Gospel Wakefulness

Very good book

I've been waiting a while to read this book--since well before it was released actually. "Gospel Wakefulness" (2011) by Jared Wilson is one of several recent books calling Christians back to the gospel. Wilson is a good writer. He's combines his wisdom with a writing style that makes him fun to read. In this book, he also shares his heart, which adds richness to the book.Starting at the book's conclusion, his friend said to him, "I feel like all this gospel-centered this and gospel-centered that is just our version of 'smurfy'". Wilson doesn't think so and I hope he is right. This book demonstrates the centrality of the gospel in all things. I never get tired of it and it is clear that Wilson does not either.The influences of Luther, Piper, and Edwards come through in this book. (At times, perhaps Brother Lawrence as well). Wilson is clearly a student of Calvinism, but not just any Calvinism--the Calvinism that beholds the majesty of God, basking in the wonder of his never ending glory. He writes, "there are only two steps to gospel wakefulness: be utterly broken and utterly awed. But neither of these things are things you can really do. They are things only God can do for you" (p. 35). His gospel wakefulness has a necessary dependence upon a gracious God.Wilson also suggests "one of the marks of gospel wakefulness is the failure of anything else to thrill the soul like the gospel" (p. 59). I know where he is coming from. The gospel fills my thoughts--it fills my affections--yet I long for a deeper and deeper filling of God.Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed were the stories from his gospel wakened friends. "Andrew's Story" was particularly moving (p. 162ff). Andrew is a young man who has suffered with a deep depression. He reflects on the the holy week. He writes, "I'm so afraid. The thought of my God asphyxiating on a Roman cross is too much. The image of him lifeless, wrapped in a burial shroud--the blood is not even wet--hurts so much that I can barely breathe. Man himself has killed his only hope. To see all-surpassing Love and to beat it without mercy, to nail it senselessly to a slab of poorly fashioned wood--what is despair if it is not that? It's sickening. When Love is gone, what is there left to believe in?"But Easter Sunday always comes. It comes while the world sleeps. It comes with the gentle fury that only God almighty could bring to pass. In the twilight of the world's end, we have the subversion of death itself. It happened here on this earth. No one even knew."I cannot grasp it. It is too unbelievable, to unreal, to imagine. To bring life out of nothingness. It cuts me so deep. Hope resounds even in the darkest corners of the earth. That Love could defeat cruelty, misery, fear, suffering--can you believe that?"Even the darkest night will turn to morning. The sun is always rising. Even the worst sinners can be made clean. Evil--Death itself--obliterated by Love. Saturday is over, Sunday is here."Does this move you? Does the gospel rock your world? Or do you find yourself racing through your quiet time so that you can "get on" with your day? Do you wish the pastor would hurry up so you can start watching the game? Do you skip out on singing at church or are you holding back the tears, contemplating the wonder of the gospel?That's what this book is about.

As a Biblical counselor I encounter again and again people who, when brought to the crux of their flesh versus the Spirit, use the refrain, "I know it in my head but don't feel it in my heart," as the reason for why they stay where they are. Maybe it's habitual sin, or a self-centered response to suffering, or someone who feels they keep all of the rules but feel like God is cold and far away.This book explains in great effect what is happening in these scenarios: they are not Gospel wakened. So often we see the Gospel as a necessary for a one time conversion event and then we go forth in obedience to the scriptures. The problem is not in the conversion or the obedience; the problem is that without incessant Gospel reception we are powerless to truly obey. Yes, we can "do" what the Bible says, but if it's not driven by reliance on Christ, and truly for his glory and not our own feelings of saving ourselves from God's wrathvia obedience, not peppered all about with repentance of our stubborn insistence on self-reliance, then it is rubbish.I love this book. I recommend it to all. If deep in your soul you question all of this Christian life, if God feels remote and you fear admitting it to yourself, or perhaps if you are quite comfortable with your Christian doings and think you and Jesus are just fine, thank you very much, then read this book. Let it drive you to Christ, that you would be awakened to the power of the Gospel. When Gospel wakeful the Bible becomes more alive, suffering no longer futile, works for works' sake palpable of the death which they are.Thank you, Jared Wilson, for writing this.

n the 1746, Jonathan Edwards wrote Religious Affections (See my Review) - one of the most significant books ever written. Edwards' thesis is plain: "True religion, in great part, consists in holy affections." Gospel Wakefulness by Jared C. Wilson explores similar themes. His thesis is a complement to Edwards: "Gospel wakefulness means treasuring Christ more greatly and savoring his power more sweetly." The author maintains that gospel wakefulness not an optional add-on to the fabric of the Christian life; Rather it is an essential aspect of vital Christianity. Exactly what does gospel wakefulness do? Wilson explains: "Awe. Transfixion on Christ. Confidence in him. Humility. Assurance. Transformed worship. New affections. Stronger hope and clearer peace in moments of grief and pain. Assassination of idols. Quicker conviction, quicker repentance. Acts of generosity and service. Unity with brothers and sisters. Deeper love for God and deeper love for neighbor." In the remainder of the book, Wilson continues to unpack the beauty of the gospel diamond and presents practical ways for gospel wakefulness to become a reality in the lives of God's people.Wilson's work should be celebrated for its Christocentric presentation of the gospel. He delivers a death-blow to legalism and invites Christ-followers to the radical pursuit of a holy God. He uncovers the biblical reality of progressive sanctification: "We cannot continue to treat the gospel as if it is the power of God for a conversion experience but not for total life transformation." Gospel Wakefulness is a welcome addition to a growing number of books devoted to the gospel.5 stars

I've struggled with some of Jared Wilson's books in the past and thought I'd give him another chance, and go back to one his earliest works that is supposed to be behind much of his writing. I wish I hadn't.In Gospel Wakefulness, Wilson contends that there are two types of Christians: normal ones, and then those who have discovered true brokenness in the gospel, and complete dependence on God -- or "Gospel Wakened Christians". That is a little unfair on Wilson, as he goes out of his way to say again and again that he's not promoting two classes of Christians. Yet the impression that Wilson leaves the reader with is one of gnawing angst as to whether you might be missing out on some vital Christian experience.There are some good pearls in here, his chapter about hyper-spirituality is excellent but the problem is the underlying argument and thrust of the book. It's not ideal to have to look beyond the main point of the book to benefit from it.I could not in good conscience recommend this book to any new Christian. It's Galatian.

A book that both challenges and stirs. Not sure if I always agreed with the theological statements that are often only stated implicitly. And yet at the same time I felt a longing of heart for further gospel wakefulness for my own life. A useful read.

A book to change your life as you think about your relationship with God. I would rate this book in my top 5 and there is so much in it you need to read again and again.

Wow! What a blessing this book is. It is gospel centered, gospel saturated, and gospel spot on! A true delight for the soul, the mind and the heart. You can tell that the author has experienced and lived what he is talking about in his book. BRAVO! The Church (and every human soul) need to rediscover the beautiful and powerful message of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Rediscovering the gospel is rediscovering Christ himself. We need more books like this one.

Very good wake-up call for Christians. However, it's a bit confusing as to whether this is a work of God or man...