Review of The Romance of Grace by Jim McNeely III

Written by pastor Jim McNeely III of Dakota Creek Christian Center in Washington, The Romance of Grace is about the relationship between the Creator and his creation which is based on divine love and grace. The book helps to put God's grace in a perspective we can more easily grasp. McNeely explains how the romantic relationship between Christ and his bride should be by sharing the parable of the kingdom of God found in Matthew 13:44-46.  The reader learns the kingdom of God is like a treasure and those who want to be a part of the kingdom should be totally sold out for it and give their all for it. Such people should be driven by desire. The reader also learns that God values us like mankind values a precious pearl. Jesus gave all He had for us and was driven by divine love and grace. The law condemns, but His grace saves. As people in a relationship with God, we should not be driven by fear to obey the law. We must be driven by love. Coercion to obey the law is not true obedience. As sinners we are drawn to sin, but by God's grace we can overcome sin and choose to obey. Some people become so legalistic and focus so much on the law that they forget the most important part of a relationship with God: Love. "Virtue is the fruit not the root" (p. 18). The root of a relationship with Jesus is love. We are not good all by ourselves. It's God's love for us that saves us and our love for Him that causes us to bear fruit. McNeely's book is eyeopening and very encouraging. You will be reminded you of how much God really loves you and values you.