Formed by God

THE GOD WHO DRAWS NEAR
By Michael A.G. Haykin
Union Publishing. 160 pages. £11.99
ISBN 978 1 739 342 647

‘Christian spirituality’. When a believer hears those words, they can often begin reaching for the proverbial bargepole. It often is suspicion at worst and nervousness at best. Isn’t that the stuff of Eastern mysticism? Well, here is a book that persuasively argues that what God has joined together no man should separate.

In the book, Haykin lays out nine marks of the Spirit’s work in the life of the believer. Skilfully drawing on church fathers from the past, he explores how the Spirit seeks to draw us deeper into a knowledge of both ourselves and the triune God who saved us. Truly it is only by coming to know God that we come to know ourselves.

Haykin likewise continues by offering some poignant reflections on the person and work of Christ, particularly reflecting on how the Spirit moves us to a deeper and richer understanding of the cross. He then moves to a moving treatment of the trustworthiness and excellency of the Christian Scriptures highlighting Evangelicalism’s long-standing high regard of the word of God.

After a moving summary of prayer life of the believer, he offers a clarifying chapter on Christian meditation. He helpfully summarises meditation as being more about the truth that is being meditated on than the technique, before offering some practical suggestions for good practice. The chapters on the gift of Christian friendship and a growing heart for mission offered a stimulating conclusion to the exploration of the means by which the Spirit forms us more into the likeness of Christ.

In our world that chases bigger, faster and newer, here is a timely invitation to see that the Christian life is about going deeper. The triune God of the Bible longs to draw near to His ransomed people. That is the great purpose for which He sent His Spirit to dwell in our very hearts. So, let me encourage you to put down your pitchfork and grab your reading glasses. This book is as stretching as it is edifying.