LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

BOOK REVIEW

THE COMPLETE GREEN LETTERS

BY MILES J. STANFORD

SUBMITTED TO DR. DAVE EARLEY

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPLETION OF PLED 520-B01,

BY

JASON LOCKE

LEESBURG, IN

FEBRUARY 26, 2012

INTRODUCTION

The book The Complete Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford is a compilation of five of his best loved works that now are contained into one. Mr. Stafford and his wife Cornelia had a ministry of correspondence that reached over 15,000 people on a weekly basis. Mr. Staffords own admission was that he was a Pauline Dispensationalist. Mr. Stanford deals in a very refreshing way the idea of identity in Christ and its relationship to spiritual formation. The fact is most identity issues of ones position in Christ are rarely seen in the church today. Stanfords dealing with these issued is a welcome joy. The five major sections of this book are: Principles of Spiritual Growth, Foundations of Spiritual Growth, The Ground of Growth, The Realization of Spiritual Growth, and A Guide to Spiritual Growth. Each of these sections has chapters that are very concise and small that deal with the major section to which they are in. This review will be over the first two major sections of this book and contain the first 28 chapters. It is in these two major sections that the basis of ones identity can be seen and the basis of spiritual formation can be found. There are many great aspects that need explored in these chapters and there are some pitfalls that need pointed out. The book will show that by properly seeing ones position in Christ, true spiritual growth can happen.

SUMMARY

The book is divided into those five sections mentioned earlier. In the first section the principles of Christian Growth, Mr. Stanford walks through eighteen chapters to lay this all

important groundwork. In each of these chapters he explores a new concept that helps build upon the others the reason that spiritual growth can occur.

Faith

The first chapter has the reader exploring the idea if they are truly in the faith. It has as its main thrust the scripture 2 Corinthians 13:5a. The idea is that in order for true spiritual growth to happen one must be sure they are of the faith. Stanford makes the point that faith is something that must be known and is based upon trust of the one which one places their faith.1

Time The chapter deals with the concept that God is never in a hurry when it comes to ones development as a Christian. The great quote here is when God wants to make an oak he takes 100 years but to make a squash he takes six months.2 The point that the author is trying to make is that true growth does not happen overnight it takes time.

Acceptance and Purpose

In chapters three and four Stanford tackles these two issues. The questions that every Christian must ask themselves sooner or later is does God truly accept me and on what basis this acceptance is found. Stanford points out that the acceptance is not based upon anything that one can do but solely upon what Christ has already done. He makes the point that one must accept

Miles Stanford, The Complete Green Letters (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1984), 4-5. Ibid., 7.

the fact that God is content with his Sons work on the cross. In chapter four the question of purpose comes up. Stanford makes the argument that Gods purpose has not changed from the beginning. His purpose is now wrapped up in the second Adam, Jesus. His purpose is a restored relationship with him and that is done through the work of his son.

Preparation, Completeness, Appropriation, and Identification

In these chapters Stanford goes through the groundwork of showing that there is preparation that is needed in order to spiritually grow. He does this by pointing out that one must have true spiritual hunger for God in order to truly seek him. The idea from chapter six is that one is truly complete in Christ. There is nothing more than to be in Christ and that it is because of the first Adam that we are in need of him.3 Appropriation is not something that a Christian must gain but something that is already provided. It is the realization that one already has all that one needs in Christ. Identification is the chapter that has great significance for the believer. Stanford argues that if one truly understands who they are in Christ then they will realize that the enemy has been defeated. It goes to the core of believing that sin has been conquered and no longer has a hold on them. Consecration, Self, Self-Denial, and The Cross

Stanford in chapter nine deals with the issue of consecration but not as a good thing but as a hindrance, God wants one to realize that it is not their effort but His that makes growth

Ibid., 23.

possible. It is moving beyond the love motive to the life motive for following Jesus.4 Chapter ten on self can be summed up in this statement, the realization that all things from the self are from the first Adam and the Holy Spirit wants self out of the way in order to bring about divine revelation. Chapter eleven hinges on the former chapter and explains that there are many different ways to go about trying to rid oneself of the self but as Stanford points out Gods way is the cross. The chapter on the Cross brings the concepts full circle that it is here that all growth begins. Stanford points out that if one truly wants the very best they must go through the cross.

Discipleship, Process of Discipleship, Rest, Help, Cultivation, Continuance

Stanford ends this section with these chapters. Discipleship is the foundation of spiritual growth but it has a cost. Stanford points out that in this area the Lord was never more serious and never more forceful.5 The parable of the sower and the seed makes the point of the process of discipleship chapter. Stanford points out that when one that believes that he has arrived somehow at a plateau and will now coast into heaven is a very dangerous place for a Christian. Discipleship is never over and will continue at least until death, but likely beyond. The chapter on rest is one that can be a little confusing but it is based upon Hebrews 4:9-11. The idea is that one is to rest in the assurances that they are in Christ and he has justified them and has saved them. The chapter on help deals with the idea that one does not need to ask for help from God because God has already provided the entire means one needs to overcome the enemy. The chapter on cultivation deals with the idea that there is no off limit space to God he has the right

Ibid., 37. Ibid., 53. Especially Luke 9:23, 14:27

and full access to root out all evil within a person. Continuance is the idea that one must continue to allow for growth. There are many areas that God must lead one to truly make them into the image of his Son.

