Two Kinds of Righteousness
E. W. Kenyon’s Two Kinds of Righteousness is a profound and eye-opening work that stands as a cornerstone in Christian literature, offering a powerful message about the believer’s identity in Christ. First published in 1965 by Kenyon’s Gospel Publishing Society, this 144-page book (in its 2020 Whitaker House edition) delivers what many readers and reviewers have called “the most important message ever offered to the church.” As a pastor, evangelist, and pioneer in Christian radio, Kenyon brings a pastoral warmth and theological clarity to this work, making it both accessible and deeply impactful for believers seeking to understand their position in Christ. This review explores why Two Kinds of Righteousness is a must-read for every Christian, drawing on its transformative insights, practical applications, and enduring relevance.
A Revelation of Righteousness
At the heart of Two Kinds of Righteousness is Kenyon’s compelling exploration of biblical righteousness—what it means, how it is received, and why it matters. The book’s central thesis is that righteousness is not something believers must strive to earn or wait to receive in heaven; rather, it is a gift freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, available to every believer now. Kenyon argues that the church has historically overemphasized humanity’s sinfulness and inadequacy, leaving many Christians trapped in a cycle of guilt and condemnation. Instead, he redirects the focus to the triumphant truth of who believers are in Christ: “The instant a man knows that he is the righteousness of God in Christ, and knows what that righteousness means, Satan is defeated.”
This message is nothing short of revolutionary. Kenyon’s clear, passionate prose invites readers to embrace their identity as “partakers of the Divine Nature” the moment they accept Christ. He emphasizes that righteousness is the ability to stand before God without guilt or inferiority, a concept that resonates deeply with readers who have struggled with feelings of unworthiness. For example, one reader on Goodreads shares, “Understanding the concept of righteousness is another perfect addition to the infinitely long list of reasons why I am in love with Jesus.” This sentiment captures the book’s ability to shift perspectives, helping believers see themselves as God sees them—righteous, redeemed, and victorious.
Practical and Pastoral Wisdom
What sets Two Kinds of Righteousness apart is its pastoral tone and practical application. Kenyon writes with a heart for believers who grapple with doubt, sin, and spiritual weakness, offering them a pathway to victory through the knowledge of their righteousness in Christ. He explains that living a life of defeat is often the result of ignorance about one’s identity in Christ: “Unless you know who you are, and what you are in Christ, you cannot live a victorious life… Satan, sin, and disease will be your masters.” This is not merely theological theory; it’s a call to action, urging readers to internalize and live out their God-given identity.
The book’s 20 chapters (as noted in a review by Nwazuluoke Ifeanyi) are concise yet rich, making it easy to digest while packed with spiritual insights. Kenyon’s writing is straightforward and relatable, avoiding overly academic language while still conveying profound truths. Readers like Michael Donahoe on Goodreads praise this clarity, noting, “The author made clear the gift of grace that Christ provided for us, and that because of that gift, we are now righteous in God’s sight.” This accessibility ensures that both new and seasoned Christians can benefit from the book’s teachings.
A Life-Changing Impact
The impact of Two Kinds of Righteousness on its readers is undeniable. With a 4.8-star rating from 415 reviews on Amazon and 4.6 stars from 269 reviews on Goodreads, the book has touched countless lives. Readers consistently describe it as life-changing, with comments like, “This book changed my life!! Definite must read!” and “A pure revelation of the believer’s nature and inheritance in Christ.” Another reviewer, AiLuL, highlights its clarity and purpose: “It’s goal is to clarify what it means to be a child of God and how righteousness plays a role in how we should perceive ourselves… it hits the mark!”
Kenyon’s message resonates because it addresses a universal struggle: the tension between human frailty and divine identity. By emphasizing that believers are “new creations” free from the sin nature, Kenyon empowers readers to break free from cycles of defeat. A reader named Ron W. shares a personal testimony: “A close friend of mine… showed me his phone and said, ‘Read this book. You’ll never look at the Christian life the same way again.’ He’s with the Lord now. He gave me a great piece of advice which I am glad I took.” Such stories underscore the book’s ability to inspire lasting spiritual transformation.
