Charis: God’s Scandalous Grace for Us

Preston Sprinkle
 

Grace is a dangerous topic. We want to domesticate it, calm it down, and stuff it into a blue blazer and a pair of khakis. But biblical grace—or charis—doesn’t like to settle down. Grace is a dangerous topic because the Bible is a dangerous book.

Scandalous Grace flows from the author’s half dozen years of teaching the Old Testament to college students. You might think that would produce a book about judgment – but he shows how every character, every event, every single page of the Old Testament bleeds grace. Rather than looking for heroes to emulate – readers discover a gracious God who loves to redeem the unredeemable.

Here are some reviews from my readers: 

“I read one line of this book as a quote and was so impressed with that quote that I looked book up and purchased it. I believe this is the BEST book that I have read this year” – Amazon Reviewer

“LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. I love this book. It tears grace apart. It approaches it from every angle and brings you to your knees…Get this book. It will change you” – Natalie

“Most insightful book that I have read in a long time. This perspective is something that everyone should hear and seriously consider. The book was also written in an entertaining and engaging way. I really enjoyed it!” – Ragus

“This book blew me away! Agreed “There have been many books on grace, but this one will be different”! This book is outstanding!” – George

Wow, I was not expecting to be stood on my head and have my whole view,of grace turned upside down. Not only grace but God’s unconditional love and delight in me.” – DiDee

“What more to say, as I was reading I couldn’t put the book down I continued to read all the more as the revelation of Grace was changing my heart. Thank you so much!” – John

“I’ve never before read a book that I would categorize as “spiritual growth reading” that impacted me like this book has done. Preston is so powerful in his description of God’s grace that I could not stop reading. Like a wonderful, beautiful novel that you just can’t put down, “Charis” has touched me deep in my spirit, and I happened upon it shortly after two grievous hurts against me had caused me to struggle terribly with giving grace. I needed this! Now I want to give copies to everyone I know.” – Trish

To be totally fair and honest, and to make sure you don’t just read “the good” reviews, here’s one by a more critical reviewer: 

“While I enjoyed the basis of this book, and have recommended it to a friend I feel would relate well, it was a tough read due to the dramatic tactics used to convey points. It seemed like Preston became a Christian version of a radio shock jock to get his points across and delights in using extreme, while still true, stories and analogies. I gave my copy to a former drug addict who has had an insanely rough life and this style was a great motivator for her. She understood fully the different stories as she could relate. I on the other hand thought it was a bit excessive. I do recommend this book. I just wish I knew the tactics ahead of time so I could prepare myself for the direction the author was going to take.” – Amazon Reviewer

 

 
  • Share this story:

RELATED BLOGS

podcast-image
The Theology & Politics of Israel-Palestine

On October 7th, 2023, 1200 Israelis were murdered in a Hamas attack. I felt sick to my stomach and angered...

Read Story
podcast-image
Women, Power, and Abuse in the Church

I’m writing these words with a profound sense of urgency and nervousness. I can easily confess that the evangelical Christian...

Read Story
podcast-image
What Does “Head” (Kephalē) Mean in Paul’s Letters? Part 4: Early Church Fathers

Introduction We turn now to what I think will be my final survey of how kephalē is used in Greek literature outside...

Read Story
podcast-image
What Does “Head” (Kephalē) Mean in Paul’s Letters? Part 3: Ancient Greek Literature  

Introduction  My FIRST POST introduced the topic, and my SECOND looked at the non-literal use of kephalē in the Septuagint. We now turn to examine how kephalē (“head”) is...

Read Story
podcast-image
Four Perspectives on the Conflict in Israel-Palestine

The conflict in Israel-Palestine continues to weigh heavy on my heart and mind, and the impassioned narratives about who’s at...

Read Story
podcast-image
What Does “Head” (Kephalē) Mean in Paul’s Letters? Part 2: The Septuagint 

Introduction As we begin studying what kephalē means in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and Ephesians 5:23, one of the most important sources to...

Read Story
podcast-image
What Does “Head” (Kephalē) Mean in Paul’s Letters? Part 1: Introduction 

Introduction  On two occasions, the apostle Paul says that man (or a husband) is the “head” of woman (or his...

Read Story
podcast-image
Disability and The Church

Christian leaders everywhere should be asking: “How are we including, caring for, discipling, learning from, and empowering people with disabilities?”...

Read Story
podcast-image
The Future of the Church

One might say that I have a love/hate relationship with the church, and the last few years have only exacerbated...

Read Story
podcast-image
Putting Politics Back in Christmas

You’ve probably heard the phrase: “the gospel is not partisan, but it is political.” Typically, when we say “keep politics...

Read Story

EXILES

 

The Latest from Preston Sprinkle

 

LEARN MORE BUY NOW