Courage: How the Gospel Creates Christian Fortitude
Author: Joe Rigney
Series: Gospel Integrity Series (in partnership with Union School of Theology)
To Purchase this Book: click here
Overview
Courage: How the Gospel Creates Christian Fortitude by Joe Rigney is a concise, practical exploration of the Christian virtue of courage—also known as fortitude—and its deep connection to the gospel. Rigney examines how biblical courage is not simply the absence of fear, but a habitual, sober-minded mastery of fear through a greater desire for the glory of God. Drawing on Scripture, church history, and practical wisdom, Rigney encourages believers to develop boldness rooted in Christ, enabling them to face anxiety, anger, fear, and even persecution with steadfast joy.
Key Themes
- Courage as a Christian Virtue: Rigney defines courage as “a stable habit of the heart that masters the passions, especially the passion of fear, through the power of a superior desire.” For Christians, that superior desire is the glory of God, which overcomes all lesser fears and passions.
- The Gospel as the Source of Courage: The gospel is described as the “fountain of Christian courage.” Because Christ has conquered sin and death, believers can stand boldly before God and men, no longer enslaved by fear of condemnation.
- Courage vs. Cowardice: Rigney contrasts true courage with its antithesis—cowardice—and encourages Christians to resist timidity and faintheartedness, which sap spiritual strength and resolve.
- Courage in the Face of Suffering: Drawing from biblical examples, especially the apostles and Paul, Rigney shows that Christian courage often means standing firm and rejoicing even amid suffering, persecution, and loss for the sake of Christ.
- Practical Application: The book offers practical advice for cultivating courage in daily life, including preaching unpopular truths, mastering passions, and developing courage appropriate to one’s sex.
Chapter Summaries
| Chapter | Summary |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Sets the stage by highlighting the need for courage in Christian life and introduces the book’s central questions. |
| 1. Defining Courage | Rigney defines courage as a cardinal virtue—a habitual mastery of fear through a superior desire. He draws on classical and biblical sources to clarify what courage is and is not. |
| 2. Biblical Courage | Explores how the Bible repeatedly calls God’s people to be courageous. Rigney notes that courage is not listed among the fruit of the Spirit, but is a common biblical refrain. He examines examples like Paul in Philippians 1, showing that gospel courage means standing together and standing firm for Christ. |
| 3. Failures of Courage | Discusses biblical and historical examples where individuals failed to show courage, analyzing the causes and consequences of cowardice. Rigney emphasizes the dangers of timidity and faintheartedness, which weaken believers’ resolve. |
| 4. Biblical Boldness | Focuses on the positive side—how the gospel enables believers to be bold before God and man. Rigney explains that Christ’s atoning work frees Christians from fear of condemnation, empowering them to act with holy boldness. |
| 5. Courage and the Sexes | Examines how courage is expressed differently by men and women, affirming both while noting distinctions. Rigney encourages readers to embrace courageous roles suited to their God-given identity. |
Notable Insights
“Courage is a habitual, sober-minded self-possession that overcomes fear through the power of a deeper desire for a greater good.” — Joe Rigney
- Courage is not dour or resigned, but can be marked by joy and even laughter in the face of danger, as the pursuit of a greater good brings wholehearted, joyful resolve.
- The only thing Christians ultimately have to fear is God, but because of Christ’s work, believers can now stand boldly in God’s presence, justified and secure.
- Rigney provides practical encouragement for Christians to resist cultural confusion between arrogance and true boldness, and to cultivate courage through biblical wisdom and the promises of God.
Conclusion
Courage: How the Gospel Creates Christian Fortitude is a timely and accessible resource for Christians seeking to grow in biblical courage. Rigney’s theological depth, practical application, and pastoral tone make it suitable for personal study, discipleship, or small group discussion. The book’s focus on the gospel as the foundation for courage ensures that readers are pointed not to self-reliance, but to Christ as the true source of fortitude.
