No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It's Harmful
Naselli, Andrew David
Publisher's Description
Every Christian struggles with sin and wants to be victorious in the fight.
Higher life theology--also known as Keswick theology--offers a quick fix for this struggle. It teaches that there are two categories of Christians: those who are merely saved, and those who have really surrendered to Christ. Those who have Jesus as their Savior alone, and those who have him as their Master as well. If Christians can simply "let go and let God" they can be free of struggling with sin and brought to that higher level of spiritual life. What could be wrong with that?
A lot, it turns out. In No Quick Fix, a shorter and more accessible version of his book Let Go and Let God?, Andy Naselli critiques higher life theology from a biblical perspective. He shows that it leads not to freedom, but to frustration, because it promises something it has no power to deliver. Along the way, he tells the story of where higher life theology came from, describes its characteristics, and compares it to what the Bible really says about how we overcome sin and become more like Christ.
Books at a Glance
No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and...
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Cover TypePaperback
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ISBN9781683590460
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Page Count160
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PublisherLexham Press
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Publication DateAugust 2017
Endorsements (15)
“Throughout the world people are desperately searching for the higher life, the deeper life, and their best life now. The nineteenth-century theology associated with the Keswick movement brings many dangers, and it is alive and well in the twenty-first century and running rampant in many churches. This insightful and scholarly work by Dr. Andrew David Naselli is well suited for professors and pastors as well as for the concerned layperson. Naselli provides a gracious and thorough assessment of various aberrant views of sanctification while offering reasoned, biblical exegetical conclusions on this most vital doctrine of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
See AllBurk Parsons
co-pastor of Saint Andrews Chapel (Sanford, FL); editor of Tabletalk magazine
“No Quick Fix offers an introduction to the falsities of higher life theology that is important for those in both the pulpit and the pew to read. Accessible and filled with simplifying charts, lists, and graphics, Nasellis retooled dissertation pro- vides a solid, biblical understanding of sanctification. It exalts the grace of God in Christ, counters contemporary expressions of Pelagianism, and exposes the weaknesses of a two-tiered mature vs. carnal Christianity. Believers who are intentional in disciple-making especially will find this book rewarding.”
See AllEric C. Redmond
assistant professor of Bible, Moody Bible Institute
“No Quick Fix is more than a catchy titleit captures a profound biblical truth with significant ramifications for personal spiritual growth, our view of discipleship, and the overall health of local congregations. Much of contemporary Christianity, sadly, has been shaped by a culture wired for immediate gratifcation and a perpetual parade of spiritual quick fixes offering some combination of secrets and steps that will guarantee immediate spiritual victory. Andy Naselli has done a great service to the church in tracing the roots of this quick- x theology and graciously, yet clearly, exposing its errors. Andy offers an evenhanded critique that does a wonderful job of putting together a thorough explanation of the various stands and unifying features of Keswick teaching. He has listened carefully to Keswicks arguments before answering them with equal care. Bad theology hinders spiritual growth and hurts discipleship. No Quick Fix shines the light of Scripture on some bad ideas that have frustrated believers for decades. Releasing believers from false burdens and expectations sets them free to pursue Christlikeness. Real growth and real discipleship will be strengthened by this book. I highly recommend it!”
See AllDavid M. Doran
senior pastor, Inter-City Baptist Church (Allen Park, MI); president and chairman of the Practical Theology Department, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary
“In this condensed and repackaged version of his earlier work on Keswick theology (Let Go and Let God?) Andy Naselli provides a spiritual feast for those of us who are serious about following Christ and living the Christian life. His main focus is the doctrine of sanctification, but this is not a dry academic treatment of that theological topic. His presentation is engaging, and throughout the book he provides practical instruction for the everyday questions and struggles of the Christian life. He also addresses a host of related themes that are extremely important for Christians, including perfectionism, free will, Spirit-filling, abiding in Christ, and false assurance. If you are serious about living the Christian life and ministering to others who are struggling in their Christian experience, then No Quick Fix is a book you need to read.”
See AllW. Edward Glenny
professor of New Testament Studies and Greek, University of Northwestern (St. Paul, MN)
“When I was in high school, I ordered a book called They Found the Secret, which described the second blessing experience of twenty godly people. I wanted the kind of victory over sin and communion with Christ the book described, but the breakthrough experiences they described remained elusive. I wondered if I was somehow a less-than Christian. No Quick Fix finally made sense of what I read in that book as well as much of the other teaching I received in my early years that came out of camps heavily influenced by higher life theology. By explaining the teaching and its fallacies, as well as giving the history and personalities behind it, this book not only fascinated me; it also equipped me to recognize this faulty teaching when I see it and to replace it with a more solidly biblical perspective.”
