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Jesus + Nothing = Everything

4.25 of 5 stars 4.25 · rating details · 702 ratings · 120 reviews

It's so easy to forget what the Christian faith is all about. We struggle so much, work so hard, and fail so often that we frequently sense something in the equation of life must be missing.

Tullian Tchividjian argues that what we are missing is the gospel--a fuller, more powerful understanding of Jesus and what his finished work means for everyday life.

During a year of gre...more

Hardcover, 209 pages

Published February 15th 2012 by Crossway Books (first published 2011)

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Apr 11, 2012 Josh L rated it 3 of 5 stars

You can read my full review at Quieted Waters.

I feel required to start my review of Jesus + Nothing = Everything with a justification of my three-star rating. At the time I write this, all thirteen customer reviews on Amazon have given this book five star ratings. Let me say at the outset that I respect Tullian Tchividjian. I have a strong appreciation for the work he has done at Coral Ridge Presbyterian in Fort Lauderdale. I view his theology, as pictured in this book, as consistent with the Bi

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Sep 14, 2012 Jay Miklovic rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a tricky book to review. If I were reviewing it for theology alone I would probably give it 4.5 stars. It would lose .5 stars on that for a slightly unrealistic look at the continued struggle in sanctification that believers are called to and must face. I agree that the gospel is central to our sanctification, but sanctification is more than a simple struggle to believe, there is still war with the flesh that we wage. Tchividijan was absolutely correct that we fight that battle in an alr...more This is a tricky book to review. If I were reviewing it for theology alone I would probably give it 4.5 stars. It would lose .5 stars on that for a slightly unrealistic look at the continued struggle in sanctification that believers are called to and must face. I agree that the gospel is central to our sanctification, but sanctification is more than a simple struggle to believe, there is still war with the flesh that we wage. Tchividijan was absolutely correct that we fight that battle in an already forgiven state, and that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, including sanctification. Nonetheless, his message of grace is spot on and needed, especially in our day of 'moralism.'

The reason for only 3 stars is simply that this book offers no surprise, or nothing compelling beyond the first couple chapters. He simply lays out his premise and then rehashes it over and over again. There is nothing really creative going on, nothing that leaves you scratching your head. He is certainly airtight in his argument, but it is so airtight that it is a bit suffocating. It is one thing to write a book that is true, and he accomplishes that. However it is another thing to write a book that leaves you stunned, or thinking of its implications after you set the book down.

I suppose if I had never read any of the authors he quotes in this book, and if the concept was new to me I might have found myself hanging more on every page, but having read much of what he is drawing from in this book, it seemed more of an endless rehashing of one simple concept. Granted it is the most important concept in the world, I just think he would have done it more justice by leaving some mystery, or by being more concise.

I'd highly recommend this book to any fundamentalist who is obsessed with moralism, but for those who have already tasted this glorious Gospel, you will find yourself better served by spending the time you would spend in this book just reading Paul's epistles for yourself.(less)

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Sep 01, 2012 Harold Cameron rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have never been good at math especially the more difficult courses such as algebra or calculus; however, one does not need to be a math genius to read and understand the equation that is being taught by the author of Jesus + Nothing = Everything. The basic equation or premise of the book is very simple: Jesus + Nothing = Everything; another wards, Jesus alone completely, totally, absolutely and unconditionally saves to the uttermost and satisfies and we need not add anything to him or his fini...more I have never been good at math especially the more difficult courses such as algebra or calculus; however, one does not need to be a math genius to read and understand the equation that is being taught by the author of Jesus + Nothing = Everything. The basic equation or premise of the book is very simple: Jesus + Nothing = Everything; another wards, Jesus alone completely, totally, absolutely and unconditionally saves to the uttermost and satisfies and we need not add anything to him or his finished work to enjoy an intimate relationship and eternal life with God and his son Jesus Christ. Nothing? That’s right, nothing! Not the accumulation of possessions, the attainment of social status, trying harder, doing more, going to church more, reading the Bible more, praying more or any of those things – as good as they are – can or will add anything to what Jesus Christ did on the cross. The author wants us to know and understand that a relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ alone can provide us with absolute joy regardless of our circumstances, perfect peace that passes all understanding, abundant life now and eternal life with God the Father and his son Jesus Christ…and that there is NOTHING ELSE we should want or need other than Jesus Christ. Halleluiah! What a Savior! Halleluiah! What a salvation!

