Loved Indeed: Reassurance for the Doubting and Suspicious

by Dan Cruver

“Do I love God as I should?”

“Does he love me?”

“Does he really declare me righteous and fit to meet him, even though I still sin?”

“How can I be sure?”

Dan Cruver has wrestled with these questions, often to the point of exhaustion and despair. Through the trauma of losing a son and witnessing the plight of orphans on several continents, he has further battled with his thoughts.

This unique book brings us to a place of assurance. Whatever happens, our faith doesn’t depend on feelings, but it is underpinned by the words of our omnipotent God himself. Secure in our heavenly Father’s unconditional love, we relax. Sharing in Christ’s status, we enjoy the astonishing privilege, through the Holy Spirit, of crying, “Abba, Father.”

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology

128 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Justin Lakemacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend who was helped by this book gave it to me and I’m so thankful he did. It’s a very short read at just over 100 pages and I read it in one day. The book is aimed for believers who struggle with doubt/assurance of salvation or experiencing Christ’s love. Written very personally the author shares examples of his own suffering and how they relate to his struggle with assurance of God’s love. The best part of this book is where the author goes for help. He goes from looking inward to looking outward, from the subjective thoughts and emotions to the objective love of God in Christ. He helps the reader fight the fight of faith through the power of the gospel. My favorite part was walking through Ephesians 1 and Ephesians 6. This section not only created a fresh awe in my heart considering Christ’s love for me but also was very practical. This would be a great book for those who are wondering if they are indeed loved by God.

[Isabella Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short but very potent little book. It was simple - it offered the truth in a convincingly cohesive way, rather than noting out a frustrating list of things to help which only end up serving to disappoint and discourage.
Honestly assessed, clearly articulated, and reassuringly communicated. Will be buying the paper copy to mull over and give to friends.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I ordered the book before I had finished listening:) yes it’s one of those to read over and over 😅😍

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a grace-packed look at doubts and struggling. The author shares personal experiences of doubt, grief, and struggles. He also explores some greatScriptures and doctrines that help put your feet on solid ground. Putting these together, he provides us with a helpful overview of why we struggle, and what the way through it is.

This is a beautiful book for those struggling.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the LORD really love us? In Loved Indeed, Dan Cruver offers reassurance to the doubting and the suspicious. This is a hopeful and helpful book that will calm your soul, moving you from subjective feelings of uncertainty to a clear understanding of what Christ has objectively accomplished for us.

The book is an examination of Ephesians and is divided into two parts. The first explores our struggle and our strength, while the second examines our foundations and fortifications. Throughout, Cruver draws deeply from the writings of Thomas Goodwin, breathing new life into his teachings on divine assurance.


The Comfort of Christ

Cruver shares deeply personal stories of pain, doubt, grief, and weakness. He recounts the harrowing experience of losing his son in the NICU and the demonic oppression he faced after visiting orphans in Ethiopia. Yet, through it all, he shows how the light and truth in Ephesians anchored him, lifting him in moments of darkness.

The book culminates with Ten Looks at Christ, where Cruver presents Jesus as our ascended brother, our perfect intercessor, and our unshakeable kingdom. This section is a deeply enriching and warming meditation on the comfort Christ offers.


A Letter to the Lost

This book changed the way I read Ephesians. Though Ephesians 1 has always been my favorite chapter in the Bible, I had never fully connected it with Ephesians 6. Cruver highlights a powerful link: “Ephesians begins with the Father’s intentions (ch. 1) and concludes with the devil’s (ch. 6).” I had never seen this connection before, and it has opened my eyes to the spiritual battle at the heart of our struggle—a war over the Father’s love for us.

I read this beautifully encouraging book in one sitting; I couldn’t put it down. It is hope for the hurting, nourishment for the weak, freedom for the fearful, and a letter to the lost that they are indeed loved.


I received a media copy of Loved Indeed and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow @diveindigdeep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter at diveindigdeep.com.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I was sent - a book that didn't know that I needed to read right now. Reading the sub-heading I assumed it would be about those who have doubts about their faith - whether God really exists and reigns over all. Something I don't often struggle with. But the book hits at a doubt that is more familiar, but rarely spoken about; times when it doesn't 'feel' that God loves us and that He is good.

This book is completely gospel-centred and exactly what every believer needs to hear. No Christian is exempt from the trials and sorrows of life; the author uses his raw and painful testimony, including struggles with knowing God's love in the dark times, to show in a deeply pastoral way how he (and we) can have confidence in Christ's unchanging, incomprehensible love - at all times.

I loved the final chapter - reminding the reader to take one look at yourself and 10 looks at Christ. I hope to regularly come back to this book to help me remember these truths - even when they don't feel true.

[Jacob Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Cruver delivered an extraordinarily powerful and succinct sweet reassurance for the believer who struggles with understanding God’s love for them. This book was a blessing and a help to me, and I will return to it. It clearly exposits biblical hermeneutics in interpreting the Scriptures it uses as a balm to the reader’s heart. My only issue is that I’m not reformed or a Calvinist, and Cruver tries, fairly unsuccessfully I say, in a short chapter to explain the infinitude of God’s love but only for a limited about of people He elected to go to heaven before the foundation of the world. I love my Calvinist brothers and sisters. We hold to the same gospel, but they get the nature of salvation so wrong. I strongly disagree with their views on election and free will, as do the Scriptures.

[Ashley Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was very sporadic and disconnected. But I’m sure people aren’t reading this for well paced story telling and structure, there are alot of self contradictions from the author which frankly is a pillar of religion, having blind faith which the author himself even says just not explicitly. Sadly I cannot say this swayed me any closer to any theism or religion.

[Steve Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, dense and encouraging book for anyone that needs to believe (or a reminder) just how much God loves them. Its highly scriptual, and Dan uses his own devastating story of loss to show how to find and experience Gods love in the depths of sorrow.

[S.D. (Davy) Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly comforting book which reflects deeply on the love of God for sinners like us. We are loved indeed!

“The gospel is not a cautious announcement. It’s not a hesitant word. It doesn’t come with caveats. … No, the gospel is an extravagant word that is to be believed.”

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and easy to read book including great encouragement to realise the fact that we are loved deeply by the Godhead.

[James Brixey]

Deeply important, helpful book, good stuff

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short yet powerful read on the love of God. A great reminder to me of how deeply the Father loves me. Induced a fresh sense of encouragement and awe while listening on my morning walk with James.

[David Spinale · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is much encouragement to be found in this small book that reassures the doubting Christian of God's steadfast love.