Great read filled with insight

Sproul’s purpose for writing Chosen By God was to engage his readers in the discussion of predestination. Sproul writes, “ We discuss it because we cannot avoid it. It is a doctrine plainly set forth in the Bible. We Talk about predestination because the Bible talks about predestination. If we desire to build our theology on the Bible, we run head on into this concept.”(2) Chosen By God defines the reformed view of predestination and deal with the arguments for and against it. Along with the reformed view, Sproul clarifies why competing views on predestination like Arminianism, non-reformed, and Catholicism do not stand up to Biblical review. He also covers the slight differences between the Reformed view and Calvinism. Sproul feels that “It is our duty to seek the correct view of predestination, lest we be guilty of distorting or ignoring the Word of God.” (3) Sproul does a masterful job developing the book’s flow and the specific subject matter that he covers, giving a reader a broad and deep understanding of predestination. No matter what stance a reader has on predestination, Sproul provides much great information to challenge or confirm that stance. He does a great job of going through the key Scriptures that deal with each chapter’s topic. Additionally, Sproul provides a substantial recommendation for additional Scriptures for further study. Sproul makes it clear that every chapter of this book deserves the treatment of a sperate book on its own. Indeed, several writers have produced books on these subjects. However, this is not to say that Sproul’s treatment is not sufficient; it is much more than just a review of predestination. Sproul has a clear and compelling writing style that allows the reader to understand where he is going with the subject matter. His style is engaging, enjoyable, and not overly didactic, and easy to read. It is evident that he has mastered the subject at hand and does a great job of breaking it down for the reader. While reading the book, Sproul continually takes us to the Scriptures to enlighten and highlight what God has to say about the subject. His use of the Bible as his single-source shows one of his biggest strengths: to be faithful to the text. It shows that he understands that this is a biblical issue and not just a denomination issue. There are many different views on predestination because people try and avoid the subject or fail to go back to the text to develop the correct understanding of the issue. Sproul is a reformer bent toward Calvinism, but we see him just using the text to develop his arguments and support for the reformed view on predestination. Sproul’s use of the text gives the reader the ability to see his approach and determine if they agree with his interpretation or not. The only weakness in the book, and it is one that Sproul himself points out, is the lack of a more in-depth treatment of the question, “Did Jesus die for everyone?” This specific question is the central sticking point for many Christians, even reformed Christians. When most Christians look at the totality of the story of the Bible, some find it hard to resolve the concept that God has limited his atonement. There is even a branch of Calvinist that calls themselves four-point Calvinist because of limited atonement. When reading this book, it is hard to say if the reviewer has any specific disagreements with the author. The subject is intense and filled with some mysteries that will not be answered on this side of heaven. Additional research and reading on this specific subject are required to develop a full and rounded understanding of all the issues involved in developing a complete and steadfast stance on the finer points. One point that Sproul pointed out that is new to the reviewer is the discussion on how God views good deeds compared to why we do good deeds. Sproul points out that God does not just look at the outward appearance of the good deed. God reads the heart and can know if the deed comes from our genuine love of God or self-interest. The point is that at times we need to look at our motives to perform good deeds. There are times when they may be motivated by the possibility of winning men’s applause for our good deeds. Sproul says that no matter how minuscule, there is at least a grain of self-interest mixed in with our good deeds. If we deny that, our very denials maybe be motivated in part by self-interest (84).

3 people found this helpful

Excellent explanation!

Sproul takes a very misunderstood subject and treats both sides with civility and clarity. Highly recommended!

3 people found this helpful

Soli Dea Gloria

Solid biblical case for the doctrines of grace given by the greatest theologian of our time.

3 people found this helpful

Fantastic!

This book is the defacto standard explaining the Reformed Christian faith doctrine of predestination. Simply: a rite of passage for any serious theologian. Extremely well written book is easy and logical. The audio is excellent.

2 people found this helpful

Amazing

What an amazing gift God gave R.C. Sproul. The gift of Knowledge, and Wisdom, and the skills to communicate his thoughts so eloquently. I will listen to this book often.

2 people found this helpful

Best Simple Overview On Election

This favorite of Dr. Sproul has become a classic due to the clear and concise manner in which he presents the reformed biblical doctrine of election. It is a great place to start if you’re curious about predestination, or if you want to understand the basics of sovereign grace. Salvation belongs to God alone.

2 people found this helpful

Great!

Very informative. Narrator's voice fit the subject matter well; he did a great job. Not a novel, so no story line.

5 people found this helpful

Blessed by the late, great Dr. Sproul

Coupled with the Holiness of God; this paints the perfect picture of the beauty and mercy of God in His perfect election.

1 person found this helpful

A must for any student of theology

What a wonderful book. It is well written by Sproul and well read by Mr. Tom Parks. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end and would highly recommend it to anyone who has ears to hear.

a beautiful message from a soothing voice.

Sproul's experience and facts articulate the value of Calvin's teachings and should help skeptics and unbelievers in understanding better the doctrines found in the Bible. the narrator, Tom Parks has a soothing voice and is pleasant to listen to.