With nearly 200,000 copies sold in its 25 years, "Chosen by God" by Dr. R. C. Sproul is a contemporary classic on predestination, a doctrine that i...
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Aug 14, 2011
Bryant
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Dr. R.C. Sproul's Chosen By God is an incredible presentation of the Reformed view of sovereign predestination. Reformed theology is built on the biblical understanding of man's depravity; a depravity that extends to the totality of his being. Those skeptical of Calvinism's understanding of predestination; those who believe it presents God as unloving need to take the time to mull over Dr. Sproul's words. An understanding of God's utter holiness, man's total depravity, and God's grace, justic
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Aug 06, 2011
Christopher
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Most clear, relevant presentation of the doctrine of predestination I've read. I just finished the book for the second time, and while I am more familiar with the concepts therein that I had been the first time, I believe I may have gotten more out of it this time. Sproul is passionate with a love for God and his truth. The book is rich with a high respect for God, his character, and his plan. While I deviate slightly from the perspectives of Sproul on the issue of free will (he being a com
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Apr 01, 2010
Dave
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Enjoyed the lively argument but took issue with several key points.
True freedom must include the freedom/capacity to obey.
It is not clear to me how we should expect that the infinite Father God has given us commands that exceed our capacity to obey.
In Calvinism, it seems you are free to choose A or B, but A is not possible. If this is the meaning of free will, I think that I am not a Calvinist.
Is God big enough to offer Himself to those He knows will reject Him? God is not More...
True freedom must include the freedom/capacity to obey.
It is not clear to me how we should expect that the infinite Father God has given us commands that exceed our capacity to obey.
In Calvinism, it seems you are free to choose A or B, but A is not possible. If this is the meaning of free will, I think that I am not a Calvinist.
Is God big enough to offer Himself to those He knows will reject Him? God is not More...
Jan 04, 2012
Jeanie
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This is a great resource along side the word of God. We are chosen by God (Predestination) which is such important doctrine of the Christian life. RC Sproul is a great teacher and writer. I always get a great meal of meat and potatoes with chocolate cake with ice cream. He is very thorough with his teaching. He himself had trouble with this doctrine and explains why. Myself I always had trouble understanding this truth. Does it mean that God is not a God of love?! It is because of his me
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Aug 24, 2011
Aaron
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Along with Samuel Storms, "Chosen for Life," simply the best intro to the soteriology of Calvinism. I read this book at a major crisis point, being bombarded by arguments and attitudes from both sides of the election debate. I had settled myself in the, "can't know for sure" crowd, until Sproul came a long and shattered my views in one sitting.
Sproul's strength lies in his disarming, straight-forward style. This isn't to say his work lack depth, but he has a rare More...
Sproul's strength lies in his disarming, straight-forward style. This isn't to say his work lack depth, but he has a rare More...
Mar 01, 2011
Matt
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This book was a life-changer. It was the book that slammed the door on my pretentions that men chose God, rather than Him choosing us. It explains the sovereignty of God in salvation better than any book I know of. I'm sure there are longer and more thorough books on the subject, but this is the best I know of to get into your soul and shake things up.
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May 29, 2009
Eric
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RC Sproul has this amazing skill of taking complex doctrine and explaining it so the layman can understand it. Perhaps it just goes to show how much he knows theology. This is a great book to read if you're hoping to understand the doctrine of predestination, though it covers a lot of other doctrines that one must understand as well.
Oct 11, 2009
Rebecca
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This book was better than I thought it would be. I'll have to go back and read again since so much of it is deep and not a casual read. It really got me to thinking about my stance on predestination. I recommend this to anyone who has never done a detailed study of it.
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Jun 20, 2011
Thomas
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I read this book because I grew up Methodist and wanted to read an explanation of predestination that didn't come attached with Arminian bias. "Chosen By God" did a good job of explaining the ins and outs of the Reformed views of divine election. I'll have to say that it didn't convince me of predestination, but I definitely understand the doctrine much better.
Sproul writes in a characteristic dense, intellectual tone. It is pretty difficult to sift through at times. With t More...
Sproul writes in a characteristic dense, intellectual tone. It is pretty difficult to sift through at times. With t More...
