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A Simple Christianity: Rediscover the Foundational Principles of Our Faith
Do you find the Christian life too complicated, your zeal diminished, your relationship with Jesus grown cold and predictable? Award-winning author and respected pastor John MacArthur reminds us in A Simple Christianity that what's been lost can be found--and tells us how! This practical tool will help you restore the fire and conviction of your first love for Christ by helping you better understand his character, his glory, and his love for you. MacArthur counsels all who want more love for Christ to pursue him by making Christ their focus each day, in every activity, in every contact, and in every thought. It's when you make him your priority and love Christ with all your heart, soul, and strength that God is glorified.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1994
108 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,932 followersJohn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 7, 2021
MacArthur is a personal and family go-to for sound Biblical understanding. For the last decade I have been immersed primarily in his sermons and study notes throughout my Bible. Only this year have I looked to his literary works, and his historical knowledge and decades spent in The Word are just as evident in his books as in his sermons and study notes.
Scripture is always at the forefront with MacArthur, with historical context and language analysis, a close second. I am so grateful for the decades of expertise he has shared with the world, through the grace of God.
This particular work is a wonderful look at the gift of Salvation, our part in it, and how if we truly share in it, and refine our mindset about what it really means, our outlook on life should change. It is a humbling and uplifting read. I will be buying my own copy and going through it with my girls in the coming years.
Scripture is always at the forefront with MacArthur, with historical context and language analysis, a close second. I am so grateful for the decades of expertise he has shared with the world, through the grace of God.
This particular work is a wonderful look at the gift of Salvation, our part in it, and how if we truly share in it, and refine our mindset about what it really means, our outlook on life should change. It is a humbling and uplifting read. I will be buying my own copy and going through it with my girls in the coming years.
August 5, 2025
I think that this book is a great book for the foundations of Christianity. It touches on so many theological foundations of being a Christian and I love how well he explains each one that it is such a great reminder to me of the daily grace I need and how to be in Jesus's love.
Some highlights:
On Suffering: If we ever want to deepen our relationship with Jesus we need to share in his sufferings. So expect to suffer because we are aliens of this world. (Phillipians 3:10)
On Temptation: There is a degree of temptation we will never suffer because we will succumb to it before that point. But since Jesus never succumbed to temptation he felt the fullness of it completely so he understands us and is so much greater than us. (Compared to pain, like how our body literally passes out so we don't feel too much pain, yet similarly Jesus felt that fullness as well)
On Reconcilliation: If a dying savior can bring us to salvation, then surely a living savior can keep us in his grace. (Romans 5:10)
On Sacrifice: Whatever we are willing to sacrifice reveals the depth of our love for Christ. And what we are not willing to sacrifice reveals the shallowness of it. (John 15:13)
Great read, highly recommend for understanding faith.
Some highlights:
On Suffering: If we ever want to deepen our relationship with Jesus we need to share in his sufferings. So expect to suffer because we are aliens of this world. (Phillipians 3:10)
On Temptation: There is a degree of temptation we will never suffer because we will succumb to it before that point. But since Jesus never succumbed to temptation he felt the fullness of it completely so he understands us and is so much greater than us. (Compared to pain, like how our body literally passes out so we don't feel too much pain, yet similarly Jesus felt that fullness as well)
On Reconcilliation: If a dying savior can bring us to salvation, then surely a living savior can keep us in his grace. (Romans 5:10)
On Sacrifice: Whatever we are willing to sacrifice reveals the depth of our love for Christ. And what we are not willing to sacrifice reveals the shallowness of it. (John 15:13)
Great read, highly recommend for understanding faith.
