Every once in a while, I get a book for review that really comes at just the right time. This is one of those times. The Utter Relief of Holiness by John Eldredge was pretty much exactly what I needed to read and I can’t wait to share it with someone else.
About the Book
This book is perfectly explained in this little blurb from the website:
It may seem strange at first because most folks don’t think of holiness as an utter relief. Hard perhaps, boring if we’re honest, necessary like flossing, a level of spirituality we might attain to one day. But a relief? Look at it this way: Take the things you struggle with and ask yourself, ‘What would life be like if I never struggled with this again?‘ It would be an utter relief. An absolute utter relief.
My Thoughts
My church has been doing a series called “Accidental Pharisee” wherein we explore how we can easily slip into the trap of just “following the rules” without actually embodying what Jesus was all about. The Utter Relief of Holiness is actually the perfect accompaniment to that sermon series because Eldredge spends several chapters talking about exactly this.
The little blurb above says that “most folks don’t think of holiness as an utter relief,” but maybe more of a burden or something that is impossible to achieve. While the impossibility of holiness is real, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t still strive towards it. Can you imagine never struggling with your deepest demons again?
Not only conquering your fears, but simply never having fear. I can’t even imagine what a relief it would be if money, jealousy, greed, gluttony, etc were not even on the table of issues. It truly would be an utter relief!
John Eldredge writes this book in such a way that it’s not overly wordy and certainly not hypocritical. He admits his own humanity over and over again. However, he uses scripture to remind us that God can restore us. Eldredge really does this in a way that spoke right to my heart without getting lost somewhere in my brain. Quite an accomplishment, really.
Own the Book
Now, I’m going to give away a copy of The Utter Relief of Holiness in a minute, but I want to tell you how to get it just in case you’re desperately in need of reading something that can help to release you from the struggles of your demons.
Normally, I would direct you to Amazon or another online retailer that would pay me a commission if you purchase the book. However, John Eldredge’s website is currently offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on this book right now. If you buy The Utter Relief of Holiness from the Ransomed Hearts website, they will send you an extra copy that you can share as God leads you.
Win a Copy!
Alright, on to the giveaway! One winner will receive a copy of The Utter Relief of Holiness by simply filling out the form below. The giveaway will be open for two weeks, then I will choose a winner.
Good luck!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for free in order to facilitate my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Hi, this review is fascinating. Think I’ll get over to Amazon to check it out.
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Lindsay, I’m part of the Ransomed Heart team (with John Eldredge). I just came across your review and wanted to say thanks for spreading the word about Utter Relief. We’re excited about it, and glad you liked it too!
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