Read on-line.

Jerome Zanchius (1516-1590) created his age-enduring classic in response to the challenges of those who persisted in charging God with being the Author of sin because He says in the Scriptures that He predestinated all things that come to pass. His answer is irrefutable.

The first forty-two pages describes God as He is revealed in His holy Word. He is all-wise and all-powerful. He is perfect and unchangeable. He, being by Himself alone in eternity, determined to create a universe, and to people that universe with being of His own choice. He saw in His mind the entire course of events, and the persons who would act out these events, and having all things completely settled in His mind beforehand, He decreed all things that were to occur. The distinctions thus having been established in His own mind, He at one time, in one act of His will, predestinated all things “according to the counsel of His will.”

The author then takes up the subject of predestination. The word means to “deliberate beforehand with ones’ self how one shall act; and in consequence of such deliberation to constitute, fore-ordain, and predetermine where and when, how and by whom anything shall be done, and to what end it shall be done.” Who else but God is able to both conceive and order all the happenings in time and eternity? This book is not only closely reasoned, but it is backed and proven by Scripture throughout. It is made abundantly clear that men may not absolve themselves of evil because of God’s eternal predestination of all things. God leaves all men with a freedom to will, but in their total depravity all choose to will only what is evil in the eyes of God.

An excerpt from this book can also be read on-line in Portuguese.

Calvin’s Calvinism, consisting chiefly of God’s Eternal Predestination and Secret Providence, is, as the Genevan Reformer himself states, his fullest presentation of the absolute sovereignty of God—going beyond even its treatment in his Institutes. This volume also includes Calvin’s A Brief Reply and Reply to the Slanderous Reports, responses to calumnies heaped upon Calvin, the Reformed churches and the truth of the Holy Scriptures by an enemy of God’s almighty grace in Jesus Christ. These works by John Calvin were translated from the Latin by Henry Cole and first published in 1856. As its first edition, in 1987, the Reformed Free Publishing Association (RFPA) reprinted the Sovereign Grace Union’s 1927 publication. This significantly revised second edition includes two fine historical introductions by Prof. Russell J. Dykstra. All lovers of Calvin and—far more importantly—all worshippers of the Triune God, who is the Lord of heaven and earth, will be sure to value this new RFPA edition.

As Calvin puts it, “God [has] the right and the power to have mercy on whom He will, and to harden whom He will, according to His own pleasure and purpose. The apostle therefore maintains that the right of hardening and of showing mercy is in the power of God alone, and that no law can be imposed on Him as a rule for His works, because no law or rule can be thought of better, greater, or more just, than His own will!”

Click here, for an audio lecture using the book Calvin’s Calvinism: “Calvin Versus Pighius.”
Click here, for quotes from the Calvin versus Pighius debate.

“Calvin’s Calvinism is a great book on predestination. I would say Calvin is the greatest Bible teacher since the Apostle Paul.” – Lincolnshire, England

“I’m reading Calvin’s Calvinism. It is a beautiful book, a real classic on predestination, reprobation and providence.” – England

“Eighteen months ago, you sent me a copy of Calvin’s Calvinism, which was very instructive.” – England

Rewards.

For many Christians, this word is a cause for fear and suspicion. It suggests doctrines of merit and a salvation based on works, as well as other ideas at odds with the teachings of the Christian faith.

But that need not be so.

In this accessible book, Brian Huizinga offers a rare historical and theological exposition of the biblical and Reformed teaching on the oft-neglected topic of the rewards of grace for the saints—in both the present life and in the life to come. Excluding any merit, and in full harmony with his sovereign and particular grace, the Lord indeed promises to reward the good works of believers. Far from unbiblical or dangerous, the truth of rewards occupies a surprisingly large and important place in Scripture. As such, it demands our attention. Crowning His Gifts will help all believers better grasp this topic by deepening their understanding of salvation in Christ and by offering fresh encouragements for a renewed life of godly zeal, to God’s glory.

Brian Huizinga is professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies at the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches in Wyoming, Michigan, USA. He is also an editor of the Standard Bearer magazine. Before his appointment to professorship, he served for eight years in the pastoral ministry in Redlands, California. Crowning His Gifts is his first book.

