This excellent book on the heart of Christ was recommended to me by my pastor and friend Jason. I was afraid of it for years but finally picked it up - and, of course, the timing was perfect - and answered why I was afraid. I started with the kindle version but ended reading a hardcover and listening to audio, in tandem. It worked well for me to fully appreciate and receive the beautiful words written. 

Dane Ortlund pens this magnificent work. He outlines his objective and plan in the introduction and exceeds both with clarity and beauty. Ortlund considers both the Old and the New Testament as he looks at the heart of Christ from different angles. It’s impossible to choose favorite chapters or segments because each is phenomenal and hits profoundly. Don’t miss a word. And keep on hand so you can (like I will) pick it up for encouraging words. I believe I will read the Bible (“…one long attempt to deconstruct our natural vision of who God actually is”) differently now. And for sure my relationship with Jesus is changed as I get to know his heart. 

Reading this book allowed me to experience the heart of Christ in new ways. A deeper knowing is possible and Ortlund, using scripture and Puritan writers’ insights (just one of them write 6,000+ pages), plus the Spirit, as only the Spirit can, helped me to experience Christ’s deep love for me. This book invites the reader to marry what we know about Christ with who we feel Christ is - entirely based on what the Bible says. I highly recommend this book for Christians and regret waiting so long to pick it up.