Steven J. Lawson's book clearly articulates the need for New Life in Christ (Baker, 2020) and explains thoroughly how it happens theologically.

While some find his style conversational, at times this reader also felt it was patronizing. His treatment of Jesus encounter with Nicodemus strikes is disappointingly simplistic and unnecessarily critical. Likewise, those who do not hold a strong reformed perspective may react to his seemingly dogmatic views.

There is plenty of good content in the book, though there is plenty of evidence this was a sermon series compiled into a book. I cannot say I "recommend" the book.

What happens at salvation? Such a question is the subject of intense discussion between pastors and elders. Rarely do people consider the depths of the actual act of salvation beyond their capacity to receive Christ. This past week, Baker Books released New Life in Christ by Steve Lawson, a 16-chapter book to address this very topic.

Steve Lawson is the former pastor of Christ Baptist Church in Alabama and now oversees One Passion Ministries, an organization he founded. He has written many books and speaks internationally, primarily as a teacher on exposition preaching. As a disclaimer, Steve Lawson has been my favorite preacher for many years, and it was through his ministry that I began to understand differences in preaching types and qualities (therefore, I can sometimes be more biased towards him).

New Life in Christ follows the story of Nicodemus in chapter 3. The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus reveals much about salvation, and Lawson expounds on each verse, taking readers through the conversation in a descriptive fashion. Lawson is clear on his stance that salvation is the Lord’s work alone. While he does use chapter one to discuss human responsibility in the process, he is unequivocal throughout the book that regeneration must come before belief and human response. His explanations, though, are clear, concise, and well-made, and the most crucial aspect that comes across is this: salvation is a miracle. Sometimes, we forget that, but Lawson captures that truth once again for us.

The author ends each chapter, challenging believers and unbelievers alike with the truth of salvation. He does so in a way that directly touches on individual experiences, causing every individual to ponder more profoundly his/her relationship with Christ (or lack thereof).

At times, Lawson appears to overemphasize certain aspects of the text, drawing out more meaning than the verse seems to be implying. An example of this is his discussion regarding Nicodemus’ intention to come to Christ at night. While it is not inappropriate to speculate at times, one also needs to exercise caution. In this case, it is likely accurate speculation to think that Nicodemus came by night because of the need for secrecy, although the text is not explicit here. However, Lawson suggests that “darkness represents humanity’s spiritual ignorance of God.” Scripture equates sin with darkness, a metaphor that John employs elsewhere in his writings. But in this particular case, Lawson seems to be putting more emphasis on the description that is necessary or intended.

After sharing some of the technical aspects, I must confess that (to me) something seems to be lacking in this particular book, and I am wrestling with the words to capture what it is, so I fear that I won’t make myself understood, but permit me to try. This particular book seems to lack heart. The words are there, but the passion behind the words seems to be lacking. Lawson writes about one general Christian book per year (in addition to his other responsibilities and writings), and this book comes across as though he wrote the next one on the list to maintain the quota. I can’t say this is what the author was doing, only that as a reader, that is how it came across.

I was thankful that Lawson placed before me again, the revelation that salvation is a miracle, a profound work of God. That was a significant takeaway from this book. Would I reread the book? Most likely not. I certainly wouldn’t prevent someone from reading it, but I am more inclined to recommend a book such as What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert instead (especially for a believer).

Coffee Pairing: Every good book deserves enjoyment alongside a good cup of coffee or tea. For this particular book, I would recommend Steeple House Coffee for those who can get their hands on it. Steeple House Coffee is a strongly roasted coffee that tends to establish itself on the palate with an acidic flavor. Unfortunately, it’s only available at Grace Community Church as part of the Shepherd’s Conference. Still, it is a good pairing for this book because Shepherd’s Conference is occurring this week, and the author, Steve Lawson, is also scheduled to preach/teach several times over the three days.

To purchase a copy of this book or What Is the Gospel? click the following titles:

New Life in Christ by Steve Lawson
What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher at no cost to me for the purposes of review. However, this review was not influenced in any way by the author, the publisher, or any other person associated with it. The review presented is the result of my own reading of the book.

Lawson looks at the interaction between Nicodemus and Jesus to explore insights on what new life in Christ means.

Much of the book deals with the order of salvation from a reformed perspective. Saving faith is required for new life in Christ but does not initiate with the individual. God must first initiate the saving faith and only then can one respond to the gospel. (Loc 202/2328) Also, “...God must regenerate us before we can exercise saving faith.” (Loc 1402/2328) He shows from Nicodemus' example, “new birth was completely dependent upon the will of God.” (Loc 1439/2328) Also,”The Spirit is irresistible in His omnipotent movement to cause new birth.” (Loc 1455/2328) And lastly, Lawson reminds us of the permanent nature of regeneration. He follows the reformed order of salvation.

He spends some time on what has happened to a new believer. He or she has a new quality of life only God can give. There is a new mindset and new desires. “We become entirely new beings at the deepest level and have new priorities with new passion. (Loc 329/2328) He does note we retain elements of our old life. (Loc 170/2328) He encourages us to make God our chief pursuit and desire Him above all else. (Loc 321/2328) Interestingly enough, he does not provide any practical strategy for developing the pursuit or desire or how we deal with the elements of the old self we retained.

There is an odd passage near the end of the book. Lawson writes that he has shared the gospel with someone and they did not respond by committing their life to Christ. He suggests the reason might be they were not convinced of the Scripture or they were not ready to forsake sin or they were concerned what others might think. (Loc 2260/2328) What? After all he has previousely said in this book, the only reason someone would not accept Christ is because God has not regenerated them yet. Lawson clearly said no one can accept salvation except they have been regenerated by a sovereign and irresistible act of God. (Loc 210/2328, 202/2328, 1402/2328, 1439/2328)

This book is generally a good exploration of how new life in Christ happens and what it immediately means to the believer. It's a good book for a new believer to understand what happened and what it means. Lawson's writing style is very readable and the book includes frequent requests for the reader to respond to the gospel. How one grows as a result of the new birth is not covered.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Dr. Lawson speaks as one who clearly loves the Scriptures, leans on them, and through them has himself experienced the new life in Christ about which he writes. His words are conversational and easy to enjoy; and yet just underneath them are the evidences of a world-class biblical scholar and expositor. Readers will find themselves unable to put this book down, and Lawson shines light on familiar Biblical accounts, simultaneously exploring and celebrating the incomparable reality of the new birth. I read this book at the beginning of Lent, and chapter three was particularly profound to me during this time.
New Life in Christ is equally suited to new Christians and mature believers; adult Sunday School classes; small group studies; or for individuals who want to take the time to better understand the depth of the riches of what Christ has accomplished for us. Highly recommended.