To help us better understand and incorporate victorious Christian living into our lives, Major W. Ian Thomas combines in one volume The Saving Life of Christ, which examines the implications of Christ's life and death, and The Mystery of Godliness, an exploration of the fact that godliness is a mystery. "God did not die just to save us from the consequences of a bad past or past failure, but to 'clear the decks' for divine action in our lives." The Saving Life of Christ contains a warning that our response to Jesus Christ will determine our condition "in the sights of God . . . redeemed or condemned." The Mystery of Godliness offers old and new considerations about the nature of godliness in thought-provoking discussions such as How to Do the Impossible and How Much are You Worth?
I read and then studied and discussed the book with two other men in our church on Monday mornings. Thomas' 2 books (in one) were so refreshing to read and challenged me to see the legalism in my life and turn away from it and to Christ alone. "Christ did not die simply that you might be saved from a bad conscience or even to remove the stain of past failure, but to 'clear the decks for divine action'" in your life! AMEN! He came to "cleanse the temples of men's hearts; that they might be fit again to be 'a habitation of God through the Spirit.'" (Eph 2:22b). I also appreciated Thomas's teaching on Old Testament pictures of New Testament truths. This is a book I will read again and again. I also am reading his devotional The Indwelling Life of Christ. Highly recommended as well!
Written awhile ago, but still is very relevant to being a Christian. Not being part of the religious "church" but following Christ and letting him live through you.