Forgiven

This book does an excellent job in describing the symbolism in the painting "Forgiven." The painting, by Blackshear, is stunning in itself, and I was pleased to discover the book that describes the painting and showcases the author's ability, history and perceptions of his art. As the painting is powerful, so is the book in describing and analyzing Blackshear's work!

I was blessed when I came across (the last one) "The FORGIVEN Devotional Journal: by Roy Lessin, Artwork by Thomas Blackshear II, in a local Bible store. It included 6 cards with the FORGIVEN Masterpiece on the cover (the full length of the figures) and a set of matching envelopes. If, in viewing this powerful masterpiece, you don't feel the sword of guilt, piercing you very heart and soul, re-affirming your beleif may be in order!!........The full length picture is so moving to me, I have a hard time mailing the cards to friends, but that's what they were made for. Every time I enter my journal and look at the figure of Christ supporting "me", I cry.

For committed Christians, we know we must live a disciplined lifestyle to honor God, to walk in His power, to be an effective witness and to prosper. This book goes straight to the heart to convict and bring the child of God to a mindful state of repentance. What else can there be when we know the end from the beginning and have only one direction to travel? The enemy steals an inch at a time. He can be so deceptive it's practically unnoticeable, but it becomes obvious when it has accumulated over time and we taste the destructive force of it. Sit and read this book in a quiet place and let the Holy Spirit minister to you in His still, small voice. Just get honest with yourself and make a decision to return and be seated in heavenly places. You want God's peace to rule in your heart, don't you? I highly recommend this work to any Christian with a desire to have God complete His work in him.

Thomas Blackshear's painting, which is the central focus of this book, is famous to most Christians. It's symbolism carries deep resonance to anyone who has embraced the message of Christ. Here, the complete painting and numerous detailed insets are complimented by Roy Lessin's tender and insightful reflections and excerpts from the Bible. Lessin has examined twelve symbolic elements of the painting as keys to understanding the individual path to repentance and forgiveness. As a devotional, this book offers great comfort to those struggling with their own human failings.