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Holiness by Grace: Delighting in the Joy That Is Our Strength
“Be holy, for I am holy.” Without Christ we would hear this command and shudder. How can God expect us to be holy as he is? But thanks to what Christ has accomplished on our behalf, God accepts us because of his Son’s righteousness. Yet the call to holiness remains. In this redesigned edition of his book, preacher and teacher Bryan Chapell puts good works and obedience in proper perspective. He traces the relationship of holiness and grace in three parts, outlining the principles of grace, the practices of faith, and the motives of love. This book will challenge readers to discover the gracious source of joy and strength they will need for a lifelong pursuit of holiness.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2001
67 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Chapell
64 books85 followersBryan Chapell is the president of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, the denominational seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America. He began teaching at Covenant in 1984 after ten years in pastoral ministry. Chapell has a BSJ from Northwestern University, an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a PhD in speech communication from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Before becoming president in 1994, he served for six years as vice president for academics and dean of faculty. He is a speaker in churches and conferences around the country, preaching and lecturing on topics including grace, marriage, and journalism. Chapell's online broadcast ministry, Living Christ 360, contains additional resources in his areas of expertise.
Before becoming president in 1994, he served for six years as vice president for academics and dean of faculty. He is a speaker in churches and conferences around the country, preaching and lecturing on topics including grace, marriage, and journalism. Chapell's online broadcast ministry, Living Christ 360, contains additional resources in his areas of expertise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 21, 2011
In this brilliant, but unrecognized little work, Bryan Chapell answers one of the most challenging questions of a Christian: can I really be holy like God (1 Peter 1:16)? Such a call is intimidating and can lead the believer to a great degree of frustration. Chapell writes to alleviate the frustration and intimidation by leading the reader to the grace that enables victory in the realm of practical holiness. This book is not a book of deep theology meant for the elite, but the reader should plan to be stretched. The book is similar to many written by men like Jerry Bridges; however, Chapell’s literary prowess is easily demonstrated by the quality of the writing. Numerous impressive illustrations abound throughout, which keep the reading colorful and exciting. The applications are incredibly practical and hard-hitting. The part I enjoyed best is that Chapell does not make all the easy shots at the legalistically entrenched stereotypical fundamentalists (although in the introduction he certainly makes a good case for why elements of that approach are wrong). The writer hits legalism and license equally hard. If you want a one-sided message (i.e. it’s all about grace, so live how you want), you will not find it here. Prepare to come away challenged and fed, no matter where you fall in the spectrum.
On a more personal note, as with Chapell’s other works which I have reviewed (Christ-Centered Preaching, and Christ-Centered Worship), I have found him to have a huge heart for the church to better understand and apply the Gospel. This passion overflows throughout this book. I am thankful for men and women of such passion, and I certainly believe that this book will revive such a passion in the heart of any believer who takes the time to read it.
On a more personal note, as with Chapell’s other works which I have reviewed (Christ-Centered Preaching, and Christ-Centered Worship), I have found him to have a huge heart for the church to better understand and apply the Gospel. This passion overflows throughout this book. I am thankful for men and women of such passion, and I certainly believe that this book will revive such a passion in the heart of any believer who takes the time to read it.
May 9, 2009
I'm really surprised this book isn't more widely read. This is an excellent book on the nature of sanctification by faith and not by the combination of faith and works that is so commonly taught today, probably the best and most complete book I've read so far (though I haven't read that many?).
Bryan Chapell is no theological lightweight, as he is both the president and a professor at Covenant Theological Seminary, so as one might expect, many of his chapters are based off an exposition of a biblical passage. But at the same time he writes with a pastor's heart, he weaves real-life illustrations, quotes, experiences to drive his points home with poignancy and emotion.
He addresses many of the questions that have formed in my mind from the recent teachings at CBC, such as how do we reconcile obedience, imperatives, striving, spiritual warfare, all the seemingly active things with the finished work, the whole-hearted and complete acceptance we find at the Cross.
