‘Transforming Grace’ – J. Bridges. Navpress

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them. - Augustine

Among the large number of books on the Christian market regarding grace, Jerry Bridges' book ‘Transforming Grace’, is a gem.  I had previously read the book but recently our men’s group decided to read it. It was definitely a good move. As a young minister in his first parish, I need to hear time and time again that the Christian life is not a performance treadmill. I need to hear that I am accepted and blessed because of God’s grace towards me in Christ Jesus.

‘Transforming Grace’ is more than a motivational book – it is deeply theological. Bridges’ main thesis is that we are justified by grace but also sanctified by grace. While this may seem rather basic, Bridges argues that evangelicals often place themselves on a performance treadmill, thinking that they can earn God’s blessing by the things they do. Yet, the solution is to realise that ‘…the entire Christian life from start to completion is lived on the basis of God's grace to us through Christ.’ The simplicity of this statement is incredibly deceptive; the application for Christian living is just about endless.

Any book that deals with grace in Christian living needs to deal with the relationship between law and grace. While Bridges’ treatment of the issue is hardly scholarly and certainly does not address some of the issues raised by the ‘New Perspective’ none-the-less I found it to be thoroughly thought provoking.  For Bridges commandments are commandments, not requests or directions. They carry the weight of God’s moral will and yet they need to be understood Christocentrically.

‘…God's law is not opposed to grace, …. it is opposed to us as we seek to live by grace. To live by grace means we understand that God's blessing on our lives is not conditioned by our obedience or disobedience but by the perfect obedience of Christ. It means that out of a grateful response to the grace of God, we seek to understand His will and to obey Him.’

It this final aspect of Bridges’ book which is so appealing- it is thoroughly Christ centred. For Bridges grace, as it relates to our sanctification, is more than just a theological proposition. It is deeply and uniquely tied to the completed work of Christ and one’s personal relationship with Him. Transforming grace is not what we do but that which has been done for us in Christ Jesus.

It is hard sometimes as an evangelical not to slip into thinking that gospel ministry is all up to ourselves. It hard not to vest self-worth in the outcome of your preaching. I know that I have made it and that God has really blessed me when I get that invite to speak at that convention. Bridges deals a death blow to such thinking and brings encouragement by turning us back to our gracious Saviour and what he has done for us. ‘We are brought into God's Kingdom by grace; we are sanctified by grace; we receive…blessings by grace; we are motivated to obedience by grace; we are called to serve…by grace; we receive strength to endure trials by grace; and finally, we are glorified by grace. The entire Christian life is lived under the reign of God's grace.’

‘Kids EE’

Their own faith or their parents? Nine to twelve year olds are in a critical stage of their lives. They may have accepted their parents’ faith, they may attend church, Sunday School, and other Christian activities, but they are at the age when they are increasingly influenced by their friends and then their hormones!

Give them a personal anchor. In Kids' EE Children learn the basic truths of the gospel in ways that strengthen and matures their understanding of grace, redemption, and faith, giving them a strong spiritual foundation.

Empower them to share the gospel.  In Kids' EE they will get real experiences - experiences that deepen their faith in Jesus Christ, and will give them tools they can use for a lifetime - winning others to a saving faith in Jesus.

By using Kids' EE you will:

• clarify the gospel for children at a time in their lives when they are asking questions about what faith in Jesus means.

• win children to a saving faith in Jesus at a time when they are receptive to receiving Him as Saviour.

• train children to become witnesses for Jesus Christ at a time when they are establishing habits for a lifetime.

Having proved its eternal worth in country after country around the world, Kids' EE is being introduced to Victoria.