5 Great Books on the 5 Points of Calvinism

Of course, if you want to know what John Calvin taught, you should read Calvin himself. His classic work Institutes of the Christian Religion, along with his many commentaries on individual books of the Bible are available and accessible.

Most people who are familiar with the name John Calvin immediately associate him with the so-called “five points of Calvinism” (aka, T.U.L.I.P.). These five points were actually codified in 1618 at the Synod of Dort in response to the arguments of Arminian theologians. For those who want to study the “Five Points,” here are five helpful books.

By His Grace and for His Glory by Thomas Nettles. This book was my first written introduction to the five points. Nettles is a leading Baptist theologian and historian. This book is part historical survey, part exposition of the doctrines of grace. What Is Reformed Theology, (or, Grace Unkown), by R.C. Sproul. Sproul was such a gift to the church. His understanding of theology was matched by his love for the gospel and his ability to communicate the truth of God’s Word to God’s people. This is a great book!The Doctrines of Grace, by James Montgomery Boice and Philip Graham Ryken. This book was Boice’s last before dying of cancer. The book itself wasn’t completed when Boice died, so his successor at Tenth Presbyterian Church finished the book. Mere Calvinism, by Jim Scott Orrick. Orrick, like Nettles, is a Baptist. He is a pastor and a professor. His writing is clear and thoughtful. Orrick explains that Calvinism is more than five points, and he warns about settling for less than the five points. Five Points, by John Piper. Piper is likely the best known pastor-theologian-author on this list, and this book is the shortest on this list. In short, succinct chapters, Piper discusses history, theology, and ends with a personal testimony about Calvinism.

A bonus book for your consideration is Redemption Accomplished and Applied, by John Murray. This book isn’t focused specifically on the five points. It is, however, a reformed, Calvinistic presentation of soteriology. It is also a book that deals with the ordo salutis (order of salvation).