The author clearly states in his book that we can bring nothing to God to merit his love, blessing, favor and acceptance. However, if we are willing to admit that we have nothing to bring to God and his son Jesus Christ and are willing to repent and submit to his Lordship he in return takes our nothing and gives us everything…everything beyond your wildest imaginations. It would be enough that he just gives us himself – his person, his presence, his power, his amazing love and his Word to help us make it through this world but he does not give us just that, and I am in no way diminishing or taking away from those blessings that God gives us…quite the contrary, God forbid that I should ever do so…no, he freely gives us all of that and so much more. For example, he promises to take care of our daily needs. He promises to comfort us in times of trouble and distress. The author in almost doxological (is that a word?) form writes about the supremacy of Christ and the many blessings that are ours because of our faith in him. And the author in Chapters 10 and 11 of his book gets really downright Biblically practical and shares with us as his reader what our response should be to such generous and lavish, and I might add, undeserved gifts from God our Father and his son Jesus Christ.

The author raises the bar of praise in his book extolling the supremacy of Christ and his finished work at the cross on our behalf in the final chapter of his book. In Chapter 12 the author will leave you in awe of God and his son Jesus Christ and rejoicing in the fact that if you will only believe…that’s right…if you will only dare to believe it is true…truly, truly Jesus + Nothing = Everything.

For information about this book or to order your own copy visit www.Crossway.Org.

I have received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Crossway Publishers, for reviewing it.(less)

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Jul 03, 2012 Robin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

Tullian Tchividjian

Jesus + Nothing = Everything is the equation that Tullian Tchividjian took away from a year of great trial and turmoil. He describes the bitter divisions that soured the beginning of his pastorate at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and the personal anchor that he found in the overwhelming power of the gospel. The book of Colossians forms the basis of Tchividjian’s call for Christians to rediscover the gospel and continually reorient their lives arou...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Kevin Thompson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: soteriology

Normally when I write a book review, I have a firm opinion of whether or not I liked the book. However, this book still has me puzzled and thinking. I guess you could take that as the sign of a good book. One thing is for sure, Tullian Tchividjian is an excellent writer. In this book, Pastor Tullian weaves the story of his difficult times at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (and his near ouster as pastor) together with a running commentary on the book of Colossians. Whether you agree with his the...more

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Aug 29, 2011 Jennifer Jensen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever felt as though every aspect of your life was under siege? That the work you were doing, the life you were living, and the way you were doing things were all somehow going wrong? I know I have; indeed, there have been days when I couldn’t seem to get my bearings – when it felt as though there was absolutely nothing certain, including gravity! In this book, Pastor Tullian relates how God used a period like that in his own life to draw him into the gospel in a deeper way.
As the pastor...more Have you ever felt as though every aspect of your life was under siege? That the work you were doing, the life you were living, and the way you were doing things were all somehow going wrong? I know I have; indeed, there have been days when I couldn’t seem to get my bearings – when it felt as though there was absolutely nothing certain, including gravity! In this book, Pastor Tullian relates how God used a period like that in his own life to draw him into the gospel in a deeper way.
As the pastor of a successful church that merged with another, Pastor Tullian experienced some difficulties that would usually seem more common in a corporate tower than a church sanctuary. And while he felt assurance before the merger that the bond was God’s will, after the fact, he couldn’t help but feel some level of discouragement in the way things were transpiring.
God had some amazing things to show him, though! Through a study in Colossians, Pastor Tullian found a clear insight into the gospel of Jesus, and how complete that is for Christians. Jesus said “It is finished” and He meant it – the gospel completes the transaction of sin for righteousness that all of us need for a relationship with Him. When we forget that, we begin to waver, and start adding other things to the gospel to improve what is already perfect.
This encouraging tome stays true to its title as Pastor Tullian shows through scripture (especially Colossians) that the sufficiency of the gospel for our salvation is as faithfully true as gravity. We don’t need to add legalism, accolades, service, or obedience to assure ourselves of that truth – we already have EVERYTHING through the life and sacrifice of Christ. This book is a great read, and one that reminds Christians, again and again, that resolving to soak ourselves in the grace and love of the gospel on a daily basis is the best way to grow our relationship with Him, and to spend fewer days despairing about being besieged, and more days celebrating the freedom that Christ has already promised, secured, and given.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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Aug 28, 2011 Christie Hagerman rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book seems so simple, so straightforward. I have to admit, though, that I struggled through it. I had to read in small bites and process it, because much of what I read pertained to me. The premise is that all we need is Jesus, and we don't have to add anything to what He is and has already done, in order to have all we need. Sure, every Christian can say we believe that, but how many of us live that out? Despite how far God has brought me out of legalism, this book brought out more spots w...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Tim Michiemo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tullian Tchividjian is an excellent author and in this book he presents a beautiful picture of the gospel and how it needs to function in our lives. Tchividjian opens his book with a testimony of his revelation of the gospel and how truly freed him to live a life in service to God. Over and over again Tullian hits on the point of the freeing power of the gospel throughout his book and expounds upon it's implications.

