This book is probably not what you think. It is less about the particulars of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit than it is about exhorting Christians to live the true Christian life in the “way of the Spirit,” and in the power of the Spirit. Therefore it does not dwell on commonly disputed issues. The strength of this approach is that its focus is Biblically proportioned. By this I mean that the greatest proportion of Biblical instruction on the Holy Spirit are in regard to His role in transforming us to Christ – sanctification, conviction of sin, putting to death the “flesh,” causing us to love God, causing us to love others, giving us bold faith, making real our relationship with our Heavenly Father, empowering our “works.” This emphasis is reinforced at the end of each chapter with biographical sketches of some Spirit-filled “ordinary” Christians. If you read this book hoping to figure out “where Francis Chan stands” on some controversial issues, you will likely be frustrated, even though you may think you hear hints of something you disagree with. If you read it to be encouraged in your growth in grace, you will probably find what you are looking for.

One thing I found counterproductive was the repeated plea, especially in the first third of the book, to “let my theological guard down,” so-to-speak, to suspend any theological or denominational presuppositions or pre-commitments, in order to be led by the author into the true “Biblical” teaching. This kind of appeal has the exact opposite effect on me. As it turns out, I didn’t have a lot to fear.

If read for what it is, with both humility and discernment, “Forgotten God” is a valuable exhortation for today’s church.

- Jim Weidenaar, Westminster Bookstore Staff