owen, Packer and others).
Hedges begins by outlining his aim: mapping the trail to Christlikeness. He describes many of the ways in which the gospel is warped, and seeks to trace a path between legalism and cheap grace towards Christ, and this is what the gospel is all about - it is simply the `implanting, writing and living out the gospel in our lives.' He will do this with clear writing, sound doctrine and a healthily spattering of examples and references to literature (Narnia, Middle Earth and others being prominent!)
The first section covers The Foundation of personal Change, covering 5 chapters (The Goal, the Gospel, Justification, the Heart and Sanctification). The first 2 chapters outline what the gospel is, and the reader should not skip past these as they are a very helpful recap of the gospel message and foundation for what comes afterwards. In chapter 1 Hedges outlines the grand themes of the story: Scripture, Creation, Fall and Redemption, showing that God's purpose is to restore the shattered image in ever deeper conformity to Christ. Chapter 2 takes us deeper into the nature of the gospel, focusing first on aspects of the cross (substitution, restoration, rescue, triumph, etc), on through the resurrection with Christ the first fruits, and on to the Spirit Who is the agent of our transformation. We should in turn repent and trust, entering into a life of ever deepening communion with the Savior.
Hedges continues into the area of Justification, a battleground in evangelical circles today. Hedges explains that transformation comes by grace, based on the work of Christ, not to gain grace. Bad new - we are guilty and cannot work it off. Good news - we are declared righteous based on the work of Christ alone. We love Christ not from fear of repercussions, but from grateful hearts. The hearts are new hearts, transformed by new creation by God at salvation, and Hedges outlines the leanings of this new heart. With the new heart the cure has begun, and Hedges finishes the first section by outlining that not only has our position changed, but the power of sin is broken, we are raised in newness of life with Christ, and as the Spirit applies these truths to our hearts we are enabled to walk ever closer to His image. The rest of the book goes into the transformation in much greater detail.
Section 2 of the book, The Pattern of Personal Change, covers 4 areas: Holiness, Mortification, Vivification (I love that word!) and Motivation. While holiness is often seen as dull and dry, the reality is that it is a pleasing pain, both alarming and delighting us. As creatures before a holy, pure God, there is the `trauma of holiness', but as believers with new hearts inclined to Christ, it is captivating. And it is all enabled through the gospel!
Holiness is first a putting off - a killing of sin. Hedges outlines wrong methods in which we attempt this and follows with 10 positive ways in which to wage this war (making no provision for the flesh, yielding to God, replacing sin with grace, etc), and as with the rest of the book, it is not a dry list of principles, but is always illustrated with helpful examples. But branches are not pruned just to be pruned, but to bear fruit, and in the Hedges outlines the positive aspects of giving ourselves to Christ, of an inner work that shows itself in outward change through the renewing of our minds and work of the Spirit. He continues to outline some spects of the transformation (it is relational, to God and others, it involves conflict, it is symmetrical (I found this helpful - we are as spiritual as our weakest trait...wow).
But finally, holiness is motivated but joy. Looking to writers like Brooks ad Piper, Hedges shows how a great hindrance in holiness is a lack of longing and desire...the `Expulsive Power of a New Affection'), and the section finishes with some very practical help on how to defeat specific sins (greed, lust, etc).
The Book Concludes with The Means of Personal Change (Disciplines, Suffering, Community), covering some often overlooked aspects in our path to ever closer conformity with Christ. A single chapter on the disciplines is perhaps the most obvious, but while greater detail may be found in books like those by Don Whitney, Hedges outlines how these are onvolved in our change. We cannot be holy without discipline, but discipline alone cannot make us holy, and we need the Spirit's empowerment. He shares the remarkable thought that Christ was perfectly holy with no means other than those provided for us (prayer, biblical meditation), and he has some very helpful diagrams on inward, outward and corporate disciplines (he uses few tables and diagrams, but they are always beneficial). Disciplines are way in which to keep our hearts full of the gospel of Christ.
