It may seem strange to review a book that has been out for over 10 years (published in 1999), but this one is well worth a read if you haven't already done so , and not just because of the excellent content.

Many of us are discovering a fresh sense of spiritual identity as sons and daughters of the King of Kings. We are also finding that this was part of the message of the Father's blessing that came out of the Toronto Vineyard Church in the 90's but was perhaps overlooked or completely forgotten. Mark was writing "Orphans to Heirs" at the time when Toronto was having increasing impact around the world and he picks up on the renewed sense of intimacy, identity and freedom that others like the Bethel Church in Redding California have so remarkably demonstrated since.

If anything Mark gives us a deeper theological understanding of the importance of coming into our "full rights as sons" - adopted sons of the King. For him the lost coin of Christian theology and indeed of Christian life is the doctrine of adoption. We are very familiar with justification but relatively ignorant of adoption. As a result we are lacking in certain relational aspects of the gospel. Christians need to rediscover their true identities as sons and daughters of God, as those adopted into His family - the ones our "dad opted for."

Mark shares great insights from his own experience of being an orphan and draws penetrating comparisons with our spiritual condition as orphans from a Father God. His historical insights from Roman practices of adoption are fascinating and helpful. He also draws extensively on the parable of the lost son - when ever Mark writes on this topic he is full of old and new treasures.

Here are the keys to live as sons and not as slaves. Here is a clear understanding of grace and its impact on how we live. Not only have we been forgiven but we have been transformed and the whole of creation awaits the "for the sons of God to be revealed" (Romans 8v19). We have an amazing destiny.

This is popular theology at it's best, peppered with real life testimonies and applications. If you ever longed for a more intimate relationship with the Father, a greater sense of identity in the Son and more freedom in the Spirit then read this book.