In this short, accessible guide, theologian Sinclair Ferguson explains the importance of living worthy of the gospel, why the principle is often forgotten, and how it’s cultivated. Clarifying the difference between biblical obedience and legalism, Ferguson exhorts believers to pursue Christlikeness, offering practical examples from Scripture. The second book of the Growing Gospel Integrity series, Worthy helps Christians, students, pastors, and those preparing for ministry to live as citizens of heaven rather than citizens of the world.
128 pages.
Series Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Be Worthy: A Forgotten Calling?
Chapter 2: To Be Worthy: Some Basic Grammar
Chapter 3: Being Made Worthy: God’s Instruments to Change Us
Chapter 4: A Worthy Mindset: What It Looks Like
Chapter 5: A Life Worthy: How It Came About—and Comes About
General Index
Scripture Index
“God delights to turn things upside down. Most think a ‘worthy’ person must be someone great. Sinclair Ferguson shows that the people ‘worthy of the gospel’ are those humbled by their sins, transformed by Christ’s cross, and obsessed with knowing the Lord. Nothing less is fitting for the gospel. Highly recommended!”
Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
“Like conjoined twins, legalism and antinomianism share the same heart. Curved in on itself, it recoils at being justified by an alien righteousness and being sanctified by conformity to someone else’s identity. Sinclair Ferguson’s long ministry of proclaiming God’s word has always struck at both forms of heart disease. Laced with pastoral warmth, striking illustrations, and dry Scottish humor, Worthy sets the table richly for a feast that will nourish the hearts of believers and invite strangers to pull up a chair.”
Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California
“For years, Sinclair Ferguson has helped me toward having an experiential grasp of my union with Christ. His sermons and books have been friends along the way, leading toward spiritual maturity and a life with God. Because Worthy is a short book, I assumed it would be a summary of ideas I’ve read or heard from Ferguson elsewhere. Instead, each chapter felt full of fresh insights and pastoral wisdom. As I was finishing this book, I kept telling others how excited I am for my congregants and even my teenage children to read it.”
John Starke, Lead Pastor, Apostles Church, New York City; author, The Possibility of Prayer