The Sovereignty of God

Rating:
Summary: What a Gem
Review: This book is wonderful, as is most of his work. To the reviewer from Midwestern (Arminian) Baptist College, you are truly showing your lack of understanding of the classical reformed position of predestination. This doctrine has been the prevailing doctrine of the orthodox church until the last 150 years (even in the Baptist denomination.) My isn't that interesting how the doctrine has taken a beating during the rise of secular humanism, which considers man as the measure of all things? Your protestant faith is a product of this doctrine, rising out of the view of God developed by Luther, Calvin, and others with whom the Reformation began. You use the phrase salvation by grace through faith, which is also a term originated in the reformation. You are correct in saying that men choose for themselves where they will spend eternity. Everyone chooses to sin and run away from God (to their peril) but God in his mercy regenerates the hearts of some and allows them to come to him. This is the doctrine of election. That man has no way to say yes to God, he is dead in his trespasses, God must make him alive. It would hold true then, that he only does this for some, his elect, because clearly not everyone believes. But you believe in limited atonement as well, you just are not aware of it. You say that Jesus died for everyone, but this is not true even in your own theology. People wind up in Hell, correct? Well then Christ death could not have possibly atoned for their sins, or they would not be guilty. So we both believe in Limited Atonement, the reformer simply prefers to leave the determination of salvation in the hands of God than in a fallible, broken man.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece!
Review: This book transported me to the inmost sanctuary of heaven itself. My soul is still refreshed and comforted. If I had to pick a book that lifted God to His rightful place (other than the Bible itself) it would be this one. You will discover marvelous things within its pages. This would be an excellent book for a group study.

Rating:
Summary: Truly a Reformed Classic
Review: This book, and this edition of the book in particular, is Arthur Pink's full discourse on the sovereignty of God. It is a book that has been a source of intense controversy and impassioned views. Not everyone will agree with what Pink argues here. In fact, most will probably disagree with some portion of this discourse. Nonetheless, he presents an immensely powerful and mostly persuasive argument on the sovereignty of God within a high Calvinist theological framework.

Pink's discourse is thorough, very well documented Biblically, and passionate in what it seeks to present. When he wrote this book, Pink was clearly concerned about the elevation of man and his abilities at the expense of the sovereignty of God throughout Christendom. He understood that presenting a high Calvinist view of God's sovereignty would not win any popularity contests, and he was certainly right about this. But even while not agreeing completely with Pink's views here, I have to say that I found this book to be the best systematic treatment of this issue that I have yet read.

I felt that Pink did a good job of clearly establishing the sovereignty of God in all things, including election. I also felt that Pink's discourse on human responsibility and accountability for his actions was utterly outstanding. The reconciliation of human responsibility or 'free-will' in light of God's sovereignty has been a central issue in Christianity throughout its history. I felt that Pink's attempt at reconciling the difficulty is a very significant achievement that moves the discussion in a very positive direction. Throughout his discourse, Pink's Biblical exegesis is thorough and often compelling.

I mentioned at the start of this review that this particular edition of Pink's work is a source of great controversy. The reason is because of two main arguments put forth by Pink in this edition that were deleted by the Banner of Truth edition. The first is Pink's argument in favor of limited atonement that argues that Christ did not die for the sins of the whole world on the cross, but only for the sins of God's elect. This is by far the most controversial and debated point of the 5 points of Calvinism. Many self described Calvinists reject this point in favor of a modified form of unlimited atonement, but Pink argues forcefully for the limited atonement view here. Second, and even more controversial, is Pink's lengthy discourse on what is known as 'double predestination'. This is the view that God not only actively elects certain people to be saved, but also actively condemns people to torment. Again, most Calvinists today reject double predestination, but Pink, in the longest chapter of this book, strongly affirms this doctrine. This chapter is the single most controversial aspect of this book, among many controversial aspects, and was deleted in its entirety in the Banner of Truth edition of the book.

While I don't think I personally agree with the doctrine of double predestination as Pink presents it, I found myself nonetheless grateful for having read Pink's views on this topic. It has caused me to dig deeper in my thinking to arrive at my own theological convictions. As a result, even though I disagree with some of what Pink wrote, I consider this book to be among the most profitable I've read, and highly commend it to readers who want a clear-cut, unapologetic presentation from a highly Reformed perspective on the sovereignty of God and how it manifests itself, as well as human responsibility in light of God's sovereignty. A classic treatise that will challenge the reader mightily.

Rating:
Summary: Truly a Reformed Classic
Review: This book, and this edition of the book in particular, is Arthur Pink's full discourse on the sovereignty of God. It is a book that has been a source of intense controversy and impassioned views. Not everyone will agree with what Pink argues here. In fact, most will probably disagree with some portion of this discourse. Nonetheless, he presents an immensely powerful and mostly persuasive argument on the sovereignty of God within a high Calvinist theological framework.