Here's a quote to whet your appetite:
I cannot recommend this book enough! Buy it and be blessed! This is a definite need-to-re-read for me.
(BTW I found it on Half.com, the 2001 hardcover version for a very good price!)
Bryan Chapell is no theological lightweight, as he is both the president and a professor at Covenant Theological Seminary, so as one might expect, many of his chapters are based off an exposition of a biblical passage. But at the same time he writes with a pastor's heart, he weaves real-life illustrations, quotes, experiences to drive his points home with poignancy and emotion.
He addresses many of the questions that have formed in my mind from the recent teachings at CBC, such as how do we reconcile obedience, imperatives, striving, spiritual warfare, all the seemingly active things with the finished work, the whole-hearted and complete acceptance we find at the Cross.
Here's a quote to whet your appetite:
Reliance on God alone for mercy is the essence of repentance. We can make a grave mistake by overemphasizing the human-action implications of "repentance" supposedly derived from the biblical term's historical origins. The Hebrew word we translate as repentance means "to turn." If we are not careful, we may press this vocabulary insight to imply that repentance is primarily a turning from doing bad things to doing good things or, at least, saying the right things to God. Repentance is not a work of turning to new behaviors or to any conjured phrase or emotions in us. The songwriter reminds us, "Not what I feel or do can give me peace with God; not all my prayers and sighs and tears can bear my awful load." Such human efforts cannot be our basis for being made right with God.
Repentance is not a turning from one category of works to another; rather it is a turning from human works entirely to God.
I cannot recommend this book enough! Buy it and be blessed! This is a definite need-to-re-read for me.
(BTW I found it on Half.com, the 2001 hardcover version for a very good price!)
September 7, 2022
Similar to the book I recently reviewed from John Owen on the subject of temptation, Holiness by Grace by Bryan Chapell is largely focused on living lives of wilful obedience to Christ, despite the reality and difficulty of sin in the lives of Christians. This book was my first exposure to Dr. Chapell and I very much enjoyed his writing style. He is first and foremost a pastor, and this became especially clear as I experienced his care for souls throughout this book. One interesting thing about Chapell’s writing is that he includes so many amazing quotes, references, and richly expanded thoughts in the endnotes of the book – if you happen to read this book, please do yourself the service of checking each and every note!
This book is a longer read (relative to others I have read recently) and I also took my time getting through it, and thus I finished it over the course of a few months. In light of this, I thought I would provide some thoughts on what stood out and outline a few overarching themes that Chapell presented.
Throughout the book Chapell gave countless examples and stories to illustrate his points. They always seemed to tie perfectly to the subject (almost too perfectly!), and I found myself taking photos of his illustrations to go back and reflect on. The holiness and sovereignty of God, the compassion of Christ and his power made available through our union with him, and the sanctifying work of the Spirit was reinforced throughout this book. Like an experienced preacher, Chapell continually repeated his simple yet significant thesis that our goodness is only made possible by recognizing our nature apart from Christ and relying fully on Him for all that we do and accomplish – so much so that by the end of the book, these truths were pressed into my heart and mind.
The following quotation is from the end of the book, but perfectly summarizes what was discussed in almost every chapter:
With that in mind, I will close by saying that this book was very profitable and struck a good balance between doctrine and application. Dr. Chapell is a talented writer with a pastor’s heart who can encourage Christians who are feeling the weight of our calling. I would recommend it for both personal reading or in a group setting for study and discussion.
This book is a longer read (relative to others I have read recently) and I also took my time getting through it, and thus I finished it over the course of a few months. In light of this, I thought I would provide some thoughts on what stood out and outline a few overarching themes that Chapell presented.
Throughout the book Chapell gave countless examples and stories to illustrate his points. They always seemed to tie perfectly to the subject (almost too perfectly!), and I found myself taking photos of his illustrations to go back and reflect on. The holiness and sovereignty of God, the compassion of Christ and his power made available through our union with him, and the sanctifying work of the Spirit was reinforced throughout this book. Like an experienced preacher, Chapell continually repeated his simple yet significant thesis that our goodness is only made possible by recognizing our nature apart from Christ and relying fully on Him for all that we do and accomplish – so much so that by the end of the book, these truths were pressed into my heart and mind.