Addressing Criticisms with Grace
While Two Kinds of Righteousness is widely praised, some reviewers, like Len Ritchie, critique Kenyon for occasionally using scripture out of context or lacking rigorous exegesis. Ritchie notes, “Kenyon does not spend enough time doing careful exegesis of the passages he cites,” which may leave some theological questions unanswered. However, this critique does not diminish the book’s value for its intended audience—believers seeking encouragement and practical faith. Kenyon’s focus is not on academic theology but on pastoral application, making the book accessible to those who may not have extensive theological training. Even Ritchie acknowledges the book’s “valuable contribution to the Church’s understanding” of Christ’s finished work.
Additionally, some readers, like Stuart, caution that Kenyon’s teachings could be misinterpreted by those with “itching ears” to support heretical movements. Yet, this concern is mitigated by Kenyon’s clear grounding in biblical principles, particularly his emphasis on faith in Christ’s completed work. For readers approaching the book with a discerning heart and a desire to grow in faith, these potential pitfalls are overshadowed by its uplifting message.
A Timeless Message for Today’s Church
Published decades ago, Two Kinds of Righteousness remains strikingly relevant for today’s church. In an era where many Christians struggle with feelings of inadequacy or legalism, Kenyon’s call to embrace “righteousness consciousness” over “sin consciousness” is a breath of fresh air. His teaching aligns with the biblical truth that “we are the Righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21), offering hope and empowerment to believers navigating a world filled with spiritual and emotional challenges.
The book’s compact size—ranging from 71 to 144 pages across editions—makes it an approachable read, yet its depth ensures it is a resource readers will return to time and again. Whether you’re a new believer seeking to understand your identity in Christ or a seasoned Christian longing for a deeper walk with God, Two Kinds of Righteousness offers timeless wisdom. As reviewer Pickard Henn succinctly puts it, “If you understand righteousness, you will understand all of the Gospel and the work of the cross.”
Final Thoughts
Two Kinds of Righteousness by E. W. Kenyon is a transformative, inspiring, and deeply biblical work that deserves a place in every Christian’s library. Its message of grace, identity, and victory in Christ is both a theological revelation and a practical guide for living a victorious Christian life. Kenyon’s passion, clarity, and pastoral heart shine through, making this book a beacon of hope for believers seeking to stand confidently in God’s presence. As one reader aptly stated, “This book will change the way you see yourself. If you can see you the way God sees you, everything changes.” I wholeheartedly recommend Two Kinds of Righteousness to anyone eager to deepen their faith and embrace the fullness of their identity in Christ. It is, without question, a book that lives up to its reputation as a life-changing classic.
You can buy Two Kinds of Righteousness by E. W. Kenyon with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4mAhJM2
A Revelation of Righteousness
At the heart of Two Kinds of Righteousness is Kenyon’s compelling exploration of biblical righteousness—what it means, how it is received, and why it matters. The book’s central thesis is that righteousness is not something believers must strive to earn or wait to receive in heaven; rather, it is a gift freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, available to every believer now. Kenyon argues that the church has historically overemphasized humanity’s sinfulness and inadequacy, leaving many Christians trapped in a cycle of guilt and condemnation. Instead, he redirects the focus to the triumphant truth of who believers are in Christ: “The instant a man knows that he is the righteousness of God in Christ, and knows what that righteousness means, Satan is defeated.”
This message is nothing short of revolutionary. Kenyon’s clear, passionate prose invites readers to embrace their identity as “partakers of the Divine Nature” the moment they accept Christ. He emphasizes that righteousness is the ability to stand before God without guilt or inferiority, a concept that resonates deeply with readers who have struggled with feelings of unworthiness. For example, one reader on Goodreads shares, “Understanding the concept of righteousness is another perfect addition to the infinitely long list of reasons why I am in love with Jesus.” This sentiment captures the book’s ability to shift perspectives, helping believers see themselves as God sees them—righteous, redeemed, and victorious.
Practical and Pastoral Wisdom
What sets Two Kinds of Righteousness apart is its pastoral tone and practical application. Kenyon writes with a heart for believers who grapple with doubt, sin, and spiritual weakness, offering them a pathway to victory through the knowledge of their righteousness in Christ. He explains that living a life of defeat is often the result of ignorance about one’s identity in Christ: “Unless you know who you are, and what you are in Christ, you cannot live a victorious life… Satan, sin, and disease will be your masters.” This is not merely theological theory; it’s a call to action, urging readers to internalize and live out their God-given identity.
