I’ve been reading, and greatly appreciating, Dane Ortlund’s book, Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners. I recommend it to you!
Ortlund is asking, “How do Christians grow?” And he answers, “The basic point of this book is that change is a matter of going deeper” (p. 16). This implies that, if you are a follower of Jesus, you already have what you need; the solution to your spiritual struggles is not some secret sauce or hitherto-undiscovered facet of your soul. Growth comes, albeit slowly, as we dwell on the wonder of what we have: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). A major aim of the book is to position believers to see the breathtaking wonder of belonging to Christ.
Chapter 1 is all about Jesus: for our faith in Jesus to grow, we need to see him as he is— “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8). It’s possible that “your current mental idea of Jesus is the tip of the iceberg” (p. 22). The real Jesus “exercises supreme authority over the entire universe” (23). The authentic Christ saves us by breathing life into dead souls (Eph. 2:1-6). And yet, this magnificent Messiah befriends us (John 15:15)—the King of Kings is your truest, dearest friend (27). Take it in!
Ortlund names many spectacular works of Christ on our behalf. And he adds, “Let me be plain. You will not change until you get straight who Jesus is, particularly with regard to his surprising tenderness” (p. 34). Wallowing in a sink-hole of despair over our sin can signal a refusal to see Jesus’ sinless magnificence and his love for us. Yes, admit your sin honestly—and then look up into the face of the One whose love for you is unwavering.
Deeper helps us see the gospel for all of life, not just for conversion: we grow as we keep on reminding ourselves of Jesus’ freely-given love that holds us, despite our sin. And the rhythm of life in Christ is compared to breathing: inhaling God’s Word; exhaling all our concerns in prayer. This is the path toward growth.
