Election and Predestination: Keys to a Clearer Understanding
Digital Logos Edition
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Overview
You are not about to read the views of one author alone. In this powerful book Samuel Fisk quotes over 100 scholars. He presents, in one volume, a vast array of balanced and scholarly views to help you unravel the vexed questions of election and predestination. It is often assumed that one must be either a Calvinist or an Arminian. This is not so. There is a balanced, scriptural line of truth regarding election that will preserve the Bible student from dangerous by-path meadows into which far too many have strayed over the years. As you read the wise and careful comments of such scholars as W.E. Vine, Sir. Robert Anderson, C.H. Spurgeon, F.B. Meyer, Handley Moule, Harry Ironside, R.A. Torrey, G. Campbell Morgan, Wilber M. Smith, J.C. Ryle, A.T. Robinson, Christopher Wordsworth and J. Sidlow Baxter, you will begin to see your way through this particularly tricky theological minefield.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Combines studies from over 100 influential scholars
- Provides a well-rounded review of election and predestination
- Balances opposing views through careful study of Scripture
Top Highlights
“total depravity in man does not mean his total inability.” (Page 30)
“Dr. E. Y. Mullins said in part: ‘The phrase ‘total depravity’ has been employed in theology to describe the sinful state of men. But it needs careful defining lest it lead astray. In brief, it means that all the parts of our nature have been affected by sin. It does not mean that men are as bad as they can be, nor that all men are equally bad. It does not mean that human nature is destitute of all good impulse in the moral sense. It means rather that human nature, as such, and in all its parts in its unregenerate state, is under the dominion of sin.” (Pages 30–31)
“Dr. Harry Ironside said, ‘Scripture plainly teaches election based upon God’s foreknowledge. It is just as plain in its declarations of man’s free will. All men are invited to accept the salvation that God has provided in Jesus Christ. ‘Whosoever will’ means just what it says.’” (Page 9)
“The question of salvation is a moral one; it hinges on the will.… The initial step of salvation is our willingness to be saved.’” (Page 13)
“God has a very high regard for freedom. He could have made the creature an automaton, but He preferred to make him capable of choosing whether or not he would obey and serve Him.… God graciously restores to all men sufficient ability to make a choice in the matter of submission to Him.” (Page 23)
How refreshing to read such a book! Any one of the seven chapters in the first part would be well worth the entire volume’s price.
—Faith for the Family
We highly recommend a wide circulation of this book
—Moody Monthly
It is an outstanding work. It might not at all be out of line to call this one of the most needed volumes to come from the evangelical press in our generation. This is the work of a careful, dedicated scholar who writes with a passionate love for truth.
—The Biblical Evangelist
Samuel Fisk (BA, MA) is the author of more than 10 books, a recognized scholar, experienced university lecturer, frequent magazine contributor and one of the most widely read authorities on the subjects of election and predestination. Now in retirement, he lives with his wife Hilda in California, devoting his time to research and writing.
Reviews
5 ratings
Richard Rioux
9/7/2022
Forrest Cole
11/9/2021
DSime1
1/28/2020
One of my first resources that focused more on what scripture actually says and means instead of focusing on someones interpretation of the theology that seemingly puffs up one's position. While I don't necessary agree with every conclusion, it does direct the reader to looking at the context of passages that are commonly used to justify a Calvinistic view. This book simply looks at the verses preceding or following a passage in question to better understand what the meaning of the verse it and many times, the meaning conflicts with a Calvinistic viewpoint. That is a great place to start in understanding the Bible. Too many times we start with a theological position and working it into Scripture instead of the other way around.
Billy Avery
2/25/2019
Ed Dingess
11/4/2018
If one understands basic logic, and one understand these doctrines as historically presented, then one understands that you either have to take the Calvinist position or the Arminian position. There is no middle ground. Why these theologians continually attempt to circumvent the law of excluded middle where reformed doctrine is concerned is fascinating behavior that should rational Christians should avoid. Redefining a doctrine is not the same as the fallacy of bifurcation. Rightly understood, God elects without ANY regard for human action. If you insert human action into the doctrine of election, you no longer have the historic doctrine of election. Simple.
Michael Nathan
7/8/2018
It is so. One must be either Calvinist or arminian. The Calvinist says "God is sovereign." The arminian says "man is sovereign." No one calling themself a Christian can straddle the fence on this eternal issue. After reading the above notes I will pass on purchasing this book.Gilles Despins
2/25/2016
I read that book several years ago, and if my memory is right it is definitely Arminian.
Fred Anderson
5/6/2014
I don't see how one can deal with the doctrine of election and predestination without referring to the one theologian of the 20th century who has dealt with the issue the most creatively--Karl Barth.
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