The Way to God and How to Find It · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Way to God and How to Find It by D. L. Moody.
Chapter 1
To the Reader
Moody introduces his book, explaining its purpose to point readers to the Way to God. He outlines the structure: first addressing the Love of God, then meeting the needs of various seekers, and finally speaking to backsliders. He expresses his hope that readers will be strengthened and settled in the faith of Christ.
Chapter 2
The Way to God and How to Find It
This chapter presents the central message of the book: the way to God is through Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. It emphasizes the necessity of the new birth, true repentance, and faith in Christ for salvation. The chapter also addresses the assurance of salvation, the dangers of backsliding, and the hope of restoration for those who have strayed.
Chapter 3
I: “Love That Passeth Knowledge”
Moody opens his book by focusing on the profound truth of God's love, which surpasses human understanding. He illustrates how a simple message like 'God is Love' can pierce the heart of a prodigal, and he contrasts human love, which is conditional and changeable, with divine love, which is unchangeable and unfailing. He uses the powerful analogy of a mother's enduring love to help readers grasp the depth of God's affection, and he encourages sinners to approach Christ with the same boldness and faith as a little girl who sought a pardon from Abraham Lincoln.
Chapter 4
II: The Gateway Into the Kingdom
Moody expounds on the necessity of the new birth as the gateway into God's kingdom, emphasizing that it is the foundation of Christian hope and the only means of entering heaven. He clarifies what regeneration is not, argues that human effort cannot achieve it, and illustrates the mystery of the Spirit's work through the analogy of the wind. He concludes with a stirring appeal, warning that without the new birth, one cannot see the kingdom of God or be reunited with departed loved ones.
Chapter 5
The Two Classes
Moody categorizes inquirers into two classes: the self-righteous (Pharisee) and the convicted (publican). He emphasizes the necessity of faith, which involves knowledge, assent, and appropriation, and illustrates how belief in Christ brings assurance of salvation and eternal life.
Chapter 6
Words of Counsel
Moody offers practical counsel to those seeking salvation, warning against relying on the experiences of others and urging them to go directly to the Word of God. He addresses common doubts about sudden conversion, the assurance of salvation, and the fear of falling, emphasizing that God is able to keep those who trust Him. He also advises on how to deal with skeptics, distinguishing between honest doubters and those who merely enjoy debate, and encourages believers to trust in God's promises rather than their own understanding.
Chapter 7
A Divine Saviour
Moody argues for the divinity of Christ, presenting scriptural evidence and logical reasoning to counter those who doubt it. He emphasizes that Christ's claims, works, and acceptance of worship prove He is God incarnate, and warns against the danger of rejecting this truth.
Chapter 8
Repentance and Restitution
Moody clarifies the true nature of repentance, distinguishing it from fear, feeling, fasting, remorse, conviction of sin, prayer, and merely breaking off one sin. He defines repentance as a complete change of mind and direction—a 'right about face'—that leads to turning from all sin and toward God. He emphasizes that true repentance produces fruit, including restitution for wrongs done, and illustrates this with stories of individuals who made restitution and found peace.
Chapter 9
Assurance of Salvation
Moody emphasizes the privilege and necessity of assurance of salvation for every believer. He identifies two groups who lack assurance: the unconverted and those unwilling to do God's will. He argues that doubt dishonors God and hinders effective service. Using 1 John, he presents five tests or landmarks to know we are God's children, and he addresses the issue of post-conversion sin, explaining that God has made provision through Christ our Advocate and that confessed sins are forgiven and forgotten.
Chapter 10
Christ All and in All
Moody emphasizes that Christ is everything to the believer: deliverer, redeemer, way, and light. He encourages believers to follow Christ closely, warning that spiritual darkness results from straying from Him. He illustrates with the Israelites' wilderness journey and a personal anecdote about finding light above the storm, urging readers to keep their focus on Christ for peace and joy.
Chapter 11
IX: Backsliding
Moody addresses the issue of backsliding, distinguishing between those who have never truly been converted and those who have genuinely known Christ but turned away. He emphasizes that God is always ready to heal and restore, and that the first step back is to acknowledge one's iniquity and return to the Lord. He warns against self-confidence, using Peter's fall as an example, and encourages believers to rely on God's grace and not on their own strength.
Chapter 12
Endnotes
This chapter contains only endnotes referencing John 3:3 and a marginal reading, with no substantive content.
