Customer Reviews

The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good (Sproul, R. C. R.C. Sproul Library.) (Sproul, R. C. R.C. Sproul Library.) (Sproul, R. C. R.C. Sproul Library.)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been wanting to review this book for some time now, but my review won't do it justice. Not since I read one of Sproul's earlier books, The Holiness of God, has a book simultaneously shaken my soul and comforted it with the presence of God in this way. This one follows the tradition. Renown for his thought-provoking teachings, Sproul takes the doctrines of God's immanence and providence down from the ivory tower and underscores them in the lives of the biblical characters as well as his own. This is theology at it's finest...truth for living.

Sproul's purpose in writing this book is "to look at the question of providence, not only from a doctrinal viewpoint, but chiefly from an examination of concrete experiences of the flesh-and-blood people whose lives and struggles are recorded for us in sacred Scripture" (2). And this he does par excellence. You can almost feel Abraham's stomach churn as he ponders the immanent sacrifice of his beloved son Isaac, while splitting firewood for the altar early in the morning. You can almost hear the waves of the Nile lapping against the basket of bulrushes which contained the future leader of God's chosen people from slavery to the promised land. You can almost see Joseph's bloodied, mangled, technicolor coat as he wept in the presence of his brothers, compassionately telling them, "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive" (Gen. 50:20). Our God is not "out there". . . He is right here.

Some of the areas of God's providence that this book touches on deal with God's involvement with His creation through miracles, the display of His glory, evil in the world, prayer, the flow of history and the history of redemption. At least one chapter is devoted to each of these topics which are very broad topics in and of themselves, but Sproul briefly touches on the involvement of God in each one of them displaying His love and purpose for His creation.

Sproul says that providence "is not merely that God looks at human affairs. The point is that He looks after human affairs. He not only watches us, He watches over us" (17). As far as the biblical teaching that all things that work together for good to those who love God is concerned, Sproul makes a clear distinction between the proximate, or soon occurring, and the ultimate. For example, we may experience things in our lives that are supremely good. These things are proximately and ultimately good. But we may also experience things that aren't good at all, but are for our good. Just like veggies to a kid, these things are proximately bad yet ultimately good. Sproul says that when Paul tells us that all things work together for good to those who love God, that he does not say that all things that happen are good things. What Paul is saying is that all things that happen to us, good and bad, are working together for our good. Ultimately it is good that these things happen to us (171).

One of the reasons why I love this book is because Sproul is such a ponderous writer and he writes with the views of history on the tip of his pen. He asks the hard questions and he's lets you search for the answers along with him. Sometimes the answers lead to more questions but never before learning something valuable about the providence and ways of Almighty God. If you've ever charged to the throne of God with the question, "Why?!", read this book. You'll gain invaluable insight into the purposes of God which will give you and incredible thirst for the "Unmoved Mover", as Aristotle called God. This book will bring you to your knees in tears at the feet of your creator God in awe as you realize his involvement in every detail of your life with the goals to make His desires yours and to change you into the likeness of His Son. Afterward, you'll be able to stand higher and firmer in the confidence that He is the sovereign Captain of your soul and the loving Master of your fate. I read this book at a time in my life that I would label "tragic" and it pointed me to the providential grace of God in a way that truly restored my soul to trust in my God. Sometimes He calms the storm . . . sometimes He calms the child.

I heard about this book in a sermon when I was visiting my sister's place of fellowship in Houston, Tx. The pastor's sermon was centered around the title of this book. It ministered so deeply to me my in time of hurt and seriously doubting God, that I knew I had to have it. I just finished reading it tonight. Through reading this book, my trust in God has been restored, and my soul has been somehow quieted, knowing that God is at work behind the scene. This book is a must read. Yet, I must caution, it is only for the serious readers. It reveals an aspect of God's character that is only appreciated through active, close fellowship. This book will challange you to move beyond a casual distant relationship with God, and literally woo you into deep personal intimacy with Him. As you seriously consume what is conveyed in this book, it will bring a calmness, a quietness, and a confidence in your soul. For the essence of the message of this book is that "all things work together for the good of those who love God". Therefore, even the bad things are good "ultimately", if not "proximately". This book is not an "easy" read. In some places it is a little belabored theologically, but I believe the author used it to make every effort to get his point across. If your faith is in shambles, and you are doubting God, this book may prove to be a life-line to you. It was to me. Take the time to read it. It's well worth the investment.

It has been said that America has lost her soul. Well this book will help her get it back. RC Sproul does it again as he knows how to take the "cookies" and put them down on the lower shelf within easy grasp. Taking on a difficult, yet vitally important doctrine, the author weaves a tapestry concerning divine providence which is woven together by sound biblical teaching and tender personal insight.The reader will come to understand that nothing happens by chance or coincidence since God is in control of every person and particle in the universe. When questions arise concerning events such as the chaos in Kosovo or the crisis in Columbine, this book which addresses a basic principle concerning the nature of God and His goveranace over humanity will be tremendously helpful. God does indeed control the universe and promises that all things will work together for the good of His people.The basic theistic belief that God foreordains and foreknows whatsoever comes to pass will prove to be challenging, while at the same time, extremely comforting.This tome will prove to be intense enough for the most profound philosopher while simple enough for the average lay person. Whoever chooses to read this book will find that their time has been well spent.

