Grace Plus Nothing

by Jeff Harkin

Many Christians are disillusioned and frustrated in their Christian life because of works-based legalism. Grace Plus Nothing helps the reader to understand the simplicity and wonder of God's grace and to live each day in God's righteousness. Brief, positive daily readings focus on forgiveness, commitment, and praying with confidence. These and many other topics will encourage the reader to stand in God's grace--plus nothing!

Genres: Christianity, Spirituality, Theology

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 1992

Reviews

[J.J. Harkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My father wrote this book, so I'm biased, but I hope you'll still hear me out. For some people, this book is an absolute life-saver. I'd recommend Grace Plus Nothing to anyone of an analytical mindset whom really feels the need to dig into their Bible to better understand what is actually in there concerning the truest and deepest nature of God. This book is written from a largely Christian outlook, so if you're from that sort of background – as I was, obviously – you're likely to strongly appreciate my father's prescription for what ails the current state of Christianity on Earth. It’s written in the form of a devotional book, with plenty of short chapters, so there’s no need to absorb it all at once. Just pick up a copy, start reading a little bit each day, and watch as my father biblically proves that God’s really not mad at anyone.

[Rodney Harvill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the great paradoxes of Christianity are associated with grace. God’s offer of salvation is free, but it can cost us everything. We are incapable of pleasing God on our own terms, by our own capabilities, yet God justly demands of us righteous lives. This book explores these paradoxes at both theological and practical levels. I started reading this book because it was referenced in a commentary on Galatians that I had been reading and quickly realized that its material was ideally suited for studying with my teenage daughter. The book is broken up into 114 chapters, 2-3 pages in length, each short enough to stay within a teenager’s attention span yet sufficiently deep to allow for good discussion. The chapters of the book are grouped into the following sections:

• Why we fail
• Making grace work for you
• Finding acceptance
• Self-disclosure and God
• Can we fix ourselves
• Toward recovery
• Breaking out of legalism
• Approaching the law is grace
• Jesus plus nothing
• Confident living
• Radical forgiveness
• Correction without rejection
• Redeeming your emotions
• Stumbling blocks to grace living
• The grace commission
• Seeing Him changes you
• God-based character

I didn’t agree with Mr. Harkin on everything he wrote, but he did cause me to think. Given that sola gratia, salvation by grace alone, is a key doctrine of the church, this book is a good reminder that we bring nothing of value before God.

[Paulos Maximus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was like oil for my bones! I have long suspected the church to be preaching a little hard on 'what I should do' rather than 'what Jesus has done'. It is so purely refreshing to have grace and the gospel preached to me through these pages. Makes me wonder why it has taken 15 plus years to even hear this sort of teaching. Don't get me wrong, I love the life God has called me to, but its is not fuelled by knowing what I should and shouldn't do, its fuelled by a relationship of grace and his love and his Holy spirit. Its also fuelled by absolute certainty in his acceptance and approval through Christ. If you're looking for a decent shot in the arm, and one that lifts you up, inspires you, and helps you keep on, these bite-size devo's just build you up one after another. I don't share every doctrine that Jeff Harkin has, but on grace I can say 'Amen'! and Thank you.

[Jeff Mayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from the Bible itself, this is one of my favorite books of all time. Reading this changed my life for the better and changed my perspective on God. I would recommend this to any Christian, especially those who are new in the faith. While I have come across much teaching in my life about grace, Harkin digs deep into the topic and from a genuine, Biblical perspective, he teaches applied grace with many examples from Scripture.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on grace I have ever read. I first discovered it in the early 90s; then about 20 or so years later I ordered it again when I returned to Christianity after years in the wilderness. My opinion of this book has only grown bigger. I especially appreciate the short chapters, which are suited for someone like me with a short attention span.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

More insights into God's grace. A book to keep inching through over and over. I get new insights as my life continues to change.