WHAT PEOPLE SAY
TIMOTHY TENNENT
ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Matt O’Reilly in Free to Be Holy beautifully sets forth the grand Wesleyan vision of holiness...O’Reilly has provided an exemplary service to the wider church...I heartily recommend this fresh treatment of this central theme, reminding all Christians that the church is called by God to reflect His character in the world.
CAROLYN MOORE
THE ART OF HOLINESS PODCAST
As a central feature of the Christian life, holiness is under-reported. But as Matt so rightly says, "(God) wants a people who embody his holy character so that they can represent him well and truthfully to all the families of the earth." I'm grateful for this tour that follows the thread of holiness through the scripture, from cover to cover, to inspire us all toward the good life.
KEVIN WATSON
AUTHOR OF PERFECT LOVE
In Free to Be Holy, Matt O'Reilly invites the reader to reconsider the beauty of holiness on the Bible's terms. He offers an accessible and engaging survey of the witness of Scripture and the invitation to a holy life, even to perfect love. O'Reilly shows us that holiness is not a depressing burden we must take on, it is a joyous invitation where we find true freedom to live as we were meant to live.
From the back cover
Much of the gospel you may have heard centers around hope for the next life, freedom from guilt and condemnation, and forgiveness of sin. But what does the Bible teach us about freedom from sin? Or deliverance from the things that produce guilt rather than the guilt itself? Free to Be Holy illuminates the other half of the gospel and explores an element of the biblical story that is often forgotten—holiness for this life. For Christians, the word holy carries weight. It is a touchstone for daily life, a reminder to center around Jesus rather than the world. Striving for a holy life can feel like a constant chase toward something unattainable, but there is another way to approach holiness. In this book, Dr. O’Reilly uses Scripture to guide readers through what God wants for us: perfect love and becoming fully human. Along the way, he shows that holiness has more to do with embodying God’s character in order to faithfully represent him in mission to the world. Each chapter ends with intentional questions for reflection and discussion, allowing the reader to engage deeper with themselves and in fellowship.
THOMAS H. MCCALL
ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
The doctrine of sanctification is both vitally important and widely neglected in much of contemporary Christianity. Matt O'Reilly offers a study of the doctrine that is not only helpful but also eminently readable and even delightful. This book will be a blessing to pastors, teachers, Bible study groups, and earnest Christians everywhere.
TALBOT DAVIS
GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH
Matt O’Reilly has given the church a profound gift with Free to Be Holy. Writing with the care of a pastor and the depth of a theologian, he helps the reader experience how holiness is not punishment but privilege; not a “have to” but a “get to.” I look forward to using this resource with the people of Good Shepherd Church and I’m sure you’ll feel the same.
SUZANNE NICHOLSON
ASBURY UNIVERSITY
Matt O’Reilly offers a coherent, compelling, and accessible explanation of the doctrine of holiness in Free to Be Holy. This much-needed book walks readers through the story of Scripture and demonstrates God’s desire for humanity to embody God’s character. O’Reilly’s work will help the church to recover the rest of the gospel message—not only freedom from the guilt of sin, but also freedom from the power of sin...