Review by vphilip -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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vphilip
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Review by vphilip -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Who Told You That You Were Naked? By William E. Combs is indeed a refreshing reexamination of the Garden of Eden, as the subtitle promises.
The subject of the Fall by our first parents is, in fact, intimidating and tough to understand for many lay Christians. But Dr. Combs has laid it all out for us faithful to grasp the theology behind the concept in a succinct and unambiguous manner. Through Adam, sin came into the world and through sin, death. But sin is not a mere list of offences; it leads to relational and spiritual death, even physical death.
Dr. Combs started with the imagery he built of his own personal encounter with light in the Aurora Borealis one Alaskan winter night. The author then deftly created an illuminated encounter pathway for ordinary Christians to walk the way of faith and self-discipline. We are made aware to watch out for sin, a powerful adversary that constantly lurks at the door, seeking to enter if we fail to control it.
The book takes us on a mission, delving through the scriptures from Genesis to Revelations, helping us understand the events through which sin and death entered the world. We are also gently led to discover, in no uncertain terms, the awesome Light and Life of the Lord, which comes through faith in Christ, seeking to lead us away from sin, if we are willing.
Chapter by chapter Dr. Combs guides us in our journey of new discovery of faith. We come to understand the consequences of Adam and Eve’s actions. However grave the transgressions, the Father’s love and mercy remains with us because God’s work of salvation has been completed since the time of the Creation itself.
The old Law demands sacrifice as propitiation for transgressions. The Father, despite being loving and merciful, is also a just God. In Christ, we finally have redemption as He offered Himself as the perfect, unblemished and ultimate sacrifice for the remission of our sins. But it takes faith to be set free from a life of sin and death. This book explains to us how to grow in faith, which moulds character, not as a one-time act but a continuous, hand-in-hand walking with the Lord.
The book details some chilling anecdotes about the author and his wife’s real encounters with evil entities. Satan is real and persistent, and will not fail to show up to try and thwart our faith walk. We are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against more formidable and evil powers. But these powers are powerless if we put on the armor of God and turn on the light of the Gospel. The book gently teaches us how to become more discerning Christians, living our lives in the Spirit with courage and trust even as we are yet in the flesh. It explains the importance - rather the absolute necessity - of denying ourselves, taking up the cross as we follow Jesus. Trials test our faith, enabling us to ask for wisdom from the ever faithful God. That is the only way to have a change of mind and heart, and ‘rest’ in the finished work of the Father.
I love the book for its content as for its lucid style and clear diction. It makes easy comprehension of profound theology and philosophy. It is not a book you read only once but one that must remain a companion, alongside your Bible.
I also love the chuckles it creates at times by its light-hearted tone, which makes it extra delightful. What I like most about the book (besides the entire content) are the testimonials. Some are graphic accounts about terrifying encounters with evil forces (even Satan himself). While the book itself is a gratifying discourse on sin, salvation and faith the testimonials are proof enough of the author’s authenticity, commitment and personal holiness. Because of this, I give the book four out of four stars though it deserves four stars everywhere.
As regards what I disliked most about the book, I did not find any negative points noteworthy enough to mention, including grammatical errors and typos. The book appears to be professionally edited.
I would strongly recommend this book to every Christian of every denomination, especially those who grapple with the scriptures. It will certainly help them grow in faith and true discipleship.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like vphilip's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Who Told You That You Were Naked? By William E. Combs is indeed a refreshing reexamination of the Garden of Eden, as the subtitle promises.
The subject of the Fall by our first parents is, in fact, intimidating and tough to understand for many lay Christians. But Dr. Combs has laid it all out for us faithful to grasp the theology behind the concept in a succinct and unambiguous manner. Through Adam, sin came into the world and through sin, death. But sin is not a mere list of offences; it leads to relational and spiritual death, even physical death.
Dr. Combs started with the imagery he built of his own personal encounter with light in the Aurora Borealis one Alaskan winter night. The author then deftly created an illuminated encounter pathway for ordinary Christians to walk the way of faith and self-discipline. We are made aware to watch out for sin, a powerful adversary that constantly lurks at the door, seeking to enter if we fail to control it.
The book takes us on a mission, delving through the scriptures from Genesis to Revelations, helping us understand the events through which sin and death entered the world. We are also gently led to discover, in no uncertain terms, the awesome Light and Life of the Lord, which comes through faith in Christ, seeking to lead us away from sin, if we are willing.
Chapter by chapter Dr. Combs guides us in our journey of new discovery of faith. We come to understand the consequences of Adam and Eve’s actions. However grave the transgressions, the Father’s love and mercy remains with us because God’s work of salvation has been completed since the time of the Creation itself.
The old Law demands sacrifice as propitiation for transgressions. The Father, despite being loving and merciful, is also a just God. In Christ, we finally have redemption as He offered Himself as the perfect, unblemished and ultimate sacrifice for the remission of our sins. But it takes faith to be set free from a life of sin and death. This book explains to us how to grow in faith, which moulds character, not as a one-time act but a continuous, hand-in-hand walking with the Lord.
The book details some chilling anecdotes about the author and his wife’s real encounters with evil entities. Satan is real and persistent, and will not fail to show up to try and thwart our faith walk. We are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against more formidable and evil powers. But these powers are powerless if we put on the armor of God and turn on the light of the Gospel. The book gently teaches us how to become more discerning Christians, living our lives in the Spirit with courage and trust even as we are yet in the flesh. It explains the importance - rather the absolute necessity - of denying ourselves, taking up the cross as we follow Jesus. Trials test our faith, enabling us to ask for wisdom from the ever faithful God. That is the only way to have a change of mind and heart, and ‘rest’ in the finished work of the Father.
I love the book for its content as for its lucid style and clear diction. It makes easy comprehension of profound theology and philosophy. It is not a book you read only once but one that must remain a companion, alongside your Bible.
I also love the chuckles it creates at times by its light-hearted tone, which makes it extra delightful. What I like most about the book (besides the entire content) are the testimonials. Some are graphic accounts about terrifying encounters with evil forces (even Satan himself). While the book itself is a gratifying discourse on sin, salvation and faith the testimonials are proof enough of the author’s authenticity, commitment and personal holiness. Because of this, I give the book four out of four stars though it deserves four stars everywhere.
As regards what I disliked most about the book, I did not find any negative points noteworthy enough to mention, including grammatical errors and typos. The book appears to be professionally edited.
I would strongly recommend this book to every Christian of every denomination, especially those who grapple with the scriptures. It will certainly help them grow in faith and true discipleship.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like vphilip's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Empowered by Dominica Lumazar