The following quotation is from the end of the book, but perfectly summarizes what was discussed in almost every chapter:
“We can offer no boast to God, when: his heart only responds to our spiritual desperation (chapter 1); he alone provides and seals the union with Christ that enfolds us into his family and purpose (chapter 2); his Spirit renews our hearts with the desire to honor him (chapters 2 and 3); his blood sanctifies even our best works to make them acceptable to him (chapter 3); his love and providence defeat the power of temptation (chapter 4); his Word tells us how to love and serve him (chapter 5); he equips us with faith and resurrection power to defeat sin (chapter 6); his discipline turns us from the dangers of sin (chapter 7); his mercy provides our motive to honor him (chapter 8); and, he alone grants our work eternal significance, based on his character rather than our own (chapter 9).”
With that in mind, I will close by saying that this book was very profitable and struck a good balance between doctrine and application. Dr. Chapell is a talented writer with a pastor’s heart who can encourage Christians who are feeling the weight of our calling. I would recommend it for both personal reading or in a group setting for study and discussion.
February 26, 2021
Highly recommended. For the non-Christian and Christian alike.
June 20, 2012
I read this book on the recommendation of my pastor. I have always been taught a Christianity based on works righteousness with little to no grace. Tim Keller's book Prodigal God started me on the journey, this book has finished it. Finally I grasp that NOTHING I do merits any favor with God. I obey him out of love and gratitude, not out of hope that I will gain His blessings or earn His favor or fear of punishment. I desperately need Jesus, no matter how moral I live and especially because I live morally. The pursuit of perfection and holiness apart from the provisions of our union with Christ are enslaving. Grasping the truth of the Gospel of God's grace has profoundly changed my life. I am not the same person I was two years ago. I am free from the slavery and bondage of performance based Christianity. Anyone who longs for the same , needs to read this book.
A few gems from this book:
"When we understand that God is not moved by our deeds but rather pours out his mercy on those who confess their desperation and delight in His praise."
"When the confessions of our hearts is, 'Everything that is right with me, Jesus did,' then the power of heaven's joy comes to earth for us."
"We are not in relationship with God because of what we do (God's imperatives); what we do results from who we are (God's children) by His grace alone."
"We reveal much of our theology to others when we complete the sentence, "Stop doing that, or God will..." the words that finish that sentence will reveal whether we believe that divine love is changeless or that it is conditional. And what we believe in this regard will determine whether we live in joy or fear, and whether our service is willing or grudging."
"If we serve God primarily so that we will not feel bad, guilt motivates us and self-justification becomes our perspective. If we serve Him principally so that we will gain His affection or avoid His punishment, self-interests fill our vision. When we keep His mercy in the view, the grace of God motivates us and His purposes remain our priority."
A few gems from this book:
"When we understand that God is not moved by our deeds but rather pours out his mercy on those who confess their desperation and delight in His praise."
"When the confessions of our hearts is, 'Everything that is right with me, Jesus did,' then the power of heaven's joy comes to earth for us."
"We are not in relationship with God because of what we do (God's imperatives); what we do results from who we are (God's children) by His grace alone."
"We reveal much of our theology to others when we complete the sentence, "Stop doing that, or God will..." the words that finish that sentence will reveal whether we believe that divine love is changeless or that it is conditional. And what we believe in this regard will determine whether we live in joy or fear, and whether our service is willing or grudging."
"If we serve God primarily so that we will not feel bad, guilt motivates us and self-justification becomes our perspective. If we serve Him principally so that we will gain His affection or avoid His punishment, self-interests fill our vision. When we keep His mercy in the view, the grace of God motivates us and His purposes remain our priority."
