Few books have been more warmly received by Bible teachers and students. He That is Spiritual defines true Christian living and unfolds the biblical teaching concerning spirituality -- what it is, and how it is secured. Nothing could be more important to Christians than the theme of this book. Its sound teaching corrects many false impressions and presents a scriptural pattern for the full life in Christ.
Lewis Sperry Chafer was an evangelist and educator, founder and first president of Dallas Theological Seminary (originally Evangelical Theological College), and an influential proponent of Christian Dispensationalism and vehement opponent of covenant theology.
Another excellent book by Chafer, he takes complicated bible doctrines and easily breaks them down into easy english so that us commoners can also understand the great teachings of the spiritual life. This man is one of the greatest teachers in recent history. A definite read for anyone who takes their spiritual life seriously.
One of the great devotional classics. Contrary to public discussion, Chafer's approach is neither Keswick nor over-emphasized on there being "two-classes" of believers. Those who reduce his book to those issues miss out. His simple outline of how the Spirit ministers to us, how He manifests in the one who is yielded to him, and the three requirements for spirituality--grieve not, quench not, and walk by--pack in far more than one might need. I plan to revisit it. Highly recommended for meditation.
It is only a 5-star book because I cannot give it 6! I love the relational, warm perspective on the Christian life that Chafer proposes. I find this text approachable and beneficial to any Christian seeking to grow in their faith and not waste a bunch of time. That being said, were I to write the book I would have recommended spending more time in John 15 and Romans 6-8. Though I wouldn't remove anything from this book. It is a treasure and I habe read it dozens of times.
Always the consummate systematic theologian, LS Chafer (past President of Dallas Theological Seminary) unfolds the biblical teaching on living a spiritual life. Taken from I Cor.2:9-3:4, Chafer begins by defining three classes of spiritual existence and spends the rest of the book unpacking the biblical teaching of life as a spiritual person. The impact of this book historically goes beyond its many printings and readers. It also indirectly started the founder of a world wide youth reaching movement (Jim Rayburn) who after reading it began a quest to live this life. He found a copy of the book on the shelf of a remote cabin in Arizona and after reading it, found the author and enrolled in Dallas Seminary.
This book is classic information on what it means to be spiritual. (A spiritual person is one who experiences the divine purpose and plan in his daily life through the power of the indwelling spirit.) Chafer reviews the types of men and various ministries of the Spirit. Chafer notes that there is an abrupt change from carnal to spiritual when Biblical conditions are met. Likewise, there is an abrupt loss of spiritual blessing whenever there has been a yielding to sin. One of the most helpful bits of information was the conditions of true spirituality.
So far, a great little book on the spiritual man as opposed to the "natural man" and the "carnal christian". This book doesn't seem to be as much a treatment on how to become spiritual, but a portrait of what a spiritual man looks like. I'm just now getting into his run-down of the Holy Spirit and the works of the spirit, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Tremendous work on the Spiritual part of the Christian life, which is glossed over by so many in Christianity. Chafer goes into great depths, yet remains simple enough for almost anyone to read and understand. This book is essential for a preacher's library, or for anyone serious about serving Christ.
It's got some great nuggets of wisdom. Every once in a while, Chafer makes an absurd point out of nowhere and gives a poor reason for it. However, overall, worth a read.