Our Sufficiency in Christ

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

Christ's divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness . ―2 Peter 1:3 Pure Christianity needs no embellishment whatsoever. We find complete sufficiency in Christ and His provision for our needs. But too many Christians have bought in to the notion that all the spiritual resources we gain at the moment of salvation are not adequate to meet the real needs in today's complex world. So they look for something more―an emotionally exciting and self-edifying experience not found in God's Word. This failure to understand the sufficiency of Christ has opened the door to all kinds of worldy influences, causing many modern believers to mix biblical truths with seemingly helpful man-made methods such as mysticism and psychology. As a result, they wallow in a watered-down, pseudo-Christanity that has been drained of its vitality, effectiveness, and security. In this book John MacArthur exposes the main ways Christians have displaced their spiritual resources and explains how to avoid making the same error. It will make you newly aware of how completely God provides―and give you a renewed understanding of what it means to be "complete in Christ."

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Counselling, Biblical Studies

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though first published in 1991, the truth of sufficiency in Christ still applies today. Everywhere I look if find Christians trying to satisfy themselves in materialism, self-improvement courses, Yoga, or even Psychiatry. All sufficiency is found in Christ alone.

[Autumn Slaght · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing, eye opening book.
In this book, John MacArthur deals with numerous issues that face the Western Church - and each individual Believer - daily. There are so many, where do I even start?
The number one theme underlying this book is the dangers of relying on anything but God, His Word and the work of His Spirit in each of us. As Christians, many of us have forgotten today that it is the Word of God and God Himself that changes lives. We have lost faith and confidence that Jesus Christ is enough and have turned to all the wisdom of men to supply our needs. One of our greatest dangers is our notion of God + Something will make our lives better, take care of our needs or get rid of what we're struggling with. God + psychology, God + man's wisdom, God + therapy, God + brand new formulas, etc. We have taken the Word of God and expanded on it. Many have added to what the Word says rather than taking it at face value and applying it to our lives.
Several dangers face the Western Church today including legalism, mysticism (especially prevalent in the charismatic movement) philosophy and others. Basically what it all boils down to is that a very large sum of people - too heartbreakingly large - have believed the lie that the Bible is not enough. That God is not enough. This is a lie, and MacArthur repeats this again and again in this book, drilling it into our heads that it's man's philosophies and ideas that are insufficient, and that Christ, His Grace and His Word are all we need. ALL we need.
MacArthur also points out the "health, wealth and prosperity" lie that is being circulated among the church. He reminds us that the Christian life is not about "getting healthy, getting rich and never having problems." I personally believe that there are a lot of people who are turned off to Christianity today because they believed this lie that the Christian never suffers, and that once saved, blessings will pour out in abundance. What they don't realize is that blessings are not what we think they are. Cars, mansions, cashflow etc are not the blessings that Jesus promised, but eternal life, rest, peace, joy, etc. The blessings that we don't realize because our eyes are only focused on the temporal stuff that will not last. I believe a lot less people would be angry and God if they were told from the beginning that Jesus NEVER promised us a trouble-free life. In fact, He said that we would have trouble, but He promised us something better - His grace is sufficient and we never have to go through it alone and that there is a good behind all of our suffering and that it's not just pointless.
I'll close this long winded review with a quote that really spoke to me from page 251 (which was another quote by Michael Horton)
"It is to trivialize greatly the work of Christ to suggest that God the Father sent His only-begotten Son into the world to bear the world's blasphemy, insults and violence, and, most of all, to bear the Father's wrath - all for increased cash flow and fewer bouts of asthma."
Wow.
Are you seeking something deeper in your Christian life? Are you tired of using your own efforts, man's useless efforts for the areas of your life where you know you need help? I highly recommend that every Christian read this book. We all need to realize that God is Sovereign, Jesus is enough and that Jesus Christ plus NOTHING is all we need.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most excellent and must read for all who follow Christ our Lord!!!

[Dwain Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The purpose of this book was to show the believer that what we have in Christ is really sufficient for this life, and to look at some of the things that are enemies of understanding that fact. MacArthur takes at the riches that we have in Christ, and attempts to show how glorious they are. He also looks at the imitators, and shows that they are just that.

This book is a challenge to believers. It is a challenge for them to see the incredible wealth and riches that they have attained simply by trusting in the Savior. It is a challenge for them to understand that going anywhere other than the Savior is dining on leftovers when the banquet has already been set.

[Jamey Hinds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this title back when it was first published and recently reread it. I forgot to update the progress. Anyway, overall I believe MacArthur's address to pragmatic methods and denominational values (running churches like businesses) is good. He tries to point people to the divine simplicity of the cross, like the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5), and away from a business or even psychological paradigm.

[Ilze · Rating 3 out of 5]

So you need to see a psychologist: Why? Why if God, the one who created you, will have the answer? This is one of the main questions this book asks - I have to add a big BUT, though: But, I did in fact need to see a psychologist and my (then) boyfriend, to be husband, convinced me of it. People do go through trouble and do need such kind of help I've learned. The main thing is to keep God, God and the psychologist just another member of the human race. John MacArthur underlines this fact and reminds you that if it's not about Jesus, what is it about?

For those reading the book in Afrikaans: It's quite clearly a translated book. Something I find rather disappointing. I mean, if you are going to make the book available in another language, it really doesn't need to come across as a translated text, but as a unique, original text.

PS: I have to add that I only agreed to see a Christian psychologist in the end (that too has ended now).

[John Brackbill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie but a goodie. Get it read it. A clariann call to the American church which has sold out on the sufficiency of Christ.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1991, MacArthur’s timeless words provide an apt critique for many competing truth claims today. There are a multiplicity of options in the world seeking to divert the believer’s confidence in the sufficiency of Christ. Gnosticism, mysticism, agnosticism, psychiatry, psychology, humanism, pragmatism, liberalism, asceticism, and spiritual warfare adherents can undermine Christ’s all sufficiency.
MacArthur combines his critique with many positive Scriptural examples of the resources available to every believer. Other options pale in comparison with the all surpassing sufficiency in the Father, in Christ, in Scripture, and in God’s wisdom, grace, and indwelling Holy Spirit. “These overlapping sufficiencies show the incredible richness of the vast inheritance that is our in our all-sufficient Christ” (34). MacArthur states that his grave concern is with the “current erosion of confidence in the perfect sufficiency of our spiritual resources in Christ” (18). Sadly, it is threatening the contemporary church as many have “tacitly acquiesced to the notion that our riches in Christ, including Scripture, prayer, the indwelling Holy Spirit...simply are not adequate to meet people’s real needs” (19). I believe it is a worthwhile read for any believer, and especially chapters 3-6 for those sympathetic to the world of counseling. Here is a sampling of a few of my favorite quotes.

“A steady diet of that philosophy [instant gratification ideology] has fattened our society with self-indulgence and impatience. People find it difficult to cope with life if they can’t instantly gratify every desire...Heavenly mindedness is taking our eyes off the world’s offerings for fulfillment and focusing them on God’s sufficient provision for our satisfaction.” (43).

“No matter what your circumstances might be, consider your eternal inheritance. Meditate on it. Let it fill your heart with praise to the One who has extended such grace to you. Let it motivate you to live to His glory. Don’t pursue the quick fix--some worldly solution to the passing problems of life. The world’s trials aren’t even worthy to be compared with our eternal glory” (52).

The right to counsel people within the church may be in jeopardy not from outside or governmental interference, but due to the attitude of many in the church toward Scripture (57). “Scripture is the manual for all soul work and is so comprehensive in the diagnosis and treatment of every spiritual matter that, energized by the Holy Spirit in the believer, it leads to making one like Jesus Christ...The path of wholeness is the path of spiritual sanctification” (58-59).

“Some of the supposed problems of our culture are pathetically trite. Self-image, looks, codependency, emotional abuse, mid-life crisis, unfulfilled expectations-today’s infirmities were once seen more accurately as the pains of selfishness” (66).

“God’s word is the perfect discerner...It not only analyzes all the facts perfectly, but all motives, and intentions, and beliefs as well, which even the wisest of human judges or critics cannot do” (97).

“Sin is now defined by how it affects man, not how it dishonors God. Salvation is often presented as a means of receiving what Christ offers without obeying what He commands. The focus has shifted from God’s glory to man’s benefit” (154).

“The energy behind your spiritual progress is not your human abilities or resources, although God might bless you with an abundance of both..The real cause of all spiritual progress is...God Himself is working within you to effect your sanctification. That’s why sanctification can never be totally deterred” (205).

[Steven H · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE POPULAR PASTOR ARGUES THAT "CHRISTIAN COUNSELING" IS NOT NEEDED

Popular teaching pastor John MacArthur wrote in the Preface to this 1991 book, "a widespread lack of confidence in Christ's sufficiency is threatening the contemporary church. Too many Christians have tacitly acquiesced to the notion that ... all the other spiritual resources we find in Christ simply are not adequate to meet people's real needs... Sadly, many Christians are not aware of the truth about our Lord's sufficiency. I hope they will be after reading this book." (Pg. 19)

He observes, "In the past two decades or so... theology has become more and more humanistic. The focus has shifted from God to people and their problems, and counseling has replaced worship and evangelism as the main program of many churches. Most seminaries now put more energy into teaching ministerial students psychology than training them to preach... Christians are becoming more and more dependent on therapists, support groups and other similar groups." (Pg. 19-20)

He argues, "'Christian psychology' as the term is used today is an oxymoron. The word psychology no longer speaks of studying the soul; instead it describes a menagerie of therapies and theories that are fundamentally humanistic... Moreover, the infusion of psychology into the teaching of the church has blurred the line between behavior modification and sanctification... If one is a truly Christian psychologist, he must be doing soul work... not fooling around in the shallows of behavior modification. Why should a believer choose to do behavior modification when he has the tools for spiritual transformation...?" (Pg. 59)

He adds, "There are even those psychologists who claim to perform a therapeutic technique they call 'Christian counseling' but in reality are using secular theory to treat spiritual problems with biblical references tacked on." (Pg. 60)

This book will be enjoyed by MacArthur's many fans, as well as Christians who are critical of psychology.

[Kori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard book for me to read—in fact, it was one I resisted for quite some time despite hearing the reviews of beloved friends who were blessed by it. While I’ve greatly admired and benefited from MacArthur’s biblical scholarship, I’ve shied away from his practical application books because his stance on mental health issues troubled me. As someone with depression who was deeply harmed by legalistic approaches to this topic, I felt it was best to not willingly expose myself to teaching that might upset me.

Then I watched John MacArthur’s funeral, and I was inspired by the personal stories people shared—particularly those with whom he shared deep disagreements—about his steadfast, unmovable faith and love for God’s Word. I began to wonder if I was letting my personal beliefs cut myself off from reading a book that could help me develop that same strength in my own walk. So, with trepidation, I ordered a copy, and I’m so glad I did. I walked away greatly encouraged.

I need not develop the strength I need. I already have it in Christ.

Yes, there are some parts that made me bristle a little—but I also understand now that his views about the damage psychology and psychiatry can do are not the point. If you are putting your hope in anything apart from Christ to change your attitude, your circumstances, or your feelings, you will never experience relief. He is alive, His Spirit lives within us, and His Word contains all we need for life and godliness.

I’m so grateful that I was obedient to the Spirit’s nudge to set aside my own preferences and read this. I understand MacArthur’s arguments better even if I don’t entirely agree, and more importantly, I have a new perspective on the manifold resources I have in the Lord. Please give it a shot if you’re on the fence or even if you just don’t want to read it at all. I promise there will be takeaways for you.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of John MacArthur's older books. It starts out slowly and I have to admit I started to put it down around chapters three to five (about psychology in the church) but soon he was back with Gospel truth and the Biblical insights that only MacArthur, the Reformers, and very few other modern preachers are able to express. Oh, he tells a story or two but his stories always seem to point to Christ rather than himself. This is an excellent summation of why Christ is enough for every believer. ""My grace is sufficient for you," the Lord said to the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:9). The average Christian in our culture cynically views that kind of counsel as simplistic, unsophisticated, and naive. Can you imagine one of today's professional radio counselors simply telling a hurting caller that God's grace is enough to meet the need?" No, John, I could not, and that is the problem in today's culture and, sadly, the modern church. But this book will strengthen your trust in God's sufficiency in Christ.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really good treatise on the sufficiency of Christ as revealed through the Bible. Even though this book was written over 30 years ago and our culture has changed greatly in those three decades, this book is still relevant. Though the statistics cited in the book may have changed, this book still proves that Christ is the only person that will satisfy a person’s need for salvation and sanctification. We must dispense with gnostic beliefs that claim that we must have Christ and something else to grow deeper in our Christian faith.

[Rani Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

For whatever reason, I did not actually ever finish reading this book. I think I had too many books going at the same time, and just ended up sticking this one back on one of our bookshelves, with the bookmark still in it. So today I decided just to clear it off my Goodreads "Currently Reading" shelf.

[Amy Knighton · Rating 3 out of 5]

John McArthur is gifted with the ability to clearly interpret God's Word and point out truths that I sometimes overlook. He also confirms some of my own theories about spiritual matters and the fallen world. This book is been very meaningful to me. I want to read it again!

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capital! Must re-read!

[Bethany McIlrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many MacArthur books and this is simply one of the best. Practical comfort and conviction grounded in God's Word.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. We don't need psychology, pragmatism, or mysticism to walk worth of the Lord - we have Christ. And He is all that we need. Highly recommended.

[Dedrich Venter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Revelation

Thank God for a faithful servant to preach His word. Lots to learn and apply to one’s life daily. Grounded sufficiency.

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reminder that our El Shaddai (All Sufficient One) is really all we need.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author compare Christian teaching with many things that could substitute: philosophy, happiness, etc. Here the author argue that Christ alone was already sufficient.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but again I find the author repetitive on the points he wants to make.

[Aaron Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a solid and helpful book dealing with a wide range of topics. Dr. MacArthur is a gift to the church.

[Earl Pestano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warning to all individuals who had not put their complete trust to the suffeciency of the Scripture and the completeness we have in Christ.

[Rebecca J. Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We lack nothing, yet we are unaware of what we have been given.
Wonderful read.

[Charles Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of 16 books I read for a Counseling class I co-taught with my wife. This was a very good book, it addresses psychology and counseling, which is why I read the book in the first place, but it also covers much more ground. It's not a book to accept all blindly, in fact some areas may prove less agreeable, but no book should really be swallowed hook, line, and sinker.

[Dan Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

John MacArthur has written a straight forward and strong refutation of the all too common thinking that the Church (and Christians individually) needs something(s) more than a loving Father, an indwelling Holy Spirit, a gracious Lord and an inerrant Bible. MacArthur shows how many of the present day trends and focuses the church has adopted, grouped into three main categories of psychology, mysticism and pragmatism, are nothing less than the denial of the all-sufficiency of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Too often, the church has accepted the world's thinking that psychology is needed to help people with the really difficult problems and issues of life rather than the wisdom of God's Word applied and lived out in the strength of God's Spirit. Too often Christians have bought the world's message that we need to turn inward and empty our minds to find spiritual fulfillment and peace rather than turning outward and looking to Christ and filling our minds with God's Word. Too often we disbelieve God's instruction to do God's work God's way and church leaders adopt instead the methods of the corporate business growth model to attempt to grow their churches and get the kind of results that they would like to see instead of faithfully preaching and teaching the Word and trusting God with the results (whether or not those results always look the way we want them to).

MacArthur repeatedly calls us back to find our sufficiency in the all-sufficiency of God in Christ and in the truth, potency and universal applicability of the Word of God. And he reminds us that this is not a new battle but rather just one battle in the perennial war against God and his Word - "has God really said?...". All Christians should read this simple manual on how to recognize and reject repackaged Gnosticism.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A gospel of human works is no gospel at all (Gal. 1:6-7; 52). If baptism, prayers, fasting, wearing special garments, church attendance, various kinds of abstinences, or other religious duties are necessary to earn salvation, then Christ's work is not truly sufficient. That makes a mockery of the gospel," pg. 179

Careful exposition of scripture, along with careful navigation of biblical and historical examples, John MacArthur shoots down arguments against primarily using scripture to heal that which commonly afflicts believers. All of the beliefs, methods, and practices highlighted throughout this book are those which have steadily increased in popularity in some religious circles. A popularity MacArthur argues diminishes the reliance Christians should seek through Christ. Instead of relying on the sufficiency of Christ to usher the believer through their day to day lives,their trials, tribulations, sorrows, and/or pain, churches are steering believers toward, among other things, psychology, mysticism, and pragmatism.

MacArthur isn't shy about aiming straight at the heart of these different beliefs, movements, and practices, and he does so with a breadth of scripture at his side. MacArthur's ability to properly interpret and place scripture into context strengthens his argument and call for Christians (churches) to turn to and believe in the sufficiency of Christ and Christ alone, not man- made mechanisms that have no biblical footing.

Our Sufficiency in Christ by John MacArthur aids Christians in identifying the error of these mechanisms while highlighting what they have in Christ- the sufficiency of Christ and Christ alone.

[Sergio Illanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una iglesia ahogada en el pragmatismo, declaraciones sin sentido lanzadas al aire, hasta la música suave que acompaña al predicador; todas evidencias de un craso analfabetismo bíblico, y una estampa en todas sus costumbres que señalan simplemente que Cristo, y su palabra, no son suficientes. El Dr. MacArthur, como es de costumbre, a través de la Palabra revela como “pastores” han prostituido a la novia a cambio de aceptación, diluyendo el evangelio a tal punto de mostrar un Cristo que les ofrece pura felicidad, paz, y prosperidad; exiliando del púlpito temáticas como el amor sacrificial, la abnegación, o incluso el infierno.
“Porque toda la plenitud de la Deidad reside corporalmente en El, y habéis sido hechos completos en El...” Col 2:9

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacArthur makes some good points in this volume. There is much here to be considered. It is one thing to talk about grace, and another thing to trust that God's grace is sufficient to meet all of our needs. Apart from a few places which lean too much toward Calvinism more than necessary, this is otherwise a good treatment of an important Scriptural subject.

[Francis Gahren · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of America's most respected pastors looks at how true spiritual resources have been displaced by mysticism, pragmatism and psychology, and gives the church a renewed understanding of what it means to be complete in Christ.