Timothy Keller's The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

Author Timothy Keller · Publisher Duranno · Published 2016-07-11 · ISBN 9788953125780

Book Introduction

Why "The Prodigal God"?

prodigal [prɒdɪɡəl]
1. spending money or resources lavishly and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
2. having or giving something on a lavish scale.

This book meticulously traces the actions and underlying thoughts of the brothers in the parable, exposing a contemporary society that hurtles down two dead-end paths in pursuit of its own happiness. In particular, it reveals that the older brother is just as "lost" as the younger brother, whom all humanity has labeled a "prodigal son." Timothy Keller adamantly points out that both sons were wrong, yet he makes us pause before the heart of a father who "lavishes" love beyond measure to reclaim both of them. The author boldly uses the word "prodigal," which is found in "prodigal son," to describe God the Father, who pours everything into His children recklessly and without hesitation. The message of this book is thus groundbreaking. It will help "sincere existing believers who firmly believe themselves to be devout" break out of the mold of rigid religion and unearth the raw gospel, and it will serve as a guide for non-believers or new believers to correctly understand the Christian faith.
This book introduces the true brother, Jesus, who came to this earth to find us, to "strict religious moralists" and "skeptics pursuing sensory pleasure," as well as to those who wander between these two extremes. It clearly shows the true meaning of the gospel that pulled us out of dead ends and set us on the path of life, which is "Jesus." Today, begin your journey home to the Father's house. And live each day enjoying the gospel of Jesus. On the day of judgment, you will finally participate in the eternal feast in the Father's house.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Introduction: God Who Lavishes Love for His Sons
The Parable of the Two Lost Sons
1. Why Do I Come Before Jesus?
Even Today, Two Kinds of People Hover Around Jesus
2. We Also Rush Like the 'Two Lost Sons'
Am I the Elder Son or the Younger Son?
A Deeper Understanding of 'Sin'
3. If You Act Like God Yourself, Even Loyalty Is a Sin
'Sin' Is More Than Just Breaking Rules
A Deeper Understanding of 'Lostness'
4. Blind Obedience Based on Fear Is As Dangerous As Disobedience
The Older Son Is Just As 'Lost' As the Younger
A Deeper Understanding of 'Atonement'
5. The 'True Brother' Came to This Earth to Find Me
The Brother Must Find, and the Brother Must Pay the Price
A Deeper Understanding of 'Hope'
6. This World Is a Journey Home to the 'Father's House'
On That Day, We Will Participate in the Eternal Feast in the Father's House
A Deeper Understanding of 'Salvation'
7. The Father's Feast Has Already Begun; Enter and Enjoy
The Gospel of Jesus Changes Life Here and Now
Acknowledgements
Notes