Part Two

The next chapters lay the foundation that Spiritual Growth is based upon. It is here that Stanford deals with two concepts at a time to point out truths that must be learned in order to spiritually grow. The reviewers intent for this section is to give a summary of these chapters and to show their importance to true growth.

Position Defined and Illustrated, Justification and Assurance, Reconciliation and Acceptance In these chapters Stanford begins by describing their position that one has in Christ and that this position allows them to be a child of God and to throw off the old nature and put on the new. In the chapter dealing with justification and assurance Stanford makes the argument that justification and assurance of salvation is made possible because of ones position that they have in Christ. It is sealed in the witness of the Holy Spirit as it bears witness to ones spirit of their relationship with him.

Reconciliation and Acceptance, Completeness and Security, Sanctification and Consecration, Identification and Growth The idea that Stanford wants to convey here is reconciliation toward God is assured based upon ones position in Christ. In the area of acceptance Stanford point out that far too many Christians do not walk in the acceptance that Christ provides but instead look for ways that can

improve their conditions in order to feel accepted.6 Stanfords point is that if one truly understands their position then they will not try and earn favor. Stanford continues to make the point that one is complete in Christ and one has the security of knowing they are saved through Jesus Christ. Sanctification and consecration are concepts that God does in the life of the believer and they are a process not an event in someones faith walk. In chapter 24 Stanford sums up the idea that once one understands their identification in Christ they can truly grow.

Sin and Purged Conscience, Sins and Conscience, Sins and Light, Sins and Confessions In these last chapters Stanford deals with the concept that even though one is positionally in Christ there remains the flesh that must be contended with. He stresses the point that one must never step off the rock of grace and make an effort to change circumstances but must instead rest in all that Christ has already done.7 He also makes the point that one must remember that sins confession is a necessity to true growth.8

CRITIQUE Overall this book is a great tool for every believer to have. It touches on some areas that are often overlooked mainly positional and identification areas. There are however some cautions that need to be addressed. The first is in the area of the let go and let God mentality that seems to be prevalent in his book. This reviewer would agree that one needs to recognize themselves dead to sin but the idea that God does the rest is not so good. He goes as far as to

Ibid., 90-91 Ibid., 123. Ibid., 132.

suggest not even going to God for help and Hebrews 2:16-18 seems to contradict this. 9 Another issue that this reviewer believes is dangerous is the concept that one has somehow found the secret to spiritual growth and it is to rest in what Christ has done. I along with Gary Gilley believe that this is a problem and an incorrect interpretation of Hebrews 4:9-11.10 Even though these are two areas of concern this reviewer would recommend this book to be read by every Christian with these cautions kept in mind.

APPLICATION Once again another book has caused me to consider my true spiritual growth and areas that I need to desperately work on. The take way that I have found in this book is that I have lost my true identity in Christ. I do not walk a life that reflects all that Christ has done for me. One of the hardest chapters for me was the chapter on acceptance. I struggle with this in my walk. I have done some pretty horrific things in my past that make it hard for me to just believe that God has accepted me. I know that he has but it makes it hard at times for me to remember that he accepts me based upon what Christ did and I do not have to earn it. I also need to realize that Christ has truly done all that it takes for me to live a victorious life. In chapter five Stanford made the point that it is not Christ plus my efforts but rather it is Christ plus my receiving.11 As I look at my life I see that identification is the area that I need desperate work in. I have decided that I need to search out the passages that define my place with God and to see all the areas that I need to claim

Gary Gilley, The Complete Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford Review, Southern View Chapel, http://www.svchapel.org/resources/book-reviews/4-christian-living/171-the-complete-green-letters-by-miles-jstanford (accessed February 26, 2012).
10

Ibid. Miles Stanford, 21.

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his provision in my life. Another aspect that really got me thinking is the idea that Gods way of bringing self under control is the cross. I can try all the ways described in chapter 11 to deal with self but ultimately the only way is that of the cross. What strikes me is that God has not chosen a method of strength to bring about growth but rather weakness. I need to allow God to use the weakness of the cross to bring about growth. The final concept is from Luke 9:23. In order to truly follow Christ I must take up the cross daily. It is a choice and one that I truly struggle with. God has made the way for growth and it is me deciding that the cross is worth it all.

CONCLUSION The concepts that are presented by Stanford are truly worth implementing into ones life. His fresh perspective on ones position and identification in Christ makes it possible for true growth. It is not until one realizes where they stand with God that true and lasting growth can happen. This book is one that can be used to center oneself on the fact that they belong to Christ and they are complete in him. Even though there are some cautions that should be heeded to this book is one that can truly transform ones thinking about who they are.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gilley, Gary. "The Complete Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford Review." Southern View Chapel. http://www.svchapel.org/resources/book-reviews/4-christian-living/171-thecomplete-green-letters-by-miles-j-stanford (accessed February 26, 2012). Stanford, Miles. The Complete Green Letters. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1984.

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