Book Review: The Hole in our Holiness

The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness. By Kevin DeYoung. Wheaton: Crossway Books. pp. 160. 2012. ($17.99 Print | $11.99 Kindle | 12.98 Audio)

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Kevin DeYoung’s newest book is a conversational treatment on the role of holiness in the life of a believer. We’re often drawn towards either an “anything goes” mentality or a self-righteous pharisaism that misses the mark of Biblical holiness. DeYoung, on the other hand, aims to stay true to the Bible and do it in such a way that is clear and helpful to his readers.

One thing I most appreciate about DeYoung is his conversational manner of writing that can take a challenging and complex topic and explain it in such a way that you don’t feel like you’re reading a technical theologial work. His writing is witty and clear, and resonates well with an average guy like myself. Likewise, his stories and humor serve to teach and engage, not merely to break up a weighty paragraph or topic.

Regarding holiness, DeYoung takes readers to the Bible and brings into focus the key areas of motivation and empowerment, which helps us avoid those two pitfalls mentioned above. Although the book was a helpful resource, it didn’t feel as well unified as others he’s written or that I’ve read on the same topic of holiness. Maybe it’s because I listened to this shortly after listening to Jerry Bridges’ The Discipline of Grace, but after comparing the two, I’d have to give this book only three out of five stars because Bridges’ book was more unified, personal, and devotional than DeYoung’s.

Even still, I recommend DeYoung’s book, just not as much as Jerry Bridges’.

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