Book Review : Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners

By Hollie Zimmermann

Dane Ortlund’s book, Deeper, awaits all those who feel ready to reignite their spiritual growth, reflect on their spiritual journey and grow closer to Jesus.  It is of a size which would lend itself to a personal reading, one to one study or a small group.  The chapters take the reader through a journey of spiritual self-examination with support and much wisdom.  One is left with a way to tackle a deepening of Christian faith in a strategic way.

The first chapter, Jesus, reminds us of what it means to be saved and a friend of Jesus.  It explains how to persevere in faith too, expounding the faith-filled attributes of the real Jesus – the universe-filling, mighty Jesus.  This chapter is the bedrock of the work, and prepares us for the hard but necessary work of addressing pain and despair in subsequent chapters.

Ortlund manages the following chapter Despair with much gentleness and insight.  His experience as a pastor of a church is reflected in the sensitivity of his handling of the topic.  “There is a strange though consistent message throughout the Bible.  We are told time and time again that the way forward will feel like we’re going backward.”  Ortlund argues that we only get so far by our own self-reflection, but proper self-reflection can only be accomplished by comparing our own self with that of the white brightness of God himself. 

Union lifts the reader up and reminds him or her of the joy of being one with Christ and how we might draw strength from this.  It contrasts with the former chapter and marks the beginning of his work in explaining ways to engage in forming spiritual vitality.

The chapter, Embrace, is a beautiful reminder of God’s love for us.  Ortlund expands on the depth and breadth of the love of God, no matter what our sinful and fallen state.  We may feel convinced and calmed by the “cascading waterfall of God’s love” no matter what our situation, whether this has a result of our own doing or we have been hit by the wreckage of someone else’s life. Subsequently, Acquittaldovetails from Embrace, reinforcing God’s forgiveness of sin in a contemporary way.  His narrative leaves a lasting impression on the mind of the reader.

Honesty deals with the importance of fellowship and walking in the light of other Christians to maintain a strong faith.  I particularly liked his portrayal of growth occurring in fertile land where there is an absence of pressure.  He argues that pressure does not create growth, but honesty, acceptance and encouragement in order that we become whole, integrated and strong.

“Our hearts are like gardens, if we aren’t actively rooting out the weeds, the weeds are growing, even if we don’t notice.”  Humans seek to avoid pain, yet we all experience it and there can be enormous spiritual growth come from it.  Pain takes the reader through Ortlund’s perspectives of Christian growth through pain toward real joy.  His management of a difficult topic provided fresh perspectives and is worth reading alone even if one cannot read the entire book.

Breathing is a simple chapter, where we are shown the spiritual practice of reading the Bible and praying through the metaphor of breathing: reading the Bible is inhaling and praying is exhaling. Finally, Supernaturalised encourages us to trust completely in the Holy Spirit to help us grow. 

This book is helpful to draw hope from, and to make steps towards your spiritual growth and by doing so, help others along their journey. 

“Draw strength from your oneness with Jesus.  You are no longer alone.  No longer isolated.  When you sin, don’t give up.  Let him pick you up and put you on your feet again with fresh dignity.  He lifts your chin, looks you in the eye, and defines your existence: ‘You in me, and I in you’ (John 14:20)”.

 

Originally published on the AP website: https://ap.org.au/2024/05/22/book-review-deeper/