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If you've wondered what about the difference between your role and God's role in your spiritual formation, this book will show you how to rest in Christ while pursuing a life of holiness.
Description:
The Discipline of Grace offers a clear and and thorough explanation of the gospel and what it means to be a believer.
Written by Navigator author Jerry Bridges, this book explores how the same grace that brings us to faith in Christ also disciplines us in Christ. In learning more about grace, you also will learn about God's character, His forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit.
The Discipline of Grace
ISBN-13:
9781576839898
Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.25
Cover: Paperback
256
Pages
$14.99
Percentage Discounts for Bulk Purchases of Single Items
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Downloadable
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Part of a Series
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Available in Spanish
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Customer Reviews
Biblical balance between legalism and license
This book is essentially a followup to two of Jerry Bridges' earlier books. Transforming Grace focused on God's grace in our salvation and sanctification, The Pursuit of Holiness focused on our role in sanctification. The Discipline of Grace brings the two together beautifully.
Once again, Dr. Bridges has achieved what so many writers and teachers struggle to do: he's expressed the biblical balance between legalism and license simply and lucidly. He clearly shows how fundamental the gospel and our union with Christ are to our day to day lives. The Discipline of Grace is a book I'll return to again and again for encouragement and clarity, and one I'll be enthusiastically recommending to family and friends.
Thank you to Navpress for the review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Posted by
Kara
on
4/26/2011 10:05:39 AM
Preach the Gospel to yourself daily...
It has taken me awhile to get through The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges. Not because it isn't any good. But because I had to stop and ponder. And stop and ponder some more.
The description of the book includes the sentence: "The Discipline of Grace offers a clear and and thorough explanation of the gospel and what it means to be a believer." That really does sum it up.
Early in the book, Bridges talks about how we (as believers) tend to create a little timeline -- separated by salvation -- where the gospel is the most important thing Before Salvation, and the message of discipleship is the most important thing After Salvation.
Bridges argues that the gospel message is the most important one all along, and that believers need to preach the gospel to themselves every single day. Every. Single. Day. As a result, one thing that I started working on as a result of reading this book is to memorize Romans 3:19-26.
Great book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by
Debra
on
3/27/2011 9:28:02 PM
The Discipline of Grace
This book builds on the author’s earlier work, “The Pursuit of Holiness” by pointing out the role of God’s grace in the pursuit of the holiness of the believer. The main message of the first few chapters is how we need to realize that God’s grace doesn’t just save us through faith in Christ, but that it continues to work in our lives after salvation. The last few chapters go more into how this is lived out in our daily lives.
The message that I took away from this book was the idea that Christians should continue to “preach the gospel” to themselves every day. I thought this was a great thought and something that I need to work on in my life. We should never forget the sacrifice of Christ that gives us salvation and eternal life with Him. Our relationship with God isn’t based on whether we are having a good day or a bad day or how we feel – it is based on what Christ did for us through His grace.
That was what I took away most from this book, and that was really just in the first few chapters! I have to say that after that, I got a little bogged down in the rest of the book. I think this book would be a great study to do with a group. Since I read it by myself, it was hard to grasp all of the points that were made. I think I would have to go back and study it again to really get more out of it. I also was not crazy about the fact that in the last part of the book, the author quoted (a LOT) from Puritan theologians rather than just quoting Scripture. I am sure the Puritans have a lot of knowledge to give, but I prefer to back those ideas up with Scripture as well.
Overall this book was well-written and inspiring.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as
part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The
opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal
Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Shoopette
on
3/12/2011 11:22:46 AM
encouraging!
“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace”
After I read this quote written on the back of this book, I knew this was a book to be read. I was not disappointed.
