The Hole in our Holiness, by Kevin DeYoung

As DeYoung starts out his book on Holiness he has a basic premise that we will find over and over again in the text.  "The problem of holiness is that we don't really care about it."  That can sum things up pretty well.  According to Scripture God calls us to 'holiness.'  He says to us, Be Holy for I am Holy.  So, if God calls us to that how can we accomplish it?  Can we accomplish it?  Or are we to sinful to even think of accomplishing it?

In the first chapter DeYoung points out to us that there is a gap between our love for the Gospel and our love for Godliness.  We say we love the gospel but by our actions we display that we don't particularly care about godliness (holiness).  DeYoung states, "No matter what you profess, if you show disregard for Christ by giving yourself over to sin--impenitently and habitually--then heave is not your home."

With that concept in mind there are many people attending church on a weekly basis that heaven is not their home.  They may think it is but it can't be.  Why is that?  I think it is mainly because we don't want to grasp the truths of Scripture and apply them to our lives.  We want to love the Savior but not love His commands.  If you truly love the Savior you will desire to fulfill His commands and you will attempt with all your heart, soul, mind and strength to live a godly life.

Given the layout of the book I believe that the reader will discover that the most powerful chapter is chapter six.  "Spirit-powered, Gospel-driven, Faith-fueled Effort."  This chapter alone is worth the price of the book. DeYoung gives us a well articulated chapter on what it means to plug the hole in our holiness and put into action the truths that we have been taught and want to believe can make a difference in us.

Bottom line, you can live a godly life with the help of the Holy Spirit.  You can lead a godly life that will show others who God is and how He can take a repentant sinner and turn his life around to be a useful instrument for the Lord to use.

This book is for every believer but especially for the believer that is grappling with what it means to live a godly live and to be holy as He is Holy.  Take seriously the call to become part of the Royal Priesthood that Peter talks about in his writings.

Enjoy!