See AllNancy Guthrie
Bible teacher and author
“Every Christian struggles with sin. How to deal with and overcome it serves as the central question for higher life teachers. But do they have the right answer? Andy Nasellis comprehensive analysis of higher life theology provides us with sufficient evidence that they do not. While the higher life quick fix to the sin problem would be nice, Andy gives us ten reasons why this theology is so harmful. And the appendix provides an abundance of helpful resources to encourage believers in their Christian walk. If frustration, confusion, and irritation are words that describe your battle with sin, especially if youve been seeking an easy way to victory, then you need to read this book.”
See AllJon Pratt
vice president of academics and professor of New Testament, Central Baptist Theological Seminary; elder, Eden Baptist Church (Burnsville, MN)
“Some books on the Christian life are practical ... but shallow. Others are profound ... but so dense they put you to sleep. This book is both practical and gripping. It will draw in any reader who has wrestled with the how-to of spiritual growth. Read this for rich insights, challenge, and encouragement regarding yourself and Gods wondrous movements on your behalf to transform your life and soul.”
See AllRobert W. Yarbrough
professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary
“I am so pleased to see this work in print. For years I have required my doctoral students to read the original academic version of this incredibly helpful work. Now its finally available to everyone in a more accessible format. It is so clear, concise, well-organized, and understandable that anyone interested in an evaluation of the higher life movementeducators, students, pastors, or laymen can pro t from Andys research. No one who wants to know more about this influential movement can afford to be without this valuable resource.”
See AllDonald S. Whitney
professor of biblical spirituality and associate dean of the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“For years popular Christian teachers have been enticing us with the secret key to the victorious, higher, deeper, more abundant Christian life. Weve been told just to let go and let God. If youve heard that teaching, youll want to read this clear and accessible book. Youll learn not only where this well-intentioned teaching goes wrong, but you will discover afresh the well-worn old paths of biblical faithfulness and holiness. Andy Naselli is a careful scholar and a compassionate guide who longs to help and serve the church of Jesus Christ. I predict you will not be disappointed.”
See AllJustin Taylor
executive vice president of book publishing and book publisher, Crossway
“No Quick Fix is superb! Readers may not know Keswick theology by name, but many Christians in Britain and North America have been in influenced by its teachings regardless. If you want to explore a truly biblical understanding of progressive sanctification while avoiding the pitfalls of some popular well-intended but misguided teachings, youll benefit greatly from this book. I enthusiastically recommend Nasellis winsome, insightful, and instructive treatment and pray many will grow in their Christian lives as a result of giving careful attention to this book.”
See AllBruce A. Ware
T. Rupert and Lucille Coleman Professor of Christian Theology, chairman of the Department of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“The history presented in No Quick Fix is fascinating, and Andy Naselli is a gentle but firm guide away from pitfalls and precipices to straight and narrow exegetical and theological paths.”
See AllJim Hamilton
professor of biblical theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; preaching pastor, Kenwood Baptist Church (Louisville, KY)
“Andy Nasellis No Quick Fix is an easy-to-read and sure-handed critique of higher life theology. Writing from personal experience and with scriptural clarity, he guides Christians out from error and into a biblically wholesome approach to Christian living. Highly recommended!”
See AllRichard D. Phillips
senior minister, Second Presbyterian Church (Greenville, SC); council member, The Gospel Coalition
“Andys work on Keswick theology is first-rate. This is a model of scholarship serving the church. His analysis of Keswicks history and his tight theological work on sanctification are extremely valuable. I enjoyed this book. I learned from this book. I will be able to help my congregation as a result of reading this book.”
See AllKevin DeYoung
senior pastor, Christ Covenant Church (Matthews, NC)
“Andy Naselli provides us with a thorough explanation of Keswick theology and uncovers its biblical and theological weaknesses. Nasellis work is judicious but kind. The Keswick movement has done much good, and we are allies and friends in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Still, iron sharpens iron, and Keswick theology has too o en produced discouragement and despair with its exalted and finally unbiblical view of sanctification. Nasellis work helps us to see why Keswick doesnt measure up, and he provides a more satisfying and biblically faithful alternative.”
See AllThomas R. Schreiner
James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, professor of biblical theology, and associate dean of the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“This book packs an extraordinary amount of useful summary, critical analysis, and pastoral reflection into short compass. The book will do the most good, however, if it encourages readers in a more faithful way to pursue that holiness without which we will not see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).”
See AllD. A. Carson
research professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; president and cofounder, The Gospel Coalition
About the Author
Andrew David Naselli (PhD, Bob Jones University; PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is associate professor of New Testament and theology at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis and an elder of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He is the administrator for Themelios and has authored and contributed to numerous books and articles including Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ with J. D. Crowley.