Reformed Doctrine of Predestination (Paperback)

~ Loraine Boettner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

One of the 20th-century's most reasoned explanations of the sovereignty of God and the Reformed interpretation of salvation. "Whoever really wants to know what Calvinism teaches cannot do better than to read this book from cover to cover".--United Presbyterian magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: P & R Publishing (April 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875521126
• ISBN-13: 978-0875521121
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #79,465 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It persuaded me to become a Calvinist, July 13, 1999

By A Customer

I was an Arminian who didn't understand Calvinism. After reading The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination I was convinced that the Reformed position is the most Biblical. It lays the case for Calvinism before the reader in such clear language that he can not misunderstand what the Refomed position really teaches. It is very persuasive in refuting the arguments against predestination while laying a solid biblical foundation for it's teachings. Boettner is very thorough in his use of Scripture to support his arguments. Anyone wishing to understand Calvinism must read this book. Boettner's arguments are so powerful that they demand your assent. This book was life changing.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good Book on Calvinism, April 19, 2005

By	theologicalresearcher "theologicalresearcher" (Canada) - See all my reviews

Anyone interested in the Reformed faith (or Calvinism) should start here. It is easy to read and suited for the layperson. The book is divided into six sections: In the first section he deals with terms and concepts related to predestination (e.g., the sovereignty of God, the providence of God, the foreknowledge of God, etc.). The first section is an excellent start-off point for the reader. The second section deals with the five points (or TULIP). Boettner does an excellent job explaining what each of the five points mean (and what it does NOT mean). The third section deals with common objections presented by non-Calvinists against the Calvinistic understanding of predestination. Boettner, again, does a fine job refuting the typical arguments of non-Calvinists. The fourth section deals with issues of salvation by grace, personal assurance, predestination in the physical world, etc. The fifth chapter deals with the practical importance of the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination. Finally, the sixth chapter deals with the history of Calvinism. The chapters are well written and makes a good case for the Calvinistic system. Boettner presents his arguments well and anticipants and responds to possible objections in each chapter. The only problem I have with this book is its postmillennial bias (this is especially evident in his final chapter on the history of Calvinism). This is the only downfall of the book. In order for Boettner to relieve the "harsher" aspects of predestination, he advocates the idea that in the end more people will be in heaven than in hell. Of course, we should let the Bible speak for itself and not try to sugar-coat it with hypotheses to "soften" difficult truths taught in the Bible. Another downfall of the book is its age. Many contemporary readers will find that some of the issues that Boettner brings up are obsolete. Overall, though, a good introductory level book on the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unraveling the Complexities of God's Mystery, August 6, 2005

By	Ellison Marshall "bible student" (Round Rock, Tx United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Loraine Boettner's book explains clearly that God is 100% sovereign and accomplishes what He purposed BEFORE the world was made. People will allow God to be sovereign in everything but the affairs of man, especially in salvation. This book refutes point by point the arguments against the absolute sovereignty of God. This book clears up one of the main arguments of Arminians--that if God is the ultimate means by which ALL things happen, even bad things--this makes God the author of evil. This Arminian argument is swept away by Boettner's clear explanation concerning the absolute RIGHT that God has with HIS creatures to do as He decides. This leaves us totally in awe of God's holiness. We are reduced to humility and thankfulness for the grace that God exercised in our individuaL lives. EVERY christian should be required to read this book before entering any debate concerning God's dealings with sinful mankind. Boettner sets out explaining the doctrine and then in section III he takes on the obvious objections to the doctrine. Read this book first.