Chosen By God

A review from Davis Sheffield

What is the Calvinist view of predestination?

In his book, Chosen by God, R. C. Sproul quotes a Presbyterian seminary president as saying, “I am not a Calvinist because I do not believe that God brings some people, kicking and screaming against their wills, nto the kingdom, while he excludes others from his kingdom who desperately want to be there.”

Is this an accurate representation of Calvinism?  Have you heard people voice similar sentiments?

In the book, Dr. Sproul states that the seminary president’s statement is a caricature that expresses a gross misconception of Calvinist, or Reformed, theology. In clear, easily understood language, Sproul explains, step-by-step, how predestination is neither that caricature nor simply “foreknowledge.” Instead, it is God’s sovereign decision on our behalf. God loved us when we were dead in our sins. Dr. Sproul’s presentation is compelling.

Predestination, as explained in the book, is not about every day questions such as “Will I be hit by a car when I cross the street?” Instead, it is about predestination in a narrow sense, limiting it to the question of salvation or damnation.

Dr. Sproul tells of his own personal struggle with the Reformed view of predestination. He was finally convinced, through studying the Bible, that the Reformed belief is what the Bible actually teaches about predestination. He says that one is “required to teach what the Bible says is true, and not what you want the Bible to say is true.”

The book covers such subjects as the sovereignty of God, free will, Adam’s fall, “double” predestination, and the assurance of salvation. Dr. Sproul addresses objections to his views in a courteous, respectful manner. He points out that most Christians don’t agree with the Reformed beliefs.

The last chapter deals with questions not specifically covered in the main section of the book. These questions include: “Is predestination fatalism?”, “Doesn’t the Bible say that God is not willing that any should perish?”, and “What is the unpardonable sin?”

Dr. Sproul’s study of predestination led him to no longer fear the “demons of fatalism” or the thought that he had been reduced to a “puppet.” Instead, he now rejoices in his “gracious Savior”, who is “immortal, invisible, the only wise God.”

This book will lead you to rejoice in your salvation. I highly recommend that you check it out of the church library. Once you’ve read it, I predict that you’ll want to buy a copy for your personal library, and maybe a few copies for your friends.

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