What others are saying about the book:

“The relation between our good works and God’s rewards is unavoidable because our Lord himself often made this connection. Today, also because of the prosperity gospel, many are confused. In this book, with its wonderfully fitting title, Brian Huizinga builds on the spiritual and theological wisdom of Augustine, Calvin, Francis Turretin, Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, and Herman Hoeksema, among others, and provides a reliable guide through the tricky shoals of this subject. Huizinga’s treatment is biblically grounded and confessionally sound in its careful distinctions, clear definitions, and appropriate cautions. This is a ground-breaking, thorough, practical, and timely book.”
– John Bolt, Professor emeritus of systematic theology, Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, MI), editor of Herman Bavinck’s English editions of Reformed Dogmatics and Reformed Ethics

“The author shows that the doctrine of God’s rewards for our works is in line with the Reformed tradition … Crowning His Gifts is a solid, biblical, Reformed study of our covenantal relationship with God. Pick up this book and read it carefully!”
– Jürgen-Burkhard Klautke, Akademie für Reformatorische Theologie (Academy for Reformed Theology, Giessen), Evangelisch-Reformierten Gemeinde (Confessing Evangelical-Reformed Congregation, Giessen), Germany

“The longest chapter is concerned with ‘Degrees of Reward in Heaven,’ in which Huizinga carefully and faithfully explains Scripture passages such as the Lord’s own words in Revelation 22:12, ‘And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.’ I would encourage believers to buy the book, even if for this chapter alone. Other chapters consider ‘Temporal Rewards on Earth,’ which is certainly far removed from the so-called prosperity gospel, and ‘God’s Purpose with the Reward.’ The chapter ‘Implications for the Christian Life’ is full of warm pastoral application. He writes, ‘There is reward, but first the work. There is the reaping, but first the sowing. There is a crown, but first the striving. There is victory, but first the battle. There is harbor, but first the rowing. There is rest, but first the exertion. Now we work. Not to earn—the burden would crush us—but to serve with love and gratitude’ (page 215) … The book is well produced with a clear print and layout. In addition to the Scripture index already mentioned, there are indices of creedal references and names, and a bibliography. All Bible quotations are taken form the Authorised Version … Crowning His Gifts is a delightful, instructive, challenging and compelling read. It refreshes the soul and I cannot recommend it too much.”
– Bible League Quarterly (issue 499 [October-December, 2024], pp. 312, 313)

“I am currently reading Crowning His Gifts. It is a great read. Truly every aspect of salvation from election to glorification is of grace and Prof Huizinga really brings that out.” – N. Ireland

AD 2017 marks the five-hundredth anniversary of the Reformation of the church of Jesus Christ. In 1517 the Reformer Martin Luther affixed the ninety-five theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, the act by which Jesus Christ began His reformation of his church. Essential to this Reformation was the gospel-truth of justification by faith alone.

The book is a thorough explanation of the divine, saving act of justification and a vigorous defence of the doctrine, not only against the old heresies of Rome and of Arminianism, but also against the contemporary attacks on justification by the New Perspective on Paul, Evangelicals and Catholics Together, and the Federal Vision.

Originally conceived by the author as a polemical work against the modern attacks on, and departures from, the truth of justification, the book became instead a thorough, systematic and largely positive treatment of the doctrine. Instead of contending with the theologians, it instructs Reformed and Presbyterian believers, including perhaps some ministers, in the truth that is the heart of the gospel and that, therefore, bears on all the other truths of the gospel. The book explains justification as imputation; that justification is by faith; the essential importance of justification’s being by faith “only;” the meaning of justification’s being “by the faith of Jesus;” the assurance of faith, with particular reference to the error of much of Puritanism; the “when” of justification, including a careful, moderate and biblical defence of eternal justification; the origin of justification in the counsel of the covenant; the merit of Christ’s active obedience; the still controversial relation of Paul and James; the necessary relation of justification and election; and more.

The book is permeated with biblical exposition and the doctrine is founded upon Scripture. Although not mainly polemical, the book throughout defends justification by faith alone, especially against contemporary false doctrines and teachers. It names names. This alone makes the book worthwhile. For the present-day Reformed churches and theologians, facing an assault on the gospel truth of justification that threatens and undoes everything that the Reformation confessed and for which the Reformers contended, either fall into a cowardly silence or subtly compromise the fundamental gospel truth. Thus, there is a great falling away (unto perdition)—not of the “liberal” Protestant churches, which became apostate long ago and are ready, if not eager, to fall into the embrace of Rome—but of the Reformed and Presbyterian churches that still have a reputation of “conservative” and orthodox.

Nevertheless, the book is more than a contemporary defence of justification against modern heresies and heretics, including the New Perspective on Paul, the Federal Vision, N. T. Wright and Norman Shepherd. It is also more than only a historical commemoration of the sixteenth-century Reformation’s stand on behalf of the truth of justification by faith alone. These two features alone would make the book timely.

In two respects the book can justly, if audaciously, claim to be a development of the doctrine that was the heart of the Reformation. First, contemporary heresies have occasioned development of the doctrine, for example, the ultimate grounding of justification in the counsel of the covenant. Second, the book is a systematic, thorough, concentrated treatment of justification. The Reformers worked the truth of justification into their commentaries, theological treatises on various subjects and polemical works. They did not, so far as I am aware, produce a work devoted strictly to justification in a systematic, concentrated, thorough treatment of the doctrine.

The RFPA contributes to the commemoration of the Reformation, therefore, not only by remembering the gospel truth of justification, but also by explaining the doctrine to a new, much later generation of Protestant believers, by defending it against contemporary foes and by developing it further.

