The Sovereignty of God [Abridged] [Paperback]

Sove Arthur W Pink (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 18, 2009

Pink (d. 1953) is noted for his independent thinking. He was so well read, and had such a photographic memory, that he could give you the page and column in a host of reference works and commentaries. This book shocked the Christian world in 1919 when he published it. He fiercely defends the sovereignty of God, and all the cognate doctrines such as the Doctrines of Grace. It is THE book to give to those just after conversion, and a prime book to give to anyone who defends the free will of man. Pink was a Baptist preacher who held pulpits in England, America, and Australia. His early training was in scientology. His conversion was instant, and complete dedication to the cause of God and truth quickly became evident. This early book by Pink lays Scripture end to end to prove God's control over all persons and events. It is uncompromising, and as such it raises the hackles on the necks of many new students of this doctrine. Persons who knew Pink seldom objected to anything he taught, because he could literally quote hundreds of verses of Scripture verbatim on the subject under discussion. This book may be overwhelming, but it is certain that its many printings have been used of God to convince people of His sovereignty. The Banner of Truth has an edition of this book, but they have abridged their edition by deleting the chapter on Reprobation. If Pink were still alive, he certainly would not have allowed this misrepresentation of his doctrinal belief: that God both elects and reprobates, as Romans 9:21-23 clearly teaches. It is an important stone to guide the steps of those who are not yet convinced of God's absolute sovereignty over all persons and events.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) served as a pastor for churches in Colorado, California, Kentucky, and South Carolina. His ministry brought him throughout the United States, Australia, and Great Britain. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Sovereign Grace Publishers, Inc.; abridged edition edition (July 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589604385
• ISBN-13: 978-1589604384
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,566,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sovereignty of God, February 21, 2000

By 

J. Adrian (Orange,New Jersey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sovereignty of God, The (Paperback)

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.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a Reformed Classic, September 2, 2002

By 

J. F Foster - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sovereignty of God, The (Paperback)

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.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very convincing case for Gods absolute sovereignty, June 27, 2001

By 

Gary F. Zeolla "Director of Darkness to Light... (Pennsylvania USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sovereignty of God, The (Paperback)

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."