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The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel
There is no question that we live in an age of weak theology and casual Christianity. We have substituted intuition for truth, feeling for belief and immediate gratification for enduring hope. Evangelicalism desperately needs to return to the doctrines that once before reformed the radical depravity, unconditional election, particular redemption, efficacious grace and persevering grace.
James Boice and Philip Ryken not only provide a compelling exposition on these doctrines of grace, but also look briefly at their historical impact. The authors leave no doubt that the church suffers when these foundational truths are neglected and that she must return to a Christianity that is practical-minded, kind-hearted, and most importantly, biblically based.
James Boice and Philip Ryken not only provide a compelling exposition on these doctrines of grace, but also look briefly at their historical impact. The authors leave no doubt that the church suffers when these foundational truths are neglected and that she must return to a Christianity that is practical-minded, kind-hearted, and most importantly, biblically based.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2002
About the author
James Montgomery Boice
235 books91 followersJames Montgomery Boice was a Reformed theologian, Bible teacher, and pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia from 1968 until his death in 2000. He was also president and cofounder of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, the parent organization of The Bible Study Hour on which Boice was a speaker for more than thirty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 26, 2017
Mmm... strong and succinct like a nice double latte.
The writers explain and put forth a solid argument for the five main points of reformed doctrine and in my opinion they succeed nicely. For each point, they give a terrific, biblical defence and exploration, also explaining how it fits with verses that can sometimes seem to contradict.
At only 200ish pages its really fantastic how much rich yet readable theology is fitted in. Reading this book feels like a nice morsel of the 'solid food' mentioned in Hebrews. Yum!
The writers explain and put forth a solid argument for the five main points of reformed doctrine and in my opinion they succeed nicely. For each point, they give a terrific, biblical defence and exploration, also explaining how it fits with verses that can sometimes seem to contradict.
At only 200ish pages its really fantastic how much rich yet readable theology is fitted in. Reading this book feels like a nice morsel of the 'solid food' mentioned in Hebrews. Yum!
March 20, 2009
This book is very useful for not only firming-up the biblical evidence behind the doctrines of grace (i.e. Calvinism), but also for showing the practical benefits that these doctrines have on a community of believers when they are truly taken to heart. It is challenging, inspiring and thorough in its arguments. I see this book as an essential catalyst for the growth and maturity of any Christian community.
January 23, 2020
Incredibly helpful, succinct, and enlightening. I have a firmer grasp of and feel better prepared to communicate the doctrines of grace.
May 29, 2024
Loved this! It was accessible and explained the doctrines of grace, as well as the Calvinistic world view, very well.
I'm also very happy that I was able to finish this before book club tonight! It wasn't a sure thing.
I'm also very happy that I was able to finish this before book club tonight! It wasn't a sure thing.
July 3, 2024
A tactful yet firm defense of the doctrines of grace. Polemical, but in a charitable and relatively winsome way.
December 17, 2023
A beautiful book taking readers deeper into the most beautiful book of all time. So insightful in every way.
“You cannot have the Gospel of Grace without the Doctrines of Grace”. God’s grace is truly glorious. It will take a full eternity and more to praise him enough for resurrecting a dead sinner like me.
Jesus didn’t just make salvation possible for mankind but he effectively saved his people, his sheep. Soli deo Gloria.
This is the Gospel this generation needs to rediscover. The Gospel of grace. The Gospel of Jesus.
“You cannot have the Gospel of Grace without the Doctrines of Grace”. God’s grace is truly glorious. It will take a full eternity and more to praise him enough for resurrecting a dead sinner like me.
Jesus didn’t just make salvation possible for mankind but he effectively saved his people, his sheep. Soli deo Gloria.
This is the Gospel this generation needs to rediscover. The Gospel of grace. The Gospel of Jesus.