Jesus+Nothing=Everything is an critique of man's proclivity to trust in his own...more

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Jun 08, 2013 Nathan White rated it 3 of 5 stars

A bit redundant and reductionistic, but helpful nonetheless. Pros include: he loads his arguments with scripture, he rightly emphasizes justification, specifically the active + passive obedience of Christ as the heart of the gospel and the heart of a believer's sanctification, he is clear and easy to read, and he understands the Christian culture (moralism) in America very well. But the cons: he is extremely repetitive. Really, you get the book's thesis in the first few pages, and all he does is...more

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Dec 26, 2011 Debi rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic, uplifting and gem of a book! Based mostly on the book of Colossians, the author takes us through how Jesus is all we have and all that we need for living the Christian life. Once we are saved, we often attempt to live out the Christian life in our own strength and ability, failing miserably. We need to continue to preach the gospel to ourselves, not only that we are saved by Christ's death on our behalf, but that we have been made righteous already in God's eyes through Chr...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Cynthia Vogel rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm sure that my friends on Facebook and the readers of my blog are both grateful that I've been so profoundly moved by "Jesus+Nothing=Everything" and also relieved that I've finished it, as I've inundated them with quotes from and thoughts prompted by this book. Tullian Tchidivijian (I've even learned to spell his name!) wrote a masterful treatise on the myriads of ways the Gospel will radically transform US as well as our lives if we give it the room it deserves. He demonstrated by citing a di...more

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Dec 26, 2011 Bryan Robinson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Powerful. Helps me understand all that Christ has already done for me. I view the world in a different way after listening to Tullian's messages and reading this book.

Here are some of my favorite parts:
Jesus + Nothing = Everything - Tullian Tchividjian
December 26, 2011

1. p 27 “You made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Augustine

2. p29 - “If I find a desire in myself which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made...more

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Aug 22, 2011 Pauline Creeden rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book by Tullian Tchividjian had a great start, a great premise,and a great title. I mean, with a Title like that, who wouldn't pick this up? For me, the equation sums up everything, if they made a T-shirt, I'd buy it, because this is exactly how I feel.

I came into this book hopeful, and the first couple chapters went along fairly well. Mr. Tchividjian is obviously well educated in both the scriptures and in the commentaries on the scriptures. He quotes everyone from St. Augustine to Pascal,...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Joel Jackson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: spirituality

“Jesus + Nothing = Everything” by Tulian Tchividjian is the type of book I intend to pick up at least once a year. It is a beautiful reminder of the all sufficient nature of the grace offered by God through Jesus Christ. Too often, as Tchivijian points out, the western church gets trapped in trying to earn our way into God’s favor. We pride ourselves in the size of our congregations or the amount of students attending our outreach event, forgetting that God’s grace draws us into His community fo...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Paul rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book makes a few good points:

1)The relevance of the Gospel beyond the point of salvation.

2)A clear articulation of justification by faith, the centrality of which, frankly speaking, is largely disappearing from evangelical consciousness.

3)A much-need polemic against works righteousness and the tendency towards moralism inside the church.