Pink's discourse is thorough, very well documented Biblically, and passionate in what it seeks to present. When he wrote this book, Pink was clearly concerned about the elevation of man and his abilities at the expense of the sovereignty of God throughout Christendom. He understood that presenting a high Calvinist view of God's sovereignty would not win any popularity contests, and he was certainly right about this. But even while not agreeing completely with Pink's views here, I have to say that I found this book to be the best systematic treatment of this issue that I have yet read.

I felt that Pink did a good job of clearly establishing the sovereignty of God in all things, including election. I also felt that Pink's discourse on human responsibility and accountability for his actions was utterly outstanding. The reconciliation of human responsibility or 'free-will' in light of God's sovereignty has been a central issue in Christianity throughout its history. I felt that Pink's attempt at reconciling the difficulty is a very significant achievement that moves the discussion in a very positive direction. Throughout his discourse, Pink's Biblical exegesis is thorough and often compelling.

I mentioned at the start of this review that this particular edition of Pink's work is a source of great controversy. The reason is because of two main arguments put forth by Pink in this edition that were deleted by the Banner of Truth edition. The first is Pink's argument in favor of limited atonement that argues that Christ did not die for the sins of the whole world on the cross, but only for the sins of God's elect. This is by far the most controversial and debated point of the 5 points of Calvinism. Many self described Calvinists reject this point in favor of a modified form of unlimited atonement, but Pink argues forcefully for the limited atonement view here. Second, and even more controversial, is Pink's lengthy discourse on what is known as 'double predestination'. This is the view that God not only actively elects certain people to be saved, but also actively condemns people to torment. Again, most Calvinists today reject double predestination, but Pink, in the longest chapter of this book, strongly affirms this doctrine. This chapter is the single most controversial aspect of this book, among many controversial aspects, and was deleted in its entirety in the Banner of Truth edition of the book.

While I don't think I personally agree with the doctrine of double predestination as Pink presents it, I found myself nonetheless grateful for having read Pink's views on this topic. It has caused me to dig deeper in my thinking to arrive at my own theological convictions. As a result, even though I disagree with some of what Pink wrote, I consider this book to be among the most profitable I've read, and highly commend it to readers who want a clear-cut, unapologetic presentation from a highly Reformed perspective on the sovereignty of God and how it manifests itself, as well as human responsibility in light of God's sovereignty. A classic treatise that will challenge the reader mightily.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book, but DON'T buy Banner of Truth Edition!
Review: This is a great little book by Baker Press, but for years, Banner of truth Publishing has put out a chopped up version with NO indication that it's missing whole sections. This is particularly egregious in light of the fact that they have done so because they object to Pink's high Calvinism. As THE publisher for many years of the best in Calvinist literature, it sad that the company is now apparently in the hand of people who think deception of consumers is the way to press their agenda. As far as I can see, Amazon offers ONLY the good Baker edition. I hope BOT has deleted thier bowlderized version but take care if you buy it used. For more info, check my review of Iain Murray's "Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism.

Rating:
Summary: THOUGHT PROVOKING!
Review: This is a life-changing book! It challenges you...no, forces you to consider just how sovereign God really is! It's not bed-time reading. By the time you exit the back door of this book I guarantee you will not be the same. Get ready to grapple with some heavy thoughts. Biblical truth is not toyed with here. This is one of the most important books of the century.

Rating:
Summary: Not quite in the pink, as it were
Review: This is a very well written book with much that is God honouring. It would have to be since much of it is Biblically based.

However, this book has become a kind of tract for higher Calvinism. The Banner of Truth used to publish testimonies of Pentecostals who had been "saved" from Pentecostalism by reading this book. But the Banner of Truth left out the chapter on double predestination and in one of their publications they gave the reasons for this. It would seem that Mr Pink himself had moved away from his former position - or at least the Banner felt that he had.

This is not surprising of course. When we are young we like things black and white. Also, when we are angry at worldly tendencies in the churches, we long to find some cause or teaching which exposes such as sham - a stick with which to beat them. We are then on a pendulum swing and it is all so clear and easy. But often it is a slow, difficult and painful climb back to a more correct position. In our "battles for the truth" we are like bull-seals fighting over territory, oblivious of the calves and cows that are bruised and squashed beneath us.

Dear brethren, has this modern Calvinistic trend really brought about revival? Are the folk in your church any more holy, loving and righteous than any other sect? Do you love Jesus any more than you did before you got switched on to this philosophy? Or, is it a constant pressure to keep up with the book reading plan? Do you need a wheel barrow every time you visit a reformed convention; to bring all the books back? And with all the talk of preaching amongst this group have you ever come across more boring preaching? No, I'm not trying to be rude but lets face it, most of us got turned on to this tendency by Martin Lloyd Jones, only to find that he was a one-off in his generation.

