Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 163:650 (Apr 2006)
Article: A Critique of the “Exchanged Life”
Author: Matthew L. Blackmon

BSac 163:650 (April-June 2006) p. 131

A Critique of the “Exchanged Life”

Matthew L. Blackmon

Robert A. Pyne

Robert A. Pyne is Professor of Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Matthew L. Blackmon is a Ph.D. candidate in Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary.

In certain pockets of evangelicalism the “Exchanged Life” has become an increasingly popular model of sanctification. Some concerns surrounding it have been addressed in other publications.1 However, no direct summary and assessment of Exchanged Life theology has been available, and many recent inquiries on the subject have prompted further consideration. This article discusses basic principles of the Exchanged Life position, followed by some critical observations. It is hoped that this response will encourage a fruitful and continuing conversation.

Many believers have found both satisfaction and encouragement through Exchanged Life theology. This article is not meant to diminish that experience or dishonor the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It is, however, written with the conviction that Christian spirituality should be more God-centered, more realistic, more hopeful, more liberating, and more delightful than that which Exchanged Life theology describes.

The language of the Exchanged Life is often traced to J. Hudson Taylor.2 After a particularly difficult time he experienced a

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spiritual awakening. “It was the exchanged life that had come to him—the life that is indeed ‘No longer I.’ Six months earlier he had written, ‘I have continually to mourn that I follow at such a distance and learn so slowly to imitate my precious Master.’ There was no thought of imitation now! It was in blessed reality ‘Christ liveth in me.’ And how great the difference!—instead of bondage, liberty; instead of failure, quiet victories within; instead of fear and weakness, a restful sense of sufficiency in Another.”3

It is unclear whether Taylor actually advocated the ideas now associated with Exchanged Life theology.4 However, his story remains the pattern for many in this movement: discouraged by an inability to obey God, a dedicated but frustrated believer finally understands the implications of a simple truth and lives thereafter in victory. The hope of such a transforming discovery continues to fuel Exchanged Life teaching. When believers find that their experience of spirituality does not match their...