However, these few points do not merit an entire book length treatment. I can see why the author hammers home these few points, but (and this might just be...more

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Jul 04, 2012 John H.D. Lucy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I disagree with a lot of Tullian argues, but there's no doubt in my mind that this book is worth reading for any Christian. The focus on God's grace is essentially the Protestant strain since the Reformation, yet, as Tullian makes clear, just about everyone forgets about the fullness of God's grace--rightly or wrongly, but if you believe in justification by faith alone then you should believe in justification by faith alone. It sounds simple but often peeps do need reminding.

Again, I disagree wi...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: we-own, theology, from-the-publisher

Tullian Tchividjian's Jesus + Nothing = Everything examines the fundamental truth of the gospel and how to embrace Christ's finished work for believers. I would not describe it as an exposition of Colossians, but Colossians features prominently. I would not describe it as a spiritual memoir or a particularly personal work, but occasional details of Tchividjian's difficult year transitioning through a church merger and feelings of inadequacy provide a thread for readers.

Readers can think of Tchiv...more Tullian Tchividjian's Jesus + Nothing = Everything examines the fundamental truth of the gospel and how to embrace Christ's finished work for believers. I would not describe it as an exposition of Colossians, but Colossians features prominently. I would not describe it as a spiritual memoir or a particularly personal work, but occasional details of Tchividjian's difficult year transitioning through a church merger and feelings of inadequacy provide a thread for readers.

Readers can think of Tchividjian's Jesus + Nothing = Everything as a way to recalibrate and assess our functional beliefs and ask ourselves if we are adding anything to the gospel. There are many good books in this stream right now, and I find that a good thing. Like this book asserts, the gospel is not the first step of the Christian life, it's the hub. We must constantly remind ourselves of the fundamental truths, we never grow out of them. And so reading this book and others like it (Steve Brown's Scandalous Freedom comes to mind) from time to time is a good exercise for all of us, because we are prone to "think of the gospel as God's program to make bad people good, not dead people alive" (pg 116.)

Though Jesus + Nothing = Everything is focused on fundamentals, there is a great deal of meaty content to ponder. For example: "Our performancism leads to pride when we succeed and to despair when we fail. But ultimately it leads to slavey either way because it becomes all about us and what we must do to establish our own identity instead of resting in Jesus and what he accomplished to establish it for us" (pg 46). "The gospel alone empowers and emboldens us to press on and strain forward with no anxiety over gaining other people's sanction or good opinion--even God's! All the care and love and value we crave--full and final approval--we already have in Jesus" (pg 92.)

The book moves backwards from Everything to Nothing to Jesus, and then forward again. The structure is not bad in itself, but Tchividjian is fairly repetitive. This is a good trick for preaching, to repeat sentences that summarize your point well, but in writing it can feel poorly edited, (e.g. he said that exact same thing three pages ago.) It wasn't a huge distraction, and it did help me not to miss any critical points, but it was quite noticeable.

Overall, Jesus + Nothing = Everything is a helpful read for any Christian. I'd particularly recommend it for those coming out of more legalistic traditions and trying to overcome those tendencies. As we walk in faith, it is easy to stray into moralism. This book is a reminder of the simplicity of the gospel - that Jesus himself, his life and his work, are worth everything. Nothing in our hands we bring, simply to the cross we cling. May we not forget.
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Jul 09, 2012 Nicki M rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, bible-study, christianaudio, for-review, read-in-2012

I really enjoyed aspects of this audio as it contains some wonderful truths about grace and all that Jesus has done for us. I particularly enjoyed hearing the author's personal faith journey that brought about this book. I am always very encouraged when church leaders are honest about their struggles, as they become a lot more genuine to me and therefore easier to listen to. I found the first half of the audio much easier to get to grips with than the second half, which is more theological with...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Dave Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hands down one of the best books on the "gospel" I have ever read. Articulate yet easy to read and comprehend, Tullian Tchividjian (the grandson of Billy Graham and pastor in Florida) opens a window to the pages of scripture to help examine the Gospel he personally encountered in the midst of his own life and some trying experiences.

For Tullian, he summarizes everything in to a simple phrase. Jesus plus nothing equals everything. The book then examines each part of this phrase first forwards an...more Hands down one of the best books on the "gospel" I have ever read. Articulate yet easy to read and comprehend, Tullian Tchividjian (the grandson of Billy Graham and pastor in Florida) opens a window to the pages of scripture to help examine the Gospel he personally encountered in the midst of his own life and some trying experiences.

