Review-Jonathan R. Bailey-Dwelling in Christ

 

Jonathan R. Bailey’s “Dwelling in Christ: Discover the Threefold Path of Spiritual Transformation” is a new book scheduled for release September 1, 2026.

At its heart, Dwelling in Christ asks a simple but important question:

Are we merely trying harder to be Christians, or are we actually being transformed by Christ?

I like the way the author worked in his own struggles with repeatedly trying to recommit himself to God and do better, only to find himself caught in the same cycle. I believe this is a struggle that all Christians face.  It is a relief to read about others facing the same problems and learning how they deal with it. He came to see that Christian growth isn’t just a matter of making stronger resolutions. It is a lifelong journey of transformation with God.

The book draws on the ancient Christian Threefold Way. I was not familiar with that title but the concepts are very familiar.

1.      Purgation - being cleansed or pruning for growth. Anyone with trees or shrubs are familiar with this concept. We learn to confess and surrender sinful patterns, attachments, and false identities. Any time we “cut away” something, it can be hard. But until we start surrendering the sinful behaviors, we can’t start making room for the traits we should be focused on.

2.      Illumination - learning to see and begin receiving transformation. As we become more attentive to God, we begin to see ourselves, others, Scripture, and the world differently. God’s truth changes from something we “know is right” to something that actually changes our life. Spiritual practices help train our attention toward God.

3.      Union - abiding in and deepening our oneness with God. The goal isn’t simply becoming a better person. You can become a “good” person without this. The goal is deeper communion with Christ. As true believers we need to learn to dwell in God’s love and live from that relationship.

Bailey presents these not simply as three boxes to check but as movements within an ongoing journey toward Christlikeness. I like this approach.  Too many times it can be easy to adopt the “check the box” lifestyle.  As Christians we should be striving to be more like Christ everyday.

One of the strongest ideas in the book is the contrast between transactional Christianity and transformational Christianity.

Bailey describes his former approach as essentially:

“I’ll try harder this time.”

But the Christian life is not about trying harder to impress God. It is about learning to live with God so that His presence gradually changes us.

I would recommend this book as a good place to start, after the Bible, on developing a closer relationship with God.

Bailey also mentions many other books that inspired him.  I will be looking them up to add to my to be read list.