In the Grip of Grace: You Can't Fall Beyond His Love

by Max Lucado

Can anything separate us from God's love? Does He really love us, no matter what? How does He feel about me when I snap at anything that moves? When I've failed as a parent? When my thoughts are g

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

335 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 1996

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Grip of Grace is an absolutely beautiful declaration that nothing can pull us from the grip of God's grace. It's a timeless message. Max Lucado writes as an every day believer who struggles with believing that grace never stops covering us. He's encouraging, truthful, and understanding.
I was deeply encouraged by this book.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was part of my decision to go back to church after 40 years of being a non-practitioner. I am so thankful that I discovered Max Lucado; my life is now in the hands of our Lord and I have real inner peace for the first time in many years.

[Nelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read. Max Lucado's writing style is easy and friendly. I esp enjoyed the stories he uses to illustrate his points, some were really funny and I found myself chuckling.

Its not an in depth study of Grace or the Book of Romans but he does a decent job of speaking of salvation as something that is a gift and not something we work for.

He briefly touches on grace in relationships with others and that really opened my eyes to how we are called to really love like Jesus; by extending HIS GRACE to others.

I'll definitely read this again, soon.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ended too soon if you ask me. It was very good! I've never read Max Lucado but I'm definitely going to start after this!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I needed this... I listened to it - two and half times... Beautiful description of Grace... Thank you for the Atonement!!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Pastor Lucado’s books because I feel a connection. Some may think his writing isn’t “deep” enough, but I love his style. He shares personal stories and he definitely has a way with words that works for me. This book focuses on Romans and God’s grace. It’s a study with questions for each chapter.

[Lance Lumley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book many years a go as part of a Youth Bible Study that I was a co-leader in, and read it again some time later. I got rid or lost my copy and found this copy at a book sale and decided to read the book again. I am not a huge Lucado fan, but enjoy this book dealing with the Book of Romans. Once again I used the book as a form of a devotional while going through the book of Romans, and enjoyed reconnecting with the book, from Lucado's illustrations to his simple summary of the verses. If you want something to compliment reading Romans, this is a good extra. The main topic deals with the grace of God and how we are not worthy of it, but yet we receive it nevertheless, no matter what mistakes we make.
I enjoyed re-reading this book again and learned new things years later while I was reading it.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Max Lucado did not disappoint. Admittedly, this one took me longer, not because of the book but because I just didn't pick it up. The topic of grace is one that many Christians forget about. I love the concept of grace because it means that anyone is accepted. God's grace is for everyone, with no exceptions. We don't have to earn it because it is freely given through God's sacrifice of his son. Thank you Max for the reminder.
3rd read - Grace is about transference. The transferring of our punishment onto Jesus. If we took the punishment we so richly deserve we'd all be miserable but Jesus made it possible for us to rejoice and live abundantly. That doesn't mean more stuff, but with more love and mercy than we could ever achieve on our own. If anyone needs to know what Grace really means - this is worth the read.

[LeighAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful picture of grace and our own inability to save ourselves. A wonderful tool for any new Christian and a great reminder for the mature Christian. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the author's use of the Message as his translation in spots. I originally checked it out from the library, but bought my own copy so I can white out all those quotes and replace them with a more accurate translation.

[Entre Páginas by Jacky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro sin duda alguna me encantó. Nos permite estudiar de una forma tan especial acerca de la gracia y amor de Dios para con nosotros. Sin duda alguna lo recomiendo muchísimo!
Y una de las preguntas más especiales ... ¿Hay algo que nos pueda separar del amor de Dios?

Algo que me encanta de este libro es que nos lleva a tener una biblia a la par, sea digital o física, pero nos permite tener un tiempo especial de devocional para conocer más de Dios.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Lucado book. One of the reasons is the parable of the river. Very few times in this life do you read something that forces you to look at yourself and really realize what kind of person you are. Max Lucado has that ability and he uses plain language and regular situations to do it.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the theme of this book. The fact that we are all reliant on the blood of Jesus for our righteousness, that nothing we do or say can get that for us. The understanding that if we have Christ, everything else is semantics.

[Hanna Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado certainly has a gift. I appreciated how he described grace and how he writes in such a clear manner. This book would be especially good for new believers or even those who don't believe but are trying to figure it out.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

In college, I took a "Sociology of Murder" class with Dr. Ron Homles. Dr. Holmes was one of the profilers that worked on Ted Bundy's case (Ted had his home phone number, he said. "Honey, Ted Bundy's on the phone...") While Dr. Holmes was passing out our tests one day, he mentioned that he is a Christian and that Ted Bundy - just before he died - became a Chrisitan also and asked God for forgiveness of his sins. After a moment of stunned silence from the students (now thinking back, the whole topic was probably lost on them, haha!), Dr. Homles goes on to say how, as a Christian himself, he has a hard time believing Ted will go to heaven. After all, Dr. Homles was there to hear every gruesome detail of what Ted did to his victims (and especially his last; the little girl from FL who he decapitated.) How can someone like that go to heaven? How can God love the unlovable?

Since that discussion back in college, I've reflected on Dr. Holmes' point many times when people suggest burning people at the stake for "Big 10" sins such as adultery, slander, etc. This book goes right along with that argument and fills in the blanks. God's grace sets us free!!

Is it worth reading? Yes, if you're confused about the concept of "grace." If you read the Bible often enough and have a strong relationship with God, then I would consider it redundant.

NOTE: I always cringe when I pick up a Christian book - afraid it was written by a "Ned Flanders" type author (audio books are even worse. Blech.) It's difficult for me to resist punching those types of narcissistic, self-righteous Christians in the face (haha! And why someone suggested this book to me! BWAHAHAHA!) On the "Ned Flanders Scale," I give this book an 8 (10 being pleasantly normal/enlightening, 1 being downright miserable to read because of constant eye-rolling and retching.)

[Cindy (BKind2Books)]

I always try to read at least one inspirational book at Christmastime - both to keep me focused on the true spirit of the season as well as to give me a way to distract myself from my grief over the anniversary of my daughter’s death (she was only 16 when she died of bone cancer just 9 days before Christmas). This Lucado book was a good one for that. I like his way of looking at scripture and complex concepts and bringing them to life, making them easy to understand. This book looks at Paul’s letter to the Romans and what it tells us about God’s Grace. I think that his example of the brothers and their ways of trying to get back to their father’s house made the concept of grace easier to grasp. For someone who’s spent much of their life feeling that they were never enough, never measured up, the concept that God has already forgiven us, that we are okay ‘as is’ is amazing.

Quotes to remember:

...but from heaven’s angle, we’re all asking for the moon, and by heaven’s grace, we’ll all receive it.

...the power is in the message, not the messenger. His grace is sufficient to speak clearly, even when you don’t.

[Abigail Westbrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always struggle a little with Max Lucado’s books. The tone often feels overly flippant and some of the stories are distracting. But he makes excellent points and there is a decent amount of Scripture included. This book was supposed to be a walk-through of the book of Romans (though I didn’t realize that until I picked it up) - yet it only loosely followed parts of that book and skipped around to other passages as well. That felt pretty confusing. Yet it was a good reminder of the wonders of God’s grace and His love for us as sinners. Not one I will keep around, but I can see how it could be a perfect fit for others in specific seasons.

[Gaby Dos Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace in a new perspective. Examining our hearts before Christ and living a life free of ridicule, doubt and self-sufficiency. And instead living with faith, reliance on Christ and grace for the broken world. The way Max Lucado illustrates points always teaches me new lessons out of biblical structures. Living under the new law. With Christ’s works, sacrifice and love for us in mind. He has brought about a strong and compelling passion for the truth of grace. And I am enthralled in it’s grips.

[jenna tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read! I love the simplicity of it and how he uses stories - a good overview of Romans!!

“What if God’s only gift to you were His grace to save you. Would you be content?”

“Do you live in fear of never doing enough? Or do you live in gratitude, knowing enough has already been done?”

[Christine Castillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually like Max Lucado’s books but this one just really wasn’t his best writing…I had to force myself to keep reading it. His analogies were not relatable to me, seemed better maybe for an older reader. However, I did like the last 2/3 of the book did have a few really good chapters and points.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful explanation about grace... I didn't fully comprehend what grace truly was until in my 30's. Phenomenal book.

[Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max Lucado walks through the book of Romans. Of note: check out the Parable of the River he uses to open the book.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book it's inspiring and well written. I loved how he used everyday experiences to show how God has us in his hands.
I highly recommend it.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Loved the chapter on fellowship and the detailed study of Romans 1-8.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lesson on forgiveness, giving grace because we have received grace.
When it seems hard for you to forgive, think of what God has forgiven in you... Amazing.

[Amanda R Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Max Lucado is such an amazing writer. I love all of his books and he explains things so well. He did another great job!

[Eyitayo Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max has a way he speaks to the hearts of his readers. His writings are simple yet very compelling.

"IN THE GRIP OF GRACE" speaks to the very core of our Faith as Believers.

Thank you Max.