As I walk through my life in Christ, I realize that there are ups and downs…good days and bad days. I see my self-centered tendency to rejoice in my own goodness on my good days and to be so discouraged because on my bad days I feel that I’m such an “incompetent fool” how could Christ ever love me? This book caused me to look beyond myself and see how God’s grace covers both good and bad days and how God’s grace prompts us to pursue holiness. He starts by showing us the problem in our life…namely sin. Then he teaches how to apply the gospel in our everyday life. He gives a plea to preach the gospel to ourselves every day. Then from that platform…Christ, gospel, grace, future hope…he shows five ways of disciplining ourselves in our pursuit of holiness: The Discipline of Commitment, Conviction, Choices, Watching and Adversity. This book is Biblical, encouraging, and Christ centered. I highly recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Dianna
on
1/12/2011 4:47:33 PM
Where Holiness and Grace Meet
Jerry Bridges is one of the best Christian authors on topics of personal growth. His “I’m-not-there-yet” honesty is genuine and human, and The Discipline of Grace is a clear summary of all he has written before. Based specifically off of his Pursuit of Holiness (1978) and Transforming Grace (1991), Discipline (1994) discusses how God’s grace and man’s responsibility (what many deem to be an incongruous match) clearly merge into the only method of attaining Christlike holiness. Bridges expertly counters the various arguments many have against grace (i.e. the supposed freedom-to-sin argument, etc.) and against works (i.e. legalism, Pharisaical idealism, works salvation, etc.), and identifies clear teachings from Scripture on the unity of divine grace and personal discipline. By opening his book with the arguments and foundational steps and closing his final chapters with five specific disciplines (commitment, convictions, choices, watching and adversity), Bridges identifies key principles necessary in the pursuit of Christ-likeness, all the while acknowledging the hard work it will take to get there. The Discipline of Grace is an excellent tool for Sunday School or Bible study, though, while essential and foundational for all believers, it may be rather deep for young or otherwise new believers (specifically Chapter 4: “Disciplined by Grace”).
[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]
© 2010 E.T.
Posted by
Elliot
on
1/4/2011 6:35:22 AM
The Discipline of Grace
“So where the law condemns, grace forgives through the Lord Jesus Christ. Where the Law commands but gives no power, grace commands but does give power through the Holy Spirit who lives and works within us.”
In his book, The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges examines the process of sanctification within the Christian faith. Bridges illustrates how salvation by grace and salvation by works are not dichotomies, but rather intertwined concepts. Salvation is purely by grace. He argues that works are then performed as a result of being saved, instead of being performed to gain salvation. Grace continues to influence us by giving us the power to exercise discipline and perform works. Therefore, the two concepts cannot be separated.
The Discipline of Grace is the perfect book for helping Christians become more like Jesus. It provides a concise but informative overview of the Gospels. Bridges also shows how to incorporate these teachings into daily life. The book urges readers to stop and list their own vices. Bridges then goes onto explain how to overcome personal vices through scripture mediation. Everyone serious about pursuing holiness must read The Discipline of Grace.
Posted by
Destiny
on
12/30/2010 12:17:08 AM
"The Discipline of Grace"
With a desire to learn more about the subject of grace, I requested "The Discipline of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness" written by Jerry Bridges. It has taken me a considerable amount of time to read this book, not because it's boring, but because I wanted to take the time necessary to digest the contents presented.
So learn to "preach the gospel to yourself" every day, and in the joy and strength of knowing your sins are forgiven and sin's dominion is broken, press on to become holy as He is holy. This closing sentence pretty much sums up what "The Discipline of Grace" entails.
There are a couple things I commend the author for:
1. He includes Scripture references to back up his thoughts. That way I could look them up in my Bible and not wonder where he was getting his biblical ideas from.
2. He shares things from his Christian experience adding a personal touch to the truths he presents. On occasion, I come across authors who are only informative giving just facts for their readers. Bridges, on the other hand, humbly expresses areas in his life that need the grace of God.
However, in certain places throughout the book, it was challenging to follow his thought process. He adds an entirely new thought while expounding on a particular aspect of grace, and I was puzzled as to how it tied in. He does bring up these "new thoughts" later in the book. Thus I was able to put the puzzle pieces together and see the whole picture.
In "The Discipline of Grace" you'll discover that the grace that brings us to faith in Christ is exactly the same grace needed to discipline us in Christ. Bridges creates a beautiful balance between being "saved by grace" (which is God's part) and doing our part "to work out our own salvation."
