Transformed for Life (Book Review)

Derek Prince, Transformed for Life, USA: Chosen Books, 2005, ISBN 0-8007-9307-2, price not mentioned, pp. 223.

The author is a well-educated academician and an ex-military man. While still in service he began to read and study the Bible and experienced a conversion. Since then he devoted himself to studying and teaching the Bible. He is the author of over 50 books and about 600 audio and video teaching cassettes, many of which have been translated and published in more than sixty languages. He also hosted a daily radio program Keys to Successful Living which was translated into a dozen languages. All this qualifies him as an authority figure and a significant voice in matters concerning the Bible.

The author in the preface mentions that “The messages compiled in this volume are some of the most life-changing and practical that God has given me. Together they represent a powerful look at the transforming power of God as Father, Deliverer and Healer.” The aim of the book is clear from the title and from the author’s words – transformation. How effective is the book? I can speak for myself; I didn’t find it very transformative although it helped me get a new perspective on certain things. The book has six chapter and 4 appendices. Each chapter deals with a different issue and has little or no contiguity with the previous chapter.

Chapter one talks about God’s love, describing it as Extravagant. Using the parables of ‘the treasure in the field’ and ‘the pearl of great price’, the author demonstrates the extravagant nature of God’s love besides providing a few insights into the nature of that love. The next three sub-chapters are about the Jesus’ sacrifice as a tangible sign of God’s love, the gifts and graces showered on us and how we ought to reciprocate this kind of love. Here, we see a nice flow of the topics and their culmination in a practical outcome.

Chapter two talks of the ‘Divine Exchange’ that God has made with humanity. Under it, the author discusses the aspects of the exchange, which are Forgiveness and Healing, Righteousness, Life, Abundance Glory and Acceptance, and Blessing. Jesus took upon himself every evil consequence that the sin of humanity demanded so that we might receive what is good. This appears simple but it is stupendous if you consider it. As in the previous chapter, this chapter too concludes with some practical ways of living out the Divine Exchange. The essential elements of this exchange are summarized in a line so that it effectively reminds the reader of the key points. This chapter is a very insightful one and I found it immensely useful for meditation.

Chapter three is devoted to the Holy Spirit. It explores His nature, role and characteristics as revealed in scripture. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. The author has presented the Holy Spirit simply and clearly. His explanations can clarify doubts, questions and confusions that may be swirling in the reader’s mind.

The fourth chapter deals with the theme ‘Disappointment’. Drawing excellent insights from the experience of the Israelites at the bitter pool of Marah, the author gives us lovely insight to help us deal with disappointments. If I may summarize the chapter in a few words; all of us will face testing at some point of the other. What is important is not whether or not we will face it but how we respond to it. Secondly, we realize that we cannot always do it ourselves. We require God and He has the power to heal and save us. Finally, there can be no resurrection without death and so don’t get caught up in your disappointment. God is wants to reveal something to you. Open your eyes and ears to receive His message.

Chapter five is entitled ‘Fatherhood’ and is a well-developed one. It deals with human life and experience, and brings out the Divine dimension of fatherhood with surprising lucidity. Fatherhood is an important theme in the Bible. The Fatherhood of God has a close resemblance to the fatherhood of man. It is a source of identity, security and self-worth. He goes on to explain the threefold ministries of the father inspired by Jesus: Prophet, Priest and King. As a prophet the father must represent God to his family. As Priest he must fulfill the role of intercessor and as King he must take charge as head of his family.

The author makes a logical conclusion that the human father represents God from the premise that God’s character and nature is that of Father. Therefore, good fatherhood can be likened to Godliness. A feminist criticism of this chapter would be that it only talks of man and fatherhood, leaving out any mention of woman and motherhood except in subjection to man. The author hasn’t mentioned the motherhood of God and has consequently left out any explanation on the divinity inherent in motherhood.

The final chapter talks about curses and blessings. The author begins by describing their theological significance and then moves on to examining their causes, symptoms and treatment. His discussion on curses is quite elaborate but I didn’t find it either appealing or agreeable. Despite the examples he has cited, I am inclined to think otherwise on the matter. The author’s dealing with the subject is very pastoral and hints at being a how-to type of guide. The appendices contain help for making the transition from curse to blessing.

The book is written in simple style and language. The chapters are short and the brevity aids reflection. I think the book will be appealing to people looking for something to assist their growth in the Christian life. I would suggest however that if Catholics take up the book, they refer to a knowledgeable person or priest for clarification and explanation. The authors ideas although attractive don’t always go along perfectly with Catholic belief. The book provides a refreshing view of God and life and sets the reader along the path to freedom and fullness.