I'm excited to announce that my new book, Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification, released from Seedbed recently. This is a book I've wanted to write for a long, long time. And I'm very excited now to be able to share it with you. It's a short, accessible introduction to the biblical vision for the Christian life. Here's the publisher's description:
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.
The book is intended for individual reading and small-group studies. Each chapter has reflection and discussion questions at the end, and you'll be able to get teaching videos that go with each chapter.
Free to Be Holy Book Endorsements
I'm so very grateful for the very kind words so many have already said about the book. Here are just a few of the endorsements:
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. - Carolyn Moore, Art of Holiness Podcast
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. - Talbot Davis, Good Shepherd Church
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. - Kevin Watson, Author of Perfect Love
Preview the Book
Seedbed has provided a preview of the first chapter, which you can find at this link. Here's what you can expect:
Discover the breadth and beauty of Christian salvation described in an accessible writing style
Walk through key biblical stories & passages concerning holiness with an easy to understand approach
Be challenged to lay hold of the new life promised in Jesus Christ, which is characterized by love
Availability
The book is available on Amazon and at the Seedbed. You can also grab the Kindle version on Amazon. Thanks in advance for checking it out. I hope it treats you well.
Dr. Matt O’Reilly (Ph.D., Gloucestershire) is Lead Pastor of Christ Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Director of Research at Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians. A two-time recipient of the John Stott Award for Pastoral Engagement, he is the author of multiple books including Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification, Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice, The Letters to the Thessalonians, and Bless the Nations: A Devotional for Short-Term Missions. Follow @mporeilly on X and @mattoreillyauthor on Instagram.
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I've already received my copy! Really look forward to reading it. This is exactly the kind of work we need to be equipped in the months and years ahead. Thank you, Matt.