Courage: How the Gospel Creates Christian Fortitude

Joe Rigney

Gospel Integrity Series (in partnership with Union School of Theology)

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

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.