The Pursuit of Holiness: Embracing God’s Call to Live Set Apart
In a world saturated with moral relativism, instant gratification, and spiritual apathy, Jerry Bridges’ The Pursuit of Holiness stands as a clarion call to believers: God demands — and empowers — His children to live holy lives.
First published in 1978, this Christian classic has sold over one million copies and continues to transform hearts and minds across generations. Bridges, a longtime staff member of The Navigators and a respected Bible teacher, writes with theological depth, pastoral warmth, and practical clarity. His goal? To dismantle the myth that holiness is optional, unattainable, or legalistic — and to replace it with a biblical, grace-driven vision of sanctification.
This guide offers you a full chapter-by-chapter summary of all 17 chapters, a distilled list of 12 core lessons from the book, an analysis of Bridges’ central message, Why this book remains profoundly relevant today, and actionable takeaways for your spiritual walk.
Whether you’re a new believer, a seasoned saint, or someone simply curious about what the Bible says about holy living, this review will equip and inspire you.
About the Author: Jerry Bridges (1929–2016)
Jerry Bridges served with The Navigators for over 60 years. He authored more than a dozen books, including The Discipline of Grace, Trusting God, and Respectable Sins. Known for his clear, pastoral, and theologically rich writing, Bridges had a gift for making deep truths accessible and applicable. He preached and taught worldwide, leaving a legacy of grace-centered holiness that continues to impact the global Church.
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary: Walking Through “The Pursuit of Holiness”
Chapter 1: The Call to Holiness
Bridges opens with a bold, non-negotiable truth: “Without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). He confronts the widespread misconception that salvation is the end goal. No — salvation is the starting point. Holiness is the lifelong journey that follows.
He reminds readers that God’s holiness is not an abstract theological concept — it’s His very nature. It’s commanded. Grace saves us from sin, not for sin.
Chapter 2: The Standard of Holiness
What does holiness look like? Bridges points us to the character of God Himself — perfect, pure, separate from sin. Our standard is not cultural norms, personal comfort, or even church tradition. It is God’s Word.
He emphasizes that holiness is not merely external behavior but internal transformation — a heart aligned with God’s will. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) illustrates that holiness penetrates thoughts, motives, and attitudes — not just actions.
Legalism? No. Obedience out of love? Yes.
Chapter 3: The Motivation for Holiness
Why pursue holiness? Bridges lists three biblical motivations:
- Gratitude for Salvation — We obey because Christ died for us.
- Love for God — Obedience flows from affection, not obligation (John 14:15).
- The Fear of God — Reverent awe of His holiness and justice.
He warns against relying on guilt or peer pressure — these are fleeting and ineffective. Lasting holiness grows from a heart captivated by God’s grace and greatness.
Chapter 4: The Holy Spirit and Holiness
Sanctification is not self-help. It’s Spirit-powered.
Bridges explains the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting, guiding, empowering, and producing fruit in the believer (Galatians 5:22-23). But he also stresses our responsibility: we must “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16), which implies daily dependence, surrender, and obedience.
Chapter 5: The Word of God and Holiness
Bridges urges believers to immerse themselves in Scripture, allowing it to renew the mind (Romans 12:2), expose sin (Hebrews 4:12), and shape behavior. He encourages meditation, memorization, and consistent study — not as religious duty, but as spiritual nourishment.
Chapter 6: The Discipline of Holiness
Drawing from Hebrews 12, Bridges compares spiritual growth to athletic training: it demands effort, endurance, and correction. He encourages habits like prayer, fasting, accountability, and solitude — all aimed at strengthening godliness.
Discipline is not drudgery; it’s discipleship.
Chapter 7: The Attitude of Holiness
Our inner posture matters. Bridges highlights humility, teachability, and brokenness as essential attitudes for growth. Pride, self-sufficiency, and defensiveness quench the Spirit and stunt maturity.
Holiness begins when we stop trusting in ourselves and start depending wholly on Christ.
Chapter 8: The Practice of Holiness
Theory must become practice. Bridges moves from principles to particulars: how do we live holy lives in real time?
He discusses:
- Making godly choices in gray areas
- Avoiding situations that tempt us to sin
- Cultivating habits that honor God
- Saying “no” to lesser things so we can say “yes” to greater things
Holiness is lived moment by moment — in traffic, at work, in relationships, online.
Chapter 9: The Warfare of Holiness
Spiritual warfare is real — and holiness is our armor.
Bridges doesn’t sensationalize demons or deliverance, but he soberly reminds us: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12). Temptation, deception, and accusation are tools of the enemy.
Victory comes through:
- The Word (the sword of the Spirit)
- Prayer (constant communication with God)
- The community of believers (iron sharpens iron)
Holiness is not passive — it’s militant.
Chapter 10: The Sinfulness of Sin
One of the most convicting chapters. Bridges strips away our excuses and euphemisms. Sin is not “a mistake” or “just human.” It’s rebellion against a holy God. It grieves the Spirit, damages relationships, and hinders fellowship with God.
He urges readers to develop a “holy hatred” for sin — not self-righteous judgment of others, but brokenness over our own failures and a hunger for purity.
Chapter 11: The Grace of God and Holiness
Some Christians fear that pursuing holiness undermines grace. Bridges says the opposite is true — grace enables holiness. We are not saved by works, but we are saved for works (Ephesians 2:10).
He reminds us: when we fail (and we will), we run to Christ, not from Him. His grace covers us, restores us, and empowers us to try again.
Chapter 12: The Example of Christ
Jesus is not only our Savior — He’s our model.
Bridges walks through Christ’s earthly life, highlighting His obedience, humility, prayerfulness, love for the Father, and hatred of sin.