February 14, 2010
A decent introduction to the idea of sanctification by grace alone, through the Holy Spirit alone. Everybody needs a good reminding that we are sanctified not by our efforts, not by spanking our children, home or Christian schooling them, through any sort of attainment to theological knowledge, not by daily family worship, but purely by the grace of God through the Spirit. It wasn't exactly new ground for me, but lots of good here, despite my disagreement with his usage of a lot of passages (he disregards the Israel/Church dimension to the parables, and to Galatians, and instead looks at them as though they were written straight from Paul or Jesus into our time). Nonetheless, I found substantial meat here to challenge my assumption (which everybody has) that I've got nothing to worry about because I have (fill in the blank). Especially good was his point that even if we believe in our brains that we are sanctified by grace alone we often behave and act as though we are sanctified by the might of our own righteous awesomeness.
August 3, 2013
I thought Bryan Chapell did a good job on explaining how santification is actually both an act of God's grace and discipline on our part. It was a bit repetitive and dry at times, but Chapel is trying to nail it home that it's both/and not either/or. It's both God's grace and our active discipline.
February 18, 2025
This book is amazing. I think it’s the most comprehensive book that explains what Christianity is all about. It gets a little repetitive but nonetheless written beautifully and full of great quotes. It explains several topics such as grace, temptation, and discipline in an understandable manner and is well equipped with biblical references. I was recommended this book briefly after returning to Faith and it made me bawl my eyes out in several moments. To both new believers and old believers whose hearts are hardened, this book will certainly bring some benefits. It may also be suitable to read parts of the book that feels most relevant to you in the moment and no need to finish the entire book from start to end.
This book solidified concepts of Christianity that already existed in my head but was faint due to time. The biggest takeaway I got from this book was that I balance joy and remorse and rely on gratitude to continue to replenish my soul with the Spirit. I must examine my heart well when duty grows tiresome for it should be joyful. His Mercy saved us and his grace will continue to supply us with the power to live with gratitude. His Law shows us ways to live though we will never fully follow it. But we must try equipped with the Spirit. We must not let guilt boggle us down to despair but pray that it points us closer to God. I too have been afflicted with many of the topics discussed in this book and I feel that the quotes I had highlighted will help me to grow deeper in my faith when times are hard.
This book solidified concepts of Christianity that already existed in my head but was faint due to time. The biggest takeaway I got from this book was that I balance joy and remorse and rely on gratitude to continue to replenish my soul with the Spirit. I must examine my heart well when duty grows tiresome for it should be joyful. His Mercy saved us and his grace will continue to supply us with the power to live with gratitude. His Law shows us ways to live though we will never fully follow it. But we must try equipped with the Spirit. We must not let guilt boggle us down to despair but pray that it points us closer to God. I too have been afflicted with many of the topics discussed in this book and I feel that the quotes I had highlighted will help me to grow deeper in my faith when times are hard.
September 3, 2021
1. Chapell uses complex sentences. It is hard to follow because there are negative words and conjunctive words in one sentence. It takes me some effort to decipher what he meant to say.
2. The short mention of Boxer rebellion as the background of Lizzie Atwater’s death.
In the 1800s and 1900s missionaries in China went on the coattail of imperialism expansion. More often than not, they arrived on the same ship that carried canons and gunpowder that was used to subdue or kill Chinese. To a Chinese, all was meant to eliminate them as a culture and a nation: either by shedding the blood or by erasing the culture and heritage. Christians did not distinguish themselves from the military menace. Boxers intended to remove the military expansion and influence in China at the time; Christians became part of the collateral casualties. Chapell's brief mention could be misleading for a person not familiar with that part of the history.
2. The short mention of Boxer rebellion as the background of Lizzie Atwater’s death.
In the 1800s and 1900s missionaries in China went on the coattail of imperialism expansion. More often than not, they arrived on the same ship that carried canons and gunpowder that was used to subdue or kill Chinese. To a Chinese, all was meant to eliminate them as a culture and a nation: either by shedding the blood or by erasing the culture and heritage. Christians did not distinguish themselves from the military menace. Boxers intended to remove the military expansion and influence in China at the time; Christians became part of the collateral casualties. Chapell's brief mention could be misleading for a person not familiar with that part of the history.
August 27, 2021
Chapel does an excellent job of exploring and explaining grace. Such an undeserved gift is so alien to us that it takes several lessons to let the message sink in. Holiness by Grace is filled with such lessons.
Since salvation is a product of grace, it is really important for Christians to understand it, and I think this book is a really useful resource for doing so. After finishing this book, I can say that I have a better understanding and a much greater appreciation for this free gift given by God.
A word of warning: Chapell tends to be a little redundant sometimes. At times, this is necessary because, like I’ve already mentioned, redundancy is needed to let the message sink in. But sometimes it is unnecessary and tends to make the writing a little dry. But that’s my only negative comment. I really liked everything else about this book!
Since salvation is a product of grace, it is really important for Christians to understand it, and I think this book is a really useful resource for doing so. After finishing this book, I can say that I have a better understanding and a much greater appreciation for this free gift given by God.
A word of warning: Chapell tends to be a little redundant sometimes. At times, this is necessary because, like I’ve already mentioned, redundancy is needed to let the message sink in. But sometimes it is unnecessary and tends to make the writing a little dry. But that’s my only negative comment. I really liked everything else about this book!
November 9, 2024
Chapell does his usual good job of serving some deep theology in digestible form. There are many ways to ask the question he is trying to answer: how can sinful man be holy (as he is commanded); how do we understand the simultaneous truths of man’s responsibility and God’s sovereignty? Even as he explores these things, laying the Scriptural foundations, Chapell never claims to have the magic answer - the checklist to attain holiness. Though I got the answer I thought I would (there is no answer- it’s a mystery), Chapell fleshed out how this can be and we can rejoice! The final chapter is a wonderful summation of the entire book. His final words:
“The riches of God’s mercy not only secure our way to him, they also provide our daily motivation and enablement to serve him. For this reason our Master promises that he will be much more than fair. Out God will lavish us with his grace. “
“The riches of God’s mercy not only secure our way to him, they also provide our daily motivation and enablement to serve him. For this reason our Master promises that he will be much more than fair. Out God will lavish us with his grace. “
July 28, 2023
This is a book that needs to be more widely read though Chapell’s writing style may not fit with everyone (he tells a great deal of stories and illustrations - but they are very helpful). He is very clearly a man with a pastoral heart and has seen his own mistakes and misunderstandings of one’s relationship with the Lord.
To understand that our growth in holiness is by the grace of God is essential to our Christian life. We are not worthy for God because of our performance, but are made worthy by his grace through Jesus. This is a great reminder and I would recommend this book to any believer desiring to grow in grace.
To understand that our growth in holiness is by the grace of God is essential to our Christian life. We are not worthy for God because of our performance, but are made worthy by his grace through Jesus. This is a great reminder and I would recommend this book to any believer desiring to grow in grace.
May 13, 2019
This is a great book on why God makes us holy and how God makes us holy! Every Christian that loves Jesus should read this book. It really helps us from falling into a works righteousness that can easily creep into any Christian's life. God provides the power and does the work, lest we take the credit. Not antinomianism, but the real biblical truth. Easy to read and some helpful stories and comparisons.
July 17, 2021
Important truth about grace
That we need to hear again and again. The riches of His mercy and grace melt our heart and mold it to love Christ and do things that serve and pleasing Him.
That we need to hear again and again. The riches of His mercy and grace melt our heart and mold it to love Christ and do things that serve and pleasing Him.
January 21, 2020
4.5 stars.... Such a good book and reminder of how desperately we need God's grace.
August 1, 2021
Fantastic emphasis on a much needed topic
December 24, 2022
Excellent book about how God moves us to and in holiness all by grace. I found a couple of answers to questions that have "haunted" me for a few years. Such a blessing!
March 14, 2017
Mr. Chappell is obviously passionate about helping people pursue Christ and holiness. However, this book is dry. And a little tedious.
So if you want splendid content, and you're not concern about style, it's for you.
So if you want splendid content, and you're not concern about style, it's for you.
June 1, 2008
God loves to lift your head from an earthly perspective of weaknesses and stumbling to the vista of heaven where His love for you does not waver and His love quickens your steps, enlarges your heart, and lifts your hands to do His work.
The one word for this change in perspective from our load to His love is grace. And it is responsible for everything done well in the name of Christ. It is a many faceted word. In fact, Dr. Chapell will show you how God’s grace enables you to stop doing things in order to get things from God, since God is moved not by our deeds but by our cries for mercy. Next, you’ll see how grace unites you to Christ; in His death, as you die unto sin; and in His life, as you rise, live, and walk in His righteousness. Then you’ll see that repentance that sings in God, not groans in ourselves, is the first gift of grace. The second is a shield to resist the tempting power of evil in the world and our flesh. Next, you’ll see how grace unshackles us from the prisons of other’s standards and even our own standards, but then constrains us to love and serve according to His law of liberty. Then, as you are now unshackled, in God’s strength you will stand and fight against the evil one.
Having your head lifted from a man-centered Church, you’ll learn a deep appreciation for His gracious discipline which keeps us from loosing our way and from becoming prey for the evil one. Hearing the call to renew your mind by the mercies of God, you’ll recognize the universal motive to work in Christ’s church is not that you can become holy by working, but rather, because you already are by grace. Another motive to work with His hands comes through the awareness that your labors for the world are fleeting, but your labors for God are eternal. Finally, as He lifts your head, He shows you the many brothers and sisters who also depend on Him for their strength and life and who also work in His grace. Some of these have begun their work late in life; others have worked their whole lives in the kingdom. His grace is equally available to all and all have their own important role to play.
There is wonderfully rich and deep and precise writing on every page of this book! Every chapter is based on a satisfying exposition of a passage of Scripture. There are many excellent quotes from Reformed giants then and now, from Luther to Ferguson. And these things help to anchor the book in the long history of grace-emphasized movements in the Church. Some might say that churches which highly emphasize grace are the “come latelys” of Christendom. Dr. Chapell makes the point well that we are still reeling from the effects of the Fundmentalist/Modernist controversy which would unfortunately place the true Church somewhere between conservative (which legalistically seeks to earn God’s favor through works of the law) and liberal (which seeks to earn God’s favor through doing works of social justice). Dr. Chapell’s timely and searching call is that the true Church cannot be placed on this continuum at all. The true Church can only gain God’s favor by grace alone. And the book very effectively shows how grace is the central point of the entire Christian life, not just the beginning of it.
He may seem to backtrack a little here and there. The material from chapter one might have been included in chapter five, the material from chapter four may have been included in chapter six. But this is easily excused when one considers that these chapters may have been selected as much for their expositional foci as for their topical presentations. Moreover, he never repeats himself. I know because I hung on every word.
In a Church where some even now are forsaking the imputation of the righteousness of Christ and seeking to establish their own righteousness, this book offers healing advice. Dr. Bryan Chapell’s Holiness by Grace is a powerful wielding of the Sword of the Spirit.
The one word for this change in perspective from our load to His love is grace. And it is responsible for everything done well in the name of Christ. It is a many faceted word. In fact, Dr. Chapell will show you how God’s grace enables you to stop doing things in order to get things from God, since God is moved not by our deeds but by our cries for mercy. Next, you’ll see how grace unites you to Christ; in His death, as you die unto sin; and in His life, as you rise, live, and walk in His righteousness. Then you’ll see that repentance that sings in God, not groans in ourselves, is the first gift of grace. The second is a shield to resist the tempting power of evil in the world and our flesh. Next, you’ll see how grace unshackles us from the prisons of other’s standards and even our own standards, but then constrains us to love and serve according to His law of liberty. Then, as you are now unshackled, in God’s strength you will stand and fight against the evil one.