At such a time as this, a work that echoes Luther’s “here I stand” with specific regard to the fundamental doctrine of the Reformation is not only appropriate, but necessary. Clearly, unequivocally, creedally, biblically, the gospel truth of justification by faith alone, without works—any works, all works! Only the alien, perfect work of the Son of God in our flesh, Jesus the justifying Christ of God! Received by faith alone! Luther—to whose memory the book is dedicated—would be glad.

“… so thrilled with this last book. I’d like to order three more copies to give to the staff members at my church.” – USA

“I strongly recommend this book. It will most certainly challenge even Reformed readers to more thoroughly work out their understanding of the doctrine of justification.” – Douglas Douma (Presbyterian pastor and author)

“What a pleasure to read so many things from so many angles about the utter sufficiency and power of Christ and His righteousness to freely justify us through faith! Engelsma states ‘justification is a perfect act of salvation,’ with us receiving a ‘perfectly accomplished verdict’ (p. 449). In Christ we are right with God forever, as safe and justified now as we ever will be! Also the book is so helpful in understanding how the wrong teachings of the federal vision and the new perspectives on Paul are perpetuated through both subtlety and outright misinterpretation of scripture, causing Engelsma to say: ‘the federal vision is as ignorant of the law as it is of the gospel’ (p. 488). But this [is] a book to make us see we are co-heirs with Christ and have a right to all his blessings only for the sake of His righteousness.” – Pennsylvania, USA

“This is a great book! I bought a bunch to use … for a class or as gifts!”

A recent radio interview of Prof. Engelsma about his book, Gospel Truth of Justification, is now available on the CPRC website!

For an excerpt of this book in Hungarian, click here.

To read this book in Polish, click here.

Book Review by Rev. John Marcus.

Who would have thought that the gospel truth of justification by faith alone would be under attack today in churches that have their heritage in the Protestant Reformation? Yet Engelsma makes plain that such is exactly the case, even as we celebrate the five-hundredth anniversary of the Reformation. The current controversy concerning justification is so critical to the gospel that we do well to learn to defend the truth against the lie that spreads itself throughout the church world.

Anyone who is intimidated by the word justification in the title of this book and has the notion that such a book must belong only in seminaries and pastors’ studies is sorely mistaken. This book belongs not only in the homes of those who care for the truth of the gospel, but also in their hands as they read every page. It belongs in the hands of members of faithful churches as a means by which God may protect the church. It belongs as well in the hands of members of churches that have not faithfully maintained the truth, so that they might begin once again to stand for the truth. And it belongs in the hands of those who have wavered concerning the truth of justification, so that they might learn the truth and repent of any errors they have held.

Gospel Truth of Justification is a sound and helpful exposition of the basic truth of justification by faith alone. The author covers the truth of justification from multiple angles, so that by the time one is finished with the book, he or she should have a thorough knowledge concerning justification, the “main hinge upon which religion turns” (as Calvin called the truth of justification). Engelsma quotes the Reformed and Presbyterian creeds to demonstrate the definition of justification as “God’s pardon of the guilty sinner—the forgiveness of sins—delivering the sinner from eternal damnation. It is also the gift to the sinner of a righteousness that makes the sinner worthy of eternal life and glory.” He shows that the creeds and scripture clearly teach that justification is 1) by imputation, not by infusion of righteousness; 2) a legal act that changes the sinner’s legal standing before God; 3) by faith alone apart from the good works that proceed from faith; 4) not based on faith itself as an act that substitutes for good works; and 5) based “wholly and exclusively [on] the righteousness of Jesus Christ.”

The book is especially valuable because it exposes the errors of ancient and modern heretics alike. One of the strengths of Engelsma’s work is that he helps the reader see errors hidden in the words of the most smooth-talking heretics. For the benefit of rooting out error and warning God’s people, he is not afraid to name names. In characteristic fashion he takes aim at various errorists, showing what they teach and then demolishing their arguments one by one. He deals with the related errors of the Roman Catholic Church; the Arminian heresy; the heresy of federal vision, which is rooted in the doctrine of a conditional covenant; and the new perspective on Paul, all of which deny justification by faith alone apart from works.

Lastly, the book is valuable for Engelsma’s development of the doctrine of justification as he unfolds the truth to reveal more of its beauty to sinners saved by grace. Some helpful topics discussed are assurance of justification; when justification takes place, including a discussion of eternal justification; the place of Christ’s active obedience in justification; the reward of good works; the harmony between the inspired apostles Paul and James in Romans and James, respectively; the tight connection between election and justification; and the relationship of justification to the final judgment.

This book deserves to be widely read and discussed. A hearty thanks to the author for his defense of the gospel truth. Above all, thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Contenido

Prefacio
Capítulo 1: La historia del calvinismo
Capítulo 2: Elección incondicional
Capítulo 3: Redención particular 
Capítulo 4: Depravación total
Capítulo 5: Gracia irresistible
Capítulo 6: La perseverancia de los santos

Prefacio

Grandes son las obras de Jehová, buscadas de todos los que las quieren (Sal. 111:2). Esto toca nuestro corazón: ¿En qué nos gozamos?

Las obras de Jehová se centran en su salvación de su iglesia en Cristo: obras gloriosas realizadas antes de la fundación del mundo, en la cruz del Calvario y en los corazones y vidas de su pueblo.

Este es el llamado y el deleite de los santos: tratar de entender estas obras. En esta maravillosa actividad, todos los hijos fieles de Dios están ocupados, porque las obras de Jehová son “Buscadas de todos los que las quieren.”

Este libro está escrito para ayudar al pueblo de Dios en su placentero llamado a buscar y estudiar las maravillosas obras del Dios Trino.

Sus autores, los Profesores David Engelsma y Herman Hanko, han pasado entre ellos casi 100 años en el ministerio cristiano ensalzando y magnificando al “Dios de toda gracia” (1 Pedro 5:10) y su “salvación tan grande” (Heb. 2:3), en la predicación y la polémica, en la catequización y consejería, en conferencias y escritos. Entre ellos, han escrito o editado unos 20 libros, incluyendo la publicación anterior de la Fraternidad Reformada Británica (BRF, por sus siglas en inglés), Keeping God’s Covenant [Guardando el pacto de Dios].

Los seis capítulos de los cinco puntos del calvinismo fueron originalmente los seis discursos principales en la novena Conferencia Bienal de la Fraternidad Reformada Británica en Cloverley Hall, Shropshire, Inglaterra, en 2006. Este pequeño libro proclama las doctrinas de la gracia, tanto cálida como antitéticamente, y con profunda penetración en las Escrituras. Se basa en una gran cantidad de material, especialmente los Cánones de Dordt (1618-1619), los cinco puntos originales del calvinismo. Aquí está el calvinismo robusto, sin vergüenza e intransigente que también es profundamente personal y conmovedor, llamando a los santos a amar, confesar y promover la verdadera gracia de Dios en Cristo Jesús (1 Pedro 5:12).

Lector, la verdad bíblica de la gracia soberana de Dios está cerca de usted, incluso en un libro en su mano; ¡No necesita descender a las profundidades del mar, ser rodeado de algas, y ser tragado por un gran pez, como Jonás, para aprender que la salvación, ¡toda ella!, es del Señor (Jonás 2:10).

Este libro es enviado “para alabanza de la gloria de su gracia, con la cual nos hizo aceptos en el Amado” (Efesios 1:6), para que podamos crecer en gratitud y adorarlo por su gran obra de salvarnos en Cristo Jesús.

Reverendo Angus Stewart
Presidente del BRF 

LEER GRATIS EN LÍNEA: Prefacio, Capítulo 1, Capítulo 2, Capítulo 3, Capítulo 4, Capítulo 5, Capítulo 6, Acerca de BRF.
Para hacer un pedido en América del Norte, comuníquese con Hope Protestant Reformed Church, Redlands, California.

Para más información en Español, por favor haz clic aquí.

Este libro se puede comprar y leer en inglés.
Para leer este libro en indonesio, haga clic aquí.
Este libro está disponible en polaco: Prefacio, Capítulo 1, Capítulo 2, Capítulo 3, Capítulo 4, Capítulo 5, Capítulo 6, Acerca de BRF.
Este libro también está disponible en audiolibro en polaco.

Originally published in Dutch at the end of the nineteenth century, Particular Grace is an explanation and development of the gospel of salvation by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Abraham Kuyper’s main purpose in this volume is to expose the error of general grace and to present a sold, biblical defense of the Calvinistic doctrine of particular grace.

“In some of the so-called ‘orthodox’ circles of our country, it is increasingly the custom to present the expression ‘Christ for all’ … as a criterion of evangelical truth. By ‘Christ for all’ is meant that Christ, according to the purpose and extent of his self-sacrifice, died for all men without exception.” So states Abraham Kuyper in the opening lines of his Particular Grace (p. 3) over a century ago, in words just as applicable in our day.

In the forty chapters of this extremely valuable work, Kuyper overthrows the universal atonement and universal grace of Arminianism, past and present. Through clear exposition of the Word of God, and manifest proofs from the confessions and greatest theologians of the church, he proves that particular grace is biblical and Reformed and universal grace is heretical and unreformed. This is, however, far from being a cold, dispassionate book. Listen to Kuyper’s remarks in his last chapter: “The conclusions of every thorough investigation of an aspect of God’s sacred mysteries should always be a song of praise! It must not only be demonstrated that the purer conception of the truth serves more to God’s glorification, but by contemplating and pondering it, we should also be led spiritually to appreciation and worship” (p. 343)—words that he well heeded!