For Tullian, he summarizes everything in to a simple phrase. Jesus plus nothing equals everything. The book then examines each part of this phrase first forwards and then backwards, showing us the Jesus the Gospels portray and then holding the act of His death and Resurrection against our sinful nature. What becomes exposed is our need and the power of Jesus to meet that need. The question that gets tabled though is the tension we find within Christianity on how exactly this need is met. The two sides that remain seemingly at war is law and grace, and for what seems like forever the Church has either chosen to camp on one extreme, or even more so give themselves to trying to control this tension by constantly shifting and balancing one with the other. Calling this the great (greatest) problem facing the liberation of the Christian life to live the Gospel fully and completely, Tullian argues that the answer must begin with recognizing that law and Gospel cannot be separated but best understood as a single entity. It is near the end that the analogy is given to picture law as a the railroad tracks and the Gospel as the only thing that can power us down the tracks. And perhaps most importantly what this unveils is a tendency for the Gospel to be misunderstood in a modern Christian culture that tends to emphasize obedience to law first and dependance on grace second. The clear truth of scripture is that we cannot save ourselves. The Gospel (Jesus) alone is the only thing that can both justify and sanctify us, and the Christian life is not so much a call to obedience to the law (that is, what we do and can do to save ourselves) as it is a call to trust and faith in grace (that is, what Jesus has done and who we already are in Him). The promise has been given that we are redeemed, we are victorious, and we are new creations IN Jesus. It is simply a truth that needs to be accepted and received.

With this as the basis of his book (and clearly the passion of his ministry), what becomes immediately obvious is that the biggest challenge we face is not so much in allowing this to become head knowledge, but rather in allowing it to become heart knowledge that is actively and practically lived out in the every day. What this truth about the Gospel does to us is it makes us secondary, and that is a tough notion for the best of us. It lifts us down and lifts Jesus up. And what it also does is exposes our tendency to add numerous things to the equation... Jesus plus... = everything. What we often think is that by adding things to the nothing we can still allow Jesus to equal everything. But it doesn't work that way. In fact, that is the biggest reason so many struggle to measure up in this world and struggle with their perception of themselves and being a failure, and why so many are driven and focused on success. True liberation through the Gospel can only come when the equation adds nothing, as all else takes our focus off of Jesus and puts it elsewhere. But it is our hearts that battle this every day, as we try and hold on to our sense of identity in this world and the allure of what the world has to offer. But until we allow Jesus to stand above this, these allures will forever hold us captive.

I will admit that for as much as I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there was a component I personally struggled with. And I know full well that this is still truth. But there are certain Churches that preach this theology of we are nothing and Jesus is everything to an extreme degree. My struggle is that it is so easy to hear this message over and over again (that we are nothing) it begins to eventually erode any sense of a personal Gospel. It becomes so easy in this formula for our relationship to remain one way and for our identity to be relegated to being non existent. And what happens over time, I find, is that when our identity is continually described as "in Christ" but not also "in ourselves as made by Christ", is that we begin to miss out on the practical joys of creation as well. We expect that we are intended to struggle and so we force ourselves to live each day as a struggle. It is my belief that while this equation is certainly a true and adequate representation of the Gospel truth, what is also true is that we are created uniquely and as people who are able to love, laugh, enjoy life, have fun, feel, be challenged, make choices, develop and discover our gifts. These things are all part of being human and being a unique individual intended for relationship. If this wasn't true, I might ask why anything that we experience on this earth in this life has any worth.

A big part of my struggle comes from my own eventual depression that came from sitting under this equation preached week after week without any attention given to how it looks in our personal relationship. I'm not sure that Tullian would go so far as to say that this equation leads to a depersonalized Gospel, but he doesn't really suggest either exactly how it works together with our every day life. He is not wrong in what he says, but I had that same feeling surface in reading this book as I did in my years under that similar teaching. Where exactly am I in this picture. I find it difficult to believe that everything that I have discovered about myself in my years of living needs to be set aside in order to obtain Jesus as everything.