Dr. Sproul has written a wonderful book about the absoult sovereignty of God. Like a breath of fresh air, Sproul shows us from Scripture the awesome power of God to accomplish His purposes in the earth. Sproul uses various texts from both the Old and New Testament to reveal the biblical picture of a God who is in control of all things even when it doesn't seem that He is.

I greatly enjoyed how Sproul stayed true to the Bible as his authority. While he does quote from other authors and from the Westminister Confession of Faith, Sproul does not get bogged down in the heated debate between the Calvinist and Arminian over God's sovereignty. He simply shows from Scripture that God is in control. No-one can argue with that.

In the end, I greatly enjoyed this book. While it read like a devotional, the book lifted my faith in the absolute power of God. Romans 8:28 hasn't been more precious since I finished this book. You too will enjoy this book as you study the Scriptures concerning the hand of God's providence in all things. You will pray to your Father knowing that He is sovereign (Matthew 6:8).

R. C. Sproul has a real knack for writing deep books on a popular level and he does well with The Invisible Hand, which focuses on the doctrine of God's providence. Sproul's book is part philosophy, part exposition, and part historical theology. Difficult concepts such as theodicy and concurrence are handled as well as questions about the intersection of God's providence in human history, government, and our personal lives. God's provision for his people, the role of prayer, and the question of miracles are all covered as well. A great benefit of the book is its expositional nature. Sproul frequently develops his theology from familiar biblical stories (Abraham and Isaac, David and Bathsheba, Joseph in Egypt, Daniel and Belshazzar, etc.) - which is a great boon for young believers who may not be overly familiar with Scripture. A lot of territory is covered in this book. Sproul also defines his terms well, giving simple (although occasionally simplistic) and easy to grasp definitions to words like providence, theodicy, et cetera. Sprinkled throughout are personal stories and interesting anecdotes that keep the book interesting and even humorous. One possible demerit is Sproul's propensity to throw out Latin phrases. He does define them all, but they seem unnecessary. I also thought his chapters on miracles were overly reductionistic (he is a strong cessationist). But overall, this is a good book on providence and worth reading.

R.C. Sproul's book The Invisible Hand is one of the most practical studies on the providence of God I've read. He doesn't rush through the foundational principles and consistently and clearly defines his terms. This book is useful because it communicates with the reader at a number of levels - new believer, maturing saint, as well as the seasoned Christian warrior.

Using Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." as his foundational verse, he asks the probing question, "Do all things really work for good?" From that point, Sproul carefully and systematically moves from chapter to chapter answering that question in a fashion that only he can. He doesn't shy away from the tough issues either. In this book, Sproul equips believers with the understanding necessary to address those arguments unbelievers commonly confront Christians with in an attempt to justify their own rebellious unbelief.

Though each chapter builds upon the previous chapters, Sproul has cleverly made sure that each chapter is nearly a subject study in itself. This book could be used as a text book as well as a daily devotional, though there is nothing casual about this subject.

Sproul makes no attempt to hide the fact that he often slips out of the theological arena in his writings and into a philosophical approach to answering tough issues. He does that in this book too, and I wish he wouldn't do that. But if he didn't, he wouldn't be R.C. Sproul. You just have to resolve to take him the way he is.

So many of the subjects Sproul covers in this book are priceless. One of my favorite chapters, and one that I find very useful, is the one entitled Providence and Prayer. He sweeps away so many of the excuses we use not to pray. Like, "Well, God knows what he is going to do anyway, why should I pray?" Sproul shows the value in drawing near to God in prayer and just how beneficial it really is for us to do so.

After reading this book many years ago, I began talking about the book, God's sovereignty and providence the next day during a noon meal with my lunch group. Before long, I realized everyone, believers and unbelievers, had stopped talking and were glued to the information in Sproul's book. Now that's powerful stuff.

I'm sure that it comes as no surprise that I highly recommend Sproul's book, The Invisible Hand. Even though I do have moments of frustration with Sproul's direction and presentation, I think it's one of those books that should be read and reread often, with an open heart and an open Bible. Just like the Bereans did with the Apostle Paul, search the scriptures daily to see whether what Sproul says is true.

All in all this book is very comforting, and reassuring, because I believe it accurately portrays God's character.

I first read this book around 1996 or so.

Why do I say that ? Well this book causes me to look back at my Christian walk. This book gave me an understanding of the doctrine of providence. What is that ? I would of never had the question myself. If my father did not purchase this book and give it to me, I would have never read it.