August 11, 2007
Really, the best theological book I've ever read. It really gave me a much fuller understanding of the love and grace of God. My salvation seemed much more important to me than it had before, and because of its strong emphasis on grace, I had no room to boast, but just to be thankful for the Lord's mercy. I would only recommend to those firmly rooted in their own beliefs about salvation and God's sovereignty. I don't want anyone being convinced by a work of man, but by the truths of the word of God.
June 23, 2012
Curious about some meaty subjects related to how we are saved? This is a solid, accessible introduction to the Doctrines of Grace / Reformed Theology. The issue of importance isn't whether or not someone is calvinistic...labels help to understand things but we follow Jesus, right?! The issue, rather, is what the Bible says about the gospel. While I don't interpret every Scripture passage referenced in this book in the same way as the authors, overall it is very helpful work, particularly for those who are new to the topics.
January 10, 2008
Probably the best book that I have read about salvation. The doctrines of grace are explained clearly and supported with Scripture. Even if you are not a Calvinist, it is a good read to gain an understanding of what those who believe in the doctrines of grace truly believe. For me, a Calvinist, it helped me better understand how to explain the doctrines, but it also reminded me of the humility that needs to come with the doctrines. Outstanding book!
March 7, 2009
This book was surprisingly wonderful in that it explained comprehensively Reformed Theology (caps?) by using Scripture and practical implications in everyday language. I think this may be a book a ready every year so that I can be conversant in defending and explaining Biblical Christianity. I still haven't had that "A-ha moment" regarding Limited Atonement though.........
August 2, 2018
A Worthwhile Read
Understanding the "Doctrines of Grace" has become quite clouded in recent years because of a re-emergence of Arminian theology. This book fills a needed vacuum in the field of Calvinistic thought that is necessary and encouraging. Once read and understood, the book will answer so many questions in a practical way.
Understanding the "Doctrines of Grace" has become quite clouded in recent years because of a re-emergence of Arminian theology. This book fills a needed vacuum in the field of Calvinistic thought that is necessary and encouraging. Once read and understood, the book will answer so many questions in a practical way.
May 25, 2008
This is my favorite book as of this moment. It was originally given to me by a person who helped me in my walk in the reformed faith and it is a must read. James Boice and Philip Ryken really break it down very simply and use wonderful verses to show their point. This book is such a blessing.
November 26, 2012
Great book. I love the intro chapter on Calvin and the effects of Calvinism. Some things there that might help disabuse readers of caricatures before pursuing the relevant biblical and theological issues.
May 22, 2012
A very fresh approach to the doctrines of grace. This book is written from a very evangelical perspective as well. This is an added plus as so many books on the doctrines of grace at least appear to lean hardshell. A good book for somebody new to the doctrines of grace to read.
January 9, 2014
This is one of my favorites. The authors do a wonderful job explaining the five points, plus the two introductory chapters are worth the price of the book. Contains a lot of great quotes and in-depth teaching about Calvinism's teachings, history, and effects on our lives.
October 10, 2008
An excellent study of the doctrine of grace, i.e, the five points of Calvinism, for any serious student of the Word.
June 9, 2012
Pastoral presentation of calvinism.
November 27, 2016
Give more understanding about the meaning of love in the God perspective. Nice to read!
August 29, 2017
A very clear description of the somewhat controversial
doctrine of election
doctrine of election
December 28, 2017
A must-read for all evangelical Christians. The book carefully and systematically explains the need for sovereign grace, the crux of Christianity.
January 9, 2019
Um livro que traz os 5 pontos do calvinismo de forma clara e sucinta.
July 29, 2024
This is the last book that Boice wrote before his early death from cancer in 2000, and he asked his friend and colleague Philip Graham Ryken to finish the book. What clearly comes through is Boice's passion for the doctrines of grace, his love for the church, and overall his love and deep gratitude to his Savior and Lord.
As with all his books, Boice writes in very clear and comprehensive ways, and in a compelling tone. It is his contention that the doctrines of grace (commonly referred to as the five points of Calvinism) "establish the most solid foundation and provide the most enduring motivation for the most effective proclamation of the gospel". He points out that, while the five points are not the heart of Calvinism (also known as Reformed theology), they do flow from it, which is "a passion for God's glory".
