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Faith. Hope. Love.: The Christ-Centered Way to Grow in Grace
Faith, hope, and love are often called the three cords of the Christian life--three crucial elements that shape how we live as followers of Jesus. This book features short chapters--written in the form of questions and answers, including explanations for each answer--offering a practical theological guide to understanding the necessity and interconnectedness of faith, hope, and love. This author helps us meditate on and apply these central Christian virtues, empowering us to live the joyful, generous life to which we have been called.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
42 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Mark Jones
29 books78 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Rev. Dr. Mark Jones (PhD, Leiden Universiteit) has been the Minister at Faith Vancouver Church (PCA) since 2007. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He lectures at various seminaries around the world and is currently writing a book titled, "Knowing Christ" (Banner of Truth, forthcoming).
He also blogs at Reformation21.org.
Rev. Dr. Mark Jones (PhD, Leiden Universiteit) has been the Minister at Faith Vancouver Church (PCA) since 2007. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He lectures at various seminaries around the world and is currently writing a book titled, "Knowing Christ" (Banner of Truth, forthcoming).
He also blogs at Reformation21.org.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 20, 2018
Excelente. Ideal para devocionais privados e em grupos.
August 3, 2020
A theologically-rich, pastoral, and worshipful book.
Because it's set out in catechetical form (57 questions all together), the chapters are brief, which is great. If you know Mark Jones, you know he loves the Puritans, so you'll get plenty of great quotations from them (mainly Goodwin, Watson, Owen, and Ames) alongside other saints (Cyprian, Chrysostom, Augustine, Lombard, Calvin, et al.). That said, his favorite and best source is Scripture, which is as it should be. The complete Scripture Index in the back is much appreciated.
"Unbelief is no small sin but rather the greatest of all sins. It gives birth to all other sins. Unbelief essentially tells God to shut up" (23). "There is no grace we accept ... that was not first present in Christ himself" (67). Those who neglect means of grace are "emaciated Christians, refusing to open their mouths for God to feed them" (71). "Anyone wishing great strength in temptation must be much in prayer before temptation comes" (84). "The reason God will never stop loving you is that he never began" (Vos, 150). "Crushing the head of the Serpent was Adam's responsibility. Consequently, Christ took up the task of Serpent bruiser" (164). "Mere Christianity: new creatures walking by faith in obedience to God's commandments" (178).
Because it's set out in catechetical form (57 questions all together), the chapters are brief, which is great. If you know Mark Jones, you know he loves the Puritans, so you'll get plenty of great quotations from them (mainly Goodwin, Watson, Owen, and Ames) alongside other saints (Cyprian, Chrysostom, Augustine, Lombard, Calvin, et al.). That said, his favorite and best source is Scripture, which is as it should be. The complete Scripture Index in the back is much appreciated.
"Unbelief is no small sin but rather the greatest of all sins. It gives birth to all other sins. Unbelief essentially tells God to shut up" (23). "There is no grace we accept ... that was not first present in Christ himself" (67). Those who neglect means of grace are "emaciated Christians, refusing to open their mouths for God to feed them" (71). "Anyone wishing great strength in temptation must be much in prayer before temptation comes" (84). "The reason God will never stop loving you is that he never began" (Vos, 150). "Crushing the head of the Serpent was Adam's responsibility. Consequently, Christ took up the task of Serpent bruiser" (164). "Mere Christianity: new creatures walking by faith in obedience to God's commandments" (178).
November 19, 2017
In this book, Mark Jones gives excellent, robust, and winsomely Reformed answers to important questions regarding the three cardinal graces, in a catechetical format. In them, you will learn things why "Jesus was the greatest believer that ever lived", "the Ten Commandments are the guide to loving God and our neighbor" (yes, all of them), "our imperfect obedience is acceptable to God", and "the Christian parent may have confident hope that his child dies in the Lord."
