Picture a Texas-born storyteller who brought the pursuit of holiness to life with clarity and grace—meet Jerry Bridges! A pivotal figure in evangelical Christianity, Bridges transformed countless lives through his practical, Scripture-soaked books. His debut, The Pursuit of Holiness, sold over a million copies, cementing his legacy as a beloved author and speaker with The Navigators.
Born in 1929, Bridges overcame a challenging childhood to become a voice of hope, blending humility with profound biblical insight. His works, like The Discipline of Grace and Respectable Sins, continue to inspire readers to live godly lives. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable Christian author!
The Making of Jerry Bridges
Jerry Bridges was born on December 4, 1929, in Tyler, Texas, growing up in poverty with partial deafness and the loss of his mother at age 14. Raised in a strict Baptist church, he responded to altar calls but only truly embraced faith at 18 while at the University of Oklahoma. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, Bridges joined The Navigators in 1955, a Christian discipleship ministry where he served for over 60 years, taking on roles from office manager to vice president.
His early years with The Navigators shaped his passion for teaching practical Christian living. Bridges’s engineering background brought discipline to his work, but it was his personal wrestle with grace and holiness that fueled his writing. This blend of real-life struggle and biblical wisdom set the stage for his influential career.
Jerry Bridges’s Unforgettable Works
Bridges’s writing is like a trusted friend walking you through Scripture with clarity and warmth. His debut, The Pursuit of Holiness (1978), challenged Christians to strive for godliness without legalism, selling over a million copies and becoming a modern classic. He emphasized that holiness is a joint effort—God’s grace empowers, but we must actively pursue it.
The Discipline of Grace (1994), an award-winner, explores how grace underpins spiritual growth, urging readers to preach the gospel to themselves daily. Respectable Sins (2007) tackles subtle sins like pride and anxiety, offering hope through God’s transforming grace. Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts (1988) reflects Bridges’s own hardships, teaching readers to trust God’s sovereignty in pain. His 20+ books and devotionals, including The Blessing of Humility, are marked by accessible prose, scriptural depth, and a focus on applying the gospel to everyday life.
Bridges’s style avoids flashiness, favoring straightforward, heartfelt teaching. Influenced by Puritan writers like John Owen, he combined theological rigor with practical application, making complex doctrines relatable. His works resonate globally, translated into multiple languages, and are staples in Christian bookstores.
Why Jerry Bridges Matters
Jerry Bridges’s impact is profound, touching millions through his books, speaking engagements, and Navigators ministry. His gospel-centered approach shifted evangelical culture, moving away from duty-driven legalism to grace-motivated discipleship. Pastors, missionaries, and everyday believers credit his teachings for deepening their faith and equipping them for ministry.
Bridges’s legacy endures through his emphasis on humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit. His memoir, God Took Me by the Hand (2014), traces God’s providence in his life, inspiring readers to trust God’s plan. After his passing in 2016, tributes from figures like John MacArthur and Max Lucado highlighted his humility and global influence. His books continue to shape Christian thought, offering timeless wisdom for pursuing holiness.
- Born: December 4, 1929, Tyler, Texas
- Key Works: The Pursuit of Holiness, The Discipline of Grace, Respectable Sins, Trusting God
- Awards: ECPA Christian Book Awards for The Discipline of Grace (1995) and Holiness Day by Day (2009)
- Died: March 6, 2016, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Ready to explore Jerry Bridges’s wisdom? Snag The Pursuit of Holiness or Trusting God and dive into his gospel-centered teachings today!