"Why should the world take Christians seriously if we are not reflecting Jesus in our lives?" This question is key to Ponsonby's rigorous exploration of holiness in a fresh and compelling invitation to “be holy as I am holy”. Ponsonby states:- "This pilgrimage is not one of subservient creatures before their Creator, neither of soldiers before their commanding officer, but of sons and daughters and lovers of God. To be holy is to be fully alive, fully human, and whole, as God intended." Rather than unattainable perfection, Ponsonby encourages others to understand that our pursuit of holiness is a life-long transformation process that is not only desirable but is also an exciting opportunity and offer placed before us to go for it. Holiness is a supremely positive word that reflects God’s desire to restore His children into His likeness. Moses and Isaiah are two characters Ponsonby uses to provide vivid windows into God’s restoration process. Careful study and examination of these men and their encounters with God reveal many things about the divine characteristics of God’s beautiful holiness. Simon Ponsonby affirms that because of God’s gracious love and desire for communion with us, he has done what makes it possible for us not only to pursue holiness, but to achieve it. While we can never count on attaining moral perfection in this life, we need not settle for less than increasing victory over sin. And as more and more Christians choose to partner with God in the ongoing process of sanctification, we set the stage for revival. Chapter 5, Unholy Religion, was my favourite chapter. It unveils the Pharisees and their legalism, versus Jesus’ version of what it means to be holy in a wonderfully helpful way. Having grown up surrounded by a cultural and faith-based legalistic environment, I found much to relate to. There is history, research, theology, warmth and humour in abundance in this unique and powerful book yet most Christians will struggle to complete it. Worthy of reading and engaging with more than once! I felt the author wrote an affective and applicable book on the holiness of God, but also on our own reflection of it in our own lives. The book is definitely a thinking book: read, ponder, pray and apply! Technical, substantive and challenging!