Book Reviews

"A Thought-provoking Book"

Joan Stadel

5.0 out of 5 stars

July 7, 2019

"What an amazing book! It challenges, convicts, and inspires as it discusses some of the difficult issues Christians grapple with. Is it true that many people who believe they are Christians are really not saved? Can self become an idol without our realizing it? Can wrong motives prevent us from experiencing salvation? Strong biblical support is given for the positions presented. This is a book that will make readers think and can contribute to their spiritual growth."

"[It] Caused Me to Look at Salvation at a Deeper Level"

Tim Wilhite

5.0 out of 5 stars

January 7, 2021

“Allen Steely did a masterful and thorough job of researching the Bible to show what Scripture has to offer regarding salvation. I have believed for quite some time the premise he brings forth but I did not realize the extent that it is dealt with in the Bible. The most surprising chapter to me is the one titled, ‘The Benefits for God in Our Salvation.’ Allen caused me to look at salvation at a deeper level than I had before and I now have a much greater appreciation for what God brought to me in my salvation. I encourage Christians to read this book. I think you will be blessed by what you learn.”

A Viewpoint I had not Considered Before.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers’ Favorite

Review Rating:

5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!

"Sometimes we forget who God really is and the power he has over our lives and others. Many people turn to God in times of need or grief, forgetting the vital importance to ask how you can serve and not be served. Discover the significance of why having the right motivation is key when asking God for salvation. With over 2 billion people claiming to be Christians, are they being misled regarding their redemption? Using passages from the Bible, we examine if our incentives to carry out our good deeds will not bring us the rewards we seek in the eyes of God. What is God's view of self-esteem and forgiveness? A God-Centered View of Salvation by Allen M. Steely will teach you the true meaning of salvation and how you can serve God while elevating yourself to the highest form of spirituality.

"A God-Centered View of Salvation by Allen M. Steely truly challenges our steadfast beliefs on salvation and why your well-intended actions may be working against you. You really have to read this book with an open mind as you may disagree with a lot of statements the author makes. But using passages from the Bible, the author makes the case for true salvation very intelligently. I believe the intention of this book is not to strive to become the perfect person but to adjust your belief system so your motivations and deeds align correctly with what God expects from us. There are many interesting sections throughout which made perfect sense and a viewpoint I had not considered before. I especially enjoyed the section regarding who is responsible for the bad events that occur in our lives, the real reason we need to forgive, and why our good deeds are, at their core, quite selfish. A very thought-provoking book indeed."

Sure to be a Valuable Text for Christians Looking to Deepen their Devotion.

Review by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Review Rating:

5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!

"A God-Centered View of Salvation: A Theocentric Perspective of the Gospel is a work of non-fiction focused on Christian themes and devotional methods penned by author Allen M. Steely. With its central focus on the motivations behind faith, the author explores the concept of the salvation that a life devoted to God offers, and why people would choose it. Relating to scripture and exploring different beliefs over time, a key theme that develops is that of selfish motivation, which goes directly against God because it connects to idolatry. What results is an exploration of what true faith means in its most pure and selfless sense, and advice on how others can access this approach.

"Author Allen M. Steely presents an interesting rebuttal to the catch-all idea that God saves everyone, no matter their intentions. Exploring the difference between a casual mention of faith and those who consider themselves truly devoted, the work is well organized to carry us through the author’s thought processes. The references which are made are well-formatted and eye-catching amongst the prose, and also well-chosen to support the arguments which Steely makes throughout his work. Despite the critical nature of some of its considerations, the narrative is written with a committed kindness and devotion to God, especially with the understanding that everyone is able to make these attitudinal adjustments with a little guidance. Overall, A God-Centered View of Salvation is sure to be a valuable text for Christians looking to deepen their devotion."

A Powerful Message for Contemporary Christians

Review by Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

Review Rating:

5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!

"A God-Centered View of Salvation: A Theocentric Perspective of the Gospel by Allen M. Steely is a great devotional read that aptly articulates the theme of salvation and walks readers through the mind of God as expressed in the Bible. The book starts with a question that anyone who claims to be a Christian should consider: “Is it possible that most people who call themselves Christians are not really saved?” The author moves on to prove how the right notion of salvation has been gradually distorted by the influence of contemporary American humanistic philosophy which endorses concepts of “self-love” and “self-esteem” that eventually shift the focus from a God-centered perspective to the self. In this book, the author defines how salvation should be viewed, shares insights and compelling commentaries on the biblical texts that convey the theme of salvation and what it is supposed to be from a theocentric perspective, and what it really takes to be saved.

"Allen M. Steely’s A God-Centered View of Salvation has a powerful message for contemporary Christians and it invites readers to go back to the source of the teachings on salvation. At a time when salvation and religion have become a form of business to many, this book is a powerful reminder of the warning of Jesus when He said: “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”—Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV). This book not only explains what salvation is according to the mind of God but shows the reader the path to it. It is written in a popular conversational style. The writing is fluid and engaging and filled with real examples and concrete analysis of our culture and the effect it has on our faith."