What do you think?
Rate this book
The Transforming Power of the Gospel
The apostle Paul writes that we are to be transformed, but for many Christians, figuring out how to approach spiritual transformation can be elusive. Bestselling author Jerry Bridges helps us understand that we have available to us the ultimate power source for true spiritual growth: the gospel.
In The Transforming Power of the Gospel, Bridges guides you through a thorough examination of:
• what the biblical meaning of grace is and how it applies to your life
• how Jesus’ work in His life and death applies to the believer in justification and adoption
• why basic spiritual disciplines are necessary for spiritual growth
• what role the Holy Spirit plays in both definitive and progressive sanctification
In The Transforming Power of the Gospel, Bridges guides you through a thorough examination of:
• what the biblical meaning of grace is and how it applies to your life
• how Jesus’ work in His life and death applies to the believer in justification and adoption
• why basic spiritual disciplines are necessary for spiritual growth
• what role the Holy Spirit plays in both definitive and progressive sanctification
192 pages, Hardcover
First published December 22, 2011
118 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Bridges
121 books686 followersJERRY BRIDGES was an author and conference speaker. His most popular book, The Pursuit of Holiness, has sold over one million copies. Jerry was on the staff of The Navigators for over fifty years, and currently served in the Collegiate Mission where he was involved primarily in staff development, but also served as a speaker resource to the campus ministries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 9, 2016
I finished this book four days before the death of the author, Jerry Bridges. Upon finishing this book I thought to myself, “I’m glad that such a saint is alive and with us.” Of course Jerry Bridges has been promoted to glory and in heaven. I am glad that by God’s grace and providence He ordained Jerry Bridges to author this book. This book has become one of my favorite book on how the Gospel fuel our sanctification and currently is my recommendations to those struggling with holiness.
The purpose of the book is show the importance of the Gospel in a believer’s sanctification. There will be no true sanctification without the Gospel. The Gospel is both foundational and what motivates Christians to live a holy life. Bridges shares what he has learned in fourteen chapters. The book as a whole can be divided into two parts. The first looks explicitly at the Gospel’s role in transformation while the second part looks at the work of the Spirit and our responsibility relying on the Spirit. In the preface Bridges tells us that what he’s sharing in the book was the result of what he has learned from the last twenty-five years; I’m sure that’s true given the book’s practical wisdom and truths that is mined from the Scripture. In what follows I want to discuss the insights of some of the chapters.
The first chapter got me hooked to the book when Bridges described the process of how he came to discover the power of Gospel-driven holiness. He tells us of how at first he made the mistake of assuming he could live the Christian life by his own moral willpower. But that of course ended in frustration. Then he made the next mistake by taking on a passive approach of spiritual sanctification. In terms more people could understand, Bridges went from the mentality of “Do-It-Yourself” to one of “Let-Go-And-Let-God.” Bridges then discover that the “balance” of both extreme requires the Gospel and he confesses that before his understanding of the Gospel’s role in transformation he thought the Gospel was only for nonbelievers!
After the opening chapter the next chapter covers the subject of holiness which I appreciate a lot. I really benefited from Bridges’ discussion of the two-fold aspect of holiness with one aspect being God’s Transcendent Majesty that describes how set apart God is and the second aspect of God’s holiness being His infinite moral purity. He has a wonderful exposition of Isaiah 6 and how Bridges brings the background context of Isiah 6 is a wonderful example of how historical setting enriches biblical exposition. Following this chapter, chapter three is on the sinfulness of sin and the next chapter is on the great exchange. Here we see classic Biblical Gospel presentation and Bridges presented in a way that is practical and made me love God and the Gospel a little more than before I read it. In keeping with the theme of the book chapter five and six discusses our need for daily embracing of the Gospel and how the Gospel motivates obedience since it stirs within the believer a heart of gratitude. I also appreciated the chapter on dependent responsibility (chapter 9) and the instruments of grace (chapters 10 and 11). I really like the term Bridges coined, “dependent responsibility” and I have started to use that term in my own vocabulary. I was also convicted with Bridges’ discussion about memorizing Scripture and his personal testimony of how this practice of spiritual discipline has helped him in his own fight with sin. I was convicted since this is probably the one discipline I struggle with the most and his own life’s testimony of how memorization of Scripture helps in real life experience made me realize what I was missing out on.
I highly recommend this book. When I was going through this book with a small group one of the brothers pointed out that at times Bridges could be repetitive. I didn’t necessarily think much of that but felt there was some truth to this towards the end of the book. For instance I felt chapter thirteen on “Transformed into His Image” was already discussed elsewhere earlier in the book already and was surprised to see this as a chapter towards the end. But I suppose a little bit of repetition of biblical truths can never hurt. But don’t let that withhold you from reading the book as I highly recommend it.
The purpose of the book is show the importance of the Gospel in a believer’s sanctification. There will be no true sanctification without the Gospel. The Gospel is both foundational and what motivates Christians to live a holy life. Bridges shares what he has learned in fourteen chapters. The book as a whole can be divided into two parts. The first looks explicitly at the Gospel’s role in transformation while the second part looks at the work of the Spirit and our responsibility relying on the Spirit. In the preface Bridges tells us that what he’s sharing in the book was the result of what he has learned from the last twenty-five years; I’m sure that’s true given the book’s practical wisdom and truths that is mined from the Scripture. In what follows I want to discuss the insights of some of the chapters.
The first chapter got me hooked to the book when Bridges described the process of how he came to discover the power of Gospel-driven holiness. He tells us of how at first he made the mistake of assuming he could live the Christian life by his own moral willpower. But that of course ended in frustration. Then he made the next mistake by taking on a passive approach of spiritual sanctification. In terms more people could understand, Bridges went from the mentality of “Do-It-Yourself” to one of “Let-Go-And-Let-God.” Bridges then discover that the “balance” of both extreme requires the Gospel and he confesses that before his understanding of the Gospel’s role in transformation he thought the Gospel was only for nonbelievers!
After the opening chapter the next chapter covers the subject of holiness which I appreciate a lot. I really benefited from Bridges’ discussion of the two-fold aspect of holiness with one aspect being God’s Transcendent Majesty that describes how set apart God is and the second aspect of God’s holiness being His infinite moral purity. He has a wonderful exposition of Isaiah 6 and how Bridges brings the background context of Isiah 6 is a wonderful example of how historical setting enriches biblical exposition. Following this chapter, chapter three is on the sinfulness of sin and the next chapter is on the great exchange. Here we see classic Biblical Gospel presentation and Bridges presented in a way that is practical and made me love God and the Gospel a little more than before I read it. In keeping with the theme of the book chapter five and six discusses our need for daily embracing of the Gospel and how the Gospel motivates obedience since it stirs within the believer a heart of gratitude. I also appreciated the chapter on dependent responsibility (chapter 9) and the instruments of grace (chapters 10 and 11). I really like the term Bridges coined, “dependent responsibility” and I have started to use that term in my own vocabulary. I was also convicted with Bridges’ discussion about memorizing Scripture and his personal testimony of how this practice of spiritual discipline has helped him in his own fight with sin. I was convicted since this is probably the one discipline I struggle with the most and his own life’s testimony of how memorization of Scripture helps in real life experience made me realize what I was missing out on.
I highly recommend this book. When I was going through this book with a small group one of the brothers pointed out that at times Bridges could be repetitive. I didn’t necessarily think much of that but felt there was some truth to this towards the end of the book. For instance I felt chapter thirteen on “Transformed into His Image” was already discussed elsewhere earlier in the book already and was surprised to see this as a chapter towards the end. But I suppose a little bit of repetition of biblical truths can never hurt. But don’t let that withhold you from reading the book as I highly recommend it.
July 13, 2018
Bridges presents a great primer on spiritual transformation. He sums up the book toward the end with seven characteristics of someone pursuing holiness:
1. A growing understanding of the holiness of God and its implications for us.
2. A growing sensitivity to remaining sinfulness and a concurrent realization of failure to more fully express the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life.
3. An earnest desire and a sincere effort to grow in Christlikeness, realizing that desire will always exceed fulfillment.
4. A clear understanding of the principle of dependent responsibility and how to apply that principle in one’s life.
5. A consistent application of the instruments of grace through the practice of the spiritual disciplines, which enables us to grow in Christlikeness.
