--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: antithetical — that is, in direct and…" description: "\"“antithetical — that is, in direct and unequivocal opposition to one another. To some, the pursuit of holiness sounds like legalism and man-made rules...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/070/jerry-bridges-1451_love_antithetical-that-is-in-direct-and-unequ_1427699.jpg" --- # antithetical — that is, in direct and unequivocal… ![“antithetical — that is, in direct and unequivocal opposition to one another. To some, the pursuit of holiness sounds like legalism and man-made rules. To others, an emphasis on grace seems to open the door to irresponsible, sinful behavior based on the notion that God’s unconditional love means we…” quote by Jerry Bridges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/070/jerry-bridges-1451_love_antithetical-that-is-in-direct-and-unequ_1427699.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/070/jerry-bridges-1451_love_antithetical-that-is-in-direct-and-unequ_1427699.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/070/jerry-bridges-1451_love_antithetical-that-is-in-direct-and-unequ_1427699.jpg) > ““antithetical — that is, in direct and unequivocal opposition to one another. To some, the pursuit of holiness sounds like legalism and man-made rules. To others, an emphasis on grace seems to open the door to irresponsible, sinful behavior based on the notion that God’s unconditional love means we are free to sin as we please. Some years ago I wrote a book titled The Pursuit of Holiness1 in which I strongly emphasized our responsibility for holiness as opposed to the concept of just turning it all over to God. Thirteen years later I wrote another book, Transforming Grace,2 in which I urged believers to learn to live by grace, not by performance. After Transforming Grace was published, many people asked me how it related to The P”” [Jerry Bridges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-bridges/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Balancing personal responsibility with divine grace; avoiding legalism and antinomianism. **In simple terms:** Responsibility and grace must coexist. Key Takeaway Seek holiness responsibly, not through legalism or reckless grace. Themes holiness grace responsibility faith theology Mood reflective balanced thoughtful Type theological instructional explanatory When to use this quote - church teaching - personal devotion - preaching - counseling - spiritual formation Key Concepts legalism antinomianism spiritual discipline theology of grace Questions to Reflect On - How can believers practice holiness without becoming legalistic? - In what ways does grace empower responsibility? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on grace can lead to moral laxity; overemphasis on law can breed legalism. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Book Title](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book-title/) [Holiness Opposed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holiness-opposed-5074680/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Love means](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love-means/) [Pursuit Holiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pursuit-holiness-360342/) [Pursuit Holiness1](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pursuit-holiness1-5074679/) [Responsibility Holiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility-holiness-5074681/) [Transforming Grace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/transforming-grace-249596/) [Unconditional love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unconditional-love/) [Years ago](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/years-ago/) ## Related quotes > [“lot of Christians seem to think that the grace of God and the vigorous pursuit of holiness are antithetical — that is, in direct…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerry-bridges/lot-of-christians-seem-to-think-that-the-grace-of-god-and-the/) [Jerry Bridges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-bridges/) > [The pursuit of holiness must be anchored in the grace of God; otherwise it is doomed to failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerry-bridges/the-pursuit-of-holiness-must-be-anchored-in-the-grace-of-god/) [Jerry Bridges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-bridges/) > [The pursuit of holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. 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