The first chapter points out the necessity for Calvinism, and the second chapter reviews the history of Calvinism. The next five chapters take us through the five points in turn: total depravity (which Boice terms "radical depravity"), unconditional election, limited atonement (which Boice terms "particular redemption"), irresistible grace ("efficacious grace"), and perseverance of the saints ("persevering grace"). In these chapters he relentlessly takes us through many, many Scripture passages to show that the doctrines are derived from Scripture (indeed, as he insists, if they're not Biblically based we need to jettison them). These chapters are as good an explanation of the five points as you will find.
Chapter 8 is titled "The True Calvinist", and it winsomely reminds us that a true Calvinist is not a head on a stick. Calvinism has implications for all of our life, and Boice avers that the true Calvinist should evidence a God-centered mind, a penitent spirit, a grateful heart, a submissive heart, a holy life, and a glorious purpose. The last chapter shows us Calvinism at work, covering the mission of the church and showing Calvinism's implications in three areas of life: politics, science, and the arts.
I would highly, highly recommend this book. If there is one verse that characterizes this book (and to some degree Boice's life and ministry as well), it is Romans 11:36: "For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
As with all his books, Boice writes in very clear and comprehensive ways, and in a compelling tone. It is his contention that the doctrines of grace (commonly referred to as the five points of Calvinism) "establish the most solid foundation and provide the most enduring motivation for the most effective proclamation of the gospel". He points out that, while the five points are not the heart of Calvinism (also known as Reformed theology), they do flow from it, which is "a passion for God's glory".
The first chapter points out the necessity for Calvinism, and the second chapter reviews the history of Calvinism. The next five chapters take us through the five points in turn: total depravity (which Boice terms "radical depravity"), unconditional election, limited atonement (which Boice terms "particular redemption"), irresistible grace ("efficacious grace"), and perseverance of the saints ("persevering grace"). In these chapters he relentlessly takes us through many, many Scripture passages to show that the doctrines are derived from Scripture (indeed, as he insists, if they're not Biblically based we need to jettison them). These chapters are as good an explanation of the five points as you will find.
Chapter 8 is titled "The True Calvinist", and it winsomely reminds us that a true Calvinist is not a head on a stick. Calvinism has implications for all of our life, and Boice avers that the true Calvinist should evidence a God-centered mind, a penitent spirit, a grateful heart, a submissive heart, a holy life, and a glorious purpose. The last chapter shows us Calvinism at work, covering the mission of the church and showing Calvinism's implications in three areas of life: politics, science, and the arts.
I would highly, highly recommend this book. If there is one verse that characterizes this book (and to some degree Boice's life and ministry as well), it is Romans 11:36: "For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
December 2, 2020
This is a very solid book for understanding and appreciating Calvinism. Yes, Calvinism is a solid foundation to start one’s belief and understanding of the Bible on. The only quibble I have with the book is the tendency to make so much of it that it seems to say that God cannot also work powerfully and effectively in the lives of those Christians who are not holding fast to these doctrines. This limits God. I also believe that Calvinism is severely lacking in its understanding and teachings of the Holy Spirit, and this is never mentioned, not once, totally absent. The interesting thing, is that the author(s) used the example of Isaiah as a “true Calvinist,” but what did they rest all of the weight of the argument on? Not Isaiah’s intellectual understanding of God’s sovereignty. No, his humility for God’s glory and awesomeness didn’t come from right beliefs or doctrines, but on an experience - a thoroughly charismatic characteristic: “Humanly speaking, he was a righteous man even before he entered God’s throne room. As a prohpet, he had dedicated his life to God’s service. Yet something was missing. There were depths of his own depravity that he had yet to confront, and thus he still needed a shattering experience of having God’s grace applied to his guilt...although Isaiah was a dedicated Chrstian, he had not yet become a thorough Calvinist” (184). The reason this is so shocking to me is that experience of God’s glory is so valued in charismatic churches, but is looked down upon in all Calvinist/Reformed churches I know. So, either Calvinist churches these days are completely ignoring a core belief of Calvinism, or it is not actually a core belief of Calvinism - the book does not actually reference Calvin’s teachings on this.
October 1, 2023
Who is this book for? Calvinists would love the book. What about non-Calvinists? Well, it’s always good to hear a well-presented argument from the opposing side. And Jim Boice and Philip Ryken have done a good job here.
You know how in elections, there are candidates who have no chance of winning, but they are really good at rousing voters on a single issue. So much so that these candidates force all the other candidates to respond.
Or consider heresies. If we can guess God’s purpose for allowing heresies to happen, I would say heresies force people to respond, to clarify, to defend, what they believe.
And so when it comes to Calvinists, they may come across as single-issue, or rather five-point-issue believers, or some believe that Calvinists have gone horribly astray in their theology. My thinking is, Calvinists force everyone to contend with what the Bible says of God’s sovereignty, holiness or in this book, God’s Grace. And surely, God’s character is worth learning, because “Who God Is” is foundational to our worship and Christian life.
And that is why I appreciate the Calvinists and Reformed, not because I want to pick a side. I am not looking for a football team to support. I am looking to understand the Bible better to know my God deeper.
And wherever you land on the question of Calvinism, I think you will profit from the Doctrine of Grace.
Full review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
You know how in elections, there are candidates who have no chance of winning, but they are really good at rousing voters on a single issue. So much so that these candidates force all the other candidates to respond.
Or consider heresies. If we can guess God’s purpose for allowing heresies to happen, I would say heresies force people to respond, to clarify, to defend, what they believe.
And so when it comes to Calvinists, they may come across as single-issue, or rather five-point-issue believers, or some believe that Calvinists have gone horribly astray in their theology. My thinking is, Calvinists force everyone to contend with what the Bible says of God’s sovereignty, holiness or in this book, God’s Grace. And surely, God’s character is worth learning, because “Who God Is” is foundational to our worship and Christian life.
And that is why I appreciate the Calvinists and Reformed, not because I want to pick a side. I am not looking for a football team to support. I am looking to understand the Bible better to know my God deeper.
And wherever you land on the question of Calvinism, I think you will profit from the Doctrine of Grace.
Full review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
October 12, 2019
The Doctrines of Grace are often reduced to TULIP. This work begun by Boice and finished by Ryken. Boice provides the historical context and gives a proper biblical theology. There are pretty of references to well known names like CS Lewis, Augustine, and Calvin. I just wis that there was a little more of the Old Testament in his discourse. Like many well known Reformed authors, Paul's epistles and the Gospel of John are his home. It is a great reminder of what God has done for us, and how much of modern Evangelicalism is Arminianism, and even leans towards Pelagianism. Marvelous work by a marvelous man of God!
June 7, 2023
I think this is a highly readable discussion of the Five Points of Calvinism, but the best discussion is at the beginning (Why Evangelicalism Needs Calvinism) and the end (how Calvinism should "play out"). Unexpected and thought-provoking is the final chapter where they make application to Evangelism/Church, Politics, Science, Arts. His discussion helps address some of the caricature and abuses of Calvinism alike.
March 1, 2021
Could hardly sleep last night was up reading the doctrines of grace besides the Bible I don’t know that I’ve ever created so many highlights and taken so many notes. I almost feel like a new creature is being birthed inside, I’ve put myself even lower and elevated my God even higher than before, and my love for Him has also grown, needless to say what a blessing it is.
June 9, 2019
The meat of the book on the points of Calvinism are great, the intro and concluding chapters are decent but not up to the same standard. It’s a very solid book overall.
September 12, 2019
Competent, readable discussion of the doctrines of grace. I liked this book.
March 3, 2020
Wonderfully written book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews