Author: John Eldredge
Eldredge has crumbled stale interpretations which have become just another set of chains for many. Primary among these and foundational to his message is the idea that our "flesh", or "old nature" has truly been "crucified with Christ." (p.75). Most of us have heard that before, read it in Scripture, but do we really believe it? Do we understand the real meaning enough to live it? If saving faith in Jesus Christ brings freedom for the prisoners, then why are so many genuine believers living like captives to sin? This is where Eldredge is aiming his pen: if our flesh has been crucified, if it is dead but I am still made in God's image, then mustn't there be something good in me? Not that we should glorify ourselves; rather that we should give glory to God for the incredible work he has done in us. He sums up the answer on the next page: "Your heart is good. That sinful nature you battle is not who you are." (p. 76) Consistent with Scripture: "...count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (Ro 6:11) This is simultaneously simple and astonishing news for the many believers who can not understand why they continue to struggle with sinful behavior day after day without much in the way of answers. Many are referred by teachers to 1 John 1:8, blaming the sin that remains in us, and this is right. But does that passage describe our hearts or merely our sinful nature remnant? Could it be that our disdain for our own hearts is mistaken, that it's based on a twisting of Scripture by God's enemy? Could that be the obstacle between where we are and the bold, hopeful, Christ-like life we long for? And we start to believe perhaps God really is for us, and he really will "purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 Jn 1:9)
Eldredge offers a glint of this promise by blowing dust off several passages of God's word, making them shine brighter than we could imagine. He pulls us away from mistrust of our hearts that has depressed our passion for our faith. The bottom line is, God wants to restore us, but in order for that to happen, we must "walk with God and hear his voice." (p140) Not a shocking revelation, yet how many of us honestly live our lives that way every day? This is the goal of his "Four Streams."
This book is an unnerving, refreshing expose of a growing lethargy in the Christian Church. John Eldredge has progressed on his life journey and come to realize that God really does love him and that the transformation God promises through trust in Jesus is an electrifying and powerful reality. This is not a self-help, positive-thinking chunk of fluff--it's more like a friendly, humbly-delivered electric shock. Whether you feel you are in a place of spiritual health or struggle, I encourage you to get a copy of this book and read through it at least twice. If you can avoid semantic hang-ups and verify the author's insights with the word of God, you'll be stunned at what you've been missing.