Seven Words You Never Want to Hear

How to Be Sure You Won't

Christian - Non-Fiction
256 Pages
Reviewed on 02/09/2021
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Seven Words You Never Want to Hear: How to Be Sure You Won't by Denise Wilson is a Christian theology non-fiction self-help guide with a focus on widespread misunderstandings pertaining to salvation. Over the course of twenty-one interconnected chapters, Wilson uses a combination of scripture, scholarly cross-examination, stories, and anecdotes to paint a clear and compelling picture that simply “praying Jesus into your heart” is not enough to be welcomed through the gates of heaven and bow at the throne of Christ for all eternity. Living a Christ-like existence is so much more than lip service, appearing to have a relationship with Jesus when God can see your true heart. As a Christian, there is a call to walk the walk, count the cost, shed the sin and hypocrisy, leave the harmful self-aggrandizing ministry of megachurches, and move from the darkness to the light so one might never hear the words, “I never knew you; depart from me.” [Matthew 7:23]

It is really, really scary to be told that you've been doing something wrong for your entire life; that what you think is the way is not. Scarier still is the knowledge that without a change of priorities, redemption does not actually exist. With profound honesty and a conviction that is only strengthened by the scripture she builds on, Denise Wilson details in Seven Words You Never Want To Hear that there is hope if you are willing to put in the effort. The standout chapter to me is twelve, Those Who Counted The Cost, where accounts of torture and hardship under intolerant systems are highlighted in the sacrifice of true disciples of Christ, many of whom paid the price during our own lifetimes. Wilson then pivots to a sermon from another that reads, “And here’s all these American Christians standing beside them that couldn’t even find enough of anything inside them to even attend church on Sunday morning.” This is not an easy read and it is not meant to be, but there is still time. At the end of each chapter, Wilson provides a reminder and a series of questions to aid in rooting out all that holds a person back. One can only pray they listen.

Mamta Madhavan

Seven Words You Never Want to Hear: How to Be Sure You Won't by Denise Wilson is a profound and thought-provoking book that has been written with a lot of love and is a true reflection of the heart of God for the glory of God. The Biblical texts shared by the author are good for readers to decide if they are true Christians and will challenge many of their beliefs if they consider themselves true Christians. The book will leave many readers surprised, especially the ones who thought they were true Christians, with some hard-hitting facts. There are real-life stories shared by the author and the book is a good tool for all those who want to learn about the actual life of a Christian.

I like the author's approach to helping readers understand what is the core of the Christian faith and how it can be obtained. The questions at the end of each chapter are a good way to contemplate the content discussed in them. The insights in the book explain the true meaning of salvation and look at the spiritual journey that has been undertaken, if any. Denise Wilson's words give clarity to the concept of a Christian way of life in an engaging and interesting way without making it sound too preachy.

It is obvious through Seven Words You Never Want to Hear that the author is very passionate about the subject and is keen to remove all doubts in the minds of readers regarding Christianity. Sharing personal stories gives clarity to what she is trying to convey to readers. There is an element of sensitivity and wisdom in her words which will help readers come to a decision regarding their faith.

Lesley Jones

Although many Christian believe they are living their life according to God's will, many are worshipping with insincerity and with an empty heart. There are essential beliefs and behaviors that are a prerequisite to gaining entry into heaven which many Christians are simply not practicing. Using Biblical stories and personal experiences of people who have analyzed their Christian values, discover what behaviors and beliefs are necessary and how you can exhibit these daily. Are you a true follower of the faith and are you living a life that shows true obedience to the word of God? What does the term repentance really mean and have you been truly repentant for your sins? Discover what the act of forgiveness actually means. Seven Words You Never Want to Hear by Denise Wilson will take you on a journey of deep soul searching where your relationship with God will become stronger, more authentic, and true to what God demands of us all.

Seven Words You Never Want to Hear by Denise Wilson is the perfect read for anyone who professes to be a Christian but may have lost their way. To gain the utmost from this book will involve the reader digging deep and really questioning the authenticity of their faith. The personal stories gave helpful true-life examples of the great points made. I found all of the stories held a deep life lesson, especially David's journey to repent his sins and Corrie's powerful act of forgiveness. The section on how Christianity and the world of entertainment have conflicting values and beliefs was quite thought-provoking as there were so many interesting and extremely poignant observations made. The book is filled with so many insightful golden nuggets throughout, you need to really immerse yourself in the strong and powerful message to get the most benefit from it. You also need to open your heart and mind to a new way of thinking, worshipping, and praying. I loved the Ask Yourself section at the end of each chapter as this gave the reader even more opportunity for self-reflection. I found many of the questions powerful but especially this question, in particular, 'When confronted with the truth, either in God’s Word or from another person, are you more likely to let the truth change you, or do you spin the truth?' A highly recommended read.

Vincent Dublado

In the remote contingency that you find yourself standing before your Maker, what will you say to each other? Denise Wilson, a professing Christian, examines true faith in Seven Words You Never Want to Hear: How to Be Sure You Won't. Through a series of reflections, life accounts, and test questions that allow you to make a meticulous assessment of your relationship with God, you come to an honest recognition of the threads that build up your belief, with faith as an interpretative element in your religious experience As the Bible states that not everyone who calls unto the Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 7:21), it would be painful for any staunch believer to hear Jesus say these seven words: "I never knew you; depart from me (Matt. 7:23)." Based on this proposition, Wilson’s Bible-based tests aim to help you determine what true faith looks and feels like.

