Customer Reviews

Romans (4 Volume Set)

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James Mongomery Boice is one of the best Bible Study writers I have come across, for the layman. He makes difficult topics simple and easy to understand. I have read this set of Romans, My husband did an indepth study over 2006. I purchaced a copy for my 20 year old grandson, at his request, who is attending a Christian University. It meets the needs of all ages in learning more about God's Word. Boice was an excellent writer. I have several of his commentaries and would highly recommend all of his works.

'It is unquestionably true that the Gospel is offered to all, but Christ speaks here of that secret and efficacious manner of teaching by which the children of God only are drawn to faith.' John Calvin, Commentary on John 17:3

Dr Boice was a Reformed preacher in the Calvinist vein, given to sound and faith-stirring exposition of God's holy Word. The Christian Charter is presented through Romans, and Dr Boice invested many years in laying before his flock the moral truths of God's law and the outworking of faith in Christ's atoning death as the satisfaction of God's righteous requirements. Theologians also refer to Romans as the foundational book in Paul's theology.

In Volume 2, p 927, Jim Boice introduces us to the Reformed concept of our great 'God's Effectual Call'. This is in every way beautifully explained and correctly related to the reader, invoking one to give God all the glory! Thanksgiving from a sinner, one undeserving of such grace!

'And those He predestined, He also called..' Romans 8:30

Dr Boice headlines the section: 'Calling: External And Internal'. He then fully explains how the external, audible call goes out to all, resulting in the universal call. It is in itself ineffective for salvation and may be resisted. 'Today that same call flows from every Christian pulpit and from all who bear witness to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in every land.' p 928

BUT THEN...

'...in the New Testament the terms for calling, when used with reference to salvation, are almost uniformly applied, not to the universal call of the Gospel, but to the call that ushers men into a state of salvation and is therefore effectual. There is scarcely an instance in the Bible where the terms are used to designate the indiscriminate overture of grace in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.' p 929, John Murray, as quoted from Redemption: Accomplished & Applied, p 88.

Boice then goes on to explain how the inner call, the internal witness of the Holy Spirit, is effective in bringing conversion - a sinner to belief in Christ Jesus through regeneration. This understanding also infuses the utter conviction that it is grace irresistible, for whom God has predestined, He also then calls.

More scriptural than that one cannot be.

'For many are called, but few are chosen.' Matthew 22:14

'While all the other movements of the Holy Spirit in the ordo salutis terminate on the elect only, the external calling by the gospel has a wider bearing.' Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology p 457

This Bible Commentary is so easy to read,it's great.
I am a pastor but it will be appreaciated by lay people also.
It's specific in context but not dry.
Illustrations are supplied for some of the text.
I can not think that anyone would be disappointed in this set.

Reading James Montgomery Boice's Romans commentary changed my faith and my life. Read it!

Dr. Boise in his four book series will go a long way in the understanding of Paul's letter. A must read for any person serious about Biblical study.