I'm really surprised this book isn't more widely read. This is an excellent book on the nature of sanctification by faith and not by the combination of faith and works that is so commonly taught today, probably the best and most complete book I've read so far (though I haven't read that many?).

Bryan Chapell is no theological lightweight, as he is both the president and a professor at Covenant Theological Seminary, so as one might expect, many of his chapters are based off an exposition of a biblical passage. But at the same time he writes with a pastor's heart, he weaves real-life illustrations, quotes, experiences to drive his points home with poignancy and emotion.

He addresses many of the questions that have formed in my mind from the recent teachings at CBC, such as how do we reconcile obedience, imperatives, striving, spiritual warfare, all the seemingly active things with the finished work, the whole-hearted and complete acceptance we find at the Cross.

Here's a quote to whet your appetite:

Reliance on God alone for mercy is the essence of repentance. We can make a grave mistake by overemphasizing the human-action implications of "repentance" supposedly derived from the biblical term's historical origins. The Hebrew word we translate as repentance means "to turn." If we are not careful, we may press this vocabulary insight to imply that repentance is primarily a turning from doing bad things to doing good things or, at least, saying the right things to God. Repentance is not a work of turning to new behaviors or to any conjured phrase or emotions in us. The songwriter reminds us, "Not what I feel or do can give me peace with God; not all my prayers and sighs and tears can bear my awful load." Such human efforts cannot be our basis for being made right with God.

Repentance is not a turning from one category of works to another; rather it is a turning from human works entirely to God.

I cannot recommend this book enough! Buy it and be blessed! This is a definite need-to-re-read for me.

(BTW I found it on Half.com, the 2001 hardcover version for a very good price!)