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The Pursuit of Holiness

by Jerry Bridges

4.18 · rating details · 1,362 ratings · 100 reviews

"Be holy, for I am holy" commands God to His people. But holiness is something that is often missed in the Christian's daily life. According to author Jerry Bridges, that's because we're not exactly sure what our part in holiness is.

In The Pursuit of Holiness, he helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do--and what we should accept r...more

Paperback, 160 pages

Published January 31st 2006 by NavPress (first published 1978)

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Jun 19, 2011

John Gardner rated it

I waited far too long to read this book... but better late than never!

Jerry Bridges' now-classic book on holiness has instantly vaulted up my list of must-read recommendations. It is the perfect blend of biblical exposition and practical application, which treads the delicate balance between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility.

Drawing on a metaphor from the world of farming (a tactic borrowed from Christ's earthly ministry), Bridges teaches that holiness is a joint ven...moreI waited far too long to read this book... but better late than never!

Jerry Bridges' now-classic book on holiness has instantly vaulted up my list of must-read recommendations. It is the perfect blend of biblical exposition and practical application, which treads the delicate balance between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility.

Drawing on a metaphor from the world of farming (a tactic borrowed from Christ's earthly ministry), Bridges teaches that holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. Only God can make a seed grow, but the farmer must still plant, water, and harvest the crop. In the same way, only God can produce sanctification in the life of a believer, but each Christian has a responsibility to work at his own holiness. Man cannot do what God must do, and God will not do what man must do.

It is a constant temptation to pick one of two extremes, or to vacillate between them: Believing that salvation is up to me and that my works can merit salvation (legalism), or believing that because God is sovereign, it makes no difference what I do or how I live (antinomianism). A genuine pursuit of holiness avoids both of these opposite errors.

This was one of the most challenging books I've ever read, but also one of the most encouraging. It forced me to focus inward on my own sinfulness as I realized that, for all my progress since I became a Christian, I still fail every day to live up to God's standard of holiness. I am complacent in many of ways, treating casually the very sins for which Christ died. Yet I was also reminded of the power that is mine through union with Christ in the Holy Spirit. So often I make excuses for why I continue to give in to my desires, but the truth is that I am without excuse. I have the ability to resist sin, yet still I choose to sin.

For me, the greatest distinction made in the book was between "victory" and "obedience". It is common for Christians to speak of sin in terms of "victory" and "defeat". What we usually mean by this is that there are some sins over which God has not yet granted us victory. The implication is that God has not done enough to achieve our sanctification.

Instead, Bridges says, we must realize that Christ has already won the victory over every sin, and has already given this victory to his people (1 Corinthians 15:57). When I sin, it is not because sin has defeated me. It is because I am disobedient. It sounds so simple, but it rocked my world as I read it. This is a perfect example of why we need the Word preached to us, and to be taught by wise and Godly men. I already "knew" that Christ had died so that I could put my sins to death (Colossians 3:5), but through the words of Jerry Bridges this lesson has begun to sink in as never before.

This is a book I know I will come back to again and again, and I hope you will, too.(less)

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Apr 07, 2010

Joy rated it

Excellent book by a long-time Navigator that I worked with for two years and admired back in the early 1970s. It's been good to follow his writings. This was his first book, which I read soon after it came out in 1978. We just finished it, using the study guide, at our Wednesday night ladies' Bible study. The big emphasis of the book is that we don't understand the proper distinction between God's provision and our own responsibility for holiness. God has made the provision and empowers us t...more

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Oct 25, 2011

Travis rated it

Jerry Bridges writes a piercing, challenging, and practical charge for Christians to give their lives to be holy as God commands. In The Pursuit of Holiness (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2006), readers will find practical helps, biblical conviction, and realistically high expectations.

What I Liked

Bridges clearly points Christians toward a higher level of following Christ. Far too many believers fail to live a holy life because they have compromised their understanding ...more

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Jan 08, 2011

booklady rated it

Recommended to booklady by: christianaudio

Shelves: 2011, non-fiction, prayer, psychology, religion, scripture, spiritual, worth-reading-over-and-over, theology

If you consider that the Number One attribute of God is Holiness and the first Commandment He gives us is to love Him, pursuing this virtue makes perfect sense. In fact, the author asks, why don't we hear more about this? Why are we so complacent about our own sanctity? Are we expecting Him to take care of it for us or do we think there's not much we can do?