January 27, 2018
Really helpful book. By framing the Christian life in terms of faith, hope and love, Jones places the Christian within the broad tradition of the church. I also just found it to be an easy, practical way to think about what God calls me to do everyday. His exposition of the law I found to be a very practical way to measure my works of love—to give me concrete things to repent of and pursue. Reading in tandem with Aquinas's Compendium is a really fascinating comparison as well.
September 20, 2017
I received a copy of this book through Net Galley. This is a very in-depth book on faith, hope and love. I gave it four stars because the book shows exactly what the author says that it would. The only reason I did not give it a fifth star is because it was kind of a difficult read for me. This book uses a lot of references that are cited, And a lot of information from different theologians like Spurgeon whom my love. My favorite part of the book was that it had questions that Christians and nonbelievers ask, and had the answers for them.
January 4, 2018
All in all there were some really great insights. But the tone of the book was so flat and dry that it was hard to read at sections. I find this disappointing considering the content of the book (faith, hope, and love) are such beautiful and life giving realities.
With that being said, I think this could be a good resource for a new or young Christian looking to get rooted in the faith.
With that being said, I think this could be a good resource for a new or young Christian looking to get rooted in the faith.
August 6, 2019
There is a surprising dearth of resources (besides the Bible, that is) on the three theological sisters of faith, hope, and love. Mark Jones addresses them in a series of 58 questions and answers, such as "Where does faith come from?" "What is the principal exercise of faith?" "Of what use is hope in times of suffering?" "How do we show our love for God?" "Why is lying so serious?"
As you can probably see, it is a good mix of theological reflection and practical application. In fact, I probably read the book too fast--perhaps it would work best almost as a devotional, with the reader tackling a chapter or two each day.
I particularly appreciated the chapters on hope, by far the most underrated of these three chief virtues (and the shortest section of this book . . .). He defines it well and ably discusses our ultimate hope of the new heavens and the new earth.
Although perhaps not as rich as some of Jones' other books, including those on antinomianism and on the prayers of Jesus, this is a decent resource nonetheless, particularly if one is looking for some devotional reading.
As you can probably see, it is a good mix of theological reflection and practical application. In fact, I probably read the book too fast--perhaps it would work best almost as a devotional, with the reader tackling a chapter or two each day.
I particularly appreciated the chapters on hope, by far the most underrated of these three chief virtues (and the shortest section of this book . . .). He defines it well and ably discusses our ultimate hope of the new heavens and the new earth.
Although perhaps not as rich as some of Jones' other books, including those on antinomianism and on the prayers of Jesus, this is a decent resource nonetheless, particularly if one is looking for some devotional reading.
March 31, 2025
This is kind of a catechism for the reformed tradition, that leans heavily on their set of writings and little outside of it. As with any other type of Christianity, there is much that is ok here - but it feels and reads very old-fashioned as it seems that there has been very little movement since Jonathan Edwards. I'm a little bit harsh here, but it did not give me much at all other than questions that I would not exactly think of and answers that are very formulaic. Maybe as it should in a book like this. The best parts were the two chapters that showed how Adam broke every one of the ten commandments and Christ broke none - it got me thinking even though it was a theological stretch.
Read Josef Pieper's "Faith, Hope, Love" instead - Catholic, but sooo much better.
Read Josef Pieper's "Faith, Hope, Love" instead - Catholic, but sooo much better.
September 29, 2025
Written in a catechetical style, Jones covers the Three Sisters, and under those almost all of practical christian living. The author has wonderful, concise, things to say, and brilliantly weaves quotes from the ancients, Aquinas, Lombard, the Reformers, and especially the Puritans (with some choice more modern writers) into his own clear prose.
Lived it. Deeply edifying.
Lived it. Deeply edifying.
February 13, 2018
Jones is lucid and practical in this extended catechism on faith, hope, and love. Reads very well as a daily devotion. A springboard to deeper reflection. Peppered throughout are insights from historic saints like Augustine, Watson, Aquinas, and Goodwin.
