Book Reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what exactly it means to be “made in God’s image,” Christ Redeems Me to His Image & Likeness by author Oried E. Graves has a lot to say, and it is delivered in a way which is deeply personal, refreshingly honest, and firmly grounded in Scripture. This isn’t a stiff theology textbook but rather feels like a heartfelt conversation with someone who’s been through the ups-and-downs of the faith journey and just wants to share what he’s learned about God, purpose, and how to live it all out.

The heart of the book is the idea that being redeemed through Christ isn’t just about getting saved and calling it a day, but about being restored back to our original design as laid out in Genesis. Graves breaks it down through different biblical “dispensations” like innocence, law and grace, which he keeps tying back to one big point; God made us to glorify Him. And not just in theory, but in how we live, love, work, and follow His word. It’s clear Graves has spent a lot of time wrestling with these ideas in his own life, and that really comes through.

A big recurring theme in the book is what he calls “divine duties” – those original instructions God gave Adam and Eve: be fruitful, multiply, take care of the earth, and rule over it. Graves expands into those concepts from a spiritual perspective, encouraging believers to take action in their faith and live with intention. Graves writes almost entirely in the first person, which creates a strong sense of accountability and connection, as if he’s walking through each truth alongside the reader. He even explains this choice early on, emphasizing the importance of owning our spiritual journey.

The book also includes a helpful chart which breaks down humanity’s divine responsibilities-being fruitful, multiplying and subduing, across different levels of life, from the individual to the global church. It’s a unique organizational touch that adds clarity to his message. As far as the writing style goes, it’s super straightforward. Right from the onset it is clear Graves isn’t trying to impress anyone with fancy theology lingo, but rather just wants to be clear, an approach that makes the book feel more real. It’s like he’s more concerned with helping you grow than sounding deep.

Overall, Christ Redeems Me to His Image & Likeness is a great pick for Christians who feel like they’re going through the motions and need a reminder of their bigger purpose. If you like books that are Scripture-heavy, direct, and come from a place of personal conviction, this one will hit home. It’s not sugar coated, but it is hopeful and that’s what makes it worth reading. A must-read for anyone longing to grow deeper in their faith journey.