CATEGORY:
Doctrine & Exposition REVIEWER:
Rick
The Normal Christian Life
Watchman Nee
This book has been reprinted I don’t know how many times since it was first
published in1957. The author, Watchman Nee, spent the last 20 years of his life
in prison because of his witness for Jesus. He has also written many other
valuable Christian books, Bible studies mainly, as is this one.
The Normal Christian Life is essentially a study of Romans chapters 5 to 8. I
call this the ‘mechanics’ of the Gospel. These chapters deal with our spiritual
condition and our need for new birth. They then go on to talk about our ‘walk’
in the Spirit. Some think that Romans 7 is the ‘normal Christian life!’ No
ability to be free from sin, no victory in spiritual life, in a word – no
change! This book walks you beautifully through all that and leaves you with an
assurance that (in Christ) we can live a life that pleases our Father in heaven.
There are other ways of viewing the seventh chapter slightly differently, but to
the same end essentially.
Yes, the book is ‘doctrinal’ but Nee brings it all to life by not merely
explaining the mechanics but by many little illustrations and personal
testimonies. It exercises both mind and spirit. It is known as a ‘Christian
classic’ and I am glad to say that it is, for all the right reasons.