Seven Words You Never Want to Hear will challenge your preconceived notions about faith. Denise Wilson wants you to re-acquaint yourself with what the Bible tells you about following God and entering the kingdom of heaven. This is not the kind of book that you read in one sitting. As a spiritual guide book, you need to read and absorb one chapter at a time and answer the test questions as honestly as you can. There are no right or wrong answers, but they help to trigger the faith awareness within you that evokes a sentiment for salvation. Wilson’s language reveals a humble but strong conviction that true faith runs deeper than mere prayers. This is an eye-opening book for the soul-searcher who wants to better his/her relationship with God.

Tammy Ruggles

Seven Words You Never Want to Hear: How to Be Sure You Won't by Denise Wilson is a compelling Christian guide to check your professed Christianity. The author uses anecdotes, examples, quotations, and Scripture to illustrate how some Christians seem to have a head knowledge of salvation and the Christian walk, but not true salvation. Wilson explains through Bible verses that salvation through Jesus Christ can only come through repentance, which means turning away from sin and changing your lifestyle and choices to reflect your new nature. She explains how many Christians think they're saved, but aren't, and their behavior and continual sinning shows it. She warns against having a surface Christianity and having a glib attitude toward sin.

I admire the author's courage in exploring and confronting these ideas, because so many people say that they're Christians, but act in a way that is confusing to others. If Christianity is about salvation and turning away from sin, then yes, Jesus Christ's forgiveness is enough to save the soul, but what happens after that? Does it mean you just repeat a few words and you're automatically saved, or does it mean you have to build upon the change Christ causes on the inside? Wilson does a good job of breaking down the concepts of the Christian walk and offers questions at the end of each chapter for self-examination. This isn't to say that Christians are always perfect and don't make mistakes. It happens. But is the desire to shun sin manifested on a daily basis? Salvation and heaven aren't obtained through works or anything that people do. Those are by Jesus' sacrifice for sin, and His resurrection. But the Christian faith is living by it, not just talking about it or putting on pretenses. Seven Words You Never Want to Hear: How to Be Sure You Won't by Denise Wilson is a tough but compassionate book that can be used to inform and strengthen your Christian walk.

Anne-Marie Madore

Christians understand the author’s urgency is writing this book. She states, “God’s truth is made clear in God’s Word.” The way to receive salvation and eternal life are given in the Bible. Denise Wilson dares to ask the question, “When life is over and you stand before God, what will He say to you?”

Many people including those who profess to be Christians, hold the belief that they are saved and will automatically go to heaven after death. Yet, according to Matthew 7:21, Jesus Himself says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The author wrote this book with the hope that readers will know with certainty they are saved. Time is of the essence, a decision not to be put off for another day. She shows readers how to be sure they won’t hear those tragic words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 7:23, “I never knew you, depart from me.”

The book is well written, easy to understand, and backed up by Scripture verses, along with excerpts from Bible scholars, and personal stories. Each chapter ends with REMEMBER a summary note regarding the chapter, and Ask Yourself. The questions asked are challenging and thought provoking, and enable the reader to evaluate their own core beliefs.

The Gospel of Rome chapter was personal for me, I left Roman Catholicism behind years ago, with no regrets for doing so. What a revelation to find out after all these years what the church requires of its members to be considered saved. More surprising was discovering how these requirements vastly differ from what’s written in the Bible. I appreciate the author acknowledging that many Catholics may not agree, but adds that the truth is found in their own church documents. How unfortunate it is; that over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide are caught up in a religious system that denies the simple truth of the gospel. Reading this chapter confirmed I made the right choice years ago. When you the truth, the truth will set you free.

Greed is a sin. God and greed cannot co-exist. Sadly, greed is found within churches and ministries. Stories are shared of those lured in by the promise of material blessings and physical healing. The author speaks against the prosperity gospel message and includes names of wealthy preachers and evangelists. Wealth is not evil; but the love of money is. She points out, prosperity preachers will stand before God and give an account for what they’ve done and taught. We will too when our times comes. Greed can evident in a person’s life, whether wealthy or not!
The Bible is clear, greedy people are not among those who will enter God’s kingdom.

Churches today tend not to preach on sin, repentance, or the wrath of God. The author reveals why mega churches pastored by Joel Osteen and others are so popular. Which raises the questions: How can those who constantly hear “me-centered gospel messages” ever grow spiritually? Are the teachings biblical? Readers are given answers to these questions and more.

The AFTERWORD contains a sermon written by Charles H. Spurgeon on October 23, 1881 titled, “Flee from the Wrath to Come”. Yes, his sermon was preached long ago, but God’s Word is timeless. Spurgeon’s message will leave no doubt on the importance of fleeing from the wrath to come, and how to avoid it. A message applicable for today and the times we are in.

I’m a born-again believer, and this book taught me much. I have greater knowledge, wisdom, and understanding concerning what is means to be saved, and a true follower of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to read this book and discover for yourself the biblical truth about salvation. Imagine arriving in heaven and hearing Jesus say, “Come…inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” (Matthew 25:34).

Anne-Marie Madore is the author of God Said, “I WILL” Promise Book. She has a God Inspired Blog on her website: anne-mariemadore.ca.