Holiness is not a word most of us use in our everyday conversations and it does look a little like the author has been tryi...more

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Nov 19, 2011

Tom rated it

Finished reading through/studying Pursuit of Holiness today for the third or fourth time. This time through I read and copied off all of the Scripture references from the ESV Bible. I think the newer translation made me look at some of bridges comments a little differently. This study should be worked at by all believers. We all are too easily satisfied with our relationship and condition before Christ. We are self deceiving, telling our selves we don't really need to work on our purity. H...moreFinished reading through/studying Pursuit of Holiness today for the third or fourth time. This time through I read and copied off all of the Scripture references from the ESV Bible. I think the newer translation made me look at some of bridges comments a little differently. This study should be worked at by all believers. We all are too easily satisfied with our relationship and condition before Christ. We are self deceiving, telling our selves we don't really need to work on our purity. He confronts us with questions or admonitions at the end of each chapter such as. "Will you begin to look at sin as an offense against a holy God, instead a personal defeat only? Will you decide to obey God in all areas of life, however insignificant the issue may be? Or, Heb 10:7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” This is the example we are to follow. In all of our thoughts, all of our actions, in every part of our character, the ruling principle that motivates and guides us should be the desire to follow Christ in doing the will of the Father. This is the high road we must follow in the pursuit of holiness. And, To confuse the potential for resisting (which God provided) with the responsibility for resisting (which is ours) is to court disaster in our pursuit of holiness. From chapter 11 Bridges challenge is: God expects us to assume our responsibilities for keeping the sinful desires of the body under control. It is true we cannot do this in our own strength. Our sinful desires, stimulated by all the temptations around us, are too strong for us. But though we cannot do it by ourselves, we can do it. As we set our selves to the task in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, we will see Him at work in us. We will fail many times, but as we persevere, we will be able to say with Paul, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV) And from chapter 14 the challenge is: It is vain to guard our minds and emotions against that which comes from without if we do not at the same time deal with habits of sin which are within. The battle for holiness must be fought on two fronts—without and within. Only then will we see progress toward holiness. The book ends with the challenge to all of us, both young and old Christian:God has provided all we need for our pursuit of holiness. He has delivered us from the reign of sin and given us His indwelling Holy Spirit.
He has revealed His will for holy living in His Word,and He works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose. He has sent pastors and teachers to exhort and encourage us in the path of holiness; and He answers our prayers when we cry to Him for strength against temptation.

Truly the choice is ours. What will we choose?
Will we accept our responsibility and discipline ourselves to live in habitual obedience to the will of God?
Will we persevere in the face of frequent failure, resolving never to give up?
Will we decide that personal holiness is worth the price of saying no to our body's demands to indulge its appetites?

Surly He has not commanded us to be holy without providing the means to be holy. The privilege of being holy is yours, and the decision and responsibility to be holy is yours. If you make that decision, you will experience the fullness of joy which Christ has promised to those who walk in obedience to Him. Page 156-157.(less)

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Mar 22, 2011

benebean rated it

Shelves: nonfiction, philosophy-religion, medium

so I admit I wasn't paying super close attention to this book the whole time it was playing... but so far, nothing earth shattering.

hmmm, I'm a bit worried about how he seems to equate every bodily desire as a sinful desire. I forget the name of the heresy, but basically it's one the ancient Greeks came up with where they believed that the soul was good and the body was evil. I agree with the point that most of us all too often are controlled by our bodies instead of controlling t...more

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Jul 09, 2011

Kenneth rated it

Bridges, Jerry: The Pursuit of Holiness
This was an excellent book that I read alongside studying for a small group going through R.C. Sproul’s The Holiness of God video series. This book is a great compliment to it showing how we as believers are to live holy lives. The book is full of great material but one chapter that to me was worth the price of the book was chapter 5, “A Change of Kingdoms” drawing from Romans 6:6-7. He explains in clear ways what our union with Christ means and ho...more

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Apr 09, 2011

Matt Harmless rated it

Whether you simply have a vague understanding of "holiness," or you are a Bible scholar that has spent a significant amount of time studying this word's origin, usage, and possible meanings, you know that holiness seems to be an unattainable attribute of men. Yet there it is in the Bible, the command, "Be Holy, for I am Holy." How are we to attain this holiness? How are we to strive for this holiness? What is meant by this command? To what degree are we to be holy?