The book’s 20 chapters (as noted in a review by Nwazuluoke Ifeanyi) are concise yet rich, making it easy to digest while packed with spiritual insights. Kenyon’s writing is straightforward and relatable, avoiding overly academic language while still conveying profound truths. Readers like Michael Donahoe on Goodreads praise this clarity, noting, “The author made clear the gift of grace that Christ provided for us, and that because of that gift, we are now righteous in God’s sight.” This accessibility ensures that both new and seasoned Christians can benefit from the book’s teachings.
A Life-Changing Impact
The impact of Two Kinds of Righteousness on its readers is undeniable. With a 4.8-star rating from 415 reviews on Amazon and 4.6 stars from 269 reviews on Goodreads, the book has touched countless lives. Readers consistently describe it as life-changing, with comments like, “This book changed my life!! Definite must read!” and “A pure revelation of the believer’s nature and inheritance in Christ.” Another reviewer, AiLuL, highlights its clarity and purpose: “It’s goal is to clarify what it means to be a child of God and how righteousness plays a role in how we should perceive ourselves… it hits the mark!”
Kenyon’s message resonates because it addresses a universal struggle: the tension between human frailty and divine identity. By emphasizing that believers are “new creations” free from the sin nature, Kenyon empowers readers to break free from cycles of defeat. A reader named Ron W. shares a personal testimony: “A close friend of mine… showed me his phone and said, ‘Read this book. You’ll never look at the Christian life the same way again.’ He’s with the Lord now. He gave me a great piece of advice which I am glad I took.” Such stories underscore the book’s ability to inspire lasting spiritual transformation.
Addressing Criticisms with Grace
While Two Kinds of Righteousness is widely praised, some reviewers, like Len Ritchie, critique Kenyon for occasionally using scripture out of context or lacking rigorous exegesis. Ritchie notes, “Kenyon does not spend enough time doing careful exegesis of the passages he cites,” which may leave some theological questions unanswered. However, this critique does not diminish the book’s value for its intended audience—believers seeking encouragement and practical faith. Kenyon’s focus is not on academic theology but on pastoral application, making the book accessible to those who may not have extensive theological training. Even Ritchie acknowledges the book’s “valuable contribution to the Church’s understanding” of Christ’s finished work.
Additionally, some readers, like Stuart, caution that Kenyon’s teachings could be misinterpreted by those with “itching ears” to support heretical movements. Yet, this concern is mitigated by Kenyon’s clear grounding in biblical principles, particularly his emphasis on faith in Christ’s completed work. For readers approaching the book with a discerning heart and a desire to grow in faith, these potential pitfalls are overshadowed by its uplifting message.
A Timeless Message for Today’s Church
Published decades ago, Two Kinds of Righteousness remains strikingly relevant for today’s church. In an era where many Christians struggle with feelings of inadequacy or legalism, Kenyon’s call to embrace “righteousness consciousness” over “sin consciousness” is a breath of fresh air. His teaching aligns with the biblical truth that “we are the Righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21), offering hope and empowerment to believers navigating a world filled with spiritual and emotional challenges.
The book’s compact size—ranging from 71 to 144 pages across editions—makes it an approachable read, yet its depth ensures it is a resource readers will return to time and again. Whether you’re a new believer seeking to understand your identity in Christ or a seasoned Christian longing for a deeper walk with God, Two Kinds of Righteousness offers timeless wisdom. As reviewer Pickard Henn succinctly puts it, “If you understand righteousness, you will understand all of the Gospel and the work of the cross.”
Final Thoughts
Two Kinds of Righteousness by E. W. Kenyon is a transformative, inspiring, and deeply biblical work that deserves a place in every Christian’s library. Its message of grace, identity, and victory in Christ is both a theological revelation and a practical guide for living a victorious Christian life. Kenyon’s passion, clarity, and pastoral heart shine through, making this book a beacon of hope for believers seeking to stand confidently in God’s presence. As one reader aptly stated, “This book will change the way you see yourself. If you can see you the way God sees you, everything changes.” I wholeheartedly recommend Two Kinds of Righteousness to anyone eager to deepen their faith and embrace the fullness of their identity in Christ. It is, without question, a book that lives up to its reputation as a life-changing classic.
You can buy Two Kinds of Righteousness by E. W. Kenyon with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4mAhJM2
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