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The Rest of the Gospel: When the Partial Gospel Has Worn You Out
Having God's forgiveness is wonderful. Spending eternity with God is great. But for now, where is the abundant life Jesus promised? Why is the Christian life such a struggle? Because getting forgiven is only half of the gospel! The rest of the gospel is not us striving on our own to be good Christians, but Christ in us, living His life through us as we rest in him.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 8, 2011
Loving this... For Christians who have been brought up legalistic and burned out by trying to live the Christan life in their own power.
August 3, 2018
This is one of my top five, maybe top three books of all time. It has had a massive, ongoing, profound impact on me. This is my sixth or seventh read, and it is as deep and true and powerful as ever. My copy is marked all through and falling apart. Maybe it's time to buy a new one, but this one is so dear to me, I find it hard to imagine reading any other copy. :)
August 7, 2025
This book is hard for me to rate. On the one hand, I love Stone's core message that a Christian is something you are, not something you do. In short, many Christians know that they don't need to earn their justification, but they still think they need to earn their sanctification (he doesn't use the words justification and sanctification). Paul says exactly that in Galatians 3:3, "Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?"
On the other hand, Stone's illustration of living above the line vs below the line does more damage than good. He considers above the line to be Spirit/unseen/eternal and below the line to be matter/seen/temporal and he encourages people to live above the line. I disagree with his above/below categories and would instead see those Scriptural distinctions as either submitting to the Kingdom of God or in rebellion to the Kingdom of God. I'm not sure what he believes himself, but his categories lead the reader to see God's gifts as things to be rejected so that we can focus on God Himself.
I would ask, "Is my wife/kids/money/house/etc., above the line or below the line?" This book leads the reader to say that all those things are below the line, which prevents the Christian from enjoying God through His gifts. My answer to my own question is: It depends. Is your enjoyment of God's gifts submitting to His kingdom or in rebellion to it?
In short, I agree with him 100% that many Christians are weary and heavy laden and they wrongly believe that Jesus wants them to be that way even though He clearly says the opposite (Matthew 11:28-30). My concern is that the Spirit/Matter distinction will make Christians even more weary and heavy laden.
Stone's desired destination is good, but his directions could lead the reader in the opposite direction.
On the other hand, Stone's illustration of living above the line vs below the line does more damage than good. He considers above the line to be Spirit/unseen/eternal and below the line to be matter/seen/temporal and he encourages people to live above the line. I disagree with his above/below categories and would instead see those Scriptural distinctions as either submitting to the Kingdom of God or in rebellion to the Kingdom of God. I'm not sure what he believes himself, but his categories lead the reader to see God's gifts as things to be rejected so that we can focus on God Himself.
I would ask, "Is my wife/kids/money/house/etc., above the line or below the line?" This book leads the reader to say that all those things are below the line, which prevents the Christian from enjoying God through His gifts. My answer to my own question is: It depends. Is your enjoyment of God's gifts submitting to His kingdom or in rebellion to it?
In short, I agree with him 100% that many Christians are weary and heavy laden and they wrongly believe that Jesus wants them to be that way even though He clearly says the opposite (Matthew 11:28-30). My concern is that the Spirit/Matter distinction will make Christians even more weary and heavy laden.
Stone's desired destination is good, but his directions could lead the reader in the opposite direction.
April 2, 2015
Having read several books on this subject in the past 6 months (on union with Christ, Exchanged Life, et al), this is definitely my favorite. It is thought-provoking, accessible, relatable, Biblically sound. The other books I read - Lifetime Guarantee, The Normal Christian, and Birthright - were also good, but some were unnecessarily abstract and confusing, or used odd analogies. Highly recommend this book, for those who are weary in their walk with Christ - there is such peace and rest in comprehending and living out of your union with Jesus as a believer!
July 3, 2013
4.25/5
I read this as a kind of follow up book to The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley. My main criticism for this book would be that I felt the thesis could have been tighter and thus the book shorter and easier to digest. However, the content of the book is very good. But for a person who has already read a book like The Naked Gospel and been exposed to the exchanged life message, it won't necessarily blow your socks off.
