Tournier was a Swiss psychologist who wrote several books on how Scripture can be used in the healing of people. In this book, he demonstrates how every one of us suffers from guilt which manifests itself in any number of ways — insecurity, legalism, judging others. And we all feel that our guiltiness demands a price. Much of this is false guilt, twisted about in such a way that we are prevented from seeing our real guilt — guilt before God. We aren't primarily guilty because of what we do or what we don't do. We're guilty because of who we are — sinners in a fallen world.

God, out of love and grace, has offered Himself to pay the price for our guilt. Tornier shows how the Bible, in large part, is structured to make us realize our guilt. But at the same time, as soon as we do come to understand our position, the Lord stresses His forgiveness. He's harsh to the Pharisees, but lenient to the woman taken in adultery. The former were relying on their works to pay for their guilt. The latter realized her helplessness before God.

Here's how Tournier put it:

To offer grace only is to cut off half the Gospel. Grace is for the woman trembling at her guilt. But her accusers will be able to find grace only by rediscovering for themselves the shudder of guilt. On the other hand, to present only the sternness of God also cuts off half the gospel. Jesus does not awaken guilt in order to condemn, but to save, for grace is given to him who humbles himself, and becomes aware of his guilt.

I thought Tournier's argument was brilliant. I did disagree with him in one area. He seems to be saying that God's forgiveness and therefore His salvation is universal. Tournier uses the parable of the prodigal son as one of his proofs. The wayward son was met on the road and forgiven by the father before he had a chance to confess.
That's true, and forgiveness and salvation are certainly provided and offered universally. But if the prodigal son had never returned home, he never would have received his father's forgiveness. And if anyone neglects to turn to God in faith for salvation, that person will end up in hell.

Still, I got a great deal out of the book. Our life on earth is tension — good and bad, guilt and forgiveness, sin and grace. It's only by fully trusting God in every area of life that any sort of success can be found. I rated the book an 8 and highly recommend it.