Megachurch leader encourages godly dependence rather than self-reliance

In Unmerited Favor, Joseph Prince, senior pastor of Singapore's New Creation Church and Bible teacher on the TV program Destined to Reign, wants believers to know that they are not limited by the constraints of their own abilities, but that they can rely on God's grace to put them at the right place and at the right time for life's opportunities.

"Many people don't realize that salvation is much more than being saved from hell for heaven," Prince told Christian Retailing. "In this book, I elaborate further on the definition of 'salvation'—soteria in Greek—which denotes an all-encompassing wholeness, completeness and success."

That success encompasses every aspect of life, not only as it relates to material possessions, but also wholeness in families, marriages and careers, Prince said.

"If we as parents desire to see our children succeed in life and enjoy lives that are meaningful and blessed, how much more does our loving Father in heaven want the same for His children?" he asked.

The title of the book refers to the fact that the whole life Jesus offers isn't something that can be earned. It is the very core of the gospel, the "new covenant," said Prince, adding: "There is nothing we can do to merit, deserve and earn God's favor today—it comes only by way of the cross alone."

Prince contrasts this unearned favor with "self-centered" favoritism.

"Unmerited favor is about being dependent on Jesus for your success, whereas favoritism is depending on your own efforts to become successful," he said. "Favoritism requires you to maneuver, manipulate and position yourself for success, and it results in all kinds of compromises."

Unmerited Favor will benefit from a significant media campaign that will include mentions on Prince's program, promotion on his Web site, a 30-day Christian radio blitz and print advertising.

For more information, visit www.strangbookgroup.com. To order, call Strang Book Group at 800-283-8494.

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