Having your head lifted from a man-centered Church, you’ll learn a deep appreciation for His gracious discipline which keeps us from loosing our way and from becoming prey for the evil one. Hearing the call to renew your mind by the mercies of God, you’ll recognize the universal motive to work in Christ’s church is not that you can become holy by working, but rather, because you already are by grace. Another motive to work with His hands comes through the awareness that your labors for the world are fleeting, but your labors for God are eternal. Finally, as He lifts your head, He shows you the many brothers and sisters who also depend on Him for their strength and life and who also work in His grace. Some of these have begun their work late in life; others have worked their whole lives in the kingdom. His grace is equally available to all and all have their own important role to play.
There is wonderfully rich and deep and precise writing on every page of this book! Every chapter is based on a satisfying exposition of a passage of Scripture. There are many excellent quotes from Reformed giants then and now, from Luther to Ferguson. And these things help to anchor the book in the long history of grace-emphasized movements in the Church. Some might say that churches which highly emphasize grace are the “come latelys” of Christendom. Dr. Chapell makes the point well that we are still reeling from the effects of the Fundmentalist/Modernist controversy which would unfortunately place the true Church somewhere between conservative (which legalistically seeks to earn God’s favor through works of the law) and liberal (which seeks to earn God’s favor through doing works of social justice). Dr. Chapell’s timely and searching call is that the true Church cannot be placed on this continuum at all. The true Church can only gain God’s favor by grace alone. And the book very effectively shows how grace is the central point of the entire Christian life, not just the beginning of it.
He may seem to backtrack a little here and there. The material from chapter one might have been included in chapter five, the material from chapter four may have been included in chapter six. But this is easily excused when one considers that these chapters may have been selected as much for their expositional foci as for their topical presentations. Moreover, he never repeats himself. I know because I hung on every word.
In a Church where some even now are forsaking the imputation of the righteousness of Christ and seeking to establish their own righteousness, this book offers healing advice. Dr. Bryan Chapell’s Holiness by Grace is a powerful wielding of the Sword of the Spirit.
December 30, 2012
A. T. Ross rated it ***/5 (and wrote)
A decent introduction to the idea of sanctification by grace alone, through the Holy Spirit alone. Everybody needs a good reminding that we are sanctified not by our efforts, not by spanking our children, home or Christian schooling them, through any sort of attainment to theological knowledge, not by daily family worship, but purely by the grace of God through the Spirit. It wasn't exactly new ground for me, but lots of good here, despite my disagreement with his usage of a lot of passages (he disregards the Israel/Church dimension to the parables, and to Galatians, and instead looks at them as though they were written straight from Paul or Jesus into our time). Nonetheless, I found substantial meat here to challenge my assumption (which everybody has) that I've got nothing to worry about because I have (fill in the blank). Especially good was his point that even if we believe in our brains that we are sanctified by grace alone we often behave and act as though we are sanctified by the might of our own righteous awesomeness.
A decent introduction to the idea of sanctification by grace alone, through the Holy Spirit alone. Everybody needs a good reminding that we are sanctified not by our efforts, not by spanking our children, home or Christian schooling them, through any sort of attainment to theological knowledge, not by daily family worship, but purely by the grace of God through the Spirit. It wasn't exactly new ground for me, but lots of good here, despite my disagreement with his usage of a lot of passages (he disregards the Israel/Church dimension to the parables, and to Galatians, and instead looks at them as though they were written straight from Paul or Jesus into our time). Nonetheless, I found substantial meat here to challenge my assumption (which everybody has) that I've got nothing to worry about because I have (fill in the blank). Especially good was his point that even if we believe in our brains that we are sanctified by grace alone we often behave and act as though we are sanctified by the might of our own righteous awesomeness.
August 4, 2016
Good coverage of the doctrine of sanctification, especially dealing with the prevalent abuses on the opposing sides of legalism and license. Deals well with explaining that growth in holiness requires God's grace and our effort. It seems that Chapell is partly dealing with a current controversy/imbalance that would emphasize grace to the point of making human effort unnecessary or marginal as it contributes to our sanctification.