The final 2 chapters are not often discussed in my experience of literature on this theme. First, suffering - life is full of it, and we have little choice over it, but how we react has an enormous affect on how we change. We must always remember it is for the good of the believer, to teach us many things (discipline, compassion, and several others that Hedges describes). Community is also essential to change - we were made to be relational, and this is often forgotten in books on this topic. Individualism, busyness and other aspects of modern life strive to get in the way of this, but ultimately our individual transformation is a community project! We cannot do it ourselves, but need the motivation and nurture of others...and I love the thought that the people in our lives will last forever...transformation is not simply about how I can grow, but how we can grow.
There are many books that cover specific aspects of this journey (holiness, suffering, gospel content, etc), but in this single, accessible volume, Hedges has striven to bring these all together. In my estimation he achieves this aim admirably, I recommend it highly, and I look forward to rereading and profiting from this book again.
Hedges begins by outlining his aim: mapping the trail to Christlikeness. He describes many of the ways in which the gospel is warped, and seeks to trace a path between legalism and cheap grace towards Christ, and this is what the gospel is all about - it is simply the `implanting, writing and living out the gospel in our lives.' He will do this with clear writing, sound doctrine and a healthily spattering of examples and references to literature (Narnia, Middle Earth and others being prominent!)
The first section covers The Foundation of personal Change, covering 5 chapters (The Goal, the Gospel, Justification, the Heart and Sanctification). The first 2 chapters outline what the gospel is, and the reader should not skip past these as they are a very helpful recap of the gospel message and foundation for what comes afterwards. In chapter 1 Hedges outlines the grand themes of the story: Scripture, Creation, Fall and Redemption, showing that God's purpose is to restore the shattered image in ever deeper conformity to Christ. Chapter 2 takes us deeper into the nature of the gospel, focusing first on aspects of the cross (substitution, restoration, rescue, triumph, etc), on through the resurrection with Christ the first fruits, and on to the Spirit Who is the agent of our transformation. We should in turn repent and trust, entering into a life of ever deepening communion with the Savior.
Hedges continues into the area of Justification, a battleground in evangelical circles today. Hedges explains that transformation comes by grace, based on the work of Christ, not to gain grace. Bad new - we are guilty and cannot work it off. Good news - we are declared righteous based on the work of Christ alone. We love Christ not from fear of repercussions, but from grateful hearts. The hearts are new hearts, transformed by new creation by God at salvation, and Hedges outlines the leanings of this new heart. With the new heart the cure has begun, and Hedges finishes the first section by outlining that not only has our position changed, but the power of sin is broken, we are raised in newness of life with Christ, and as the Spirit applies these truths to our hearts we are enabled to walk ever closer to His image. The rest of the book goes into the transformation in much greater detail.
Section 2 of the book, The Pattern of Personal Change, covers 4 areas: Holiness, Mortification, Vivification (I love that word!) and Motivation. While holiness is often seen as dull and dry, the reality is that it is a pleasing pain, both alarming and delighting us. As creatures before a holy, pure God, there is the `trauma of holiness', but as believers with new hearts inclined to Christ, it is captivating. And it is all enabled through the gospel!
Holiness is first a putting off - a killing of sin. Hedges outlines wrong methods in which we attempt this and follows with 10 positive ways in which to wage this war (making no provision for the flesh, yielding to God, replacing sin with grace, etc), and as with the rest of the book, it is not a dry list of principles, but is always illustrated with helpful examples. But branches are not pruned just to be pruned, but to bear fruit, and in the Hedges outlines the positive aspects of giving ourselves to Christ, of an inner work that shows itself in outward change through the renewing of our minds and work of the Spirit. He continues to outline some spects of the transformation (it is relational, to God and others, it involves conflict, it is symmetrical (I found this helpful - we are as spiritual as our weakest trait...wow).
But finally, holiness is motivated but joy. Looking to writers like Brooks ad Piper, Hedges shows how a great hindrance in holiness is a lack of longing and desire...the `Expulsive Power of a New Affection'), and the section finishes with some very practical help on how to defeat specific sins (greed, lust, etc).
The Book Concludes with The Means of Personal Change (Disciplines, Suffering, Community), covering some often overlooked aspects in our path to ever closer conformity with Christ. A single chapter on the disciplines is perhaps the most obvious, but while greater detail may be found in books like those by Don Whitney, Hedges outlines how these are onvolved in our change. We cannot be holy without discipline, but discipline alone cannot make us holy, and we need the Spirit's empowerment. He shares the remarkable thought that Christ was perfectly holy with no means other than those provided for us (prayer, biblical meditation), and he has some very helpful diagrams on inward, outward and corporate disciplines (he uses few tables and diagrams, but they are always beneficial). Disciplines are way in which to keep our hearts full of the gospel of Christ.
The final 2 chapters are not often discussed in my experience of literature on this theme. First, suffering - life is full of it, and we have little choice over it, but how we react has an enormous affect on how we change. We must always remember it is for the good of the believer, to teach us many things (discipline, compassion, and several others that Hedges describes). Community is also essential to change - we were made to be relational, and this is often forgotten in books on this topic. Individualism, busyness and other aspects of modern life strive to get in the way of this, but ultimately our individual transformation is a community project! We cannot do it ourselves, but need the motivation and nurture of others...and I love the thought that the people in our lives will last forever...transformation is not simply about how I can grow, but how we can grow.
There are many books that cover specific aspects of this journey (holiness, suffering, gospel content, etc), but in this single, accessible volume, Hedges has striven to bring these all together. In my estimation he achieves this aim admirably, I recommend it highly, and I look forward to rereading and profiting from this book again.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By John A. Bird
Format:Paperback
While his teenage peers worried about little more than Friday's exam over Romeo and Juliet, Brian Hedges was contemplating a call to preach. He answered that call at the age of eighteen. Since then, between serving in a para-church ministry and preaching in his local church, Hedges has gained eighteen years of ministry experience. That's not bad for a 36 year old.
Hedges' preaching is characterized by clear, well-organized, well-illustrated, expository sermons that are full of practical application. And in his first book, Christ Formed in You, he proves that he can deliver as powerful and practical a message in writing as he can in preaching.
In the foreword, Donald Whitney captures the essence of Christ Formed in You:
"Brian Hedges understands that the pursuit of "the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14) requires a clear understanding of the Gospel. For it is in the Gospel that we see Christ in His glory most clearly. And the better we understand and feast our souls on the Gospel of Christ, the more intimate with and like Jesus we become."
The twelve chapters in Christ Formed in You are divided under three headings:
Part 1: The Foundations of Personal Change
Part 2: The Path of Personal Change
Part 3: The Means of Personal Change
In Part 1, Hedges gives an in-depth explanation of the gospel and its various aspects. These chapters are foundational to the book, just as a correct understanding of the gospel is foundational to any progress in holiness. Change "happens only as we understand and apply the gospel to our lives." And central to the gospel is Jesus Christ, our example of perfect holiness. Hedges writes:
"Jesus is the true Imago Dei, the true image of God. But he also remakes human beings in his image through his work. His life on this earth was the perfect embodiment of all that is righteous, good, beautiful, and true....In him we see what God intended all human beings to be in their relationships to God, to one another, and to creation....The question this book aims to answer is how do we become like Jesus?"
Part 2 explores the beauty of holiness, the killing of sin, growing in grace, and the motivation for true holiness (joy). In Part 3, Hedges discusses the means through which God works to make believers more like Christ (primarily meditation on Scripture, prayer, suffering, and community).
Though written clearly and at an understandable level, Christ Formed in You isn't light reading. Hedges believes that good theology is essential ("we need to frame our concerns about personal change in the larger story of God's saving work, the story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration..."), and readers can be assured that they will get a dose of good theology. But the book is also very personal. Through the author's use of illustrations from his life, including taking readers through his own spiritual journey, we see qualities important in a pastor: humility, patience, love, and a genuine concern for others. These characteristics reinforce another common theme that runs throughout his book--the importance of relationships and community:
"The goal of redemption is to make you a "little Christ." God wants to renew his image within you. But spiritual renewal doesn't happen and cannot happen in isolation from others. It happens in relationships."
Hedges rarely makes a claim that isn't backed up by carefully applied Scripture. And he seems to have an inexhaustible supply of the classic hymns, from Wesley, Newton, and the other great writers, stored in his memory, always ready to illustrate a truth. He mentions the influence that the Puritan writings have had on him, and their influence is evident. Not only does he quote them often, but his use of outlines and lists reminds one of their works. I found these lists, lists such as, "Ten Ways to Kill Sin," "Five Essential Elements Which Make up Spiritual Transformation," "Six Ways God Utilizes Suffering in Our Lives," very helpful, as I did the entire book.
Readers from all backgrounds and at all stages of life--believer or skeptic, young or old--will benefit from reading Christ Formed in You. I hope, and expect, to see many more books written by the same author.
Hedges' preaching is characterized by clear, well-organized, well-illustrated, expository sermons that are full of practical application. And in his first book, Christ Formed in You, he proves that he can deliver as powerful and practical a message in writing as he can in preaching.
In the foreword, Donald Whitney captures the essence of Christ Formed in You:
"Brian Hedges understands that the pursuit of "the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14) requires a clear understanding of the Gospel. For it is in the Gospel that we see Christ in His glory most clearly. And the better we understand and feast our souls on the Gospel of Christ, the more intimate with and like Jesus we become."
The twelve chapters in Christ Formed in You are divided under three headings:
Part 1: The Foundations of Personal Change
Part 2: The Path of Personal Change
Part 3: The Means of Personal Change
In Part 1, Hedges gives an in-depth explanation of the gospel and its various aspects. These chapters are foundational to the book, just as a correct understanding of the gospel is foundational to any progress in holiness. Change "happens only as we understand and apply the gospel to our lives." And central to the gospel is Jesus Christ, our example of perfect holiness. Hedges writes:
"Jesus is the true Imago Dei, the true image of God. But he also remakes human beings in his image through his work. His life on this earth was the perfect embodiment of all that is righteous, good, beautiful, and true....In him we see what God intended all human beings to be in their relationships to God, to one another, and to creation....The question this book aims to answer is how do we become like Jesus?"
Part 2 explores the beauty of holiness, the killing of sin, growing in grace, and the motivation for true holiness (joy). In Part 3, Hedges discusses the means through which God works to make believers more like Christ (primarily meditation on Scripture, prayer, suffering, and community).
Though written clearly and at an understandable level, Christ Formed in You isn't light reading. Hedges believes that good theology is essential ("we need to frame our concerns about personal change in the larger story of God's saving work, the story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration..."), and readers can be assured that they will get a dose of good theology. But the book is also very personal. Through the author's use of illustrations from his life, including taking readers through his own spiritual journey, we see qualities important in a pastor: humility, patience, love, and a genuine concern for others. These characteristics reinforce another common theme that runs throughout his book--the importance of relationships and community:
"The goal of redemption is to make you a "little Christ." God wants to renew his image within you. But spiritual renewal doesn't happen and cannot happen in isolation from others. It happens in relationships."
Hedges rarely makes a claim that isn't backed up by carefully applied Scripture. And he seems to have an inexhaustible supply of the classic hymns, from Wesley, Newton, and the other great writers, stored in his memory, always ready to illustrate a truth. He mentions the influence that the Puritan writings have had on him, and their influence is evident. Not only does he quote them often, but his use of outlines and lists reminds one of their works. I found these lists, lists such as, "Ten Ways to Kill Sin," "Five Essential Elements Which Make up Spiritual Transformation," "Six Ways God Utilizes Suffering in Our Lives," very helpful, as I did the entire book.
Readers from all backgrounds and at all stages of life--believer or skeptic, young or old--will benefit from reading Christ Formed in You. I hope, and expect, to see many more books written by the same author.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Christ Formed in You; The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change. Brian Hedges (Review)
Christ Formed in You; The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change is a promising and compelling title. It is promising because it suggests it is the Christian gospel that empowers change. It is compelling because of the universal longing for change.
