Book Review—Soul Set Free: Why Grace is More Liberating Than You Believe

Langdon Montgomery Aug. 30, 2020

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Amazon link: Soul Set Free: Why Grace is More Liberating Than You Believe, by John Lindell

"There is a soul-freeing power available to every person, a power so transformative that it changes everything about the way we see life and encounter God. It liberates us from guilt. That power is the grace of God that comes through the gospel… Grace changes everything!"

Although Pastor John Lindell preached about grace for years to one of America's fastest growing and largest churches, he admits that there recently came a point where he declared, "I just don't get grace."

If there was a freedom in grace, he was somehow missing it. Thus, he began a deeper search for clarity of understanding which resulted in experiencing the liberating power of grace in his everyday life and ministry.

He shares his personal struggles, insights and discoveries as he leads readers through brief but key passages from Romans 1-8. Like slowly unrolling a scroll page by page, the author pulls the lamp of our understanding closer to the word "grace." With each short chapter (6-10 pages), he gives just enough illumination and application to reflect on deeply.

For instance:

• "Grace is bigger than we thought it was…Grace means that there is nothing I can do to make God love me more and nothing I can do to make God love me less."
• Grace says everything that ever needed to be done has been done for you already. God has already done the heavy lifting" (i.e. through the death of Christ on the cross).
• "Grace is a bottomless, limitless resource that will never run out."
• "Many Christians believe they must do certain things in order to be accepted by God. You cannot work your way into heaven, no matter how hard you work. Justification is a gift."
• "When you get to the end of yourself, the story of God's outrageous grace can officially begin in you."

The author boldly unfolds the most convincing portion of his 'scroll' in chapter 12, "Rules-Based Christianity and Other Oxymorons." With statements reminiscent of the Apostle Paul, readers are exposed to the magnificent power of grace. "Supposedly you were saved by grace, but now you are beginning to gauge your standing with God based on how well you keep the rules."

Lindell reminds us that "We are in a love relationship with Him [Christ]." So why would we want to "wander back into the land of the Law? Rules-based Christianity is lifeless, limp, and joyless."

As a pastor for over thirty years, I found myself wanting to fall in love with Christ all the more so that my soul could be even more set free. I highly recommend this book for all Christians.

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Langdon Montgomery has served as pastor in several churches over 25 years. He now serves as a hospice chaplain and resides in Hampton Roads. He has a Masters of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and has taught three courses at Regent in their Continuing Education and Professional Development Department focused on leadership and preaching. He coaches pastors through Ministry Leadership Coaching, Learn More »

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