I found his theology sound and his explanation thorough, but it definitely took some human effort to get all the way through this one. I found his style and the human factor a little wanting - it made it so that I just read a few pages at a time and didn't really feel a pull to pick it back up.
I found his theology sound and his explanation thorough, but it definitely took some human effort to get all the way through this one. I found his style and the human factor a little wanting - it made it so that I just read a few pages at a time and didn't really feel a pull to pick it back up.
March 26, 2013
Bryan Chapell has written a book that I think all Christians should read. I think Protestant believers embrace the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, yet we also recognize that God's word calls us to holy living. Chapell shows how grace is the ground of our justification, but is also the ground for our sanctification. He appropriately draws distinctions between license and legalism. His work, in many ways, reminds me of the writing of Jerry Bridges, whom I have previously said seems to get the balance of reliance upon grace and growth in holiness closest, in my opinion. Strongly recommended.
March 2, 2012
Very heartening to read this book and see a Reformed pastor/scholar/teacher (President of Covenant College)talk about the power behind our sanctification. We are saved by God's grace alone, through faith alone, indeed. But we are also SANCTIFIED by His grace - this is throughout Scripture, yet Christians and churches seem to often imply/assume that our growth in grace is all about us and our power, now that we've been saved. Chapell corrects this notion with plenty of Scripture and wise insights as to why we tend to avoid or fear this truth.
February 15, 2016
This is as good of a presentation of the nature/theology of the Christian life as any I have read.
"Our works in themselves earn us no merit with God, then the only reason to do those works is love for him. Thus we learn to serve God not for personal gain but for his glory - not for love of self but for love of the Savior.
... there is no more powerful force to motivate the human heart than love. Fear is not more powerful. Guilt is not more powerful. There is nothing more powerful than love. ... Things impossible to others are easy to them that love." (32)
"Our works in themselves earn us no merit with God, then the only reason to do those works is love for him. Thus we learn to serve God not for personal gain but for his glory - not for love of self but for love of the Savior.
... there is no more powerful force to motivate the human heart than love. Fear is not more powerful. Guilt is not more powerful. There is nothing more powerful than love. ... Things impossible to others are easy to them that love." (32)
Want to read
December 10, 2009I have just read the intro and I've been asking questions that this book I think will address for awhile now. Specifically, I've been asking questions like, how should I do ministry from the overflow of grace in my life?/How should I teach students to pursue holiness, while also teaching them to live from the grace of God?
Seems to be a good fit of a book since that's what the intro talked about!
Seems to be a good fit of a book since that's what the intro talked about!
November 14, 2011
This is a must read. The author, Bryan Chapell, clearly draws the readers' attention away from any prideful boasting based on their own merit, and focuses it upon the mercy and grace of God. Truly all praise, honor, and glory belong to God alone, for our salvation and sanctification is the result of His love, mercy, and grace alone.
July 18, 2014
This book should be required reading for Christians. Chapell's ability to communicate the wonders of God's grace without relaxing his standards for holiness is unmatched. Chapter 8, The Power of Mercy--an exposition of Romans 12:1-2--is incredibly encouraging.
Chappell is also author of Praying Backwards and is editor of The Gospel Transformation Bible.
Chappell is also author of Praying Backwards and is editor of The Gospel Transformation Bible.
August 23, 2013
Outside of the Bible, this is the best Christian book I've read. Never read a book so slowly in my life (4 months). Wanted the wisdom & truths proclaimed in this book to settle deep down in my soul. Outright exceptional!
April 26, 2016
It's been sixteen plus years, so I can't start a thorough analysis, but at the time it was highly impactful on my Christian walk and I always list it as one of my top ten recommended reads. Perhaps I should get back at it again!
July 11, 2007
Our church group is going through this book together. It's a very good book for the type that it is. Very deep. Soul searching.
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