Review: A solid ending
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 12, 2013
QUICK HIT - The final installment of Eyes Wide Open hits hard and never lets go...not even after the final pages.WARNING: SPOILERS FOR IDENTITY, MIRRORS, AND UNSEEN BY TED DEKKERGrace is a wonderful, beautiful thing. It frees us from bondage, provides us direction...and perhaps even gives us identity and clear sight. In Seer, Christy and Austin find a special set of glasses, ones that allow them to see reality clearly. Perhaps everything is a delusion and in reality they are trapped only by their own minds. Doors that were locked are unlocked. They pass by medical personnel without being seen. Is everything a part of their delusion?Enter the man known as Outlaw. And that's when things get really trippy. Outlaw tells Christy and Austin they are the results of a failed experiment known as Project Showdown. When the project was shut down, their memories were wiped and they were integrated back into society. Now Outlaw is tracking them down to remind them of their legacy as lights in dark places. Christy and Austin want to believe, but, quite frankly, this appears to them as the most delusional reality they've experienced. Do they accept it or reject it? Do they believe themselves to be perfect and beautiful, loved by their Creator? And can they step from their delusions into reality?Seer, the final installment of Eyes Wide Open brings the story to a dramatic close. Outlaw is an intriguing, enigmatic character that you'll love, question, and want to know more about. The tie to Project Showdown is not surprising (if you've been paying attention), but still rocking. Fans are going to be alternately thrilled and displeased to see that Ted's returning to the Project Showdown and all things Circle related. As for me, I reserve judgment until the full thing is finished. It could be wonderful and beautiful and work on amazingly. Only time and words on the page will tell.Ted's theological point is made with full force through the mouth of Outlaw. Listen to some of his most powerful words:You hate yourself because you fear that your Father is capable of disapproval and rage. All of your fears come from this single image. The truth is, you are treasured.To Dekker, finding one's identity requires unconditional surrender to the creator. The ultimate act of conquering came through the ultimate act of surrender. Surrendering to the Creator allows one to live in the grace of God. Perfection comes through him. Dekker has long written on the struggle between grace and law, and Eyes Wide Open is no different. Some, no doubt, will take exception to Ted's theology yet the point he makes--if a bit to the extreme--is quite valid. Perfection comes through grace comes through Christ. Identity comes through the unconditional surrender to one's self to God. One can only know true reality when imbued with the presence of God.The eye is the lamp of the body, Jesus said.Be the light of the world, Jesus commanded.Be wise as serpents, gentle as doves, and keep your Eyes Wide Open.