Imitating Christ is not about mimicking His miracles — it’s about embodying His character: compassion, integrity, courage, and surrender.
Chapter 13: The Body of Christ and Holiness
We don’t pursue holiness alone. God designed the Church as a community for growth.
Bridges emphasizes accountability, confession, encouragement, and corporate worship. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). We need brothers and sisters to speak truth, bear burdens, and spur us on.
Isolation is the enemy of holiness. Fellowship is its fuel.
Chapter 14: The World and Holiness
How do we live holy lives in a fallen world?
Bridges doesn’t advocate monastic withdrawal. Instead, he calls for discernment: engage the world without being conformed to it (Romans 12:2). Be salt and light — influencing culture, not being infected by it.
He warns against the subtle dangers of materialism, entertainment, and compromise — all of which erode spiritual sensitivity.
Holiness means being IN the world but not OF it.
Chapter 15: The Future and Holiness
Our hope fuels our holiness.
Bridges points to Christ’s return and the promise of glorification. One day, we will be fully holy — free from sin, fully like Christ. This future reality should motivate present purity.
Holiness is not just about avoiding hell — it’s about preparing for heaven.
Chapter 16: The Blessings of Holiness
Holiness is not a burden — it’s a blessing.
Bridges lists the fruits of holy living:
- Deeper fellowship with God
- Clear conscience and inner peace
- Greater effectiveness in ministry
- Stronger witness to the world
- Joy that circumstances can’t steal
Obedience is not restrictive — it’s liberating. Sin promises freedom but delivers chains. Holiness promises discipline but delivers delight.
Chapter 17: The Cost of Holiness
The final chapter is sobering: holiness costs.
It costs pride, comfort, convenience, and sometimes relationships. Holiness means dying to self — saying no to what feels right in order to say yes to what is right.
But Bridges ends with hope: the cost is worth it. Christ is worth it. Eternity is worth it.
12 Key Lessons from The Pursuit of Holiness
- Holiness is a command, not a suggestion God calls every believer to be holy, reflecting His nature.
- Grace empowers obedience Holiness is not achieved by willpower alone but through God’s grace.
- Sin is serious and offensive to God Even “small” sins hinder our relationship with Him.
- Victory comes through obedience We must act in faith, not just pray for deliverance.
- The Holy Spirit is our helper He convicts, guides, and strengthens us in our pursuit.
- Discipline is essential Spiritual growth requires intentional habits and effort.
- Holiness affects every area of life Thoughts, actions, relationships, and attitudes must align with God’s will.
- We must actively resist sin Passive Christianity leads to compromise.
- Faith fuels holiness Trusting God’s promises enables us to walk in purity.
- Holiness brings joy It’s not restrictive—it’s liberating and life-giving.
- We are not alone in the battle Community, Scripture, and the Spirit support us.
- Holiness is a lifelong journey It’s not perfection, but progress—daily, intentional, and grace-filled.
What Message Does Jerry Bridges Want to Convey?
At its core, The Pursuit of Holiness is a call to take sin seriously and to pursue godliness with passion and purpose. Bridges wants readers to understand that holiness is not a mystical experience or a legalistic checklist—it’s a practical, daily commitment to live in obedience to God.
He emphasizes that holiness is both God’s work and our responsibility. While we rely on the Holy Spirit for strength, we must also make choices that align with God’s will. Bridges challenges the passive mindset that waits for God to “zap” us into holiness. Instead, he calls for active participation—discipline, repentance, and faith.
Ultimately, Bridges wants believers to see holiness not as a burden, but as a beautiful invitation to intimacy with God. It’s about becoming more like Christ, experiencing the joy of obedience, and living a life that honors the One who saved us.
Review: Why This Book Still Matters
Jerry Bridges writes with clarity, humility, and biblical depth. His tone is pastoral, not preachy—encouraging rather than condemning. The book is rich with Scripture, practical examples, and personal anecdotes that make it relatable and actionable.
Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned Christian, The Pursuit of Holiness offers timeless wisdom. It’s a wake-up call to spiritual seriousness in an age of compromise. It’s also a reminder that holiness is possible—not through perfection, but through grace-fueled progress.
Final Thoughts: Your Invitation to the Pursuit
Jerry Bridges doesn’t leave you with a to-do list. He leaves you with a Person — Jesus Christ, the Holy One of God, who loved you, died for you, rose for you, and now lives in you to make you holy.
The pursuit of holiness is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. It’s not a burden. It’s a privilege. It’s not about you becoming good enough — it’s about Christ being glorified in you.
So start today.
Open your Bible. Kneel in prayer. Confess that sin you’ve been excusing. Say no to that compromise. Say yes to that hard obedience. Lean into your Christian community. Fix your eyes on eternity.
And remember: you’re not chasing holiness to earn God’s love — you’re chasing it because you already have it.
The Pursuit of Holiness is not a book to read once — it’s a book to reread, mark up, pray through, and live out. May your pursuit be passionate, persistent, and empowered by grace — until the day you see Him face to face, and become like Him, for you shall see Him as He is.
FAQs
Q1. What is the main theme of The Pursuit of Holiness?
The book emphasizes that holiness is God’s command for all believers and requires both divine grace and human responsibility.
Q2. Who should read this book?
Any Christian who desires to grow spiritually, from new believers to seasoned leaders.
Q3. Does the book provide practical steps?
Yes, Bridges gives clear, actionable steps on how to pursue holiness daily.
Q4. How is this book different from other Christian classics?
It’s highly practical, easy to read, and balances biblical truth with real-life application.
Q5. What lasting message does Jerry Bridges leave?
That holiness is not an option but a joyful pursuit, made possible by God’s Spirit and our obedience.