Am I really saved? How do I know if I'm a Christian?

Many professing Christians have asked themselves these questions, especially in today's culture with its wide-ranging viewpoints on authentic Christianity, many of which are inconsistent with the Bible. Some who ask these questions are genuine Christians who are simply doubting their faith. Others are false believers with legitimate reason to doubt. Worse still, others are confident in their faith but have no reason to be.

Thankfully, God's Word provides guidance to help us to discern the truth. After all, God loves us and wants us to enjoy the assurance of our faith.

Amazingly Misunderstood Grace was written to equip anyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ to answer these basic and yet crucial questions by exploring God's Word in three critical areas of Christian life:

• The life-changing impact of following Christ: Part One of this book focuses upon the amazing aspects of God's goodness as demonstrated by the gospel of Jesus Christ with its emphasis on God's power to regenerate our sinful hearts,
• The necessity and significance of "bearing fruit": Part Two dives deep into Jesus' Parable of the Sower and its characterization of four types of human hearts, only one of which shows evidence of genuine salvation,
• The transforming gifts of faith, hope, and love: Part Three then explores the amazing benefits derived from these gospel-oriented gifts -- benefits that are experienced by genuine followers of Christ and which the world cannot comprehend.

Each of these three parts highlights that the primary evidence of genuine faith is not good works or religious ritual, but rather, a new heart and a changed life.

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13)

Note: while this book was written for an individual to test the authenticity of his or her faith, it is also an excellent resource for a Bible study group, either at a church or in a home-based setting. Similarly, it could also be used in a neighborhood Bible study, either as an outreach tool for those desiring to understand the Christian faith or as a discipleship tool for those Christians seeking to strengthen their faith. Each chapter is organized as a distinct topic and can be effectively discussed in a one hour setting.