The Spirit of Grace (Christian Belief For Everyone)

by Alister McGrath

Publisher:

SPCK

, 2015

Overview

The Christian Belief for Everyone series guides readers through the basic ideas of the Christian faith. Full of engaging stories and helpful illustrations, these texts have been written primarily for ordinary churchgoers, but also appeal to interested readers outside the Church.

In the fourth volume of the series, Alister McGrath continues his exploration of the basic themes of the Christian creeds, asking what the Apostles’ Creed means when it speaks of “the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, and the forgiveness of sins.” The Spirit of Grace explains three interconnected themes: the activity of God in the world, as we experience the Holy Spirit infusing our lives with purpose and joy; the graciousness of a God who loves us despite our constant failures; and the importance of the church as the community of faith, in which we catch a glimpse—no matter how inadequate—of the glory of heaven.

With Logos Bible Software, this volume is enhanced with cutting-edge research tools. Scripture citations appear on mouseover in your preferred English translation. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful topical searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Examines historic Christian beliefs about “the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, and the forgiveness of sins”
• Uses accessible language to explain central Christian beliefs as found in the Apostles’ Creed
• Provides the fourth volume in the Christian Belief for Everyone series

Contents

• Introduction
• The Holy Spirit: The Giver of Life
• Humanity: The Climax of God’s Creation
• Grace: The Gift of a Courteous God
• The Church: The Communion of Saints
• One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
• Notes

Top Highlights

“A second role of the Holy Spirit is that of ‘illuminator’. How are we to make sense of the Bible and apply it to our lives?” (Page 8)

“First, the Old Testament links the Holy Spirit with life, and especially with the giving or restoration of life” (Page 4)

“Christian faith is about more than simply believing that certain things are true. Christianity is not just about understanding; it is about renewal and transformation, through the power of a God whose trustworthiness is shown in and through Jesus of Nazareth. The Holy Spirit is understood as the agent of both illumination and transformation, opening us up to the truth and presence of the living God.” (Page 10)

“To say that God is gracious means that God acts for our good in a way that is undeserved: a way that reflects God’s love and generosity rather than our achievements or status.” (Page ix)

“acts of sin are symptoms of the real problem, which is our sinful state.” (Page 41)

Praise for the Print Edition

Highly recommended.

—Church of England Newspaper

Product Details

• Title: The Spirit of Grace
• Author: Alister McGrath
• Series: Christian Belief for Everyone
• Publisher: SPCK
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 115
• Christian Group: Anglican
• Resource Type: Introduction; Topical
• Topic: Christian Living; Theology

About Alister McGrath

Alister McGrath (Ph.D.) is a scholar and writer who is presently Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University. After his initial studies in natural science at Oxford, taking a doctorate in molecular biophysics under the supervision of Prof Sir George Radda, McGrath moved into the field of Christian theology. He was Oxford’s Professor of Historical Theology from 1999 to 2008. He then moved to King’s College London as Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Education, before returning to Oxford as Idreos Professor in 2014. He also served as Gresham Professor of Divinity, a position established in 1597, from 2015-18. He retired in September 2022.

He is best known for his definitive and widely used textbooks on Christian theology and his authoritative biography of C. S. Lewis. As a former atheist, McGrath is fascinated by the interaction of faith, science, and atheism, and writes regularly on these themes. McGrath was born in Belfast in 1953, and holds both Irish and British citizenship. He lives in the Cotswolds near Oxford.

For McGrath’s website, including details of his weekly Youtube postings and videos helping you use his theology textbooks, go to alistermcgrath.net