6. A continual embracing of the gospel for the assurance of forgiveness of our sins and of our righteous standing before God so that we will be constrained by His love to live, not for ourselves but for Him.
7. A growing realization of one’s own spiritual inability and an increasing dependence on the Holy Spirit to work in us and enable us to work.
1. A growing understanding of the holiness of God and its implications for us.
2. A growing sensitivity to remaining sinfulness and a concurrent realization of failure to more fully express the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life.
3. An earnest desire and a sincere effort to grow in Christlikeness, realizing that desire will always exceed fulfillment.
4. A clear understanding of the principle of dependent responsibility and how to apply that principle in one’s life.
5. A consistent application of the instruments of grace through the practice of the spiritual disciplines, which enables us to grow in Christlikeness.
6. A continual embracing of the gospel for the assurance of forgiveness of our sins and of our righteous standing before God so that we will be constrained by His love to live, not for ourselves but for Him.
7. A growing realization of one’s own spiritual inability and an increasing dependence on the Holy Spirit to work in us and enable us to work.
September 5, 2021
Jerry Bridges writes a clear and helpful instruction on how a Christian is assured of and can live out a daily experience of spiritual transformation. This is a great book for those who might think all we do is ‘let go and let God’ in order to live in the power of Christ. Also for those who might be feeling like they’ve tried’ Christianity and it doesn’t seem to work.
August 2, 2023
This book was good, it was just no Pursuit of Holiness, which is by far my fav of his works.
November 3, 2025
A greatly encouraging book. I am almost tempted to say this encompasses all of Jerry Bridges’ writings, everything summarised in one. If I could use three verses to summarise this book it would be:
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
— Galatians 2:20
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
— 2 Corinthians 7:1
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
— 2 Corinthians 5:21
The final one is the main point. Keep embracing the Gospel every day. It is by God’s love and saving work that motivates us and keeps us from a performance based gospel.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
— Galatians 2:20
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
— 2 Corinthians 7:1
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
— 2 Corinthians 5:21
The final one is the main point. Keep embracing the Gospel every day. It is by God’s love and saving work that motivates us and keeps us from a performance based gospel.
May 3, 2018
Excellent! Practical, deep, convicting and freeing all in one.
December 14, 2017
A no nonsense explication of the Gospel. Basic and foundational in nature, but profound and succinct. Recommended as an excellent primer on the Gospel message for those interested in Christian faith -
as it explains why it is the power of salvation for all who believe. One key take away (not original with Bridges, but still of vital importance) is that the Gospel is for sinners - and since we are all sinners (Christians and non-Christian alike) we believers especially are to preach the Gospel to ourselves every day.
as it explains why it is the power of salvation for all who believe. One key take away (not original with Bridges, but still of vital importance) is that the Gospel is for sinners - and since we are all sinners (Christians and non-Christian alike) we believers especially are to preach the Gospel to ourselves every day.
December 27, 2018
Bridges is a sturdy, steady writer...if not stylistically outstanding. I think he's weak in a couple of areas (e.g., his view of worship and the sacraments), but he does not major on those topics and is reliable on the subjects he does make his focus. I profited from his Transforming Grace a number of years ago, and would have rearead that, but Scribd didn't have the audio. So as I was in need of a gospel booster shot, this seemed like another trustworthy option. Can't say it's borne immediate fruit, but I know it's the kind of plant food I need if the fruit is ever going to grow.
The reader was adequate.
The reader was adequate.
January 7, 2024
A great book on the Christian life and how it corresponds and depends on the gospel of Jesus, living daily by grace, and pursuing Christ-likeness. Very accessible read.
August 26, 2022
Best book on the Christian life I have ever read. It's refreshing — not about how many rules you have to follow, but rather about living our lives always with the gospel at the forefront of our minds. Definitely putting this one on my shelf to read over and over.
December 29, 2017
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 28, 2015
Bridges does four things in this book that I loved: (1) upheld the holiness of God to its proper place, (2) emphasized the sinfulness of sin; our best deeds on our best days are like polluted garments, (3) made much of the "great exchange" of the gospel as the only hope; that is, the gospel is more than forgiveness, it is also the positive righteousness given to us in Christ, and (4) revealed that transformation is a synergistic work of the Spirit AND man.
There is one recurring theme throughout the book that was harder for me to overcome. Like many others, Bridges repeatedly puts forth "gratitude" for the gospel as the primary motivator for Christian obedience. In this regard, I couldn't disagree more. For an excellent treatment of an alternative view, see Future Grace by John Piper. In it, Piper argues that "faith in future grace" not "gratitude for past grace" is the primary focus in motivating obedience. Piper shows the lack of biblical evidence for gratitude as a motivator for obedience and instead focuses on how the Bible actually speaks in this regard: "faith working through love" not "gratitude working through love," the "work of faith" not the "work of gratitude," and the "obedience of faith" not the "obedience of gratitude." These are just a few examples (since this is not a review of Future Grace!). But I do believe that Bridges misses a key aspect of Christian obedience: the fuel of faith in the future grace and promises of God as the power for obedience.
Nevertheless, as already stated, there is much to be commended in The Transforming Power of the Gospel. With Bridges, "I look forward to the day when at death we enter into the presence of the Lord for 'we know that when he appears [at the Second Coming] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.'" (p. 181)
There is one recurring theme throughout the book that was harder for me to overcome. Like many others, Bridges repeatedly puts forth "gratitude" for the gospel as the primary motivator for Christian obedience. In this regard, I couldn't disagree more. For an excellent treatment of an alternative view, see Future Grace by John Piper. In it, Piper argues that "faith in future grace" not "gratitude for past grace" is the primary focus in motivating obedience. Piper shows the lack of biblical evidence for gratitude as a motivator for obedience and instead focuses on how the Bible actually speaks in this regard: "faith working through love" not "gratitude working through love," the "work of faith" not the "work of gratitude," and the "obedience of faith" not the "obedience of gratitude." These are just a few examples (since this is not a review of Future Grace!). But I do believe that Bridges misses a key aspect of Christian obedience: the fuel of faith in the future grace and promises of God as the power for obedience.
Nevertheless, as already stated, there is much to be commended in The Transforming Power of the Gospel. With Bridges, "I look forward to the day when at death we enter into the presence of the Lord for 'we know that when he appears [at the Second Coming] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.'" (p. 181)
January 1, 2023
Bridges has a knack for speaking plainly and with personal transparency. My wife and I read this book together and promised ourselves it would not be the last book by Bridges that we would read. The Transforming Power of the Gospel challenges believers to look at themselves realistically in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ and what kind of life a believer ought to lead. One very key concept Bridges offers concerns what he terms "dependent responsibility." In other words, we cannot actually transform our own lives apart from God and the gospel. Yet, once we have become believers the ongoing changes we should pursue require our own commitment to the Word of God and our obedience to God through His Word. We read this book as we finished a year; it would make an excellent book to read to start a new year.
June 23, 2023
There is a lot of really great stuff in this book, and can be a great tool, especially for those coming from an unsaved, or lackadaisical Christian background. However, I feel that someone coming from a very conservative background might actually, in some parts, get the opposite impression, and find this book somewhat overbearing.
I read this book several years ago, and it wasn’t until reading it through this time that I took issue with some of the minor details.
On the whole, though, this is a great book.
I read this book several years ago, and it wasn’t until reading it through this time that I took issue with some of the minor details.
On the whole, though, this is a great book.
August 19, 2015
Jerry Bridges is the writer of one of my favorite Christian books, one I gave to all my children to read, Trusting God. This book explores the relationship between grace and works. It is a balanced, encouraging book.
June 20, 2012
Another great book from Jerry Bridges, in which he makes clearer perhaps than previously that the Gospel is the power behind our sanctification.
May 9, 2013
This well written book provides a solid, practical look at what sanctification and growth in Christ looks like and how to strive towards it by the Transforming Power of the Gospel.
April 14, 2018
So good. This book honestly changed my life and how I view the Gospel in my everyday. It is a must read for believers!!
December 16, 2024
Jerry Bridges’ The Transforming Power of the Gospel is an exceptional and deeply edifying book that masterfully blends biblical truth with practical application. Bridges explores the gospel’s profound impact on both our justification and sanctification, showing how the grace of God transforms every aspect of our lives.
What sets this book apart is its clarity and accessibility. Bridges has a unique ability to take complex theological concepts and present them in a way that is both intellectually rich and spiritually nourishing. His reflections on the role of Christ’s righteousness, the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, and our ongoing dependence on grace are deeply encouraging and convicting.
The book challenges readers to embrace the gospel not just as the starting point of faith but as the sustaining power for daily life. It inspires greater trust in God, a deeper sense of humility, and a renewed passion for holiness. Whether you’re new to faith or a seasoned believer, this book will deepen your understanding of the gospel and its ability to transform your heart and actions.
I highly recommend The Transforming Power of the Gospel to anyone seeking to grow in their relationship with God. It’s a five-star masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact, pointing you again and again to the beauty of Christ and the sufficiency of His grace.
What sets this book apart is its clarity and accessibility. Bridges has a unique ability to take complex theological concepts and present them in a way that is both intellectually rich and spiritually nourishing. His reflections on the role of Christ’s righteousness, the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, and our ongoing dependence on grace are deeply encouraging and convicting.
The book challenges readers to embrace the gospel not just as the starting point of faith but as the sustaining power for daily life. It inspires greater trust in God, a deeper sense of humility, and a renewed passion for holiness. Whether you’re new to faith or a seasoned believer, this book will deepen your understanding of the gospel and its ability to transform your heart and actions.
I highly recommend The Transforming Power of the Gospel to anyone seeking to grow in their relationship with God. It’s a five-star masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact, pointing you again and again to the beauty of Christ and the sufficiency of His grace.
July 13, 2024
"Here i need to address an important aside to christian women and girls...
You must instead be careful to avoid clothing that attracts the eyes of men...
You are probably just as guilty of sexual impurity as is the man that looks at you with lustful eyes".
With the power of Ray Porter's narration i forced myself to finish this. Free w plus catalogue & only 3hrs at 2x.
-To test the notion 'i could listen to Ray Porter read the phone book' ;-)
-See if i can pick out narrator's feelings on the matter... nope, no personal add-on from Ray either way.
-so there is at least one bad review on this POS. & pick the quote most egregious IMO.
Success!
Most of it was somewhat surprisingly tame. It just re-asserts parts of the bible as fact & goes lighter on the interpretations than i expected.
... then the last ~10% goes into purity... As if the author knew he had to bait and switch / opportunity cost the buyer so he can get to (according to author) "the greatest moral threat our country has ever faced": pornography outselling ML sports.
You must instead be careful to avoid clothing that attracts the eyes of men...
You are probably just as guilty of sexual impurity as is the man that looks at you with lustful eyes".
With the power of Ray Porter's narration i forced myself to finish this. Free w plus catalogue & only 3hrs at 2x.
-To test the notion 'i could listen to Ray Porter read the phone book' ;-)
-See if i can pick out narrator's feelings on the matter... nope, no personal add-on from Ray either way.
-so there is at least one bad review on this POS. & pick the quote most egregious IMO.
Success!
Most of it was somewhat surprisingly tame. It just re-asserts parts of the bible as fact & goes lighter on the interpretations than i expected.
... then the last ~10% goes into purity... As if the author knew he had to bait and switch / opportunity cost the buyer so he can get to (according to author) "the greatest moral threat our country has ever faced": pornography outselling ML sports.
December 28, 2019
Should be required reading
There is much misinformation and misdirection in churches that creates confusion among believers about what Christianity is really about. This book focuses the point of the message of scripture for Christians so that we can see clearly what we should be focused on and how this relates to the gospel. In other words, we live the gospel day by day and we are transformed into the image of Christ. Supernatural experiences, miracles, signs and other special events are not what is needed in the church. The truth of the gospel to transform is what is necessary.
There is much misinformation and misdirection in churches that creates confusion among believers about what Christianity is really about. This book focuses the point of the message of scripture for Christians so that we can see clearly what we should be focused on and how this relates to the gospel. In other words, we live the gospel day by day and we are transformed into the image of Christ. Supernatural experiences, miracles, signs and other special events are not what is needed in the church. The truth of the gospel to transform is what is necessary.
July 2, 2023
This was the June book of the month at my church's bookstore. It was recommended by one of our pastors.
Bridge outlines what the Gospel is, how it's transforming, and how to practically live out the Gospel in daily life. Like with the May book of the month, a lot of this information I already knew. But it was good to be reminded of the what the Gospel is and how all we do to serve God is done out of gratitude for His work in our lives. I especially liked the section on godly disciplines in daily life. This book re-inspired me to strive to keep these godly disciplines.
Bridge outlines what the Gospel is, how it's transforming, and how to practically live out the Gospel in daily life. Like with the May book of the month, a lot of this information I already knew. But it was good to be reminded of the what the Gospel is and how all we do to serve God is done out of gratitude for His work in our lives. I especially liked the section on godly disciplines in daily life. This book re-inspired me to strive to keep these godly disciplines.
August 23, 2023
I recommend "Transforming Power of the Gospel" to anyone who is seeking to follow Christ, and who wants to understand how the gospel relates to your daily life.
How do I be sanctified? God is sovereign, so how do I depend on him but also walk forward in responsibility? And why is not working? Why do I do the thing that I hate?
This book discusses the MOTIVATION for our day-to-day good works. Guilt that meets GRACE that outpours into gratitude.
Oh, and I LOVE the look into Isaiah's transformation. SO COOL.
How do I be sanctified? God is sovereign, so how do I depend on him but also walk forward in responsibility? And why is not working? Why do I do the thing that I hate?
This book discusses the MOTIVATION for our day-to-day good works. Guilt that meets GRACE that outpours into gratitude.
Oh, and I LOVE the look into Isaiah's transformation. SO COOL.
September 20, 2023
Super sweet! Loved final summary on 179 specifically #3 & 6
“A person who is becoming more confirmed to the image of Christ has:
3) An earnest desire and a sincere effort to grow in Christlikeness, realizing that desire will always exceed fulfillment
6) A continual embracing of the gospel for assurance of forgiveness of our sins and of our righteous standing before God so that we will be constrained by His love to live, not for ourselves but for Him”
“A person who is becoming more confirmed to the image of Christ has:
3) An earnest desire and a sincere effort to grow in Christlikeness, realizing that desire will always exceed fulfillment
6) A continual embracing of the gospel for assurance of forgiveness of our sins and of our righteous standing before God so that we will be constrained by His love to live, not for ourselves but for Him”
December 23, 2023
A continual reminder of the Gospel is so important for all believers. Gratitude in what Christ did for us will result in Christians joyfully obeying Christ’s commands and in turn becoming more and more like Christ. The Gospel allows us to be motivated by love and gratitude rather than by duty. In Christ we are holy and blameless. Maybe it would be better for us to default to this view of ourself rather than viewing ourselves as broken. We have been made new in Christ!
June 29, 2025
Without the Gospel, we are indeed of all men most miserable. How often do we stop to think about just what the Gospel means beyond the greatest transformation of sinner to saint? Bridges carefully walks the reader through the daily transformations it brings to every believer.
I would recommend this one to everyone overwhelmed with life. It will remind you of the power and faithfulness of God at every step of your life.
I would recommend this one to everyone overwhelmed with life. It will remind you of the power and faithfulness of God at every step of your life.
September 4, 2025
I think Bridges might be the clearest articulator of Christian principles I’ve ever read. He just has a way of making the topic of Holiness, and in particular, the motivation behind pursuing it, very concise. One of my favorite reads, especially because I am a performance based judger of myself, and this book helps point me to the standing I permanently have in Christ and using that as motivation.
April 20, 2019
I believe this is my fourth or fifth time reading this book, and each time I review its pages I’m rebuked, encouraged, strengthened, humbled and helped. One of my favorite books on living the Christian life, I’m grateful for the ministry and life of Jerry Bridges and how God has used his writing to shape me.
October 30, 2018
Listened to the audio book. Bridges gives a very clear and in-depth discussion of God's holiness and the gospel and the proceeds to relate the role of the gospel and of grace in our sanctification. Great and practical treatment of the subjects.
December 17, 2019
Succinct, clear, deep, convincting, encouraging, gospel-centered. This book is a must read for every Christian. Bridges has a masterful way of writing Biblical truth in a simple, yet profound way that spurs the believer on to Christ. Probably my favorite read of the year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews