The God They Never Knew
The Tragedy of Religion Without Relationship
Original 1982 paperback cover. Click on book cover for larger view.
From the forward by Harry Conn: Perhaps the most mispreached and ill-taught Bible verse of our day is Isaiah 55:9. The explanation... is a classic gem. The removal of "holiness" from the realm of the mystical and abstract to a learned and possible state has been long overdue. [He] removes "faith" as an act or state of reaching out and embracing what you don't understand from the realm of magic.
The emphasis on salvation as a right relationship or reality (instead of a technicality) is just exactly that which the blessed Holy Spirit can use to bring revival. The "forgotten doctrines," repentance and sin, are treated in an irenic way and not neglected. Repentance is not portrayed as being optional or subsequent to salvation.
I went into the sanctury of God; then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thous awakest, thou shalt despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved... —Psalm 73
