For those of us who are performance-oriented or for those who have long since thrown in the towel, a word about grace is in order.
Within these pages are 9 key messages on the grace of God. These are masterful lessons, built on Scripture, edifying and applicable for all who want to experience the freedom that comes from resting on the promise of God’s unmerited favor.
Helping us to understand that we are not defined by what we do—but rather by who Jesus is and what he has done, this book powerfully addresses the transforming power of grace that is essential for every Christian.
128 pages
“With courage and tenderness President Phil Ryken tells Wheaton College students in this series of messages that no college needs the gospel more than their own. The reason is not that the sins of Wheaton students are greater than those of others, but rather that their need of grace for godly power and peace is no less than that of others. In a college culture of high expectation—where you are expected to be holy and smart and successful—President Ryken teaches students (and the rest of us) that grace is not only greater than all our sin, it is also release from human pressures and fuel for fruitful joy.”
—Bryan Chapell, Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Illinois
“‘Cheer up! God’s grace is greater than you can imagine.’ Whether you’re a novice or a veteran in the school of grace, these words are meant to refresh, enliven and illumine your heart. I’m so thankful for Ryken’s bold yet humble declaration of the marvelous grace of God—grace meant for all who believe, grace that is ours from the beginning of our walk all the way into the eternity we’re longing for. Pick up this lovely little book and let its ageless message remind you of the grace that first transformed your soul.”
—Elyse Fitzpatrick, author, Give Them Grace
“Phil Ryken’s Grace Transforming is a captivating series of chapel addresses reminding us that we never outgrow our need for the transforming power of God’s grace. With wonderful illustrations, sound biblical exegesis and hard hitting yet relevant applications, Phil invites us to face the realities of our own life in order to realize in ever more profound ways the power of God’s life changing grace. I was personally enriched by reading this new treasure and reminded of the things I love the most even when I fail to realize their lively pulsating reality in my own life.”
—Gayle D. Beebe, President, Westmont College; author, The Shaping of an Effective Leader and Longing for God
“Hebrews 13:9 says, ‘It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.’ As a church planter, I needed the truths in this book to strengthen my weary, performance driven, approval hungry, externally oriented, and self-righteous heart. My pharisaical heart was exposed, and I found myself praying, ‘God, be mercy-seated to me, the sinner.’”
—David Choi, Lead Planter, Church of the Beloved, Chicago, Illinois; International Speaker
“To grasp the fullness of God’s grace is to come humbly to Christ in empty-handed spiritual poverty. That alone may be the greatest challenge for any Christian! And it’s why I so appreciate Dr. Philip Ryken’s extraordinary insights in his new book, Grace Transforming. He points us to Jesus Christ in all his saving power, reminding us that without the Savior we are nothing and have nothing. If you are seeking a fresh look at your Lord and your own desperate need of him, this is the book for you!”
—Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder, Joni and Friends
“I listened attentively in Chapel during every one of Dr. Ryken’s messages and found them life-giving. One year later, I still needed this book, and I’m sure I’ll need it every year for the rest of my life. The grace of Christ is so simple, yet so hard to fathom. Ryken illuminates the power of grace combining artful prose, inspiring quotations, and personal anecdotes. Here’s a book that hands readers transforming grace on a silver platter.”
—T. Ryan Buchanan, 2011 Student Body President, Wheaton College; Teach for America Corps Member
Grace Transforming is in the following collections: