Review: In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado

I recently completed Max Ludacdo's In the Grip of Grace (Word Publishing, 1996), in which Lucado examines the Biblical concept of grace.

Lucado uses metaphors, examples from real life, and his easy-going narrative style to show his readers their need for grace, the firm reality of God's grace, and the implications of God's grace in a believer's life.

Lucado's book is a great reminder and an approachable read. The concrete explanations, clear analysis, and terse writing style create a work that is comforting, convicting, and memorable.

I found the last section to be the most powerful. After discussion each person's need for grace and the concrete reality of God's offer of grace, Lucado turns to the practical implications of grace upon a Christian's life. He poingnantly demonstrates what it means to live a grace-filled, grace-giving life in perhap the most convicting section of the book.

As an aside, I occasionally found the writing to be a bit repetitive. Sometimes I also found it hard to connect to the style, which often seemed to lapse into Lucado's speaking style. Overall, though, this book is a wonderful reminder of the importance, power, and beauty of God's grace.

Favorite quotes from In the Grip of Grace:

"The problem is not that God hasn't spoken but that we haven't listened."

"All of life is a gift of grace...and the call of grace is to live a gracious life."

"Where the grace of God is missed, bitterness is born. But where the grace of God is embraced, forgiveness flourishes."

"You will never be called upon to give anyone more grace than God has already given you."