[Bruce Mewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book.
God can change your life - I know he's changed mine.

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado has a gift for worming his way into your heart with really simple concepts and genuine enthusiasm. I love his works and this has quickly become my favorite of his. In this absolutely stunning book, Mr. Lucado puts grace on center stage and then delves into what makes grace so beautiful.

I love his easy-going writing style. The book is written like a conversation among friends. He's just a normal guy like you and me and he's very open about his own marks and messes. He doesn't have an attitude problem or an above your head voice. Mr. Lucado is kind and gentle. His concepts are easy to grasp and explained simply, though I never once felt like a dum-dum. Max Lucado never talks down to you; he only meets you where you are and brings you up to speed the way a true teacher ought. And dork that I am, I really, really liked the formatting of the book; it's so well organized! The concepts just fall into place one after the other. 

I adore his analogies! I am a believer and I read this book to strengthen my faith and deepen my understanding and even though grace is not a new concept to me, there were a few very distinct points in this book that positively and quite literally stole my breath. Grace isn't a new or even very difficult idea, at least for me, but the way Mr. Lucado presents it is unique. At one point, he tells a story about picking up his girls from a summer camp. He builds up the expectation. He arrived early and did everything he could to be ready and still had time to spare. By the time the camp allowed parents in, they were a swarming mob ready to see their kids. Just as I'm getting fully engrossed in his antidote, Mr. Lucado turns the story on its head and says simply: That's how God feels about you.

Now maybe this shouldn't have been such a shock to me, but they way he compared the instances in his life to our heavenly father, over and over again, truly spoke to me. This book gave me a new perspective on grace. Yes, I've known it was there and there for the taking, but it never occurred to me to think about how joyful grace is. This book brought me wonder and awe when I thought about grace. Not just taking for granted that grace is a thing, but truly finding joy in God's grace.

Mr. Lucado really digs in deep here. He defines grace and then explains why it's so crucial to the Christian faith. He shows the different ways people approach and react to grace, and he tackles some tough questions. What is grace? Why does it matter? What sets it apart from others? Why would God give me grace? What can separate me from God's love? Can God truly love me? What about him? What makes grace so beautiful? What happens when I screw up? How do I give grace to others? And so much more. 

The book excellently breaks down several passages in Romans, takes a deeper look into what Paul says, and sheds light on concepts many Christians may have lived in so long that we've become desensitized to them. In the Grip of Grace is wholly inspiring, simply enchanting, and completely attainable. Easy to understand, but still suffused with a divine inspiration that should leave our cheeks sore from smiling. My heart danced, truly danced when reading this and I certainly intend to read it again.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this book for my Sunday School class. We went through a chapter a week.
I didn't agree with everything 100% in this book, but I did get a lot out of this book.
I should have kept notes while reading it. I didn't mark in the book since I borrowed it from my local library.

Some things I do remember from the book;

I saw myself in each of the brothers at the beginning of the book. At one part or another in my life, I have been one of the brothers.
"The easiest way to justify the mistakes in my house is to find worse ones in my neighbor's house (pg 39 in my edition)."
"Symbols are important. Some of them, like communion and baptism, illustrate the cross of Christ. They symbolize salvation, demonstrate salvation, even articulate salvation. But they do not impart salvation (pg 50 in my edition)."
"Your soul was not made to ingest sin (pg 127 in my edition)."
"You wonder why God doesn't remove the enemies in your life? Perhaps because he wants you to love like he loves. Anyone can love a friend, but only a few can love an enemy." "You wonder why god won't give you a skill? If only god had made you a singer or a runner or a writer or a missionary. but there you are, tone-deaf, slow of foot and mind. Don't despair. God's grace is still sufficient to finish what he began (pg 137 in my edition)."

[Lenita Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Book for Father's Day

This book took me a week to read, which is good at the rate I read. Sometimes I took breaks between chapters. I liked the first part of the book better. With the exception of the conclusion, it stayed more on the topic of grace. I liked the parable of the river at the beginning and Lucado's references to it throughout the first of the book and in the conclusion.

One thing I did like about the latter chapters was how Lucado tied each section to a bible verse or passage, particularly the one that talks about nothing being "able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus."

I liked the fact that he had a study guide at the back of the book. This would be a book I would be interested in studying with a bible study group. Even read individually, he leaves questions at the end of his conclusion which are helpful.

Also, at the end of the book, he categorizes the many books he has written into topics to help the reader chose the right book for whatever that reader is struggling with.

This was a good book to finish on Father's Day, mainly because it is about the love and grace of our heavenly Father.