The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness [Hardcover]

Book Review: The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness
By Kevin DeYoung
I have been following and reading Kevin DeYoung’s blog for some time. Then at Sola2011 (A Biannual Conference in Montreal) I had the opportunity to hear Kevin speak on the issues he presented in this book. At the conference he preached a sermon entitled; Spirit-powered, Gospel-driven, Faith-fueled effort. I was blown away by this message. The highlight was where is described the Holy Spirit as a light. He said, “The holy spirit is light to us in three ways.
He exposes our sin so that we can recognize it and turn away.
He illumines the Word so that we can understand its mean and grasp its implications.
He takes the veil away so that we can see the glory of Christ and become what we behold.
I was pleased to see the content of Kevin’s sermon expanded and turned into a book for deeper study. The idea of the book, or the hole in our holiness is that we don’t real care much about it. DeYoung finds that as Christians we focus on what we have been saved from (eternal torment in hell) and not what we have been saved to (becoming more like Christ).
One section of the book I found particularly helpful was his discussions on the hazards of moral equivalence. He tears down the mistaken notion that every sin is the same in God’s eyes. The sentiment is popular with many Christians. It is true that every sin is a breach of God’s Holy law and according to James says whoever fails to keep one point is guilty of breaking the whole law (James 2:10) But, the Bible teaches us again and again that some sins are worse than others. And DeYoung masterfully draws out implications that this mistaken view has on our pursuit of holiness.
Here is the problem: when every sin is seen as the same, we are less likely to fight any sins at all. Why should I stop sleeping with my girlfriend when there will still be lust in my heart? Why pursue holiness when even one sin in my life means I’m Osama bin Hitler in God’s eyes? Again, it seems humble to act as if no sin is worse than another, but we lose the impetus for striving and the ability to hold each other accountable when we tumble-down the slip-n-slide of moral equivalence. (Page 72)
DeYoung deals with many commonly held fallacies when it comes to holiness and sin and confronts them with the truth of the Gospel. This book should be read by all Christians who struggle with the issue of Piety, or fear Holiness is akin to legalism.
5/5 MUST READ!

Grace, works, and Jesus. How do these all fit together? Does personal holiness even matter? What is holiness anyway? If you’re wrestling with these issues, I think this would be a great book for you. In fact, even if you’re not, maybe you should be. Have a listen to this work.

While I’m not overly familiar with DeYoung, in this book I sensed a man with a deep respect for the great ancient saints, a love for the person and work of Jesus Christ, and a burden to see Christ’s bride being obedient to Scripture.

Kevin has a great writing style which I thoroughly enjoyed. While some books theological in nature tend to put my mind in a daze, this isn’t one of them. Conversational is a great word to describe DeYoung’s writing. I really appreciate when I can listen to a book that has a lot to teach me and keeps my mind engaged. Thanks Kevin, I felt like you were talking to me. The fantastic reading of this book definitely aids this experience.

Highly recommended.

This review was completed on behalf of [...] and their reviewers’ program. For more of my reviews visit [...]

In The Hole in Our Holiness, author Kevin DeYoung opens with a problem he has both experienced in his own life and noted in the Christian culture around us; there is a gap between our passion for the gospel and our practice of holiness. DeYoung diagnoses this discrepancy and thereby presents the reader with the direction of his book. DeYoung wants to inform the reader of the foundations of holiness as they are taught in the Bible and then encourage application in light of those truths. Pastor Kevin writes, and preaches for that matter, with thoughtful theological acumen and poignant pastoral insight and these distinguishing characteristics are conveyed in The Hole in Our Holiness, making it a very helpful book.

The Foundations of Holiness

DeYoung begins his book by sketching out some helpful foundations about holiness. He provides a theological definition of holiness as well as a Biblical account of this virtue. His discussion of what holiness is and what it is not makes for profitable distinctions. He proceeds to give a helpful defense of both the need and benefits of a healthy view of holiness.

The author finds a good balance to this sometimes burdensome topic by encouraging the reader with good reasons for pursuing holiness as well as offering the refreshing idea that godliness is both possible and very pleasing to God. Chapter Six is a transitional chapter which moves the reader from the more theoretical and theological early chapters to the remaining ones which are more practical. In this bridging section DeYoung explains what he believes holiness should look like and how it should be pursued: sanctification, or growth is holiness, is accomplished through Spirit-powered, Gospel-driven, Faith-fueled effort. And this effort begins with and is accomplished by our union with Christ.

The Fighting for Holiness
The final three chapters deliver some practically helpful thoughts on fighting the good fight of becoming Christ-like in our holiness. DeYoung deals with the pervasive and perpetually problematic sins that are sexual in nature. Without sounding ‘preachy’ or coming across as naive, this pastor of University Reformed Church in Lansing, Michigan addresses the issues surrounding sexual immorality. He is realistic but not relativistic as he works hard to show that he understands-personally-the difficulties but recognizes the Bible is clear on the issues.

The book nears conclusion w
ith some advice on actions we can take to promote holiness through the time-tested and traditional disciplines of the Christian faith. Encouragement is presented in the last chapter with a compelling admonishment to gauge and monitor our holiness, to be quick to sincerely repent, and understand this is a process that must continue until our time on earth is up.

With conciseness and clarity, DeYoung explains and expounds what holiness is with a solid stream of Biblical evidence. His shepherding skills are evident as he applies these truths in a way that is accessible and applicable. This is an important book on the sometimes confusing concepts associated with Christian obedience or growth in holiness and is a helpful contribution to the Christian’s lifelong sanctification. I recommend it.

I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of review.