My personal benefits from reading this book were; It was nice to hear from another person the exchanged life and grace and rest message. The full gospel seems too good to be true in fact that I didn't know wether to just think Farley was just "off" or something like that almost, so that's why it was good to hear from another person. Furthermore, Stone, in this book, also provides some insight (both psychological and spiritual) into why the majority of Christians never come to understand the fullness of the gospel and. Christ as us. That was very helpful for me to hear because ever since hearing and accepting the rest of the gospel (thru Farley's book) I have been painfully aware how alone I am in accepting it. Because so many believers are sill living as in separation, those who have received the rest of the gospel can easily look like heretics.
Off of that last note as well, I found Stone's insight on "knowing" and true inner knowing to be profound. And also rightly points out that true spiritual knowledge can only be revealed to us by the Spirit. The Spirit is the only teacher, we are just informers, illustrators and reporters. That insight has helped me to approach spreading the rest of the gospel to my fellow believers with much more patience and grace because I understand my role in it.
In a final point, I also appreciated Stone's insights on the "swing" of our souls. God meant for our external soul life to have highs and lows when we feel, on the contrary, like we have to try and stop it from swinging when God made it that way.
I would recommend reading The Naked Gospel by Farley above this book, but I would be equally excited for any believer who has not understood or been exposed to these truths to read either books.
I read this as a kind of follow up book to The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley. My main criticism for this book would be that I felt the thesis could have been tighter and thus the book shorter and easier to digest. However, the content of the book is very good. But for a person who has already read a book like The Naked Gospel and been exposed to the exchanged life message, it won't necessarily blow your socks off.
My personal benefits from reading this book were; It was nice to hear from another person the exchanged life and grace and rest message. The full gospel seems too good to be true in fact that I didn't know wether to just think Farley was just "off" or something like that almost, so that's why it was good to hear from another person. Furthermore, Stone, in this book, also provides some insight (both psychological and spiritual) into why the majority of Christians never come to understand the fullness of the gospel and. Christ as us. That was very helpful for me to hear because ever since hearing and accepting the rest of the gospel (thru Farley's book) I have been painfully aware how alone I am in accepting it. Because so many believers are sill living as in separation, those who have received the rest of the gospel can easily look like heretics.
Off of that last note as well, I found Stone's insight on "knowing" and true inner knowing to be profound. And also rightly points out that true spiritual knowledge can only be revealed to us by the Spirit. The Spirit is the only teacher, we are just informers, illustrators and reporters. That insight has helped me to approach spreading the rest of the gospel to my fellow believers with much more patience and grace because I understand my role in it.
In a final point, I also appreciated Stone's insights on the "swing" of our souls. God meant for our external soul life to have highs and lows when we feel, on the contrary, like we have to try and stop it from swinging when God made it that way.
I would recommend reading The Naked Gospel by Farley above this book, but I would be equally excited for any believer who has not understood or been exposed to these truths to read either books.
April 21, 2013
I won't say this book didn't have its faults. There were some awkward analogies, and some parts that were downright confusing. But it deserves kudos for a radical stance on Christianity that really shouldn't be radical. It makes you wonder -- why do we try so hard when we're not meant to. My favorite chapter was the last. I feel like I really know the guy, and I think his co-writer did a fantastic job of bringing out his voice even though it was co-written. I feel like I need to read it again and again until the message sinks into my heart.
June 8, 2011
Deep, thought provoking, life enriching book that leaves you believing that you are with the Holy Spirit and this alone will make your life more meaningful. An in depth view of the meaning and why we should cherish this life we have. Saved for Eternity and beyond!!!
February 20, 2014
I haven't read anything that explains the flesh-soul-spirit dynamic, and what is means in normal life for the Spirit to dwell in us, in such an understandable, life-altering way. This needs to be re-released to a wider audience - not enough books like it.
January 4, 2009
A++. One of the best explanations of the gospel that I have read. A must read for every Christian. It breaks down many old paradigms.
May 1, 2009
This book has really helped my spiritual growth. I did not understand before receiving the Spirit and the Spirit living within you but now I do.
Read
June 20, 2011This book was a total paradigm shift for me and took my Christian faith to a whole new level. It was deep, thought provoking and uplifting. Must read.
October 31, 2012
Liked it! Was deep in spots and I wouldn't recommend for the 1st time grace reader. But Dan is spot on with his view of grace.
August 19, 2014
This book will change your life.
April 10, 2015
Probably the single greatest explanation of the Christ life I've ever read. Incredible!
November 17, 2024
This is the practical application of the truths I've learned from reading texts like 'The Body Keeps the Score', 'Emotionally Healthy Spirituality', 'Unwanted' and 'Dark Clouds, Deep Mercies'.
With chapters rarely more than 10 pages each, The Rest of the Gospel clearly illustrates how to be present with the known Gospel truths in such a caring and motivational way. The wisdom in the pages moves you from head-knowledge to heart-knowledge without guilt or shame.
My mom who has more to do with my spiritual formation than any other individual, at age 64, wrote in the front cover for me, "God is using this book to change my life and anchor me in the Savior. May He do the same for you. Love Mommy Colossians 1:27" I love the present participle indicating she is still being changed and this is my hope for everyone who picks up this text.
With chapters rarely more than 10 pages each, The Rest of the Gospel clearly illustrates how to be present with the known Gospel truths in such a caring and motivational way. The wisdom in the pages moves you from head-knowledge to heart-knowledge without guilt or shame.
My mom who has more to do with my spiritual formation than any other individual, at age 64, wrote in the front cover for me, "God is using this book to change my life and anchor me in the Savior. May He do the same for you. Love Mommy Colossians 1:27" I love the present participle indicating she is still being changed and this is my hope for everyone who picks up this text.
September 8, 2024
Title: THE REST OF THE GOSPEL: when the partial gospel has worn you out.
Author: Dan Stone, Greg Smith
Christians readily admit that salvation is a work of God and willingly receive Christ’s grace for salvation. However, in the next steps in the Christian life, Christians often do not view sanctification as the work of God as well. Rather, they themselves do the work, striving to do the good things, the right things- and become exhausted and frustrated when there is minimal “ fruit” to all their efforts. They experience only the partial gospel (salvation) but the spirit-filled sanctification aspect of the Christian life alludes them. This book addresses what is wrong with this picture and teaches spiritual principles that every believer needs to understand and inculcate- the rest of the gospel.
Author Dan Stone applies scriptural references to real life situations. His concepts are biblical and he offers practical examples. The concepts presented have changed my life. I've learned to stop the highs and lows on the roller coaster of DOING and accept the peace that comes by BEING- by acknowledging Christ’s work (not mine) in me. Powerful and poignant teaching. Highly recommended for ALL believers in Christ.
Author: Dan Stone, Greg Smith
Christians readily admit that salvation is a work of God and willingly receive Christ’s grace for salvation. However, in the next steps in the Christian life, Christians often do not view sanctification as the work of God as well. Rather, they themselves do the work, striving to do the good things, the right things- and become exhausted and frustrated when there is minimal “ fruit” to all their efforts. They experience only the partial gospel (salvation) but the spirit-filled sanctification aspect of the Christian life alludes them. This book addresses what is wrong with this picture and teaches spiritual principles that every believer needs to understand and inculcate- the rest of the gospel.
Author Dan Stone applies scriptural references to real life situations. His concepts are biblical and he offers practical examples. The concepts presented have changed my life. I've learned to stop the highs and lows on the roller coaster of DOING and accept the peace that comes by BEING- by acknowledging Christ’s work (not mine) in me. Powerful and poignant teaching. Highly recommended for ALL believers in Christ.
November 12, 2024
This will forever be on my shelf to grab and refer back to. Such a great book explaining what it really means to have the Holy Spirit living inside of you as a follower of Jesus. Dan’s message is encouraging and life changing (and Biblical!) , reminding us of the truth that God lives in us and through, what that looks like and means in practical terms, and how that empowers us to do life every day. So so good.
December 11, 2024
I LOVED this book, but a friend and I agreed that one has to be ready to widen their understanding of the Gospel in order to take it all in. I don't necessarily agree with everything proposed by Dan Stone, but the book has helped me embrace the freedom that Christ offers all who believe (Galatians 1).
February 29, 2016
People throughout history have been searching for a closer walk with God. Even those who have found the answer – Jesus – continue to struggle to “please” God by doing “things” and trying to be obedient to the “law”. As the author points out, “The really good news is that He is in us, living His life as us. You are the means by which the world sees the love and life of God.” Why can’t we accept this? Why do we continue to try to achieve something we already have? Why are we convinced that there is something more? As the author say, “There’s nothing spiritual about saying you’re seeking more of Jesus. Because He can’t give you any more. He can give you more awareness about Whom you already have, but He can’t give you any more of Himself. You’ve got Him, and He’s got you.” The answer is faith, accepting that the work that God, in Jesus, has done is us is complete and all we have to do now is live in Him. “Learn to hear how God speaks to you your way. Then follow Him, [doing] what God prompts you to do.”
August 19, 2016
This book changed my life, or better said it was used of my Savior to change my life. For so many years I was duped into the lie that while Christ is enough for my salvation, there was no way He is enough for me to live on everyday. How wrong I was!
If you want to start on the journey down the path of knowing what Paul meant when he said "For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him..." (Colossians 2:9-10a), this is a great place to start.
There is no hope for unbeliever or believer alike but to look long and deeply at the Lord Jesus Christ, and this book graciously points to Him throughout.
I can't commend it enough.
If you want to start on the journey down the path of knowing what Paul meant when he said "For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him..." (Colossians 2:9-10a), this is a great place to start.
There is no hope for unbeliever or believer alike but to look long and deeply at the Lord Jesus Christ, and this book graciously points to Him throughout.
I can't commend it enough.
September 12, 2009
Currently re-reading this awesome book. The content probably even surpasses the great title and sub-heading. Stone contends that "abundant life" is really available NOW; that 'rest' in Christ is substantial; and that it beats the heck out of living the partial Gospel that has been fed to the Western church for the past century. Almost everyone I know, including me, has been worn down at one time or another by something less than the Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed and Paul preached.
August 31, 2014
Probably the best explanation of how to live this Christian life-by resting in the fact that all the work has already been done. We need only be available and willing to allow Christ in us, to live through us, as us! Stone provides great examples which really illustrate this life-changing concept. Every believer who has been worn out by trying to work out his or her Christian life needs to read this book!
February 1, 2020
Very, very good. I wish I had read this many years ago. It's not polished and some of the examples made me feel cringey but I am SO GLAD I kept reading because the author always seemed to get to the right point. I felt the author's passion in his words. What a great refocusing! Christ in me, the hope of glory really is the point. I purchased a hard copy and will turn around and read this again!
February 5, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book, it had a lovely writing style. Regarding content there were some great nuggets that you want to digest over and over again, at the same time there were bits that stopped me in my tracks thinking oh no! However overall this is definitely a worthy read presenting the RESt of the Gospel.
October 23, 2014
Dan Stone lived powerless life as a Christian.He explains why it didn't work and how he learned to let Christ live through him. Good explanations supported by scripture and diagrams. It can change your life.
April 27, 2020
"We may have found out how to get our sins forgiven, but most of us haven't yet discovered how to live the life. You can't. That's the first thing you have to learn. He can. And, He will. He will live His life in us, as us."
This was a life-changing book. Not perfect, but still wonderful.
This was a life-changing book. Not perfect, but still wonderful.
August 23, 2015
A must read!!!!!
July 24, 2025
I'd agree with others in that this book is refreshing in that it leaves you feeling more encouraged and motivated to live in union with the spirit of Jesus rather than following a legalistic set of rules or a prescribed list of habit stacking. That said, I thought it would be helpful to add a quick summary of some key themes of the book and their foundation in scripture:
1.) Our Old Self Was Crucified With Christ (Romans 6:3-6) “Our old self was crucified with him…”
2.) New Life in Union With Christ (Ephesians 2:4–6) “…God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms…”
3.) Living by Christ in Us (Galatians 2:20) “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”
4.) Identity as a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away…”
5.) Rest Instead of Striving (Hebrews 4:9–10) "There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God; for the one who has entered His rest…”
6.) No Condemnation; No Separation (Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39) "There is therefore now no condemnation…”; “…nothing will be able to separate us…”
7.) Living From the Eternal, Not the Temporal (2 Corinthians 4:18) "…fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen…”
8.) Abiding in Christ (John 15:5) "I am the vine; you are the branches... apart from me you can do nothing."
9.) Power Over Sin - Our Old Self is Dead (Colossians 2:13-15) "God made you alive with Christ... canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness..."
10.) Hearing God's Voice (John 10:27) "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
1.) Our Old Self Was Crucified With Christ (Romans 6:3-6) “Our old self was crucified with him…”
2.) New Life in Union With Christ (Ephesians 2:4–6) “…God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms…”
3.) Living by Christ in Us (Galatians 2:20) “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”
4.) Identity as a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away…”
5.) Rest Instead of Striving (Hebrews 4:9–10) "There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God; for the one who has entered His rest…”
6.) No Condemnation; No Separation (Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39) "There is therefore now no condemnation…”; “…nothing will be able to separate us…”
7.) Living From the Eternal, Not the Temporal (2 Corinthians 4:18) "…fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen…”
8.) Abiding in Christ (John 15:5) "I am the vine; you are the branches... apart from me you can do nothing."
9.) Power Over Sin - Our Old Self is Dead (Colossians 2:13-15) "God made you alive with Christ... canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness..."
10.) Hearing God's Voice (John 10:27) "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
October 30, 2025
This one is such a mixed bag
The good:
Great emphasis on salvation being by faith, not works, and the subtle ways Christians can still live as if the latter were true
Good criticism of our fast-paced, materialist culture
Stressing that we may not *feel* saved/justified/holy, but God declares it as such so we are
His passion for the subject is very apparent in tone
The bad:
There’s a lot of “mystical-speak” that turned me off (very “vibe-y”)
Many borderline ascetic and stoic views (esp. in chap 21, where he takes his cues from the Desert Fathers, who are a complex matter all their own)
Potential to read this as “physical bad, spiritual good”
Soul vs spirit dichotomy is debatable
Some concerning views on grief and offering answers to suffering where the Bible remains silent (see: Job)
Can lead to complacency
Some questionable exegesis
The good:
Great emphasis on salvation being by faith, not works, and the subtle ways Christians can still live as if the latter were true
Good criticism of our fast-paced, materialist culture
Stressing that we may not *feel* saved/justified/holy, but God declares it as such so we are
His passion for the subject is very apparent in tone
The bad:
There’s a lot of “mystical-speak” that turned me off (very “vibe-y”)
Many borderline ascetic and stoic views (esp. in chap 21, where he takes his cues from the Desert Fathers, who are a complex matter all their own)
Potential to read this as “physical bad, spiritual good”
Soul vs spirit dichotomy is debatable
Some concerning views on grief and offering answers to suffering where the Bible remains silent (see: Job)
Can lead to complacency
Some questionable exegesis
August 9, 2021
For the Saints who are weary of striving.
If you've ever thought, "Theres something missing. Either I'm not smart enough to figure out what others seem to know, or something isn't quite translating to my life." The promise rest and abundant life. We're told it is easy and light. If that's not you're experience and you're willing to let go of what you think you know about the gospel and simply ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart, then this book could actually be the answer to your nagging spirit question that's just not able to rest. Absolutely freeing truth to those who are willing.
If you've ever thought, "Theres something missing. Either I'm not smart enough to figure out what others seem to know, or something isn't quite translating to my life." The promise rest and abundant life. We're told it is easy and light. If that's not you're experience and you're willing to let go of what you think you know about the gospel and simply ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart, then this book could actually be the answer to your nagging spirit question that's just not able to rest. Absolutely freeing truth to those who are willing.
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