Overall, I enjoyed the book although I wouldn't have read this book without having my Bible close by to make sure the ideas presented were indeed true and biblically correct. I realized the importance of rightfully using God's grace and was encouraged to continue my journey in "the pursuit of holiness"!
Posted by
Kandace Brown
on
12/22/2010 5:42:45 PM
A fabulous, inspiring book
When I'm reviewing a book I often will mark the pages that really spoke to me, in an effort to remember what I want to share here. For The Discipline of Grace, I didn't have any sticky notes handy, so I started turning down the tiniest corner of the pages that I liked. The book looks ridiculous now- pretty much every third page has the corner turned down. If I'd been using a highlighter, I'm pretty sure the whole thing would be bright yellow. There are just so many nuggets of wisdom in here.
I have read a lot of Christian books in my life, but few like this one. Like many believers, I alternate between being lazy in my faith, and trying too hard with the wrong motivation. The author, Dr. Bridges, speaks to that, and gets to the heart of many other issues of grace and discipline and how those two really do work together. Much of the time when I was reading the book, I felt like I was being simultaneously comforted and poked with a stick and told to get moving. Reading this book forces you to really look at your faith and your actions and be honest about the role of the gospel in your own life.
The Discipline of Grace is only 13 chapters long, but it's by no means a light, quick read. Every chapter is stuffed full, and even a speed reader like me had to slow down and take my time to make sure I didn't miss anything. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to re-examine your faith and your walk with God, I'd highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. It's a fabulous, inspiring tool.
Disclosure: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Posted by
Carrie
on
12/17/2010 11:15:36 AM
Great for In Depth Study...
The Discipline of Grace is written by Jerry Bridges, best selling author of The Pursuit of Holiness and Transforming Grace. Bridges clearly admits in the very beginning that this book is trying to find a common ground amongst the two best sellers named above. He was once asked how the same person who wrote a book on holiness could possibly have written a book on grace. (pg. 13).
The concept of a book written about both grace and discipline is what peaked my interest. I always find it difficult to distinguish to others where grace and discipline meet or overlap. I had high expectations.
Once I started reading, I had a difficult time connecting with this book. The concepts, biblical interpretation, biblical application and theology are thoroughly explained, however, it was a little too in depth for me. My thoughts and expectations were that it would be an easy read regarding grace and discipline. It was not this at all!
If you are a fan of a deep theological study and are looking for an in depth study, then The Discipline of Grace is the book for you! If you are looking for an easy read, then I would not recommend this book!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by
Sarah
on
12/8/2010 11:43:11 PM
Captivating and well written
This is a captivating book. It would be enough to say that it achieves its aim of expounding its sub-title, ‘God’s role and our role in the pursuit of holiness’. It goes farther than that in opening up questions that many people have but have never had resolved.
As you would expect of someone who has authored ‘Transforming Grace’, ‘The Pursuit of Holiness’ and ‘The Gospel for Real Life, it is a vigorous and rigorous examination of the many aspects and dimensions of the doctrine of grace. The writer, Dr Jerry Bridges skilfully weaves bible interpretation and application with true life examples, many of them personal, and does not shy away from the practical difficulties of living a consistent life against biblical teaching.
It is a well argued and constructed book with latter chapters on the disciplines of dependence, commitment, convictions and making choices of particular benefit for bible study groups. I personally liked two things about this book: its acknowledgement from its preface that the pursuit of holiness has to be motivated by an increasing understanding of the grace of God or it becomes oppressive and joyless and secondly, its reference to classic Puritan writings and understanding. The acknowledgement of John Owen, Jonathan Edwards and George Smeaton as key writers and people such as Charles Hodge as skilful interpreters is refreshing as much literature on spiritual formation seems to be response centred rather than Bible centred.
The bible texts and passages are explained well here and the themes of discipline, holiness and practical living are treated sensitively but also actively challenge the reader to set their standards by a gospel inspired life.