This work comes complete with a helpful introduction to Kuyper’s life and times, written by Marvin Kamps, the translator from the original Dutch.

“Absolutely a must read for anyone dedicated to the glory of God’s holy name and reformation of the church” (Dutch Heritage Pages).

“Reformed believers will surly be impressed with the power of the author’s language and argument, the breadth of his acquaintance with past and contemporary discussion, and the cumulative weight of his case. They will also find Kuyper surprisingly fresh and pointed. Many contemporary denials of particular grace are anticipated by his arguments” (Mid-America Journal of Theology).

Augusto Melini: “[Kuyper] believed that the glorious truth of the sovereign and particular grace of God should be preached with renewed fervour, as an alternative to the principle of “general grace” (according to which God wants to save all without exception in Christ) … [Some said that being] insistent on such an issue … may cause divisions … But [Kuyper’s] calling did not allow him any ambiguities: ‘If one today denies God’s sovereignty in salvation, how can he declare God’s law and right before a materialistic, humanistic, hedonistic society such as ours?’ (p. viii). It’s a real privilege to see how this man had the strength and courage to proclaim his firm convictions about the fact that the doctrine of particular grace—indissolubly tied to that of the covenant—represents the truth as it is set forth in Sacred Scripture: God, in Christ Jesus, saves only those sinners who have been elected by His eternal decree” (Studi di Teologia).

“The Reformed Free Publishing Association has accomplished a breakthrough. For the first time, with the possible exception of Kuyper’s work on the Holy Spirit, the Kuyper of sound Reformed doctrine and church reformation is presented to the English reading public … The book is biblical, deliberately and pervasively so … The book is controversial. It was controversial when it was written. It is still controversial in Reformed churches … By no means is the book only controversy. There is lively, warm explanation and development of the glorious gospel of salvation by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Kuyper is fresh. Kuyper is fervent. Kuyper storms the heart of the believer” (Standard Bearer).

Click here to read a review of this book in Tagalog (Filipino).

Beginning with a treatment of the sovereignty of God and then examining each petal of the TULIP in turn, Rev. Hanko and Prof. Cammenga provide a consistent and thorough exposition of the beautiful doctrines of grace known as Calvinism. Each point is boldly defended, and objections to the doctrine are faced and refuted. “Difficult passages,” which are often appealed to by Arminians, are faithfully and satisfactorily explained.

The book is written with the “ordinary” Christian in mind. With a view to convincing the unconvinced, the book is saturated with proof texts. “Here is a bold defense of the gospel of grace. The book answers the objections. It exposes and destroys the foes (within the sphere of professing Calvinists as well as without the camp). It flies the banner of full, consistent Calvinism with never a trace of shame … It does not suffer from the confusion, contradiction and compromise that characterize many similar efforts: God elected some but wills to save all; the natural man is totally depraved but performs many good works; Christ died for the elect but ‘is dead’ for everyone who hears the gospel; the actual saving of sinners is by irresistible grace but must take place by a ‘well-meant offer’ made alike to all,” as Prof. David J. Engelsma states in the “Foreword.”

Buy it and learn the glories of God’s sovereign grace or, if you want to introduce a friend to these biblical and Reformed truths, get him or her this powerful book.

This book can also be read on-line.

Click here to read this book in Romanian.
Click here to read excerpts of this book in Portuguese.
Click here to read chapter 1 of this book in Italian.
Click here to read chapter 1 of this book in Spanish.
Click here to read chapter 3 of this book in Ukrainian.

“You’ll not find a better book on TULIP than this!” – London

“I used one of your books for my study and preparation—Saved by Grace. This book helped my understanding of Calvinism tremendously and also gave a new light to those in Haiti who never heard of such doctrines! So glory be to God that we can live in such an era that I can have a book that would do so much! – Haiti

“I have read through Saved by Grace and I really like it, very clear and consistent, a great resource. In fact could you please send me two more copies?” – Avon, England

“Saved by Grace, what a book. About to commence reading it through a second time.” – London, England

BOOK REVIEW

Saved By Grace: A Study of the Five Points of Calvinism, by Ronald Cammenga and Ronald Hanko. Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Reformed Free Publishing Association, 1995. [Reviewed by Pastor Arie denHartog.]

The Reformed believer never tires of the study of the doctrines of grace. He feels constrained out of love for God to testify of these great truths before the world. He believes that these glorious doctrines stand at the very heart of the gospel. They are not mere minor truths which if one denies he can still be called a credible Christian. They are foundational truths to the whole of the gospel. For this reason we rejoice at the publication of another treatise on these great doctrines by two of my colleagues in the ministry.

