A Free Grace Primer Paperback – December 23, 2011

Having read these works two decades ago I was delighted to add this 3 volume work to the library. I quickly reacquainted myself with the book that started a personal reformation in me, The Gospel Under Siege. I still marvel at Zane’s ability to communicate in a way that for me has rarely been matched in clarity and power. Although I don’t agree with all of his theological conclusions I nevertheless always enjoy reading his treatment of the Biblical text.

The problem with these books is the solution offered is worse than the cure. While regulating eternal life to something future with no effect on our present lives even though we are led to believe we will never thirst again, Hodges seems to deny many scriptures of the apostle John. 4 " For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." Reformed teaching is the source of faith alone, grace alone and in Christ alone...not Zane Hodges. It would be good to understand Reformed theology before offering another solution and a straw man argument which only creates new problems. Particularly in the fact that it does not give glory to God alone, but leaves a new doctrine for earning a secondary righteousness and reward. Understanding the gospel is essential for salvation, but to not believe that Life will provide a living grace , righteousness and power in your actual life is vain religious nonsense. Look for fruit, look for the actual outworking of grace in peoples lives. Is it Christ centered even or put it another way is Christ the center in a spiritual reality as our salvation? You lose your life to find real Life in Him. If you are satisfied with your life(religious or otherwise), it is questionable at best that you have tasted living waters. It is like someone being satisfied with garbage after being shown an elaborate banquet and tasted of it. It is inconceivable. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.The New King James Version. (1982). (Ro 10:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.The New King James Version. (1982). (1 Jn 5:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

I do not remember reading much on reward and the parables of the judgement of believers at the Bema seat before. I hope I do not read the various parts of the New Testament quite the same anymore. Without getting into the specific passages he covered I would just say I found it motivating. I want to have fewer tears to wipe away and the pleasures of greater reward and the approval of Jesus. Though he did not express his thoughts as I will, the author does suggest that not all who are in Christ's presence will enjoy the party thrown for the overcomers. Again in a word I was say the author is motivating respecting serious Christian living.

This is three books in one - not just one book. The first is the Hungry Inherit and is an excellent read for Christians that want to understand afresh the vitality of grace and the miracle of the Christ in His gift of eternal life. We have a tendency to overcomplicate the scriptures or to add things that seem like they are right, but are taken out of context. This book simplifies and really helps correct a bunch of misconceptions and shares a whole new light on what God meant by gifting us with His grace for free! I am halfway through book 2 and have found it to be a great effort to make clear some very "tricky" or "hard to understand" confusing biblical verses. Well worth the money and well worth the time to read!

So simple to understand and so eloquently written. The way he fashions it into a story yet with foundational truths is absolutely inspirational and filled with truth.

This trilogy by Hodges is certainly a must-read. It's opened my eyes and understanding to many Bible passages and doctrines that had previously been clouded by other views of the grace of God. It was a great delight to read!

I'll be back. Will take the time later to review my notes to better support my rating. Yes sir ree.

This was one of the books on his book list at college. He's working on getting his masters degree.