Totally Saved: Understanding, Experiencing and Enjoying the Greatness of Your Salvation (The Understanding God Series)

Rating:
Summary: Totally Saved? Totally Untrue!
Review: Dr. Evans has caused a bit of a theological dispute with his latest book, "Totally Saved". The theology he presents in his book, while attractive to some, is unfortunately false. The thesis of his book is that Christ's death on the cross paid for the "original sin" (inherited from Adam) for all mankind. The implication of this theology is that all are born "sinless". For instance, he uses this view to claim that all children who die are automatically saved, as well as those who die unable to comprehend the Gospel (i.e., those with mental deficiencies). While the salvation of children can be believed in by the example of David's child though Bathsheba (2 Kings), this is not the justification that Dr. Evans uses. Furthermore, Dr. Evans asserts that "unreached people groups" (those in different cultures, for instance, who have never heard the Gospel or read a Bible) must be saved, as God, in order to be "fair", could not condemn them to Hell for not knowing Christ. This theology is clearly errant according to Paul, where in Romans 5 he explains that God has given man two "revelations" of Himself; that of Creation, in that man can observe the world around him and know that there is a god, and man's conscience, in that he will know right from wrong. However, Paul clearly explains that man cannot keep his own conscience (perfectly, which God demands), and thus, without a relationship with Christ, he is condemned to Hell. Dr. Evans' theology, if taken to its logical end, would mean that when we send missionaries to people and give them the Gospel, if they reject Christ, we have unknowingly help send them to Hell, as had they not heard of Christ, God would have saved them. Obviously, this theology goes against clear Biblical teaching, as indicated both in Pauline theology (i.e. Romans), and in the Gospels themselves. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."
Dr. Evans, please think this theology through! There are Christians who have given (and are now risking) their lives to proclaim Jesus' Gospel! Look elsewhere for sound doctrine on Salvation; start with a good study Bible and a commentary on Romans!

Rating:
Summary: Evans pitches a perfect game
Review: I once read that reading a book is like the relationship between a pitcher and a catcher in a baseball game. The catcher is the reader and the author is the pitcher. In baseball, the picture is only as good as his ability to get the ball over the plate. The same goes for an author. He is only as good as he is able to convey his message. In this book, Tony Evans pitches a perfect game. He skillfully unpacks different aspects the gospel and constructs, in the mind of his readers, what it means to be totally saved. If you are a Christian, this is an invaluable book, a must read. If you are just carious about what Christians mean when they use the word "saved", Dr. Evans hit its meaning in so many different ways that, after reading this book, you will be well versed in the subject of salvation.
Please read this book!!

Rating:
Summary: Totally Saved and Totally Confused
Review: It is with great disappointment that I cannot recommend this book to new believers. It is more sad to read some of the recommendations on this page. What are Christians thinking? The lack of theological knowledge shows in this book. I expected Dr. Evans to teach sound doctrine, as he seems to promote, instead, his confusion of what original sin is (pp. 358-359), and how all men are born without it, it's horrendous. This a clear departure from orthodox theology. Another dissappointment comes from the publisher, Moody, the name one ought to trust, which banked on Evans at the expense of wrong doctrine. For a simple comparison and correction to Evans mistake, the reader should consult another Moody published book, Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology (1999), pp.252-255. Can both be true?