That said, I most readily related to the sections that addressed issues of dependency and self worth. I have struggled with these things for years, and to hear that I don't have to do more law in order to be fully loved truly is liberating. And to hear that I am already made new, and can already know that the work has been done allows me to lift a load off my shoulders. And that is probably the best news of all. (less)

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Aug 12, 2011 Deborah rated it 3 of 5 stars

I am familiar with the author, having read some of his story in one of Ruth Bell Graham's books(he is her grandson). We are also members of the same denomination, and when I heard that he was going to become pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church(following the founding pastor who had been there for decades), I figured he might be in for a rough time.My life in 2010 had some of the same struggles that Tchividjian went through in 2009--death of a beloved parent, difficulty in church and ministr...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Daniel Parkins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tchividjian writes, "When we are living by this legalism--trusting in our rule-keeping, our abilities, our performance--to sustain our little safe and self-controllable world that we're addicted to, someday it will all start to crumble. Our kids will spin out of control, or our marriage will, or our finances, or our career. And it's devastating. We've tried so hard to hide our frailty and weaknesses, building our self-esteem on our success at that, then suddenly those faults can't be hidden any...more

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Dec 03, 2011 Joon Park rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian

The recent trend of Gospel-centrality has fueled the young Reformed movement and a host of new books by well known bloggers and pastors. It's not so much a "trend" as it is a reawakening to the major truth of the Bible. Tullian Tchividjian (cha-vi-jin, rhymes with religion), the grandson of Billy Graham, is one of the best voices of this re-introduction to the Gospel.

I had the privilege of seeing Pastor Tullian preach the content of this book before it became a book. It was one of the most stun...more The recent trend of Gospel-centrality has fueled the young Reformed movement and a host of new books by well known bloggers and pastors. It's not so much a "trend" as it is a reawakening to the major truth of the Bible. Tullian Tchividjian (cha-vi-jin, rhymes with religion), the grandson of Billy Graham, is one of the best voices of this re-introduction to the Gospel.

I had the privilege of seeing Pastor Tullian preach the content of this book before it became a book. It was one of the most stunning sermons I have ever heard, even scandalous, because of Tullian's unrelenting focus on grace. In just a few sentences he crushes legalism. In a few more he will make you uncomfortable with how much Jesus loves us.

The book's thesis will be familiar to those who have been drenched in the Gospel-driven Reformed preaching of pastors like Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, and Tim Keller. Since our full acceptance and security is found in Jesus's work alone, we no longer need to measure up to the world: Jesus measured up for us. It's not about our performance for him, but about Jesus's performance for us. Tullian also tells the story of his most painful year in which he had to learn this truth as if for the first time.

Tullian rips apart the narcissistic Christian life that looks to "spiritual progress" and accountability, which leads to morbid introspection and despair, or pride. It's only when we stop trying to be better that we actually get better; we must fix our eyes on Jesus and not our own progress. Jesus's grace is not merely to get us in, but keep us in. This seemingly subtle distinction of Jesus's substitutionary work illuminates a whole new dimension of application for our daily lives.

The last half of the book, as other critics have noted, suffers from bad pacing and repetition. Tullian writes the same way he preaches: with commanding power but he tends to get wordy and goes in circles. On one hand this is good if you're a slow reader to recap, but will frustrate faster readers. He does use many quotes and hymns, but I found he did this tastefully. You may be inclined to browse through some of the heavier biblical exegesis, which while good, may be too much information the first time around.

Another common problem with Gospel-centered books like this one is it can make Jesus into an enigmatic theological mystery instead of a real person, and it's hard to love a concept. I'm still waiting for the Reformed writing that portrays Jesus as a king, priest, prophet, and brother.

Bottom Line: You can tell Pastor Tullian is a passionate pastor who loves Jesus and strives dearly for the reader to feel freedom. While it drags in parts, Tullian is such a good writer that you will certainly feel the force of the liberating Gospel throughout the pages of his painful, poignant journey.