May 02, 2010
I enjoy listening to R.C. teach and reading this book was just like sitting in a classroom with him. He gives a very fair presentation of election and predestination. Clear, concise, and presenting opposing views with love and honesty. I enjoyed reading it.
Oct 17, 2009
Michael
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There are but a very questions you must settle in your mind to determine whether what is written in this book is true.
1. Is God all powerful, all knowing, and does He have the right to execute His Will at all times and in all situations?
2. Do you love Him, esteem Him, and desire Him to the point where you are willing to submit your life to Him, but also your will, your understanding, and your sense of right and wrong in exchange for His?
3. Are you willing to b More...
1. Is God all powerful, all knowing, and does He have the right to execute His Will at all times and in all situations?
2. Do you love Him, esteem Him, and desire Him to the point where you are willing to submit your life to Him, but also your will, your understanding, and your sense of right and wrong in exchange for His?
3. Are you willing to b More...
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Apr 12, 2011
Amy
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I do not agree with the author's view points or conclusions, but I did gain an understanding of what Calvinists believe about predestination.
What R.C. Sproul is missing is our entire purpose for being here on earth... to be tested and tried. How can we be tested if our grade was already chosen for us before we even began? How is it a fair test if all of our answers are chosen for us?
What R.C. Sproul is missing is our entire purpose for being here on earth... to be tested and tried. How can we be tested if our grade was already chosen for us before we even began? How is it a fair test if all of our answers are chosen for us?
Jan 12, 2011
Grant
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A big that really help start my growing faith. Many blessings to the Lord as well as my mother for bringing this book to me. Highly encourage the reading and understanding of this book if you've never had the privilege.
Jul 11, 2011
Boone
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Well written and concise. Clearly explains the ideas of Free Will and Predestination in ways I never imagined. Even if you don't agree with it, it's hard to argue against Sproul's explanation of Predestination. I'm still trying to come to terms with it honestly.
Aug 23, 2011
Rae
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I gave this four stars, because I agree with 4/5 of it.
After reading more about this, the only thing I don't agree with Calvinism (at least, majorly) is: they believe Christ did not die for all. Only the elect. The elect being the 'Chosen'.
After reading more about this, the only thing I don't agree with Calvinism (at least, majorly) is: they believe Christ did not die for all. Only the elect. The elect being the 'Chosen'.
May 21, 2011
Θήρα (Thera)
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R.C. Sproul sr. has the talent to bring to light the fact that all of God's children are chosen by him, not brought of their own free will. I loved this book.
Oct 17, 2009
Abe
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At least among works written with the layman in mind, it's probably the best treatment of the doctrine of predestination that is to be found in print.
Feb 03, 2009
Stephen
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Sproul is very good at breaking down complex theological questions for the lay reader. Here he deals with the topic of predestination.
Dec 28, 2009
Jeremy
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Cogently written for the layman in understanding the Reformed faith and the concept of predestination mingling with free will. Recommended.
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Mar 20, 2009
Ben
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Great book with overview of the Calvinist position on salvation. It doesn't address the "L" of TULIP sufficiently though.
Oct 26, 2011
Jared
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Thankful for this book that helped me parse through this issue. However, I would now nuance things differently than Sproul.
Aug 09, 2011
Mike
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Amazing read! Allowed me to better understand predestination and the sovereignty of God. I would recommend it to anyone!
Mar 16, 2011
Billy
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God used this book to open my heart & mind to the biblical doctrines of Grace and I haven't been the same sense.
Dec 13, 2010
Bob
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Good primer and explanation of reformed theology. Again, I would recommend it for someone who is new to these truths.
May 06, 2009
Jennifer
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I know few books that give such a concise and reasonable sook at theology without becoming boring or obnoxious.
Feb 09, 2012
This is a must read for every evangelical today who doubts the validity of the sovereignty of God.
Dec 21, 2011
Jeremy D. Goodwyne
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Read these years ago in my early introduction to the doctrine of election. It was helpful.
Aug 19, 2011
Josh
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Great read. Pivotal in my understanding of theology and the whole council of Scripture. Read Summer of 2005.
Jul 28, 2010
Vaughn
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Great introduction to a difficult issue. A straightforward presentation of the doctrine of election.
Jan 08, 2011
Gerald
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if you were educated as a modern, this will teach you the doctrines of God's grace well