April 8, 2019
A simple Christianity, by John MacArthur, was a very practical look at the person and work of Jesus Christ. The book begins with showing that Jesus is the preeminent One; the firstborn of all creation, the sovereign ruler of the universe, the One who is providentially upholding all things by the Word of His power. MacArthur teaches us that before the foundation of the world God planned our salvation and that assures none of humanity can take any credit or glory for himself/herself, because salvation is all of God. Real meaning and purpose in life comes from a right relationship with God and no psychological or self help programs can give self worth, they can’t free you of sin, they can’t cure anxiety – they only mask the issue. He goes on to say that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing and that the life we now live must be in the power of the Holy Spirit as we daily submit to His control. MacArthur reminds Christians that we will suffer various trials and tribulations throughout our lives. He says that God allows suffering to purify our character and strengthen our faith, which in turn gives us the ability to praise, glorify and honor God. The final chapters of the book teach Christians the Scriptural doctrine of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, that He has the name above every name, His sacrifice for our sin was accepted by God, He now lives to make intercession for those whom the Father gave Him. Through all this teaching every believer must understand that true love for Jesus will be proven by our level of obedience. We must pursue our passion for Jesus and strive to know Him better every day, because God saved us to be conformed to the image of His Son. The book teaches us how to revitalize and renew our love for Jesus based on the Scriptural teachings throughout this book. This is an outstanding little book.
June 26, 2021
I thoroughly appreciate MacArthur's exegesis and find, in this work, beautiful reminders of redemption and grace. He lays out for us the foundations of our faith; an accessible Theology 101, if you will, in the doctrine of salvation. It has been a sweet balm for my spirit in a difficult, dry and lonely season of life when I've struggled with assurance, worth, and hope.
I have been reading Bruce Ware's "Big Truths for Young Hearts" simultaneously and must admit that they are so very complementary to one another that they are inextricably linked in my mind. I felt as though I was reading one book instead of two, so the collective Scriptures, themes, and doctrines presented in both books are woven into one tapestry of comfort and grace in my life. I found new things I had not known or remembered; I gradually came to understand deep in my soul more of God's character, His personhood, His love, and His grace. Salvation is so simple yet so very, very profound. There is always more to learn, and I realize more and more that I need the Gospel every single day.
I have been reading Bruce Ware's "Big Truths for Young Hearts" simultaneously and must admit that they are so very complementary to one another that they are inextricably linked in my mind. I felt as though I was reading one book instead of two, so the collective Scriptures, themes, and doctrines presented in both books are woven into one tapestry of comfort and grace in my life. I found new things I had not known or remembered; I gradually came to understand deep in my soul more of God's character, His personhood, His love, and His grace. Salvation is so simple yet so very, very profound. There is always more to learn, and I realize more and more that I need the Gospel every single day.
August 8, 2025
MacArthur gives helpful reminders here that although Christianity is complex and detailed, there is a necessary foundation that is plain and simple. He reminds us that however deep we decide to dive into the truths of our faith, we must not neglect our basic Christianity.
January 8, 2014
As usual, MacArthur provides a scripturally based discussion of Rev. 2:4, expanding that discussion to encourage us to maintain the depth of love we experienced with Christ when first we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior.
April 16, 2017
Good Intro
Like most MacArthur books I've read lots of good stuff, straightforwardly presented without fluff or filler. Obviously has some of his theological quirks (Pre-Trib Dispensationalism) but other than that would recommend for any Christian, young or old.
Like most MacArthur books I've read lots of good stuff, straightforwardly presented without fluff or filler. Obviously has some of his theological quirks (Pre-Trib Dispensationalism) but other than that would recommend for any Christian, young or old.
September 23, 2023
How can I not give John MacArthur five stars? The man is a legend, and a brilliant, insightful teacher.
Although, am I allowed to say this? I do prefer his sermons to his books...
The overall message of this book is found on page 145. He wrote: One summer I had the opportunity to visit Europe and in particular the Alps. At the foot of one of those majestic mountains is a famous gravestone. Underneath the individual's name the epitaph reads 'He died climbing'. That ought to be our attitude as we pursue Christ. When the time comes for us to go to be with the Lord, we ought to be in the process of pursuing Him when He calls us home.
