Chosen by God [Paperback]

R. C. Sproul (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 21, 1994

With nearly 200,000 copies sold in its 25 years, Chosen by God by Dr. R. C. Sproul is a contemporary classic on predestination, a doctrine that isn't just for Calvinists, says Sproul. It is a doctrine for all biblical Christians. In this updated and expanded edition of Chosen by God, Sproul shows that the doctrine of predestination doesn't create a whimsical or spiteful picture of God, but paints a portrait of a loving God who provides redemption for radically corrupt humans. We choose God because he has opened our eyes to see his beauty; we love him because he first loved us. There is mystery in God's ways, but not contradiction.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

We choose God because he has opened our eyes to see his beauty. We love him because he first loved us.

Predestination, says R. C. Sproul, isn’t just for Calvinists. It is for all biblical Christians. In this updated and expanded edition of Chosen by God, Sproul shows that the doctrine of predestination doesn’t create a whimsical or spiteful picture of God, but paints the portrait of a loving God who provides redemption for radically corrupt humans. There is mystery in God’s ways, but not contradiction.

About the Author

Dr. R. C. Sproul is chairman and president of Ligonier Ministries, an organization that provides biblical and theological training for laypeople. He is the Minister of Preaching and Teaching at Saint Andrews Chapel in Sanford, Florida and has served as a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, Knox Seminary, Westminster Seminary California, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The author of many books on the Bible and Christian doctrine, including the award-winning The Holiness of God, he also hosts the international radio program "Renewing Your Mind," heard in over 120 countries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 213 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842313354
• ISBN-13: 978-0842313353
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (96 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #53 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Theology

More About the Author

Dr. R.C. Sproul is the founder, chairman and president of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian education ministry located near Orlando, Florida. His teaching can be heard on the program Renewing Your Mind, which is broadcast on hundreds of radio outlets in the United States and in 40 countries worldwide. He is the executive editor of Tabletalk magazine and general editor of The Reformation Study Bible, and the author of more than seventy books and scores of articles for national evangelical publications. Dr. Sproul also serves as president of Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies and Reformation Bible College. He currently serves as senior minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's in Sanford, FL.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to a difficult issue, July 1, 2004

By 

Douglas VanderMeulen (Fargo, ND) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chosen by God (Paperback)

Agree or disagree with the thesis of the book, but you will get a clear, straight forward presentation of the doctrine of election. Dr. Sproul is a churchman. By this I mean Sproul has a healthy respect for all Christians and it shows in this book. While he presents the Calvinist view of election, he does so without making light of those who disagree. If you are interested in knowing what the issuses are, the Biblical bases for election and have your questions answered, you will benefit from this book. This is true even if you don't agree with the conclusions. For a deeper presentation on the subject by the same author see "Willing to Believe" and/or "Grace Unknown." Dealing with subjects such as election, it is necessary that we have more light than heat. Dr. Sproul's unique gift to the church is helping take difficult issues and making them understandable by all. Again, agree or disagree with the author, but if you read this you will be armed with an understanding of the issue that will help you draw informed conclusions.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars well-reasoned arguments for Calvinism, September 18, 2005

By 

John Holm "jkholm" (Richardson, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chosen by God (Paperback)

Before I read Chosen by God, I didn't know much about Calvinism or the Calvinist view of predestination. I had read one other book by a strict Calvinist that I thought was mean-spirited in its criticism of anyone who didn't accept the author's point of view. I had also heard brief discussions of the doctrine in various Bible studies I attended. After reading Sproul's book however, I have a much better understanding of Calvinism in general and predestination in particular. Sproul is quite convinced of his position but doesn't belittle those with whom he disagrees. He knows the arguments of both sides and clearly explains why he thinks his views are the best explanations of the subject based on Scripture. He addresses many of the common issues associated with predestination including the nature of man's free will, the nature of the atonement and God's infinite sense of mercy and justice. This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to tackle this controversial issue.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of election and predestination., October 3, 2001

By 

No one of consequence (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chosen by God (Paperback)

In "Chosen by God," R.C. Sproul does a fabulous job of explaining and defending the Christian doctrines of election and predestination from a Calvinist viewpoint. This book has proved to be an invaluable resource -- and a source of validation -- for people who, like me, are constantly bombarded by Arminian theology.

Dr. Sproul takes the classic acronym TULIP and expounds on each of its five major elements, actually suggesting alternate letters to comprise the acronym -- I think he ended up with something like RSLEP, which doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Much of the book focuses on the critical need to understand the concept of human depravity and fallenness -- the "T" in TULIP. Once that doctrine is adequately communicated, the remaining four points follow almost of logical necessity. I personally love his nutshell summary of these great truths: "Some receive justice; others receive mercy. No one receives injustice."

Dr. Sproul is very thorough in defending the Calvinist model against all of the main criticisms and arguments leveled by Arminians. No stone is left unturned as he debunks each of these unbiblical myths. And he does it all in an extremely readable manner. The book is written for the layperson, and is very successful in speaking to its target audience without sounding like a dry dissertation.

When I finished this book, I was left with a new appreciation for just how marvelous God's grace is to us as sinful human beings. I was at the same time truly grateful and humbled that God would choose me of all people to enjoy his mercy, salvation and eternal blessings. In other words, Dr. Sproul provides a gift of perspective by articulating these wonderful doctrines clearly and in a way that hits the reader right where he lives.

This book is a "must read" for every Christian. Having a fuller understanding of these truths can only strengthen your walk with God.