Chosen by God

Originally published in 1982, R.C. Sproul's `Chosen by God' is a brief overview and defence of Calvinist Christianity. Sproul is a leading American evangelical theologian and has written numerous books on various religious subjects. This small text has quickly become something of a modern classic in its field. I must say at the outset, that while I am not a Calvinist I respect Sproul, in both his speaking and his writing Sproul comes across as an intelligent, articulate and thoughtful man. `Chosen by God' has two primary audiences Calvinists and non-Calvinist Christians. With regard to the former group it is intended to help Calvinists gain a more robust understanding of their faith, while respect to the latter it provides an explanation and defence of key Calvinist doctrines. The book has much strength. Sproul blends outstanding theological knowledge with a down to earth and accessible writing style. He comes across as a humble and sincere man who puts forth his viewpoints in a strong yet respectful manner; recognizing that Christians can disagree and still remain within the broader Christian community. I highly recommend this text to the broad Christian audience. While many Christian readers may ultimately disagree with Calvinism, or some of its doctrines, it is important for such folks to understand what they are disagreeing with. And, in seeking to properly understand a position it has often been my experience that it is best to go to the source. Sproul provides just such a source. I am planning to read Geisler's `Chosen but Free' and would appreciate other suggestions for further readings in this area - I would be especially interested in a non-Protestant take on Calvinism. Overall this is an excellent little book, I highly recommended for all Christians - it is a quick, clear and helpful read. It has motivated me to study Calvinism in greater detail.

Chosen By God is an excellent read penned by R.C. Sproul and published by Tyndale House. It was originally published in 1986 and has sold over 200,000 print copies. This book very clearly and understandably articulates the classic reformed doctrines of predestination and election. In classic R.C. Sproul style, the author makes difficult matters easily understood. No matter which side of this issue you happen to take, you would benefit from the understanding of reformed Christianity that this book promotes. I would give this book the official Theology Nerd five-star rating. Be sure to fill your pocket protector with markers, highlighters, and pens when you read this. You will surely want to take notes. www.TheTheologyNerd.com One awesome part of this book is that R.C. Sproul does not ignore the claims of those who differ with Calvinism. Rather, he engages their beliefs. Of course, the result is total derailing, debunking, and dismissing of those arguments. In the process, there is plenty of material for those who want an answer as to why reformed soteriology is the right, true gospel. He draws from Scripture, theology, philosophy, church history, and practical examples to make a strong case for his belief system. If you are looking for rational material that illustrates reformational truth, then look no further. Of extreme practical significance is chapter eight, titled, “Can We Know That We Are Saved?” As would seem apparent, this chapter deals with the assurance of the believer. Can I know right now that I am going to wind up one day in heaven? There are many even within the church today who do not feel that they can answer this affirmatively. However, Sproul shows carefully through scripture that we do, in fact, have assurance. If salvation is presented and understood in a biblical manner, that salvation can be trusted. We are assured of our destiny as God’s people. The problem is that the modern church does not always clearly present what the Bible teaches, so questions remain as to people’s salvation. According to Sproul, this is entirely unnecessary. He masterfully weaves the theme that God desires us to rest in the absolute assurance that our destiny is safe, secure, and providentially based. In the conclusion, Sproul makes the following comment regarding reformed Christianity. ”It is a theology that begins and ends with grace. It begins and ends with doxology. We praise a God who lifted us from spiritual deadness and makes us walk in high places. . . We delight in our Savior who truly saves us and preserves us and intercedes for us. We marvel at His craftsmanship and in what He has wrought.” I believe that sums up the greatness of this subject well. Predestination, election, and reformed theology are all about the greatness and the glory of God. This book is designed to cultivate a passion for that understanding. If the book has one short coming, it is this: when I got to the conclusion, I was sad that there was not more to read. I found myself wanting to hear more and more. Of course, there are always more books to be read, and here at The Theology Nerd, we are all about the books.

I’ve come to read some of Dr. Sproul’s writings from reading Tabletalk magazine. This is the first book of his I’ve read. The topic of predestination is very deep in my mind, and while I’ve come to appreciate the arguments to be made supporting it, and will even admit to a greater belief in it, I’m still going to reread this book next year in the hope of gaining greater understanding of the topic. A very good book that is well organized and contains a great deal of solid information.

R.C. Sproul is a master teacher who brings simplicity to complex concepts. He does it with honesty and humility and also shows us his own vulnerabilities and doubts. We are so blessed to be able to access this great man’s mind through his teachings, which in turn deepens our own understanding of scripture, especially the “hard” concepts, such as predestination, which in our relativistic and inclusive society is rejected as being “unfair”. If you have struggled with or are currently struggling with the biblical doctrine of predestination, I highly recommend you read this book and let it challenge you. Sproul himself, as he readily admits, struggled mightily with it. Peace and blessings.

Every Christian should read this book, probably more than once. This book is like A man who puts reinforcing rods in the concrete foundation of Is home.

Sproul asserts that God literally determines everything. This doctrine relates to a simplistic worldview that lacks balance despite apparent coherence.

I resisted this view of predestination for a long time, but it’s crystal clear to me now that it is the biblical one. Exegesis at its finest.

Sproul knew how to right in a way that just makes sense. If you are looking for a clear and easy to follow explanation of one of the most controversial and complex doctrines of the Christian faith, the doctrine of predestination, I would recommend you get this wonderful book. Backing his views up with scripture at all times, Sproul's writing is informative, engaging and practical but with more than enough depth for someone who wishes to engage in some more serious study of the subject. This is by no means a complex volume of work but then it was never meant to be. It makes the doctrine of predestination accessible to everyone who is willing to engage in a little bit of serious reading and study without being overwhelmed by the subject.

All Christians face the difficult question of why God, who theoretically could save everybody, chooses to save some, but not all. Chosen by God discusses the doctrine of predestination. It answered many questions I had prior to reading this book concerning the topic. I would recommend it to everyone who loves learning more about these things. It makes you ponder a lot but I love it.

must read it. biblical based and RC writes really well . leart a lot from it. everyone who wants to study predestination should read it