Brilliant. On a side note, has anyone else noticed how much JM used the word 'ought?'
Anyway. It's full of nuggets and insights as you would expect - like the idea that on the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter's downfall was caused by prayerlessness. If he had stayed awake and prayed as he was asked, perhaps things would have been different for him. Perhaps. It's an interesting thought.
If you're going to read it, note there is a chapter by chapter study guide at the back of the book that I wish I had known about earlier.
Recommend.
Although, am I allowed to say this? I do prefer his sermons to his books...
The overall message of this book is found on page 145. He wrote: One summer I had the opportunity to visit Europe and in particular the Alps. At the foot of one of those majestic mountains is a famous gravestone. Underneath the individual's name the epitaph reads 'He died climbing'. That ought to be our attitude as we pursue Christ. When the time comes for us to go to be with the Lord, we ought to be in the process of pursuing Him when He calls us home.
Brilliant. On a side note, has anyone else noticed how much JM used the word 'ought?'
Anyway. It's full of nuggets and insights as you would expect - like the idea that on the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter's downfall was caused by prayerlessness. If he had stayed awake and prayed as he was asked, perhaps things would have been different for him. Perhaps. It's an interesting thought.
If you're going to read it, note there is a chapter by chapter study guide at the back of the book that I wish I had known about earlier.
Recommend.
September 26, 2022
Not his best but still wonderful. A Simple Christianity is not so simple. Although the theme of the book is loving Christ, John MacArthur gets there through ten chapters of encouragement to understand and cherish Jesus as our God, Savior, Lord, and First Love. It's a great reminder and a challenge to do the hard work of pursuing Christ and the prize He set before us. No work for salvation but work in expressing and living out our love for Him.
July 30, 2019
As always, Pastor MacArthur provides a solid foundation of principles for the daily Christian walk that are supplemented with sound biblical references. At times though, it did feel a little repetitious and difficult to finish. I found that this book caused me to start and stop many times in order to finish it even though it is not a very long book at all.
August 15, 2017
A wonderfully written book and is a must read for those that are new in their faith in Christ but also for those that have been believers for many years to encourage us to either return to or stay close to our "first love."
September 28, 2018
This book is an AMAZING way to get back to your first love!
July 17, 2019
Just okay. It’s MacArthur, faithful content very simply written.
September 2, 2020
Sirvió durante mi vida laica, lo entendí como seminarista tras releerlo y, aunque MacArthur, no es el mejor referente de la teología bíblica, sé que sus palabras me acompañarán por siempre.
December 12, 2020
What a disappointment. I have long read John McArthur and believed he had a solid theology.
But when he states depression is a sign of Non Christian. That's a dangerous line of thought..
But when he states depression is a sign of Non Christian. That's a dangerous line of thought..
February 20, 2022
It's a book for those who are seeking to better understand Jesus and The Word of God. Many references to scripture and explanations of verses.
February 25, 2017
Not a bad study on Christianity, but it wasn't exactly "simple." It was pretty wordy, and I found my mind wandering.
February 15, 2017
I found this book to be encouraging. It was a brief, but good, study of the basic message of Christianity.
March 27, 2017
Good resource for any believer
In less than 200 pages John Macarthur outlines what it is to have a passionate relationship with Christ. At times hard hitting, but always compassionate and encouraging, MacArthur takes the reader through the deity of Christ, His life, death,y resurrection, ascension, and ongoing intercession. A must read for any believer who desires to draw nearer to Christ.
In less than 200 pages John Macarthur outlines what it is to have a passionate relationship with Christ. At times hard hitting, but always compassionate and encouraging, MacArthur takes the reader through the deity of Christ, His life, death,y resurrection, ascension, and ongoing intercession. A must read for any believer who desires to draw nearer to Christ.
March 28, 2017
Basic, brief, but good.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews