We know we need grace. Without it we'd never come to Christ in the first place. But being a Christian is more than just coming to Christ. It's about growing and becoming more like Jesus-it's about pursuing holiness. The pursuit of holiness is hard work, and that's where we turn from grace to discipline-and often make a big mistake.
Grace is every bit as important for growing as a Christian as it is for becoming a Christian. "The pursuit of holiness," writes Jerry Bridges, "must be anchored in the grace of God; otherwise it is doomed to failure." Grace is at the heart of the gospel, and without a clear understanding of the gospel and grace we can easily slip into a performance-based life-style that bears little resemblance to what the gospel offers us.
Sadly, according to Bridges, many Christian don't have a good grasp of what the gospel message is. In The Discipline of Grace, he offers a clear and thorough explanation of the gospel and what it means to the believer. Bridges discusses how the same grace that brings us to faith in Christ also disciplines us in Christ, and how we learn to discipline ourselves in the areas of commitment, conviction, choices, watchfulness, and adversity. If you've ever struggled with what your role is and what role God takes in your growth as a Christian, this book will comfort and challenge you as you learn to rest in Christ while vigorously pursuing a life of holiness.