Customer Reviews

The Sovereignty of God

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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.

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.

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."

This has been my introduction to the Reformed doctrines of Grace, or Calvinism. I have always been a dispensational Baptist, not quite Arminian all the way, but also not Calvinistic all the way. I have always been disturbed by some of the verses in the bible that clearly talk about predestination and never heard a clear explanation of those verses; now I have. While I would have always said I believed God is Sovereign, now I really have a fuller understanding of that. While I have always believed humans are sinful, I now have a much more clear sense of how God sees us. And I have always been uncomfortable with Christians who proclaim Christ yet do not seem to even want to contend for the faith. This book validates my concerns. For these things alone, the book is worth reading. Pink is very scholarly and logical and makes many excellent points on these issues and more.

However, I am still struggling with the doctrines of people being predestined for hell and that Christ only died for a select few. There are many verses in the bible that seem to me to refute these two beliefs, Pink's excellent arguments withstanding. Pink does a great job of presenting the Calvinistic viewpoint, but I keep thinking of the verses to the contrary that I have always known.

Am I predestined to become a 5 point Calvinist? Right now I would say I am not irresistably drawn, but I will say I did get a lot out of this book and have decided to let God show me if I am to change my mind. In the meantime, I would like to read more of Pink's books because of his evident love for God and excellent expository skills-but I will read with caution.

There's nothing like the doctrine of God's sovereignty that can cause a man to be humble and yet at the same time confident of his salvation. When I first read this book, I must admit that I found it hard to accept the doctrine of calvinism. Like many Christians in the charismatic churches, I was taught that I could lose my salavation, that Jesus Christ died for every person, and that free-will triumphs over God's sovereign will. Even so, this precious book has made me reconsidered my arminian beliefs until finally I began to see that salvation is from the Lord from the beginning to the end. How God has caused this book to impact my spiritual life is beyond measure to me. My whole outlook of life has changed dramatically, now that I know that He is in control of my life and my salvation. To Him alone then, be all the glory.

A.W. Pink does an excellent job of portraying God's sovereignty from a Biblical perspective. This book is packed with Scripture, and will impact any serious Christian reader with a view of God that demands his/her whole-hearted reverence, adoration, love, and worship. Realizing the sovereignty of our God will accomplish peace in the hearts of His people like nothing else can bring. Knowing that God is sovereign will allow the Christian to truly walk by faith - Biblical faith in a God who loves him and sovereignly works all things according to His good pleasure. A sovereign God is truly the only kind of God who could ever carry through on a promise to work out everything for the good of those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose. It is this doctrine that will give God's children faith and motivation to pray - after all, there is no point in praying to God if He can't do whatever He wishes. Pink does a marvelous job of expositing both the Scriptures that teach this wonderful faith, as well as those Scriptures which seem to contradict. I very much recommend this book to anyone seeking to know God more accurately and intimately

The apostle Paul wrote in the book of Romans that God is not the "author of confusion." As you listen to Christian radio and TV programs, another picture emerges; a picture of a Christ that is a product of antinomian folly, and mawkish sentimentality who is reduced to the status of a beggar pleading with recalcitrant, stiff-necked worldlings to "accept Jesus," when the Bible teaches no such doctrine.

Enter AW Pink, an oftimes tart-tongued pastor who puts for the question "Who is regulating affairs on this earth today-God, or the Devil?," then meticulously embarks on a scriptural study that provides the answer "...though the world is panic-stricken, the wod to the believer is 'Fear not! All things are subject to His (God's) immediate control: all things are moving in accord with His eternal purpose, and therefore, all things are working toether for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."

Rev. Pink himself knew that "It would be foolish for us to expect that this work will meet with general approval." He saw the trend in modern Christendom (so-called) as being toward the "deification of the creature rather than the glorification of the Creator."

This book presents a relentless defining of not only the sovereignty of God, but also His sovereignty in Creation, Administration, Salvation, Reprobation, and in Prayer, to name a few. Arthur Pink exposes the modern gospel as a weak, apostate faith that has "relagt(ed) God to the background."

After reading this book, the Bible will become a new book to you. You will never be able to look at scripture, the world, yourself, or God the same again.

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.

One of the joyous facts of all of Pink's works is his use of scripture to prove, explain and clarify scripture. The Sovereignty of God is no exception. I used it to teach a class on this subject and all who attended claimed new insight and were awed by the extent of Pink's knowledge and use of scripture, and clarity of his explaination of what is to many a very difficult doctrine to believe and put into practice. I recommend this loving work to all who desire a knowledge of our Lord God. It will surely be a blessing to them.

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.