Summary

"The Discipline of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges explores the intertwined roles of God's grace and human discipline in the Christian journey toward holiness. Bridges addresses a common tension: how can believers vigorously pursue holiness without falling into legalism or self-righteousness, while also avoiding the trap of passivity that neglects personal responsibility? He argues that true holiness is achieved through a balanced understanding of God's unmerited favor and the believer's active participation in spiritual disciplines.

Bridges begins by establishing that God's grace is not merely a starting point for salvation but an ongoing reality that shapes the entire Christian life. He challenges the misconception that the gospel is solely for unbelievers, asserting that believers must continually "preach the gospel to themselves" to maintain a proper perspective on their standing before God. This involves acknowledging one's sinfulness while simultaneously recognizing and relying on Christ's righteousness. He discusses the concept of union with Christ, emphasizing how believers died to the reign of sin through their identification with Christ's death and are now alive to God through His resurrection, which frees them from the dominion of sin.

The book delves into practical disciplines essential for cultivating holiness, such as Bible study, Scripture memorization, prayer, and commitment. Bridges emphasizes the importance of developing Bible-based convictions that inform one's actions and choices, transforming the mind and aligning it with God's will. A critical aspect is the discipline of mortification, or putting to death sinful desires, which requires constant vigilance and dependence on the Holy Spirit. He addresses how our thoughts, desires, and actions need to be brought under the authority of the Scriptures, and that we need to depend on God's help to make the right choices and to break the habits of sin and develop habits of holiness.

However, Bridges cautions against a self-reliant approach to these disciplines, stressing the necessity of dependence on the Holy Spirit. He argues that true progress in holiness comes not from sheer willpower but from recognizing one's inadequacy and relying on God's enabling power. Crucially, Bridges emphasizes that these activities do not earn one any merit with God but serve as the means through which the Spirit works to transform the believer into Christ's likeness. He tackles the problem of ‘refined’ sins – those subtle yet pervasive attitudes that even committed Christians may tolerate and reminds believers of the importance of being transformed, as the Spirit of God works in us to elicit change to a character like Jesus.

Finally, Bridges explores the role of adversity in the pursuit of holiness, explaining that even hardships and trials serve a disciplinary purpose in God's hands. He encourages believers to endure hardship with a right perspective: not to despise it or lose heart but to recognize God's loving hand and trust His perfect wisdom, because He orchestrates these circumstances for their ultimate good. Bridges calls readers to see life's difficulties as opportunities for spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of submission and faith. Through clear teaching and practical insights, "The Discipline of Grace" offers a roadmap for believers seeking to live out their faith with authenticity, humility, and a deep reliance on God's transforming grace.