Colson rightly thinks that most professing Christians don’t know the Christian faith, which has been “once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). He therefore wrote this very accessible book so Christians can learn the faith they profess. In addition to intermingling stories that actualize the doctrine presented, Colson, unique in the presentation of doctrine, understands the Christian faith as more than a religion, more than a relationship with Jesus Christ, more than an active participate in the body of Christ, but as a complete worldview, “an eternal vision” which impacts much more than simply being saved from eternal damnation.

After the prologue and the first chapter, The Faith, in order by chapter, presents the doctrines of God’s existence, God’s Word (the Bible), truth, original sin and the problem of evil, Jesus Christ (including His incarnation, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension), the Trinity and God’s sovereignty, salvation, reconciliation, the Church, sanctification, the sanctity of life, eschatology, the true joy found in orthodoxy, and the great proposal, that is, the Gospel.

Since The Faith presents the orthodox understanding of Christianity, it challenges some modern notions concerning the Christian faith. The reality of the physical resurrection of Christ is not only affirmed, but also defended well. Cultural relativism and the modern misconception of tolerance are debunked while absolute truth based in God is upheld.

Certainly in a relatively short book (just compare it to any Christian theology book) we cannot expect a thorough or complete text on Christian doctrine let alone an exhaustive study of it. The Faith is commended for hitting the main points of the Christian faith except for one glaring omission: the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Discussion of the Holy Spirit’s ministry is not totally absent (it appears in the chapter on the Trinity), but much of the Holy Spirit’s ministry is never mentioned.

While we can agree that salvation is by faith alone, and yet faith is never alone; we must not confuse the free gift of salvation by grace alone through faith alone with the cost of discipleship. The free gift of salvation does not cost everything as Colson states. If that were the case it would not be free to us. It would not be grace. And it would then deprecate Christ’s work on the cross. Grace is costly—it is costly to the one providing it—but not to the recipient.

Who can benefit from this book? Certainly a new Christian can learn the basic tenets of Christianity in a form that is both interesting and inspiring. Yet this book can also be encouraging, even challenging to any long time, veteran follower of Christ. What Christian tires of hearing/reading of the glorious faith which God initiated and to which he calls us?

Review by Bob Klund