By Grace Alone: How the Grace of God Amazes Me

by Sinclair B. Ferguson

In By Grace Alone: How the Grace of God Amazes Me, Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson laments that "we have lost the joy and energy that is experienced when grace seems truly 'amazing.'" In an effort to restore the wonder of divine grace, he reflects on it from seven angles, each built around a stanza from a rich but little-known hymn, "O How the Grace of God Amazes Me," written by Emmanuel T. Sibomana, a pastor in the African nation of Burundi. This book poses probing questions for today's believer: "If I am not amazed by God's grace, can I really be living in it? Can I really be tasting, and savoring, and delighting in it?" But those willing to delve into God's Word with Dr. Ferguson will come away with a deeper astonishment at the depths of God's grace.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion

123 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Sinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.

Reviews

[Aneurin Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book.
Sinclair has an amazing way of expressing gospel truths so that they warm the soul.
It is well worth a read especially if you've been prone to wander.
Amazing read, even better Saviour.

[Gabie Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book on the goodness of the gospel. This is also a great one to read in preparation for the Lord's Supper. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the atonement, assurance, and suffering.

Ferguson quotes many hymns and hymn writers quite a lot in this book. It is a little distracting for me, an exclusive psalmist. However, that is my only critique, and I realize I'm in the minority of those who may not be thrilled about that.

[Easton Tally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book won’t give you new knowledge for debate but it will remind you time and again where the comfort of your heart and head must lay as it takes a deep dive into African pastor, Emmanuel T. Sibomana’s seven stanza hymn - “O How the Grace of God Amazes Me.”

When we think of this grace that has saved us, there is “a difference between the knowledge of the truth and the knowledge of the power of the truth,” and this is what Ferguson implores us to meditate on. The Son of Man laid down his life, reckoned us righteous, broke the bondage of sin, and intercedes on our behalf every moment of every day.

If we can allow the Scriptures, the Church, and ourselves to remind us of this amazing grace, sin will lose experiential power over us in a way it already has lost actual power. Our enjoyment of God will slowly become as firm as our standing in God. Our hearts will naturally begin to sing, “Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.”

[Persis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferguson uses the 7 stanzas in a hymn written by a Burundian pastor, E.T. Sibomana, as the theme for each chapter in this book about the grace of God. There isn't anything "new." In fact, Ferguson writes that we don't need "higher" or "deeper" but to grasp the main truths of the gospel, which he explains so clearly. He also doesn't assume his readers are Christians, but makes an appeal in each chapter for the unsaved reader to put his faith and trust in what Christ has done. This is such an encouraging book because it points so clearly to Christ and salvation by grace alone. I'm glad I read it again.

[Nick Prodromou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book, one I'll probably recommend. Ferguson's classic treatment of Romans 6 is so important.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guided tour of how God dispenses grace in the lives of those who follow Christ. A breath of fresh air.

[Cindy Francey · Rating 5 out of 5]

From new Christians to seasoned saints, everyone can deepen their understanding of grace and renew that amazement of grace!

[Judith Koene Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another incredible book by Sinclair Ferguson. Once again he is incredibly clear and concise. This book is such an encouragement and help. It can be read as a book, or even used for personal devotions reading a small portion daily along with the associated Scriptures referenced.

After reading this book, this is my response:

Oh behold the wondrous cross
Of my Lord and Saviour.
Let my eyes behold this awesome truth
And take it in for all its beauty.

You are my Lord
You are my Saviour.
All I am I give to you.
But what have I to give to thee.
For all I am, all I have is but already yours.

Make my eyes to behold this truth
To marvel at its majesty
May I see the truth of the cross
May I see the truth of the Gospel
For all its beauty.

May I more fully behold and believe
May I more fully understand.
In my feeble mind, I am but weak.
Weak I am, thou art strong.
My Lord and my Saviour.

May my loved ones come to see
Come to understand
May they see and believe
Before it is too late.

Help me to see the urgency
The urgency of the truth
And share with all around me
The beauty of the cross.

For you will come in full glory
Come to take what is already yours.
You will reveal your sovereignty
Your majesty, your reign.

Every knee will bow and confess
That you are Lord and King.
But then it will be too late.
O Lord, let it not be too late.
Help me to see the urgency
And share the blessed truth.

Then and only then will I fully see
Then and only then will I fully understand.
Then will I be fully glorified
Glorified in Christ, my Saviour.

Oh behold the wondrous cross
Of my Lord and Saviour.
Let my eyes behold this awesome truth
And take it in for all its beauty.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to this on Audible.

In this book, Sinclair Ferguson meditates on a Burundi Pastor’s hymn regarding the grace of God. The work explores how grace has become largely devoid of meaning and how many Christians need to one more be stirred again by the fact that Christ died for sinners. The book is more devotional than polemical in nature and yet Sinclair does an excellent job of working both styles together.

[Nolan Games · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read full of encouragement for the believer. Ferguson does a wonderful job of breaking down complex theological truth into easily digestible bites, which can only encourage one to consume more.

[Jess McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Use it as a devotional more than a book on theology. A reflection on the various facets of grace in the life of the believer

[Jim Savastio · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Sinclair Ferguson writes with a clear, Christ focused style. While it is "easy" to grasp, it is also filled with many profound truths which deal with the grounds of our acceptance with God as well as the transforming power of the gospel.

[Ryan Grooms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very timely read for me. Being someone who has struggled mightily with God's grace and assurance of salvation in the past, Sinclair Ferguson through solid exegesis of the Scriptures and winsome use of the almost unkown hymn "O' How the Grace of God Amazes Me" by E.T. Sibomana, has finally helped me understand what it is to rest in the grace and assurance of salvation found only in Christ alone! I highly recommend this to anyone who struggles with God's grace and assurance of salvation or anyone who wants a refreshing presentationg of God's all-sufficient grace in the life and salvation of the true believer.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contenido sólido. Aunque repetitivo en secciones. Citas favoritas:

"My feelings, or lack of them, neither increase nor lessen my guilt. It Is first and foremost a personal standing before a holy God, not a psychological condition. The marvel of the gospel Is that It deals with our objective guilt. Then we begin to appreciate our new standing before God. At that point, God begins to transform our feelings."

"Martin Luther-who knew a thing or two about these attacks-emphasized the need to see that the gospel that saves us is OUTSIDE us. We are not accounted righteous un God's sight either by regeneration or by santification... No, the gospel that saves us is entirely OUTSIDE us. It is Jesus Christ, incarnate, crucified for our sins, raised for our justification, who saves us."

No sabía de la lucha con sus pensamientos que tuvo Bunyan, me identifiqué. También disfruté el análisis del libro de Job; no había notado que el enemigo intenta confundir el carácter de Dios con el suyo.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful little book! Although the book is supposedly based on Pastor Emmanuel T. Sibomana's hymn, "O How the Grace of God Amazes Me", it really does not need this rather clunky (though sweet) hymn as an outline. I think the real Amazing Grace hymn (which he also refers to) would have flowed better. But the point of Ferguson's book is, indeed, Grace and of how beautifully he explains it. His Chapter 6, Delivered From Evil, is the best summary and commentary on the Book of Job I have encountered. Absolutely beautiful. And his explanation of remaining sin in believers - comparing it with physical addictions - is very helpful. All in all, it's a great book to understand the absolute graciousness of God our Savior!

[Andrew Roycroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful and pastorally warm treatment of the doctrine of ‘grace alone’. Taking the words of African Pastor Emmanuel T. Sibomana’s hymn ‘Oh how the grace of God amazes me’ as the framework for his study, Sinclair Ferguson unpacks what God’s grace means, how it is depicted biblically, and how it applies to us personally.

Ferguson writes with a sense of easy familiarity with the broad storyline of Scripture, and his illustrations are as unobtrusive as they are enlightening. I found his treatment of being ‘dead to sin’ in chapter 7 particularly helpful and encouraging.

Very highly recommended.

[Matthew Prydden · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's both a simplicity to this book and a great level of depth. Its a simple yet in-depth walk through the gospel of Jesus Christ. For me, it was as timely as it was revitalising and refreshing, to be reminded in such a clear and God-glorifying way of what the gospel is and what the gospel means. It succeeded in its aim - it left me at various times with a real and renewed sense of amazement at the grace of God. I'd recommend this book to new and old Christians alike.

[Hal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ferguson takes the song by an African pastor, Emmanuel T. Siboman, in his analysis of God's gift of grace and why it should ring as amazing in our daily lives. I came away with a much better understanding of God's grace given to us by the willing death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to wash my sins away and bring me into His church. It is a must read for anyone wishing to understand the amazing gift God gave us to restore us for His glory.

[Titus Fyffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinclair Ferguson's By Grace Alone is an amazing read for anyone who is beginning to feel a little dull in their faith. He graciously reminds us of just how amazing the grace of our God is. He uses different examples throughout the Bible and relates it to why it is relevant to us today. Overall it was an easy read and I would recommend it to anyone from a devout Christian to a new follower of Christ.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid exposition of many scriptures supporting the gospel message of God’s love, the darkness of sin, the glorious Light and freedom from sin’s curse and penalty that the gospel promises. So helpful to get a deep understanding of these key gospel elements. Well-written, easily understandable, and faithful to God’s Word.

[Kyle Shope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended to me by the “Theocast” podcast, I couldn’t agree with them more - this book is “chocolate cake for the soul”. A beautiful book that doesn’t overwhelm you with theological jargon. Unexpectedly, structuring the book around the hymn has also helped me meditate on the Psalms! Ferguson does a great job pointing us all to the sufficiency of Christ and the unbelievable grace of God.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I read this one together. We really enjoyed it and found it helpful, encouraging, and insightful. If you’re looking for a book to learn more about grace, what it is, and what it means for the Christian, then I highly recommend you check this book out. I originally chose it because I enjoy listening to the author’s podcast, Things Unseen. I recommend that, too.

[Aaron Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

This book has renewed my appreciation and amazement of Gods amazing grace. It is a book I will visit often. I can truly say it has been a very timely read for this poor sinner. It is a must read.

[Lone · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book about our amazing Saviour. This was a great Easter read - which I will repeat next Easter. The book made me even more in awe of God and what He did on the cross. I am joyful from the writings of Ferguson.

[Rebecca Baughman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Several topics that made me stop and think about, which is a very good thing. I did not know the hymn that the author used for reference, but the words were beautiful, and he made the hymn come alive for us.

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, it was good and full of excellent material. But I wasn't sure why it needed to be written when there are many other good books that cover the same ground. This one uses a hymn by an African pastor as the framework and then expounds God's grace in justification through that.

[C.J. Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good timeless truth. Written with real heart. A good reset book. Thank God for his amazing grace.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Robin Bittick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent follow-on to Ferguson’s book, In Christ Alone. The chapters are longer, but he goes into depth about what it means to live by faith in God's grace.

[AlegnaB † · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5