Personal change is big business in our world. People want to change. They know they need to change. To at least some degree, they desire personal change. Thousands upon thousands of books are sold in America every day on aspects of personal change. People are not unaware of their need for personal change. They are not unwilling or disinterested in change. They are, however, often lacking desire and power for personal change.
Popular studies suggest that many who claim to follow Christ are not different from those around them who make no such claim. This is one of many reasons professing Christians need to experience personal transformation. In Christ Formed in You, Hedges deals with the foundations for personal change, the pattern of personal change, and the means of personal change.
Hedges states early that his "...central claim in Christ Formed in You is that it is God's purpose to change us by progressively making us more like Jesus, and that this happens only as we understand and apply the gospel to our lives."
The book is about change. It is about a miraculous and lasting kind of change the Bible calls transformation. It is about a miraculous transformation that results in holiness. Hedges book is not just about how to be saved by the gospel, but how to be made progressively holy by the gospel. Does that work? How does that work? Hedges answers these questions.
The book is not a collection of inspirational passages supported with scripture quotations. It is a focused study of the role of the gospel in personal holiness and it is saturated with scripture. It is built on the scriptures that explicate the Christian gospel. Hedges quotes Puritan John Owen said, "Holiness is nothing but the implanting, writing, and realizing of the gospel in our souls."
Hedges uses a solid exegetical approach to ground the arguments and explainations of the book in Scripture, rich quotations for color and clarity, and lucid illustrations to make abstract theological truth understandable.
It is useful and thorough with a clear, logical progression of thought supported by almost thirty pages of small-print footnotes and useful indices. It is practical with a devotional quality, but it is the kind of book you will want to keep near-at-hand to use as a reference tool.
Here are some examples:
* A treatment of the new man and the new creation.
* Six things Christ achieved on the cross.
* What was accomplished in Christ's resurrection.
* The theological "roots" of personal sanctification.
* How a right understanding of justification changes our approach to transformation.
* Our hearts and ten biblical examples of godly affections. (This is a very useful summary).
* Does a believer have an old nature?
* How do we understand the term "flesh."
* How worship affects sanctification and transformation.
* Mortification and Vivification
* Ten ways to kill sin
* Five Characteristics of Spiritual Growth.
* The place of joy and satisfication in transformation.
* The means of sanctification and the role of spiritual disciplines.
* A palette of spiritual practices as means of transformation.
* The role of suffering in transformation.
* The role of relationships in transformation.
* Pictures of the church and it's place in transformation.
Christ Formed in You is clearly written by a thorough student, if not a scholar, with a pastor's heart and a clear personal passion for knowing God and pursuing Christlikeness. It's a good book. It's not a trendy, hip, new twist on old errors. It's a clear compendium of a classical understanding the process of Christian holiness, rooted in the gospel and clarified for a modern audience. It is not light reading, but it is clear reading for common people who long to change and don't want to be misled. Hedges isn't hawking snake-oil cures for spiritual cancer. This is health food for spiritual vitality. I suggest you acquire a taste for it.
Christ Formed in You; The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change is a promising and compelling title. It is promising because it suggests it is the Christian gospel that empowers change. It is compelling because of the universal longing for change.
Personal change is big business in our world. People want to change. They know they need to change. To at least some degree, they desire personal change. Thousands upon thousands of books are sold in America every day on aspects of personal change. People are not unaware of their need for personal change. They are not unwilling or disinterested in change. They are, however, often lacking desire and power for personal change.
Popular studies suggest that many who claim to follow Christ are not different from those around them who make no such claim. This is one of many reasons professing Christians need to experience personal transformation. In Christ Formed in You, Hedges deals with the foundations for personal change, the pattern of personal change, and the means of personal change.
Hedges states early that his "...central claim in Christ Formed in You is that it is God's purpose to change us by progressively making us more like Jesus, and that this happens only as we understand and apply the gospel to our lives."
The book is about change. It is about a miraculous and lasting kind of change the Bible calls transformation. It is about a miraculous transformation that results in holiness. Hedges book is not just about how to be saved by the gospel, but how to be made progressively holy by the gospel. Does that work? How does that work? Hedges answers these questions.
