Here are a few things we know for sure from Scripture. First, as believers we are to pursue holiness. We are to live our lives to the honor and glory of God. (Hebrews 12:14) Second, we also know from Scripture that we are not passive in this endeavor. God doesn’t zap us into holiness. There is a noticeable difference between our position of holiness in Christ and our progression in holiness as believers. We are to put forth effort, to fight, to run – to use some biblical language. Third, we know that we can do nothing good at all apart from the grace of God. So while we are not passive, we are still utterly reliant on the grace of God. (1 Cor 15:10) Thus the title The Discipline of Grace.

The question becomes exactly how does this play out in our everyday lives? How does the grace of God work in our lives to enable us, compel us, move us to pursue, fight, and run? How do our discipline and God’s grace work together to move us toward likeness in Christ? Jerry Bridges offers biblical answers to that question and practical counsel on how to apply this to our own sins, temptations, and desires to draw nearer to God.