Many books have been written on the doctrines of grace, and one might therefore say that there is no need of yet another. The justification for such a treatise however is first of all what we have stated above. Also, over the years, even in the Reformed and Presbyterian Churches, there have arisen new interpretations of these doctrines that have, we believe, been serious compromises, not the least of these being the propagation of the false teachings of common grace and the well-meant offer of the gospel.

The excellence of this new book Saved By Grace is first of all that it is replete with scriptural quotations. The authors succeed in demonstrating beyond doubt that the doctrines of grace are indeed the teaching of the Scriptures. These doctrines are taught throughout the Scriptures and are central to them. In many instances brief expositions are given to explain specifically what the cited passages have to say about the doctrines of grace. If I would have any criticism of these parts of the book, I would only say that some of the more difficult passages could have received more detailed treatment. I realize however that one is always constrained to be as concise as possible in order not to discourage the average reader.

A second excellent feature of this book is that it begins with a chapter on the sovereignty of God. The authors show in this chapter how the truth of the absolute sovereignty of God underlies all the doctrines of grace. The doctrine of God’s absolute sovereignty divides between true and false religion.

The God Whom we must know is a sovereign God. Knowledge of God begins with the affirmation of faith that God is and that God is sovereign. Since God is, He is Sovereign. If He is God, He must also be a sovereign God. If God is not sovereign, the inescapable implication is that He is not God. This is the great issue that divides true religion from false religion! This is the great issue that separates the true church of Jesus Christ in the world from the false apostate church! This is the issue that distinguishes faith from unbelief: the sovereignty of God!

The excellence of this book in the third place is that it sets forth the doctrines of grace boldly and unashamedly. It makes no compromise of these doctrines at the points where they are offensive to the natural man and even to modern-day Christendom. It boldly maintains double predestination and refutes the commonly defended error of the well-meant offer of the gospel.

Also very helpful is that this book, in connection with each of the five doctrines, answers the commonly-heard objections to the doctrine of the Word of God and the major heresies that over the years have arisen in the church in an attempt to oppose the truth of God. There is a great need always for Christians to remember the heresies of the past in order that we do not fall again into the same errors. The right understanding of the truth comes through its clear distinction from false doctrine. The condemnation of false doctrine, as unpopular as this might be in today’s church world, is absolutely necessary in defense of the truth.

There are three other features of the book that we greatly appreciate. The first is that each chapter gives a statement of how the particular doctrine of grace being treated relates to the other five. This shows how the doctrines of grace form a glorious unity. One cannot deny the one without also denying the others. There have always been those who claim to be “three point” or “four point” Calvinists. This is, however, an impossibility. All the doctrines of grace are aspects of the one central truth of the sovereignty of God in the salvation of men. Each chapter also includes a short section on the practical significance of the doctrine to the life of the Christian. The right confession and defense of the doctrines of God’s Word requires that we see the practical implications of these doctrines for the faith and life of the child of God. The doctrines of grace are the living truth of God, in which we find our solid comfort and joy, and in which we glory day by day. There is a lengthy appendix to the main body of the book which lists statements from the great Reformed Confessions which relate immediately to the doctrines of grace.

Finally this book is accompanied with a short study guide ($3.95) to help promote the study of the doctrines of grace in the church.

We commend Pastors Cammenga and Hanko for writing this book. It is our hope and prayer that it may be greatly blessed of the Lord in the church as an aid for God’s people in a life-long meditation on the wonders of the amazing grace of God. Also we hope that this book will be useful for Reformed believers in fulfilling their calling to defend and to testify of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the glory of God and the salvation of His people.

CONTENTS

Foreword
Chapter 1: The History of Calvinism
Chapter 2: Unconditional Election
Chapter 3: Particular Redemption
Chapter 4: Total Depravity
Chapter 5: Irresistible Grace
Chapter 6: The Perseverance of Saints
About the British Reformed Fellowship

FOREWORD

“The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein” (Ps. 111:2). This touches upon our heart: in what do we take pleasure?

Jehovah’s works centre in His salvation of His church in Jesus Christ: glorious works wrought before the foundation of the world, at the cross of Calvary and in the hearts and lives of His people.

This is the calling and delight of the saints: to seek to understand these works. In this wonderful activity, all of God’s faithful children are occupied, for Jehovah’s works are “sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.”

This book is written to help God’s people in their delightful calling to search out and study the wonderful works of the Triune God.

Its authors, Profs. David Engelsma and Herman Hanko, have between them spent almost 100 years in the Christian ministry extolling and magnifying “the God of all grace” (I Pet. 5:10) and His “so great salvation” (Heb. 2:3), in preaching and polemics, in catechising and counselling, in lecturing and writing. Between them, they have authored or edited some 20 books, including the previous publication of the British Reformed Fellowship (BRF), Keeping God’s Covenant.

