Book Recommendations: November 2004 Archives

"It is important to realize that the 'rewiring' work of the Spirit, by which he changes us from the inside out, is a supernatural process that cannot be directly linked to the means of grace (such as prayer and Bible study) in a one-to-one ratio. While these disciplines are important tools for our spiritual maturity, we should not assume that their use automatically or proportionally makes the Holy Spirit work. Were the ratios exact, then legalistic uses of the disciplines of grace would be more pervasive than they already are. Instead, the Spirit seems to respond to humble repentance and dependence on God alone for changing the heart, and then to use the regenerated heart's longing for change to create new pursuits and godly passions (Holiness by Grace, Bryan Chapell, p. 62).