The Pursuit of Holiness: An Interview with Jerry Bridges

Tabletalk: What do you see as the greatest need in the church today?

Jerry Bridges: There are so many needs in the church today that it is difficult to single out one as the greatest. However, if I had to pick one, I would say the most fundamental need is an ever-growing awareness of the holiness of God. I don't say this because that is the main emphasis of Ligonier Ministries but because I believe it is true.

The emphasis of my own ministry has been the believer's personal pursuit of holiness. But years ago I came to realize the gospel has to be the foundation and motivation for the pursuit of holiness. Believers need the gospel to remind them that our standing with God is not based on our own obedience but on the perfect, imputed righteousness of Christ. Otherwise, the pursuit of holiness can be performance driven: that is, "If I'm good, God will bless me."

Our standing with God is not based on our own obedience but on the perfect, imputed righteousness of Christ. —Bridges

Continue reading The Pursuit of Holiness: An Interview with Jerry Bridges from the January issue of Tabletalk.