The six chapters of The Five Points of Calvinism were originally the six main speeches at the ninth biennial British Reformed Fellowship Family Conference at Cloverley Hall, Shropshire, England, in 2006. This little book proclaims the doctrines of grace, both warmly and antithetically, and with deep scriptural penetration. It draws upon a wealth of historical and creedal material, especially the Canons of Dordt (1618-1619), the original Five Points of Calvinism. Here is robust, unashamed and uncompromising Calvinism which is also deeply personal and moving, calling the saints to love, confess and promote “the true grace of God” in Christ Jesus (I Pet. 5:12).

Reader, the biblical truth of God’s sovereign grace is near you, even in a book in your hand; you do not need to descend into the depths of the sea, encompassed with seaweed, and be swallowed by a great fish, like Jonah, to learn that “Salvation is of the Lord”—all of it (Jonah 2:10)!

This book is sent forth “to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Eph. 1:6), that we might grow in gratitude and worship Him for His great work of saving us in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Angus Stewart
BRF Chairman

FREE E-BOOK: PDF
To order in N. America, please contact Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee

“I just read this publication and I deeply agree with authors: ‘The real heat of the battle is right at the point of the sovereignty of God in the work of salvation‘ (p. 4). In our church, we´re unfortunately concentrating on current, and mostly practical, issues. But do we meditate on these central doctrines and preach/teach them? The answer is: No. May God forgive us! This book led me to a confession of our sin: We´ve forgotten what is absolutely crucial in our  lives. Thank you for this excellent book!” – Czechia

To read this whole book in Indonesian, click here.
This whole book is available in Polish: Foreword, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, About the BRF.
This whole book is also available in audiobook in Polish.
This whole book is available in Spanish: Foreword, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, About the BRF.
To buy this whole book in a Spanish hardcopy, click here.

The Baker edition of Pink’s well-known and excellent work which includes all the material omitted in the Banner of Truth edition. See (1) “The Forgotten Pink” and (2) “Edited Half Away: Some Further Considerations over the Banner of Truth Edition of: Pink’s ‘Sovereignty of God.'”

Contents

Foreword to the First Edition
Foreword to the Second Edition
Foreword to the Third Edition
Foreword to the Fourth Edition

Introduction
Chapter I. The Sovereignty of God Defined
Chapter II. The Sovereignty of God in Creation
Chapter III. The Sovereignty of God in Administration
Chapter IV. The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
Chapter V. The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
Chapter VI. The Sovereignty of God in Operation
Chapter VII. God’s Sovereignty and the Human Will
Chapter VIII. God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Chapter IX. God’s Sovereignty and Prayer
Chapter X. Our Attitude Toward God’s Sovereignty
Chapter XI. Difficulties and Objections
Chapter XII. The Value of This Doctrine
Conclusion

Appendix I, The Will of God
Appendix II, The Case of Adam
Appendix III, The Meaning of “Kosmos” in  John 3:16
Appendix IV, I John 2:2

Index of Scripture
Index of Authors

“This book by A. W. Pink is a ‘MUST READ’ book for a Reformed Christian … if you have never read it, you must read it. And if you have read it about 10 years ago, let me recommend you read it again. You ought to read the edition that is published by Baker Book House, which is the complete version. The Banner of Truth Trust has also a book by the same title but don’t buy it! You will be short-changed and you will not get your money’s worth. The reason is that they have omitted crucial chapters that define the Reformed faith! They left out a chapter on “Sovereignty of God in Reprobation,” etc., and all the appendices! They are Pink’s explanation of John 3.16, I John 2.2, the distinction between the will of God’s precept and decree, and the case of Adam.” – Singapore

“Pink’s unabridged book is extremely important to me. I think it was an absolute travesty what Iain Murray and the Banner of Truth did in cutting out so much of Pink’s book for their ‘British revised edition’ of the book.” – USA

If you could arrange to despatch two copies of The Sovereignty of God to my home address I will pass them on … The Banner version has been butchered to the extreme, so I rely on bookstores like yours.” – Brighton, England

“The Forgotten Pink” by Rev. Ronald Hanko is an article that demonstrates how the Banner of Truth edition of Sovereignty differs from the Baker edition. Read how much has been omitted and altered! A real eye-opener!

Click here to read this book in English.
Click here to read this book in Italian.
Click here to read chapters of this book in Portuguese.
Click here to read an excerpt of this book in Russian.
Click here to read this book in Spanish.

“That we are saved by grace,” Herman Hoeksema states, “touches upon the very heart of the gospel.” Not surprisingly, then, salvation by grace has been the theme of the church’s worship and sermons right from its beginning.

Proceeding from the truth that the source of salvation is God’s sovereign, unchangeable and gracious election, the author demonstrates that all the other spiritual blessings of salvation are of grace. Salvation by grace is a wonderful work of the Almighty, an exclusively divine work in which man has no part and which does not depend on the work or will of man.

Chapters are devoted to reconciliation, union with Christ and regeneration by grace; calling, faith and justification by grace; conversion, sanctification and good works through grace; victory, assurance and glorification through grace. Salvation is by grace from beginning to end. Throughout, the author stresses that grace is a wonder.

Having been saved by grace and being new creatures in Christ Jesus by the almighty power of wondrous grace, “the sacred calling of believers … is to walk in good works,” thereby glorifying our heavenly Father. All of salvation is for “the glory of our wonderful God.” “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever” (Rom. 11:36).

In a day when men glory in their own accomplishments, the truth that salvation is of God alone is unpopular. Noted theologian Herman Hoeksema brings a fresh, biblical approach to this doctrine. For the believing reader, this message of salvation by God’s grace alone—from election, through reconciliation and regeneration, all the way through sanctification and suffering for Christ, to glorification—affords unspeakable comfort.

Chapters

1. The Idea of Salvation by Grace
2. Chosen by Grace
3. Reconciled by Grace
4. United With Christ by Grace
5. Regenerated by Grace
6. Called by Grace
7. Believing Through Grace
8. Justified by Grace
9. Converted by Grace
10. Working Out Our Salvation by Grace
11. Good Works Through Grace
12. Suffering Through Grace
13. Victory Through Grace
14. Assurance of Grace
15. Glorified Through Grace

FREE ON-LINE STUDY GUIDE by Kyle Bruinooge (teacher of New Testament and Worldviews at Covenant Christian High School)

Click here to read chapters of this book in Italian.
Chapter 5 and chapter 13 of this book can be read in Polish.
Chapter 1 and chapter 7 of this book can be read in Portuguese.

“I recently read the writing of Herman Hoeksema, The Wonder of Grace … the sheer joy that I find in my spirit to see our beautiful Saviour by the gracious and blessed Holy Spirit bringing in His Kingdom in our day.” – Lancashire, England

“The Wonder of Grace … is so very, very lovely and I am writing to ask you to kindly send a copy to two of my friends.” – England

When a book stays in print for more than fifty years and is still in demand, it begins to fall into the category of a “classic.” This book can also be read on-line.

How does the Calvinist preach a particular Christ for the “whomsoever will”?  In a series of messages originally broadcast on the Reformed Witness Hour, Herman Hoeksema examines that question.

Does God turn away sincere seekers after Him? Never! says Hoeksema: “Never will a man appear in the day of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God who will be able to say that he longed and desired and willed and sought earnestly to come, but was refused” (p. 6).

“Whosoever will may come”, yet only those who are hungry for the Bread of Life will eat, since man’s condition is such that “he is not merely incapable of longing for the Bread of Life; it is nauseating to him, and he turns from it in disgust” (p. 42).  Only those who are burdened by sin long for the Rest that Christ gives; only those who are thirsty for the Living Waters will come to Christ to drink; only those who are raised from spiritual death will believe; only those who are enlightened by the Holy Ghost will come to the Light of the World, for “every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light” (John 3:20). One sinner does not make himself to differ from another sinner. The truth of the Gospel is that God is gracious to one, while passing by another. Salvation is particular! Salvation does not depend on man!

Hoeksema is not interested in getting superficial “decisions for Christ.”  Christ must be proclaimed, explained, expounded and preached. The people must know Who Christ is, what He has done, and what it means to come to Him, otherwise “instead of the new birth, the emotions are aroused; a sentimental tear of self-pity is mistaken for true repentance; and a temporary elation of the soul is erroneously called joy in Christ” (p. 74).  For this reason Hoeksema writes several chapters explaining just who Christ is, why He came, what He did and what He demands of His followers.  No easy-believism here!

Salvation does not depend on man.  It cannot. “If it depends on the will of that man whether or not he will come to the fountains of living water and drink, he will never come. Nor will a veritable army of begging and hawking preachers persuade him to come” (p. 34), exclaims Hoeksema.

What of the man who will not come?: “If you do not thirst for the living Christ, it is only because you are blind and dead and naked and miserable; an enemy of God, hating righteousness though boasting of your goodness, loving the darkness rather than the light, and glorying in your shame” (p. 34).

But what of him who comes? “Boast not against the Christ of God as if you had the power to decide to come to Him whenever you please. Christ is the Lord. No one can come to Him unless the Father draw him!” (p. 34).

This is the antidote to the superficial and spiritually-deadly decisionism which plagues the churches in our day.

“This is an excellent book, and so much needed in this day of dishwater doctrine. It displays God on the throne, not man” (Christian Literature World).

“Whosoever Will is unbelievably brilliant! Wish I had read it much much earlier.” – London

“Thank you for sending Herman Hoeksema’s book Whosoever Will. Any writing that supports the glorious, priceless doctrine of election is always a delight to me!” – England

Click here to read a review of this book by one of our readers!

Click here to read this book in Spanish.
Click here to read chapter 8 of this book in Portuguese.
Click here to read chapter 8 of this book in German.
Click here to read chapter 10 of this book in German.