Life in the Son

Rating:
Summary: best work on conditional eternal security
Review: "Life in the Son" is one of two books that Shank wrote against Calvinism. This book centers on refuting the Calvinistic doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints and Shank's second book, "Elect in the Son" centers on refuting the Calvinistic doctrine of Unconditional Election. From a biblical standpoint, these two books are devastating to Calvinism. I only wish they also attacked Calvinism from a philosophical standpoint. One book that does attack Calvinism from a philosophical and moral perspective is "A Right Conception of Sin" by Richard S. Taylor, a book I highly recommend although its out of print and hard to find.

A couple Calvinistic books to compare with Shank's tomes are "Chosen by God" and "Grace Unknown" by R.C. Sproul. - Brad Clark

Rating:
Summary: Great for any Theologians Library!
Review: Absolutely wonderful! This book was tremendously helpful for me as I wrestled with the question of eternal security. If anyone is seeking objective truth within the Scriptures, this is it. A book has not been written as clearly and profoundly as this. After reading this book it was clear what the Scriptures teach. An excellent book for anyone who is willing to be humble enough and accept truth. You cannot question his conclusions simply because he sticks to what the Word of God says in it's original context and language.

Rating:
Summary: Good explanation of conditional security
Review: Life in the Son is a good critique of Eternal Security that doesn't contain much of the polemics that are so common in many books and articles (on both sides) on the issue of Eternal Security. Shank explains the key verses that always become flashpoints in debates in an easy to understand manner. There are a few problems with his book that I would like to point out. For instance, he seems to concentrate more on contradictory Calvinist commentaries of the verses rather than explaining the verses themselves. But all in all, its a pretty good book.

Rating:
Summary: Good explanation of conditional security
Review: Life in the Son is a good critique of Eternal Security that doesn't contain much of the polemics that are so common in many books and articles (on both sides) on the issue of Eternal Security. Shank explains the key verses that always become flashpoints in debates in an easy to understand manner. There are a few problems with his book that I would like to point out. For instance, he seems to concentrate more on contradictory Calvinist commentaries of the verses rather than explaining the verses themselves. But all in all, its a pretty good book.

Rating:
Summary: Misses The Mark
Review: The battle for God's truth is waged ferociously in the Spiritual realms. (Eph6:12-17) Striking a blow for Truth is always a welcome endeavor. Shank has done so, but a bit too apologetic for my taste. I would prefer that he expose the false teachers by name, quoting them in their heresy and showing people just how far off base they are.

Calvinism is not merely an `alternative' doctrine that some people choose to follow and others do not. It is the most destructive heresy ever devised by Satan and his minions since the serpent told Eve in the Garden she would `surly' not die (spiritually) if she ate of the forbidden tree. How many millions are in hell at this moment who have `believed' the lies of John Calvin that the Christian can commit all manner of sexually immorality and still be assured of heaven? That this heresy has endured until now is evidence of its demonic origins.

The elite men of religion cling to this false doctrine for dear life and teach others its perfectly natural to deny Christ, commit adultery, be addicted to pornography, drugs or booze and even kill yourself and still `inherit' the Kingdom! I can't help but believe they surely have something to hide in their own lives in order to convey God's grace in such manner to others. What else could compel men to teach something so outrageous and unbiblical as `reformed' Calvinism? The Apostle Peter hit the nail on the head when he said that `Many would follow their destructive ways and because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed' 2Pet2:2 But there end will be according to their deeds, scripture assures us: Jude3-4

Shank's book contains a lot of truth and soundly refutes the false doctrines of John Calvin, including the worse one of all, `eternal security'. But it misses the mark when it comes to exposing the false teachers of our day. Except for the horrible persecution, Calvinism is as pervasive today as they were in Geneva 1500 years ago. Worse really, the wolves in sheep's clothing have become very deceptive, taking on a form of godliness like never before in history. Multitudes have been deceived as a result. The professing Christian church in America today is in a Deep state of lukewarm indifference. Christ has been `excluded' and they are completely unaware of their peril.

Instead of this book, purchase Dan Corner's `The Believers Conditional Security'. Exhaustive and comprehensive it exposes every aspect of this false teaching and shines the light of truth into the darkness of men's lies.

Rating:
Summary: Illogical and deceptive
Review: The work is deceptive. Presentation of data has conclusions that are jumps in logic. Quotes given to support view against eternal security are deceptive. Reason? One must not use quotes from a person who does not support your view by passing them off as quotes that appear to be in support of your view.

The Greek grammar appears to be solid, until one realizes that an incomplete view of grammar is given. Taking a rule of grammar and including only part of it to support one's view is deception.

The work takes a more Catholic view to salvation, making it a process more than a one time event. The view taken is that of works salvation--one must do such and such and continue to do such and such over a period of time for salvation.

As for the idea that perseverance of the saints = eternal security. That is also incorrect. The book is flawed from the very first.

Not recomended. Appears to be good scholarship, but only appears as such.

Rating:
Summary: Illogical and deceptive
Review: The work is deceptive. Presentation of data has conclusions that are jumps in logic. Quotes given to support view against eternal security are deceptive. Reason? One must not use quotes from a person who does not support your view by passing them off as quotes that appear to be in support of your view.

The Greek grammar appears to be solid, until one realizes that an incomplete view of grammar is given. Taking a rule of grammar and including only part of it to support one's view is deception.

The work takes a more Catholic view to salvation, making it a process more than a one time event. The view taken is that of works salvation--one must do such and such and continue to do such and such over a period of time for salvation.

As for the idea that perseverance of the saints = eternal security. That is also incorrect. The book is flawed from the very first.

Not recomended. Appears to be good scholarship, but only appears as such.

Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: This is the book that convinced me that the doctrine of eternal security is false. Having just come out of 5 point Calvinism at the time I decided to read this book, I thought to myself "If I was wrong about the first four points of Calvinism, then perhaps I'm wrong about the last one as well." By the time I finished reading Mr. Shank's work there was simply no doubt that eternal security is a false doctrine. I got fed up with having to constantly reinterpret verses apart from the their clear and obvious meaning in order to fit my doctrine. This is an excellent, well written and intellegent book on the subject. I recommend this book without hesitation.