After You Believe, by N.T. Wright

Have you ever finished a book and wanted to go right back to the beginning and reading it again?  That's how I feel about N.T. Wright's After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters.  In response to those who might say, or at least imply, that one's actions don't matter once someone is saved, since salvation in Christ is a free gift, never to be taken away, Wright writes this book as a "Yes, but. . . ." to that position.

Scriptural, densely argued, and deeply challenging, Wright explores the formation of Christian character and the fruit of following Jesus.  Unfortunately, many, including some Christians, get caught up in morality without focusing on character.  I love what Wright says about fruit.  Fruit comes from within a plant; it's not stuck on.  So it's a natural consequence of a plant's identity.  However, he points out that a plant must be carefully tended, watered, pruned, and fed to produce good fruit.  The implication is obvious and profound: building Christian character doesn't just happen.

I also appreciated his discussion of the classical virtues versus the Christian virtues.  There is certainly some crossover and historical connection, but the Christian virtues of humility, chastity, and self-sacrifice set the Christian virtues apart.  At no point does Wright veer into salvation by works, and he remains solidly within the parameters of grace.  But neither does he leave the door open for hedonism and flagrant sin in the life of the Christian.

You will want to get a copy of this book, read it with pencil in hand, stop and meditate on what you have read from time to time, and apply what you are reading to your Christian walk.  Then you will want to read it again.