The book is not a collection of inspirational passages supported with scripture quotations. It is a focused study of the role of the gospel in personal holiness and it is saturated with scripture. It is built on the scriptures that explicate the Christian gospel. Hedges quotes Puritan John Owen said, "Holiness is nothing but the implanting, writing, and realizing of the gospel in our souls."
Hedges uses a solid exegetical approach to ground the arguments and explainations of the book in Scripture, rich quotations for color and clarity, and lucid illustrations to make abstract theological truth understandable.
It is useful and thorough with a clear, logical progression of thought supported by almost thirty pages of small-print footnotes and useful indices. It is practical with a devotional quality, but it is the kind of book you will want to keep near-at-hand to use as a reference tool.
Here are some examples:
* A treatment of the new man and the new creation.
* Six things Christ achieved on the cross.
* What was accomplished in Christ's resurrection.
* The theological "roots" of personal sanctification.
* How a right understanding of justification changes our approach to transformation.
* Our hearts and ten biblical examples of godly affections. (This is a very useful summary).
* Does a believer have an old nature?
* How do we understand the term "flesh."
* How worship affects sanctification and transformation.
* Mortification and Vivification
* Ten ways to kill sin
* Five Characteristics of Spiritual Growth.
* The place of joy and satisfication in transformation.
* The means of sanctification and the role of spiritual disciplines.
* A palette of spiritual practices as means of transformation.
* The role of suffering in transformation.
* The role of relationships in transformation.
* Pictures of the church and it's place in transformation.
Christ Formed in You is clearly written by a thorough student, if not a scholar, with a pastor's heart and a clear personal passion for knowing God and pursuing Christlikeness. It's a good book. It's not a trendy, hip, new twist on old errors. It's a clear compendium of a classical understanding the process of Christian holiness, rooted in the gospel and clarified for a modern audience. It is not light reading, but it is clear reading for common people who long to change and don't want to be misled. Hedges isn't hawking snake-oil cures for spiritual cancer. This is health food for spiritual vitality. I suggest you acquire a taste for it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring
This is one of the most down to earth expenations of the gospel work of Jesus Christ that I have read. It is clear and accurate according to scripture.
Published 19 days ago by Bob stearns
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read It
I was on the fence about buying this book but the great (Kindle) price convinced me and I'm so glad that it did. Read more
Published 1 month ago by D. Demarco
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT BOOK
Our mens group is using this as a study guide and downloading to my Kindle was a great way to have the book to study. Thanks Amazon for electronic "print".
Published 5 months ago by Timothy W. Johnson
4.0 out of 5 stars
A great one-stop gospel-centered resource for Christian growth
The author, Brian Hedges, of Christ Formed in You: The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change kindly sent me this book at no cost with no expectations for a positive review. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jeremy Oddy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well Done
This book really speaks to the quest for Holiness and progressive sanctification for which faith Christians are concerned. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Dallas Cole
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brian Hedges hits a home run with this book
Not many evangelical books these days exist that biblically and responsibly deals with the subject of spiritual formation. Read more
Published 8 months ago by theologicalresearcher
5.0 out of 5 stars
An antidote for unfruitful Christians
If you are looking for a no-nonsense way to join The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God, read this book. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Patapsco Ray
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great coverage of sanctification
From the price i never would have guessed this book would be SO thorough on the coverage of sanctification! A very worthy book to own andstudy. Read more
Published 13 months ago by chris
4.0 out of 5 stars
Understaning Progressive Sanctification
Brian Hedges in the lead pastor for Fulkerson Park Baptist Church in Niles, Michigan. This is his first book, but you would not know it. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Reviewer
5.0 out of 5 stars
A BETTER LENS FOR SEEING THE GOSPEL
This review is long overdue. Let me explain. Around 4-5 months ago I purchased a copy of CHRIST FORMED IN YOU by Brian Hedges and have literally not put it down. Read more
Published 19 months ago by John T. Norris DDS
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