This is a book that I will turn to, share with others, recommend to bible study groups and endorse to pastors and outreach workers on building their understanding of imparting the doctrine of grace appropriately. I would have liked to have seen an Index but a ‘Notes’ section at the end of the book serves a similar purpose.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
donald macdonald
on
12/4/2010 10:09:55 AM
The Disciplines
My first impression of this book was that the design of the cover and the book itself was great. The font of the book was easy on the eyes creating an element for easy reading. To start with Jerry Bridges outlines how we as believers look at the days we encounter as "bad" or "good". The lie at the root of this is that we as Christians have days where we aren't desperately clinging to grace instead we measure a "good" day as one where we do our devotions or help someone. I agree with his beginning premise how we are ultimately dependent on God's grace for everything, but I can't help but express my honest assessment of this book. Honestly, I find this very preliminary work, and it needs to be deeper. I felt as if he outlined some practical applications, but would have loved to see him develop the idea that our real change comes not from trying, but allowing God to work. Jerry Bridges' work seems like a dime a dozen in the ocean of books on grace. Where is he stretching us beyond the normal lessons of grace? I believe there are alot of golden truths in this book, but it was a tiring read of the same old grace lessons.
Posted by
Giles Sieburg
on
12/2/2010 11:29:07 AM
Grace Understood
Francis Bacon was known to say, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed,
and some few to be chewed and digested.” Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges certainly falls into the third category. It is an excellent read and the best explanation of grace and discipline outside the Bible. I think it would be the perfect book for a seeking Christian wanting to grow on their journey to be more like Christ. Grace is an often misunderstood concept but this is one book that makes this concept clear and easy to understand. It is not a book that can be read with a rush as the information is best if processed in small amounts. Some writers use scripture out of context in an attempt to support their concepts, but I did not find this to be with Bridges book. He includes scripture with an entire explanation that adds to the understanding of the material presented. This is one of the few books that I can honestly say has given me significant wisdom and inspirational thinking. The subtitle of this book is truly explanatory in itself, “God’s role and our role in the pursuit of holiness.”
I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Posted by
Miriam
on
11/23/2010 12:32:55 PM
Balanced and Biblical
Jerry Bridges laid out a believer’s responsibilities in The Pursuit of Holiness. His later book, Transforming Grace, emphasized God’s work within the believer. In The Discipline of Grace, Bridges brings the two together.
Although the table of contents doesn’t reflect it, there are two parts to the book. The first chapters are about God’s grace. A believer’s standing with God does not depend upon their performance. “Our own performance is never good enough to be acceptable to Him. The only way we can relate to God is through the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ.” So a Christian’s focus in the pursuit of holiness must be Christ. For that reason, believers need the gospel every day. They should hear it, they should read it, and they should preach it to themselves.
The second half of the book deals with a believer’s responsibility in the pursuit of holiness. Only God can cause a seed to grow, but a farmer still has to cultivate the soil, plant the seed, fertilize, and water. Bridges says the same principle applies to spiritual growth. Without God’s grace, it will never happen. But God has given certain means of grace that can’t be neglected. Believers cannot be unconcerned and passive about holiness yet expect to grow. Holiness must be a conviction and a lifetime commitment.
The desire to live a holy life should stem from a desire to honor God. Love for God should be the motivation. Obedience to God is the way to show that love. Reliance and dependence upon God should characterize a believer’s quest for obedience.
Though The Discipline of Grace is full of theology, new Christians should not fear. The author explains difficult concepts in an understandable way. The basics of the Gospel are present. But there is plenty for the seasoned student to ponder, too.
The book is also practical. I am convicted and challenged by it. But the author does not leave me convicted and challenged without reminding me of what I need to do. I say “remind” because The Discipline of Grace doesn’t say anything new. The concepts come directly from the New Testament.
The only criticism I have of the book is that there are too many quotes. In some places there is a quote in every paragraph. Bridges even quotes people quoting people. The quotes are good, but often unnecessary. I am interested in what Jerry Bridges has to say about the Bible. An occasional quote to show that the Puritans were in agreement with him is fine. Quoting an “obscure Scottish pastor” to say less clearly what the author has already said is too much.
Regardless of the criticism, this is an excellent book. It is biblical. It is balanced. It is challenging. And it is a joy to read. I would put it in the same class as Packer’s Knowing God. I suspect people will be reading it decades from now. I hope my children are.
Posted by
John Bird
on
12/22/2009 4:11:56 AM
Intrigued by the Title
Jerry Bridges is a best-selling author whose most popular book, The Pursuit of Holiness, has sold over one million copies. The Discipline of Grace is another wonderful book which offers a clear and thorough explanation of what it means to be a believer.
I was intrigued by the title and curious how Jerry Bridges would combine grace with discipline because, at first, they do seem like contradictory concepts. In this book Jerry Bridges explores how the same grace that brings us to faith in Christ also disciplines us in Christ. Bridges shares the secret about resting in Christ while pursuing a life of holiness as he explains what are God’s role and our role in spiritual formation.
Bridges writes that grace is as important for growing as a Christian as it is for becoming a Christian. We will always stand in need of grace. The Discipline of Grace is a thought-provoking look at legalism, discipleship, and spiritual freedom. In learning more about grace, the reader will also learn about God's character, His forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit. Bridges states that grace and holiness are linked; the same grace that leads believers to Christ also forms us spiritually in the areas of commitment, conviction, choices, watchfulness, and adversity.
If you've wondered what about the difference between your role and God's role in growing in Christ, this book is for you. The Discipline of Grace is a very thorough explanation of grace and what it means to grow in grace. I warmly recommend the book for anyone who wants to deepen his or her walk in God’s grace.
The Study guide was a positive surprise: 143 pages! Each session gives an excerpt of the book and questions for personal study and group discussion. A wonderful resource for a study group!
Posted by
Mari-Anna Frangén Stålnacke
on
12/20/2009 2:25:36 AM
The Tightrope
The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges is a guide for the balancing act all Christ-followers must perform: committing to the necessary spiritual discipline activity that requires our human effort and submitting to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit—requiring our inactivity. How to thrive and strive simultaneously? Bridges deftly handles these seemingly incompatible ends by illustrating and explaining the relevant Bible passages—primarily Paul’s letter to the Romans—encouraging Christians to “preach the gospel to themselves everyday.” The amazing grace that saves us at the moment of conversion is the same grace we count on to mold us into the image of Christ.
In order to determine the reader’s understanding of God’s unmerited favor to us, the author asks the reader to consider two scenarios: one in which we have a “good day” (up early, solid devotional time, vital union with God) and one in which we have a “bad day” (snooze button tapping, rushing out the door without a quiet time, generally ignoring the Lord). If at the end of each day we encountered someone eager to hear about making a decision to accept Christ for the first time, in which scenario would we feel more confident of the Holy Spirit’s presence as we witness? The good day or the bad day? Choosing either means we need this book!
Posted by
Benjamin Wilcox
on
12/11/2009 7:10:56 PM
Must read
Besides the Bible, The Discipline of Grace has had more positive impact on my understanding of grace, the centrality and necessity of the Gospel and daily living, my joyful pursuit of God's presence than any other book or magazine or article I've ever encountered.
Posted by
Schimri Yoyo
on
6/20/2007 10:13:00 AM
Wonderful Book
I must confess..I have only read the 1st three chapters of the book, but I allready feel that a word of encouragement is needed for the author that wrote it. I have long battled with the idea of grace and how it pertains to our obedience of the gospel. Mr. Bridges words punch through the fog of 'grace as an excuse of sin' and 'rigid legalism', which for a while I thought were my only options and give a clear picture of our daily lives as redeemed sinners, living to obey, but not putting faith in obedience. Living to obey, but out of joy of the wonderful news, which is the gospel, that Christ has dispelled the dark curses that used to hang over our heads when we were not Christians. It is a nessesary book and I look forward to finishing it! And seeing more people read it.
Posted by
Beebe Hargrove
on
4/17/2007 1:47:00 PM