I checked another active book off my list today — The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges.

Bridges wrote a book, The Pursuit of Holiness, a couple decades ago. Later, he wrote Transforming Grace. Some people didn’t see how the same author could write both books. The Discipline of Grace bridges this gap. It explains how God works with us to make us holy.

Often, Christians live as though the gospel and grace of God were good enough to get them saved and on the path to Heaven, but the dirty work of growing in holiness is up to them to accomplish. This mindset is probably not often stated explicitly, but if you look at the way we live, it can be seen readily enough. Bridges counters this by pointing out that it is the grace of God that enables us to live holy lives. Only when we continually realize that Christ has paid our debt and freed us from the bonds of sin and guilt over past offenses are we truly free to pursue God whole-heartedly. When we look to ourselves, we get despondent and frustrated with our utter inability to live up to God’s standards. When we live each day in the light of the gospel, in the light of the grace we have received, then we can keep our focus and keep on pursuing the righteousness desired of us by our Maker without fear or dread of guilt.

Threaded throughout Bridges’ book is an exhortation to "preach the gospel to yourself every day." Remind yourself daily of what Christ has done.

The latter portion of the book discusses various disciplines in which we ought to engage to bring about holiness. These disciplines are presented with a continual eye towards walking in grace. Disciplines such as choices (continually choosing to do what is right) and watching (looking out for and avoiding temptation) are discussed excellently, in a manner that encourages the reader to strive for holiness, even in the little things of life, without presenting an unbearable weight.

This book is particularly good for those of us who struggle with perfectionism. Knowing God’s grace, and living in its light, is key to dealing with and accepting imperfections. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who desires to grow in the knowledge of God and the freedom to walk continually in His grace.