Now look, art and literature are ok aren't they, but do you really need me to spell out the dangers? Look at the Koran. Moslems say that in the Arabic it is sublime. Yes, but look how it translates! It is the same with English books. A writer can write in a way that sweeps all before him. At the end of reading the book you say "Wow, that's great, his reasoning has really convinced me". But you can't relate it to others so you say "Ah, you just have to read the book". Reasoning can be very subtle. Take this syllogism for example:
"Most people like ice cream; I am like most people: therefore I like ice cream". Sure, this is obvious: I might be like most people in most things but not necessarily in the specific case of being an ice cream fan. But the syllogisms aren't always so obvious.

Look what you led to believe in reading this book:
1. God chose certain people to be saved before time began and the rest He CHOSE to go to hell.
2. We are so dead in sins before getting saved that we can't choose one good thing - not even to want God.
3. God regenerates us - that is, gives us the new birth - before we believe, in order that we shall believe (this is nonsense: the life is in Christ. He that has the Son has life - you get the life by receiving Him)

Now in John 3, the serpent lifted up on a pole is spoken of as a picture of how God gives Jesus to the world. In closing, lets just look at this incident from the time it was given. Here are the Israelites being bitten by snakes. They cry out to Moses. Moses goes before God and God tells him to make a bronze snake, put it on a pole and whoever looks at the serpent will be healed. Let's imagine the scene:
Moses (to the crowd): look at the serpent and you will be healed from the poison.
Joe: What me too?
Moses: All of you...yes, you too.
Joe: It can't be for all of us, some of us have already died. The serpent could never have been for them specifically.
Moses: Look, this is a matter of life and death...believe or perish!
Joe: I need to know what warrant I have to believe. Surely this latest judgement is meant to kill some of us. How do I know it wasn't meant to kill me? Who am I to be presumptious!
Moses: God has said look at the snake, that's all the warrant you will get. But if you persist in your folly it is because you have no regard for God's word.
Joe: How could I have any regard? By nature I am unable to look at the serpent. By nature I cannot even utter one word that pleases the Lord. By nature my looking would be an attempt to earn my healing rather than rely on total grace.

And so it goes on. And so it has gone on for centuries. We virtually invented this doctrine in England. Come and see the barrenness over here my brethren and then think again.

On the clock we are seconds from judgement. Our western nations beg destruction. Pray. Seek the Holy Spirit. Seek God and let nothing get you off track.

Rating:
Summary: A very convincing case for God¿s absolute sovereignty
Review: This little book has helped many to come to accept that God is absolutely sovereign over His creation. But this will only happen if one is willing to really consider this issue. And the way to consider it is to look up the Scripture references Pink cites in this book. And Pink references many, many such verses.

In fact, this book was one of the sources I used in developing the chapter on "The Sovereignty of God" in my book "Scripture Workbook: For Personal Bible Study and Teaching the Bible." My book also has two additional chapters addressing other aspects of Calvinism.

But be forewarned, studying this subject can be very distressing. I know of people who have gone through much emotional struggle when reading books like Pink's. It is simply hard to accept that God is in control of our destinies, not us. But that is why it is absolutely essential to consider carefully what the Bible teaches on this subject.

So yes, get Pink's book and look up the Scripture verses he cites. And for even more verses to consider see my "Scripture Workbook."

Rating:
Summary: Thank God for this book
Review: What a breath of fresh air in a world full of Arminianism and "free-willers", how wonderful that A.W. takes a solid stand for the truth. I wish he were alive today so i could tell him what a glorious effects this book had on my life. it makes me appreciate the fact that all my steps are ordered by a Sovereign God. Spurgeon called the Armenian god an "idiot of their imagination". i wish more would read this blessed book.

Rating:
Summary: The Sovereignty of God
Review: When first published in 1918 this book was very controversial. The reason for this is probably due to the fact that in Pink's day the doctrine of God's sovereignty was almost completely ignored, misunderstood or rejected. Why read or study a book on the doctrine of God's sovereignty? The author believed that this doctrine is the second most important doctrine taught in the Bible, the first being the Divine inspiration of the Bible,which is the title of Mr.Pink's first book that was published. Pink has this to say about the importance of this Biblical truth on p.19 "It is... the key to history, the interpreter of providence,...and the foundation of christian theology,p.215...it is designed as the sheet anchor for our souls amid the storms of life. The doctrine of God's sovereignty is a divine cordial to refresh our spirits. It is designed and adapted to mould the affections of the heart and to give a right direction to conduct. ...It affords comfort for the present and a sense of security respecting the unknown future." A right understanding of this doctrine places God on the throne where he belongs and under His blessing produces humility in His people. The Sovereignty of God is the most comforting doctrine in the Bible to a christian in the midst of trials. This reviewer is convinced that 'The Sovereignty of God'by A.W.Pink is one of the most important and influential books that has been written in this century.