What a joy and delight it is to read a book and have it answer all your questions on a chosen topic, and to have it provide perspective from every angle you have every considered, and from many new perspectives you have never thought about. For me, Jerry Bridges teaches the gospel, the good news, the cross of Jesus Christ in such a way in The Gospel For Real Life. There is truth and richness and practical steps and clarity here that I have been looking for for years, and in certain instances, for decades.

Preaching the gospel to yourself everyday is what this book is about, including what gospel we should preach, why we as believers need to preach to ourselves, and how we do it.

Bridges describes the cup given to Christ by the Father in Gethsemane - the wine of the Father's wrath, judgment and fury. He introduces terms like propitiation and expiation effectively, and in ways that I have been seeking for years. There is a rich explanation of the two goats used on the Day of Atonement. And the fullness and beauty of God's justice and holiness. Step by step by step, the cross and associated realities are explained in practical, understandable ways.

And the center? Commenting on Ephesians 2:3-5 Bridges says "Herein lies
the the glory of the cross. Justice and mercy are reconciled; wrath and
love are both given full expression - and all of this so that we might experience the unsearchable riches of Christ".

Assurance of salvation is enhanced by reading this book. And a forward look to our homecoming at death is exciting and joyful.

I praise God for this work, and thank my adopted brother for laboring to present the cross of Jesus Christ in such a valuable and useful manner. ( )

An excellent straight forward presentation of the wonders of the gospel and its relevance to life! ( )