...moreWhether you simply have a vague understanding of "holiness," or you are a Bible scholar that has spent a significant amount of time studying this word's origin, usage, and possible meanings, you know that holiness seems to be an unattainable attribute of men. Yet there it is in the Bible, the command, "Be Holy, for I am Holy." How are we to attain this holiness? How are we to strive for this holiness? What is meant by this command? To what degree are we to be holy?

These are the questions that I have struggled with over the years. No matter how much I have efforted myself to be holy, I am not there. Take into account all of my thoughts and desires and I am set back even further from the attainment of holiness. Factor in my deep-seated motives, and holiness becomes a completely foreign country, where I am separated from it by vast oceans of selfishness, impurity, weakness, and the like.

A few years ago I read through The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, and it really helped me to understand the meaning of holiness, the commands of holiness, and the pursuit of holiness from a Biblical perspective. Over the last few weeks I have been listening Christian Audio's version of this book and have once again been assisted in my own personal pursuit.

This book is both encouraging, in its ability to relate to everyone's struggle, and convicting, in its confrontation of the lack of pursuit. You see, we must be in this pursuit of holiness. Sharing the struggles with all mankind doesn't exempt us from striving, it demands that we do so by eliminating the excuse. Because of this, I also appreciate the fact that this book is very theological without sacrificing its practicality. In other words, it is very useful. Jerry Bridges gives very practical applications while building the Biblical basis for those applications. I was able to walk away with something to do. I found myself putting the lessons into practice on those days where I had listened to a chapter on the way to work.

I highly recommend this book. I especially recommend this book for use in a group study or Sunday school situation. There are many opportunities for discussion as Jerry Bridges is also open and honest about his own struggles.

I would also like to recommend the Christian Audio version of this book. The voice talents that Christian audio employs for the reading of their books are really quite good. I always feel pulled in, as if the author was actually sitting there reading the book to me themselves. I am even considering purchasing a few of the CD versions of these books to keep on the shelves at the church where I am the Pastor. I see quite a potential for those who have a difficult time reading or are simply looking for a way to fill their commutes to work or the drives to a vacation. There are many that may not purchase an audio book right now, but would consider listening to one if the church made it available. I'm telling you, once you've listened to an audio book, you'll be hooked.(less)

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Dec 20, 2010

Josh Morgan rated it

· review of another edition

This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (http://jacobscafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/p...).

I recently received a complimentary copy of Jerry Bridges' audiobook version of The Pursuit of Holiness in order to review it (without any expectation of a positive review, as will be obvious here :) ). I had several theological problems with this book that bleed over to the larger issues of some of holiness movements. Let's go through these by way of some of Bridges' central points:

...more

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Mar 13, 2011

Kara rated it

Shelves: reviews-navpress, fall-reading-challenge-2010, reviews-all, theology

I recently had the opportunity to review The Pursuit of Holiness by Dr. Jerry Bridges. If you've read my reviews of several of his other books, you know that I really appreciate his writing. Dr. Bridges is able to communicate and practically apply biblical truth very effectively, with a humility and grace rarely seen. The Pursuit of Holiness is no exception. The book is definitely deserving of it's reputation as a "modern classic"!

While his book Transforming Grace emphasize...moreI recently had the opportunity to review The Pursuit of Holiness by Dr. Jerry Bridges. If you've read my reviews of several of his other books, you know that I really appreciate his writing. Dr. Bridges is able to communicate and practically apply biblical truth very effectively, with a humility and grace rarely seen. The Pursuit of Holiness is no exception. The book is definitely deserving of it's reputation as a "modern classic"!

While his book Transforming Grace emphasized God's grace in our Christian walk, The Pursuit of Holiness emphasizes our personal responsibility. When it comes to living a holy life, what is our responsibility, and for what do we rely on God? He explains:

"The title for this book comes from the biblical command, "Pursue holiness, for without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14, author's paraphrase). The word pursue suggests two thoughts: first, that diligence and effort are required; and second that it is a lifelong task. These two thoughts form a dual theme throughout this book. While seeking to set forth clearly and accurately God's provision for our holiness, I have deliberately stressed our responsibility, feeling that this is an emphasis sorely needed among Christians today. At the same time I have sought to emphasize that holiness is a process, something we never completely attain in this life. Rather, as we begin to conform to the will of God in one area of life, He reveals to us our need in another area. That is why we will always be pursuing-as opposed to attaining-holiness in this life."

A holy life is defined as "a life [lived] in conformity to the moral precepts of the Bible and in contrast to the sinful ways of the world." Why is it that holiness is such a struggle for most Christians? Dr. Bridges identifies three basic problems:

1. Our attitude toward sin is more self-centered than God-centered. We're more concerned about the personal effects of sin and being "successful" over it than we are about the fact that sin is offensive to God...that it grieves him.

2. We have misunderstood "living by faith" to mean that no effort at holiness is required on our part. Instead, we need to recognize that we do have a personal responsibility for our walk of holiness.

3. We do not take some sin seriously. We mentally categorize sins into those that are unacceptable and those which we can tolerate, rather than calling sin "sin"."

These three problems are expanded on and discussed in detail throughout the book. Dr. Bridges is clear that while holiness and obedience to God's commands is not a condition of salvation, it is a necessary part of salvation that is received by faith in Christ and is required for fellowship with God, our own well-being, effective service to God, and assurance of salvation. He also explains how joy in Christ both produces and results from this obedience.

The Pursuit of Holiness clearly lays out our responsibility to live a holy life without falling into the trap of legalism and an unbiblical performance-driven salvation. An excellent read for the newest convert and the seasoned believer alike.

Thanks so much to Navpress for providing a review copy to me. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/sear...
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution(less)

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Sep 18, 2010

Jim rated it

Great book. It's all about getting into the Word and doing what it says, in both thought and action. On the surface, this wouldn't seem that big of a deal. Don't most Bible-believing Christians claim to follow the Bible already? However, I think if one approaches this book with the intent of giving God all they have, the practical applications to their daily walk will come rolling at them, probably faster than expected! I would put this book just behind Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleshi...more

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May 11, 2009

Larry rated it

Jerry Bridges brings to the forefront sins that become norm to us, sins that may be harder to detect but sin that still hinder our fellowship with God and one another.
Though this book does not dig very deep, I thought it was thought provoking.
You'll probably find yourself familiar with most of the the content but the value is its exposure to these sin. The value will be to prayerfully read through the list of attitudes (sins) and see where you have become complacent in those areas.

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Dec 23, 2011

Tim rated it

The Pursuit of Holiness is a modern Puritan tract on holiness, heavy on Scripture and the individual pursuit of holiness (and not personal story telling as in the manner of much modern Christian writing). It is a good and challenging read and easier to get through than John Owen (or Ryle for that matter). Like Owen, it too falls short in not incorporating the body of Christ in the pursuit.

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Aug 09, 2011

Rob Gillen rated it

I'm not certain why, but I started this book with rather low expectations... I thought it would be a rules-heavy, legalistic view of Christianity that I have been working rather hard to steer clear of. To my surprise, I found the book surprisingly engaging and refreshingly balanced in it's presentation. I was challenged to strive for holiness (obedience) in my life not because it "saves" me, or makes me a better person, but because it imitates the character of my God.

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Aug 29, 2009

Go2therock rated it

This book challenges its reader to all the Lord calls us to in a way that invites, rather than threatens, and holds forth conviction and promise in sweet words of fellowship. The call to holiness has become a deeper pursuit on my part because of this book. I don't simply feel small in comparison to my Savior, but lifted up and encouraged to walk in His big, loving footsteps.

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Jul 27, 2011

Bryan Mcwhite rated it

This is a marvelous read. Bridges hit the nail on the head in an urgent call for holiness. He doesn't pull any punches about the state of the western church in its (lack of) holiness. This book is a worthy heir of Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleship," and prelude to Piper's "Future Grace." I intend to use it in any future discipleship I do.

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Sep 18, 2010

Julyan rated it

Shelves: religion

An amazing book that everyone should read at least once in their lives. Believers or non-believers.

It is practical and touches on many real and challenging sins and obstacles that confounds anyone in our everyday lives. Can't wait to check out the sequel, 'The Practice of Godliness'.

