{Book Review} Irresistible Faith

Irresistible Faith: Becoming the Kind of Christian the World Can’t Resist is written by Scott Sauls and published by Nelson Books (an imprint of Thomas Nelson).

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Irresistible Faith: Becoming the Kind of Christian the World Can’t Resist

The title of this book drew me in. I want to be the type of Christian that the world cannot resist, and I want every Christian to want that as well. Earlier this year I had read another book by Sauls that I was very impressed with (mainly due to his kind, charitable tone), and so I thought I would dive into another one of his writings. Well, much to my expectations, I wasn’t let down. 

The introduction to the book will suck you in. He begins by mentioning some hurtful things that have been said of Christians. Unfortunately, I think that many of us Christians have had similar negative thoughts about our own Christian family. But the answer is not running away and separating from the church as some have unfortunately resorted to. Sauls proposes a much better way forward: The church ought to be a people that is so radically changed by the Gospel that the world cannot resist us. 

Layout and Content

Sauls breaks his book into 3 parts:

1. Abiding in the Irresistible Christ
2. Belonging to an Irresistible Community
3. Becoming an Irresistible Christian

Part 1: Abiding in the Irresistible Christ

In part one, Sauls discusses sin, sanctification, and the Gospel. I am grateful for him taking time to clearly articulate the Gospel right out of the gate in chapter one. I also liked that he took time to discuss sanctification in a way that even a brand new believer would understand. Chapter three on savoring Christ was particularly helpful as he urged us to be fixated on Christ as we live in this world.

Part 2: Belonging to an Irresistible Community

In part two, Sauls explains why living in community with other believers is absolutely crucial to our endeavor of constantly drawing closer to Christ. The three chapters of part two are worth the price of the book itself. I remember reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together and being absolutely encouraged and motivated to love the church more and more. These three chapters of part two are similar to that. The reader will be encouraged to read about what it ought to look like when one belongs to an irresistible community.

Part 3: Becoming an Irresistible Christian

Lastly, part three is about becoming an irresistible Christian, and these three chapters deal with three very practical topics: treasuring the poor, embracing work as mission, and leaving people, places, and things better than they found them. I appreciate Saul’s very practical teaching through these last three pages. I felt challenged and was left with a desire to truly seek to be an irresistible Christian during my short pilgrimage on this earth. 

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Conclusion

I think this book is a wonderful gift to the church today, and one that is able to greatly motivate Christians to make much of Christ while they live on this earth. I hope that many will pick up this book and learn much from it. I gladly commend it to you. Tolle lege, take up and read! 

Disclaimer: My thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.