This book was the first book that helped me engage the bible as a whole. For me, it introduced certain aspects of God's handiwork throughout the history of the world, through the stories that are told in scripture.

I was able to approach the Old Testament and see a God Who was not any different from the God of the New Testament. It helped me see God's care for my life, and involvement in my life. I started to realize God had been providing for me before I came to faith in Him.

There are some beautiful personal stories from the author's life which he uses to effectively teach the reader about God's involvement and care for His people. The book ends with a great lesson on prayer which is so appropriate.

It is a good read from cover to cover.

P.S. My friend commented that all of the old people at our church always are saying how "The Lord provides". Maybe it's better to learn this lesson while you're young, instead of having to wait until you've lived out most of your years to testify that God is highly involved in every aspect of our daily lives and He cares for us even in our darkest hours.

Sproul here brings the doctrine of providence and God's sovereignty to bear.

This book, and its provocative title, is intended to be stock-piled in the 'popular choice' shelves in Christian bookstores. And precisely therein it may achieve its greatest good, for it is done at such a level that it could really convince the 'doubters' - and not repel them, as Sproul does not drink to deeply from the well.

The book is, to those who already espouse these same views, a very delightful read. At times Sproul again veers off into psychology, which is its only drawback.

As a cessationist and Reformed scholar, Sproul has the emphasis on the correct procedural exegesis. His chapter, Providence And Miracles, is well set out. Sproul begins by way of analogy in that general revelation is not special revelation, and therefore providence is not miracle. He makes us aware of the fact that the actual word for 'miracle' in the Bible has three Greek renderings: signs, wonders and powers. We attach significance to God's providence too easily and are apt to overstate God's goodness toward us as miracle, when in reality it is His ordinary provision for sinners and saints alike. RC issues a warning in stating that we must also come to terms with the fact that biblical miracles were actions and events that 'were observable in the external world. As Paul says to Herod Agrippa, 'This thing was not done in a corner.' (Acts 26:26), p 188 These miracles from God in biblical times were well attested, e.g., Paul records over 500 brethren as having seen the resurrected Christ. (1 Cor 15) RC correctly holds that these multiple witnesses reduced the possibility of confusion and protected the integrity of the Gospel from claims that could not be verified. His penultimate chapter, Counterfeit Miracles, is principally drawn from the work of B B Warfield. 'Calvin and Luther, at the time of the Reformation, were repeatedly challenged by the Roman Catholic Church to produce miracles that would authenticate their teaching. For their part, the Reformers denied that the apostolic office continued in the church or that the church was the source of new divine revelation. The Reformers considered the miracles of Rome to be not only frivolous but counterfeit.' pp. 192-193

Even a biblical figure, a prophet nonetheless, Habakkuk, entered on thoughts of doubt and wavering:
'Habakkuk was having difficulty reconciling God's holy nature with His seemingly unholy providence. He raised the supreme question that arises from every study of the providence of God: 'Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, and hold Your tongue when the wicked devours a person more righteous than he?' p 67

The greatest danger lies in the continuity between the apostolic succession and continued claims of miracles being worked in the Roman Catholic Church, and the modern day charismatic church: 'Within evangelicalism today, especially but not exclusively in the charismatic wing, claims are being made of new revelation from God and the abundant presence of new miracles from God. Evangelists promise miracles at their revival services and even claim to perform them on national television.' p 193 And so the tirade of seducing miracle workers continues unhindered. A further perplexing position, much subtler, is 'that many evangelicals are persuaded that revelation does not continue to this day, but miracles do.'

RC further acknowledges that God is able to answer prayers in extraordinary ways in his final chapter, Providence And Prayer. Prayer is not an exercise in futility, and tying in Hebrews 4:16, he establishes prayer as a chief means of grace for the militant church. He exegetes James 5, 'the prayer of a righteous man avails much', but not entirely to my satisfaction, remembering that Elijah also held a similar position to the apostles, which he previously advocated had ceased. Scripture teaches that God answers prayer through grace in Matthew 7:7.

A valuable and recommendable book.

This is one of the best books I have read on God's providence. With rich Scriptural references and stories, the author shows the extent of God's involvement with His creation.

R.C. Sproul has written some excellent books, but this is not one of R.C. Sproul's better books. Perhaps if I had read the book with my expectations based solely on the title, I would have rated the book slightly higher, but perhaps not even then. As it was, my expectations were based on having read the back cover and the first page of the book, both of which bring up the example of women who have delivered stillborn babies and the questions of God and divine providence in such tragic circumstances. The book did not seem to address let alone answer the issue. I kept expecting the book to specifically at least bring up that issue later in the book. And again my expectations may have colored my reading, but the book as a whole did not seem to flow well. There are some sections well worth reading, but overall this is not up to R.C. Sproul's usual writings. Having said all that, given the previous high reviews on Amazon for this book, perhaps more weight should be given to their reviews than mine.