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Aug 16, 2010

Kevin Artan rated it

Wowza! This is a must read & re-read...so many punctuated & practical chapters on the Christian's calling to be like God. I've never understood what my part is & what God's part is in living a holy life until I read this short but succinct take on the need for set-apart living...

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May 10, 2011

Alyssa rated it

Started 5/2/11
This book is 'heavy' and I would only recommend it to those who are mature Christians. I do believe that the author goes over a lot of important information and backs it all up with scripture. Some of the latter chapters feel repetitive, but I appreciate the author trying to cover every angle.
I deem it 'an important read'.

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May 26, 2009

Aurora added it

This was a milestone book for me. The discussion on pursuing holiness in key areas of life were challenging and convicting. The chapter on pursuing holiness through my body led to a lifestyle change in how eat and excercise. Great read, very practical and approchable.

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Feb 17, 2011

Jeremy Allen rated it

I want to read this again with some fresh eyes, but I have been challenged and encouraged by this book. Jerry Bridges pieces together a great argument for a Christian need to pursue holiness in this life and gives practical ways to do so. I recommend this book.

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Oct 23, 2010

Brian rated it

Shelves: christian-living

The do's and don'ts of the christian faith, the quest for a life set apart, what holiness is to look like and how we can seek the things that draw us closer to the ideal. Its all here and its tough on the reader to see how we are far from that ideal.

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Sep 25, 2010

George Shubin rated it

· review of another edition

This is an excellent book that takes the topic of holiness out of the untouchable realm of the theoretically impossible and into our day-to-day lives. It was challenging for me 30 years ago when I first read it, and I still feel its effects in my life today.

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Jan 17, 2009

Joel rated it

I read this book at the encouragement of my mom. Some of Bridges' illustrations and points have stuck with me for the last 18 years. I have reread this book and referenced it numerous times in my teaching of Bible.

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Jun 15, 2011

Adam Shields rated it

· review of another edition

Short Review: Well worth reading. It is a modern classic (a bit over 25 years old). It is not perfect, I talk about some of the weaknesses in the full review. But it is one of the better books I have read about pursuing holiness.

Full review http://bookwi.se/holiness-bridges/

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Jul 25, 2011

Jenkins added it

i really appreciated the practical value in much of the information presented. the idea of obedience rather than "victory" helped revolutionize my understanding of sanctification. i recommend balancing this read with another book emphasizing the absolute necessity of death of self, and the power of The Holy Spirit.

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Jul 31, 2009

Jo DiFonzo rated it

Shelves: christian

A very acurate and true overview of holiness. I kept wanting it to go a little deeper into some issues, explain further a few things, so I was a little disappointed when it didn't. However, it did show me that my committment to holiness is much more shallow than it should be, and that was very valuable.

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Dec 07, 2008

Tanya rated it

· review of another edition

Our attitude toward sin is self centered: either it's my failure to fight it, or my victory when I overcome it. I read elsewhere the comment that we need to stop saying things like, "I'm struggling with my thought life" and rather call it like it is, "I indulge my lustful, sinful thoughts and am offending God." When we instead think of sin in terms of how it affects God--grieves His spirit or pleases Him when we overcome--then we can better put to use the weapons of the Spi...more

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Feb 09, 2009

John rated it

A good companion read to "Sidetracked in the Wilderness" Very simply orients the believer to the correct yardstick with which to measure our walk with God.

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Dec 11, 2008

Monika rated it

Shelves: devotions

I've read this book many years ago and it opened my eyes to the need to walk in holiness toward God, not just in obedience, but in a walk that pleases my Lord.

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About Jerry Bridges

JERRY BRIDGES is an author and conference speaker. His most popular book, The Pursuit of Holiness, has sold over one million copies. Jerry has been on the staff of The Navigators for over fifty years, and currently serves in the Collegiate Mission where he is involved primarily in staff development, but also serves as a speaker resource to the campus ministries.

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“In the deceitfulness of our hearts, we sometimes play with temptation by entertaining the thought that we can always confess and later ask forgiveness. Such thinking is exceedingly dangerous. God’s judgement is without partiality. He never overlooks our sin. He never decides not to bother, since the sin is only a small one. No, God hates sin intensely whenever and wherever He finds it.” — 15 people liked it

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