The Discipline of Grace: Applying Biblical Truth to Real Change
In the Christian life, there’s often a tension between resting in God’s grace and actively pursuing holiness. How do these two ideas fit together? Jerry Bridges masterfully addresses this tension in The Discipline of Grace, a book that serves as a guide for believers who want to grow in Christlikeness without falling into either legalism or passivity. As a biblical counseling ministry, Radiant Hope Biblical Counseling embraces this balanced approach. Let’s explore some of the key themes from The Discipline of Grace and connect them with relevant Scripture to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.
1. Grace: The Foundation for Holiness
One of the foundational truths in The Discipline of Grace is that we don’t earn God’s favor by our obedience. Grace is unmerited, and it is only through the finished work of Christ that we are made righteous. Bridges emphasizes that even as we pursue godliness, we must do so from a posture of gratitude and reliance on God’s grace, not as a way to earn His acceptance.
Romans 5:1 reminds us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace is not based on our performance but on Christ’s perfect obedience. However, this grace should not lead us to complacency. Instead, it empowers us to pursue holiness with confidence, knowing that we are already loved and accepted in Christ.
2. Preaching the Gospel to Yourself Daily
A recurring theme in Bridges’ book is the importance of preaching the gospel to yourself every day. This means reminding yourself regularly of your identity in Christ: that you are a sinner saved by grace, justified by faith, and called to live in obedience out of love for God.
Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Notice how grace not only saves us but also trains us. By keeping the gospel at the forefront of our minds, we are continually motivated to pursue holiness, not out of fear, but out of gratitude.
3. The Role of Discipline in the Christian Life
While grace is the foundation of our sanctification, Bridges is clear that discipline is also necessary. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional effort. This is where spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship come in. These practices don’t earn us favor with God, but they are the means by which God works in us to transform us.
Philippians 2:12-13 captures this balance beautifully: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Our effort is real, but it is ultimately God who gives us the desire and ability to grow in holiness.
4. Understanding Our Ongoing Battle with Sin
Bridges also addresses the reality of ongoing sin in the believer’s life. He warns against both perfectionism (the false idea that we can achieve sinless perfection in this life) and defeatism (the attitude that we’ll never change, so we might as well give up). Instead, he calls us to keep striving for holiness while resting in God’s grace when we fall.
1 John 1:9 offers hope for the repentant believer: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Biblical counseling can be a vital resource in helping believers deal with sin biblically, offering accountability, encouragement, and practical tools rooted in Scripture.
5. Living in Grace-Fueled Obedience
Ultimately, The Discipline of Grace calls believers to live in what Bridges describes as “grace-fueled obedience.” This means pursuing holiness not to earn God’s love, but because we are already loved. It is a response to grace, not a condition for it. This kind of obedience is marked by joy, freedom, and humility.
Jesus Himself said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Obedience flows naturally from a heart that loves God and is overwhelmed by His grace. Biblical counseling seeks to help believers cultivate this kind of love-motivated obedience by addressing the heart issues that often hinder our spiritual growth.
Applying the Lessons from The Discipline of Grace
At Radiant Hope Biblical Counseling, we often work with individuals who struggle to balance grace and discipline in their Christian walk. Some may lean toward legalism, relying on their own efforts to earn God’s approval. Others may struggle with complacency, failing to actively pursue holiness because they misunderstand grace. The Discipline of Grace offers a helpful corrective to both errors, reminding us that grace and discipline are not opposites but partners in our sanctification.
If you’re struggling to live out the truths of the gospel in your daily life, biblical counseling can help. We will walk alongside you, helping you apply the principles of Scripture to your specific struggles and encouraging you to pursue a life of grace-fueled obedience.
Conclusion
As Jerry Bridges writes, “Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace, and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” This truth is at the heart of The Discipline of Grace, and it is also at the heart of biblical counseling. May we all learn to rest in God’s grace while striving, by His power, to grow in holiness for His glory.
If you’d like to learn more about how Radiant Hope Biblical Counseling can help you apply these truths in your life, please reach out. We’re here to walk with you on your journey of grace and growth in Christ.