Note: If you look up Resurgence on iTunes, you can download Pastor Tullian's sermon of the same title as the book for free. It's over an hour long but quite a heart-changer. (less)

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Oct 15, 2012 Jim rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have ready many books over the years of all types. Many of those have about the different aspects of Christian living. I can count on one hand the ones that have really made an impact. The ones that God used to change my life or at least see it differently. Jesus+Nothing=Everything is one of those. Recently my family and I have moved out of state to help start a new church, and after 2 years, returned back home. It was the most challenging, difficult, and rewarding experience I've ever encount...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Eric Lazarian rated it 4 of 5 stars

For an excellent treatment of "walking in grace" take a look at this one. The style reminded me of Packer or Stott and he did a good job of looking at the relevant Biblical texts, using real-life illustrations from his personal struggles and from church history and tying them together in application. This is a Gospel-centered and Gospel-driven and Christ-glorifying work. It's written for a wide audience and he refrains from getting too theologically technical without overlooking some real issues...more

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Dec 31, 2011 Brett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: theology, nt, gospel, christian-living

In the midst of an extremely difficult season of ministry, Tchividjian led his church through a series on the book of Colossians, a fateful journey that saved his ministry and probably much more. Tchividjian walks the reader through the Jesus presented here by Paul: creator, redeemer, savior, Lord. In short, the Jesus who Paul sketches out in his letter is HUGE – His character is perfect; His power is unrivaled; His completed work on the cross needs no supplement. Tchividjian reflects on the suf...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Kyle Tanner added it

Great book. We get an in-depth look at what it truly means to have Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, trusting in Him alone for our salvation. Tchividjian does a great job highlighting the different struggles that we all seem to face at one point or another regarding trying to merit our own salvation by adding other things to His atoning work on the cross. I definitely recommend this book to anyone desire to grow in their faith and/or learn of the uniqueness that Christianity offers that oth...more

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Jun 06, 2013 Ryan rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is awesome - it presents the gospel in a clear and simple way, & continually points to Jesus. I'd recommend this book to anyone. This book helps to understand that you don't have to
"just try harder" or "get enough will power to not sin", but that Jesus, in His infinite grace & mercy, died the death that we deserve & reconciled our relationship with God, & therefore, for the believer in Christ, God looks to Jesus' finished work on the cross whenever we fall short of God'...more

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May 15, 2012 Chase Sams rated it 3 of 5 stars

Fairly good read. Simplistic, straightforward, but at many times repetitious. Tchividjian's main goal is to emphasize the Gospel message and the complete fulfillment of Christ's life, death, and resurrection which he does very well. The reason I gave this 3 stars is mainly because of repetition and that his main goal of the book was not started until the fourth chapter. Also, his use of language and terminology is sometimes vague and can lead to unneccessary conflict and turmoil when an extra se...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Ken rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-christian-living

My favorite book from 2012 so far... engaging writing. My key learning was to stop focusing on self improvement- my failures, my success, my struggles, my problems, my issues, my parenting difficulties, my poor prayer life, my bible reading plan as my number one focus. That is morbidly introspective and self centered. instead look to the work of Jesus his righteousness His beauty His Success because in Him I have the same and gazing at Him and His beauty causes my life's alignment in a way that...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Ben Krueger rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tullian is consistently all-gospel all the time. If you like things you hear from Elyse Fitzpatrick, Jerry Bridges, Michael Horton and others you'll enjoy this book. This book doesn't prevent heavy exegesis but it does unpack Colossians in a personal narrative form, interweaving Tullian's church merger difficulties into insights the Lord gave him from Colossians. It's an A+ in terms of helpfulness and biblical fidelity (I always need more grace and less legalism!) but if you're looking for "new"...more

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About Tullian Tchividjian

Tchividjian is the grandchild of Reverend Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham & the son of Gigi Graham Tchividjian.

William Graham Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-vi-jin) is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. A Florida native, he is a visiting professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and a grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham. Tullian...more

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Books by Tullian Tchividjian

Surprised By Grace: God's Relentless Pursuit Of Rebels

Glorious Ruin: How Suffering Sets You Free

Unfashionable: Making a Difference in the World by Being Different

Do I Know God?: Finding Certainty in Life's Most Important Relationship

Glorious Ruin: How Suffering Sets You Free - Study Guide

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“Legalism breeds a sense of entitlement that turns us into complainers.” — 13 people liked it

“To focus on how I'm doing more than what Christ has done is Christian narcissism” — 11 people liked it

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