Respectable Sins

Christians often think the Gospel is just for unbelievers, but Jerry Bridges reminds us the Gospel is also for believers as they struggle daily against the influence and effects of sin. He also reminds us that all Christ's followers are saints, not in the sense that we're all inordinately godly, but in the sense that we've been separated by God for His own purposes, sanctified.

This view of sainthood must be reclaimed. Because the world dismisses the concept of sin, the Church has turned against "big" sins like homosexuality, adultery, abortion and child abuse. In the process, concern for less obvious sins has diminished—pride, jealousy, gossip, unthankfulness, anxiety, anger, and many others are ignored and tolerated.

Sin ruins everything. Unchecked sin is particularly dangerous because it changes our attitude towards God, other people, and ourselves. The Holy Spirit gives us the will and power to resist all sins, even the little ones, even the ones we've convinced ourselves are actually virtues.

Yet we let them fester. No more, cries Bridges, revealing how vile even these "clean" sins are, how we can fight them, and the victory we have in Christ. This isn't a book you read beside a roaring fire for relaxation. This is the kind of book you read because you want to change.

Bridges isn't judgemental. He frankly admits to struggling with many of these sins himself, and never pretends he's achieved final victory over any of them. What he does affirm, over and over, is Christ's final victory over sin and our ability to overcome temptation through His strength. This is a much-needed volume for churches and individuals.

Also available: Respectable Sins Study Guide, by Stephen Sorenson.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.