April 15, 2019
Mark Jones, escreve sob a forma de catecismo com 58 perguntas. Uma didática interessante e cativante. A exposição é bíblica teológica e com argumentos que tornam o livro prazeroso. Recomento muito para a compreensão dessa tríade que é a base da vida do crente: fé, esperança e amor.
January 10, 2018
Good read. The section on love was the best, with some profound insights.
March 31, 2018
Excellent devotional read.
January 1, 2020
Virtue ethics (the cardinal virtues being prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude), as espoused by Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, emphasizes the formation of character by acting on inclinations that are directed toward the good for mankind and avoiding inclinations that are not. Martin Luther took a particular interest in decrying the ethical system of Aristotle, labeling his Nicomachean Ethics "the vilest enemy of grace". I think Luther may have been somewhat unfair in equating the perfective nature of the habituation of Aristotelian-Thomistic virtue with Pauline righteousness by which one stands uncondemned before God. In any case, it is the theological virtues faith, hope, and love that are under discussion here, and I think Mark Jones strikes the right balance in reference to the necessity and significance of faith-filled obedience as it is worked out from these three graces.
A few works have treated the theological virtues together as far back as Augustine (A.D. 354-430), but there has been a draught on the subject in recent years. Jones hopes to begin bridging that gap. There is value in treating them together because, as Jones argues, "each virtue informs the other" (15). The book is written with the Christian layperson in mind. Jones identifies one primary goal of the book as providing answers to "specific questions in relation to the theological virtues" (15). In this, I believe he was successful. Repeatedly throughout the book questions came to my mind, some that were recurring questions and some that were new as a result of the material. Rich, scriptural answers were readily at hand for each one. Jones corrected my ignorance many times over, but what I appreciate the most is the subject is dealt with in such a way that continuously forces the reader to examine his life in light of scriptural truths. I truly believe that this book not only brought me to a greater knowledge of the Christian faith but also helped me to grow in the way I live the Christian life.
The book is written as a catechism in question and answer format followed by a short, easily-digestible three- to five-page commentary. Jones discusses faith first. Some chapters, for me at least, needed to be chewed on a few times. I reread the third, sixth, and ninth chapters a few times.
In chapter 3 (maybe the most theologically technical), the question, "Where does faith come from?" elicits the answer, "Faith, while a human act, comes from God as a supernatural and empowered gift." Jones introduces a distinction (act/habit or act/power) from some of the Puritans that was very helpful.
In chapter 6, the question, "What does our faith lay hold of?" is followed with "Our faith lays hold of Christ along with all the saving benefits that are graciously offered through union with him." In this chapter, Jones most directly interacts with the relationship between good works and salvation. Our standing before God was secured by Christ in his death and resurrection and on that basis alone we will be glorified, but the path, the only path, to that destination was prepared for us in advance (Eph. 2:10). The believer must and will walk that path.
In chapter 9, the answer to the question "What is the principle exercise of faith?" is "The contemplation of the glory of Christ". Here, Jones laments the widespread and substantial ignorance of "essential truths of Christ's person and work". If contemplating the glory of Christ is the principle exercise of faith and ought to be a significant part of my daily life (and I believe it is), I have failed to adequately prioritize the knowledge of Christ's person and work in my studies.
Other topics on faith include how faith may be increased and strengthened, Satan's goal of getting the Christian to forsake God through neglect of the Word and prayer (powerfully convicting), and many more.
Topics on hope include seeing Christ face-to-face in his glory as the supreme object of hope, our resurrection hope, hope in suffering, hope regarding the salvation of our children, hope regarding the death of infants, the duty that flows out of Christian hope, and more.
The section on love includes two or three chapters expositing each of the ten commandments and some applications of the positive duties of God's law. I was profoundly struck by the discussion of Paul's extension of charity toward all of the children in the church as covenant children in Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20. In the absence of certainty, Paul charitably regards all of the children in these churches as being united to Christ in faith. I was fascinated by the discussion in chapter 34 of how Adam in the Fall broke all of the moral requirements in the ten commandments and in chapter 35 how Christ kept all of the moral requirements in the law. There are so many topics in this section that I think would intrigue a contemporary reader that I won't try to list them. You just need to get the book to see for yourself. There aren't many books that I make plans to reread at some point in the future as soon as I have read it, but this is one.
A few works have treated the theological virtues together as far back as Augustine (A.D. 354-430), but there has been a draught on the subject in recent years. Jones hopes to begin bridging that gap. There is value in treating them together because, as Jones argues, "each virtue informs the other" (15). The book is written with the Christian layperson in mind. Jones identifies one primary goal of the book as providing answers to "specific questions in relation to the theological virtues" (15). In this, I believe he was successful. Repeatedly throughout the book questions came to my mind, some that were recurring questions and some that were new as a result of the material. Rich, scriptural answers were readily at hand for each one. Jones corrected my ignorance many times over, but what I appreciate the most is the subject is dealt with in such a way that continuously forces the reader to examine his life in light of scriptural truths. I truly believe that this book not only brought me to a greater knowledge of the Christian faith but also helped me to grow in the way I live the Christian life.
The book is written as a catechism in question and answer format followed by a short, easily-digestible three- to five-page commentary. Jones discusses faith first. Some chapters, for me at least, needed to be chewed on a few times. I reread the third, sixth, and ninth chapters a few times.
In chapter 3 (maybe the most theologically technical), the question, "Where does faith come from?" elicits the answer, "Faith, while a human act, comes from God as a supernatural and empowered gift." Jones introduces a distinction (act/habit or act/power) from some of the Puritans that was very helpful.
In chapter 6, the question, "What does our faith lay hold of?" is followed with "Our faith lays hold of Christ along with all the saving benefits that are graciously offered through union with him." In this chapter, Jones most directly interacts with the relationship between good works and salvation. Our standing before God was secured by Christ in his death and resurrection and on that basis alone we will be glorified, but the path, the only path, to that destination was prepared for us in advance (Eph. 2:10). The believer must and will walk that path.
In chapter 9, the answer to the question "What is the principle exercise of faith?" is "The contemplation of the glory of Christ". Here, Jones laments the widespread and substantial ignorance of "essential truths of Christ's person and work". If contemplating the glory of Christ is the principle exercise of faith and ought to be a significant part of my daily life (and I believe it is), I have failed to adequately prioritize the knowledge of Christ's person and work in my studies.
Other topics on faith include how faith may be increased and strengthened, Satan's goal of getting the Christian to forsake God through neglect of the Word and prayer (powerfully convicting), and many more.
Topics on hope include seeing Christ face-to-face in his glory as the supreme object of hope, our resurrection hope, hope in suffering, hope regarding the salvation of our children, hope regarding the death of infants, the duty that flows out of Christian hope, and more.
The section on love includes two or three chapters expositing each of the ten commandments and some applications of the positive duties of God's law. I was profoundly struck by the discussion of Paul's extension of charity toward all of the children in the church as covenant children in Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20. In the absence of certainty, Paul charitably regards all of the children in these churches as being united to Christ in faith. I was fascinated by the discussion in chapter 34 of how Adam in the Fall broke all of the moral requirements in the ten commandments and in chapter 35 how Christ kept all of the moral requirements in the law. There are so many topics in this section that I think would intrigue a contemporary reader that I won't try to list them. You just need to get the book to see for yourself. There aren't many books that I make plans to reread at some point in the future as soon as I have read it, but this is one.
January 24, 2019
Perfect for daily devotional readings with 58 chapters, each chapter is only a couple of pages.
October 9, 2022
Fantastic, like all of his books!
January 27, 2024
A helpful book focussing on “faith, hope and love”. Jones asks 58 questions and gives short answers on how these three virtues shape our Christian lives. Very good!
January 30, 2025
Paperback (own). Well-Educated Mind Book Club. 5x5: Theology.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews