The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination

by Loraine Boettner

One of the 20th-century's most reasoned explanations of the sovereignty of God and the Reformed interpretation of salvation. "Whoever really wants to know what Calvinism teaches cannot do better than to read this book from cover to cover".--United Presbyterian magazine.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, History, Philosophy

440 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1932

About the author

Loraine Boettner (1901-1990) was a Reformed Theologian, born on a farm in Linden, Missouri. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from Tarkio College in 1925, he attended Princeton Theological Seminary where he studied Systematic Theology under Dr. Casper W. Hodge and received his Th.B. (1928) and Th.M. (1929). He taught Bible for eight years in Pikeville College, Kentucky. In 1933 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Tarkio College, and in 1957 the degree of Doctor of Literature. He was a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
From 1958 until his death in 1990, Dr. Boettner lived a quite life in Rock Port, Missouri. For the remaining 32 years of his life, he generously sold his books at cost to any who wrote to ask for them. In doing so, Boettner made good conservative theology readily available at a time when such material was often difficult to come by. Through his writings, he served to popularize the Reformed faith and influenced literally tens of thousands of men and women around the world.

Reviews

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe it or not this book was very exciting to read. Yes, it had SOME dull parts in it, but for the most part it was very engaging in discussing this paramount doctrine so oft neglected.

This work was remarkably articulate in answering many objections to the particular point of Calvinism - predestination - with which I so strongly agree (because of its clear and manifold presence in the Scriptures). One of this work's great strengths was Boettner's precision in defining predestination and contrasting it with misconceived perceptions of the doctrine (such as fatalism) and of the outcomes of thought that spur from belief in the doctrine (such as it discourages all motives to exert effort).

The book, covering actually much more than 'the reformed doctrine of predestination' is laid out in six parts:

Part I - deals with the doctrine of predestination as a matter of fact understood from Scripture and argues that Scripture must indeed be the final authority.

Part II - lays out the five points of Calvinism and discusses how they are intricately woven together so as one cannot reject one point without rejecting the entire system: "Furthermore, these are not isolated and independent doctrines but are so inter-related that they form a simple, harmonious, self-consistent system...Prove any one of them true and all the others will follow as logical and necessary parts of the system. Prove any one of them false, and the whole system must be abandoned." - p. 59

Part III - addresses common objections to the doctrine of predestination and is a very valuable contribution to the book as it pertains to this specific doctrine and its Biblical defense.

Part IV - is kind of a continuation of Part III that deals with salvation by grace, assurance of salvation, and predestination in the physical world - which I thought was a particularly interesting topic.

Part V - is dedicated to the practical importance of the doctrine, both in believing it and teaching (and preaching) it.

Part VI - was a wonderful discussion of Calvinism in history. While some of his arguments here were...well, not the best example of argumentation (e.g. ad hominem against Wesley), it really was an enjoyable read to see the Biblical doctrines of Calvinism - particularly the doctrine of predestination - and their affect on people throughout the history of the church.

As for the volume, yes, it's lengthy - 431 pp. Yet is was truly a delight to see someone write with such passionate conviction regarding truth and the necessity for standing firm for it. Here are a few quotes to give an example of the character of Loraine Boettner, from which I believe it would do us all well to learn.

"The cause of any person believing is the will of God; and the outward sound of the Gospel strikes the ear but in vain until God is pleased to touch the heart within....When the Gospel becomes palatable to the natural man it ceases to be the Gospel that Paul preached. And it is worth remembering here that in nearly every town in which Paul preached his Gospel did cause either a riot or a revival and not infrequently both." - p. 357

"The truth or falsity of Scripture doctrines cannot be left to the outcome of a popular vote." - p. 360

"To save sinners and convert them to practical godliness is the chief purpose of the Church in this world; and the system which will not measure up to this test must be set aside, no matter how popular it may be in other respects." - p. 424

Speaking of Calvin's Institutes he writes, "The work is pervaded by an intense earnestness and by fearless and severe argumentation which properly subordinates reason and tradition to the supreme authority of the Scriptures." - p. 405. (Oh how I wish all the body of Christ would subordinate "REASON AND TRADITION" to the supreme authority of the Scriptures.)

Finally, speaking on the body of Christ and its unity, Boettner makes one of the best "ecumenical statements" I have ever seen or heard. It is long, but to get the full effect I shall quote the whole of it:

"We believe the Calvinistic system to be the only one set forth in the Scriptures and vindicated by reason, and therefore the most stable and influential in the production of righteousness. Yet to all who differ from us we cordially allow the right of private judgment, and sincerely rejoice in the good which they are able to accomplish. We rejoice that other systems of theology approximate ours; yet we cannot consent to impoverish our message by setting forth less than what we find the Scriptures to teach. If a union could be consummated in which Calvinism would be accepted as the system of truth taught in the Bible, we should be delighted to enter into it; but we believe that for us to accept anything short of that would be to surrender vital truth, and that anything vague enough to embrace Calvinism and other systems of doctrine would not be worth propagating." - pp. 352-353

I certainly appreciate the absolute, unwavering commitment to truth that Boettner displays in his writing, and I pray our modern churches would follow that example to the full extant of what is taught in Scripture.

Conclusion.

Considered a layman in the church (p. 9), Loraine Boettner has by God's grace produced an invaluable work for those seeking to understand a great and magnificent doctrine taught in Scripture and how it relates to the rest of Scripture, to competing thoughts, and to practical living. It would be irresponsible for me not to recommend it to others with a five-star rating.

When reading this, do as he teaches - subordinate reason and tradition to the Scriptures - and you will come out excited and refreshed about the awe and majesty of the great and glorious sovereignty of our Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ!

[Tim Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts off with an elucidation of the doctrine of predestination, as advertised, and does a very thorough job of explaining and defending it. There are eight chapters addressing specific objections to predestination which are quite helpful.

However, the last 10% or so of the book veers into an endorsement of Presbyterianism and Calvinism. The apostasy of the present day mainline Presbyterian denominations makes many of his comments invalid. I do recognize there is still a remnant of faithful Presbyterian churches, and when this book was written the apostasy of liberalism and modernism had not become so wide spread. Even so, the last part of the book felt somewhat anachronistic.

[Sandu Andronic · Rating 5 out of 5]

O carte excepțională pe un subiect mai dificil și controversat din teologia creștină - predestinarea. Autorul ei prezintă doctrina aceasta a alegerii suverane într-un mod foarte ușor și plăcut. Cartea nu este un tratat filosofic, ci unul teologic și surprinzător de practic, argumentele ei fiind susținute în mod profund de revelația biblică a Scripturii. De asemenea, autorul nu doar argumentează aspectul suveran din soteorologie, adică alegerea specifică ce conchide cu mântuirea, ci el explică și faptul că toată creația este de fapt supusă determinării minuțioase ale Creatorului ei, cu nuanțele ei de rigoare.

Mulți vor crede că este vorba despre un soi de fatalism aici. Nici vorba. Prejudecățile celor mai mulți îi vor face să stea departe ea fără a avea un motiv întemeiat. Luther zicea la un moment dat, în celebrul său comentariu pe Epistola către Romani, la capitolul 9, că "orice obiecție adusă predestinării vine din fire", adică din gândirea neregenerată, păcătoasă. Adică, doar un om neiluminat spiritual ar putea să respingă acest adevăr atât de evident al Bibliei.

Ce este de apreciat, este că această carte este menită atât pentru începători, cât și pentru avansați. Cei fără o pregătire teologică prealabilă nu se vor poticni în ea, pentru că este foarte explicită și bine structurată, iar cei mai experimentați nu vor fi plictisiți, pentru că este foarte densă în idei și pătrunzătoare în explicația ei.

Datorită acestor motive, și nu numai, perspectiva mea asupra subiectului, dar și înțelegerea mea generală asupra acestei dileme, a fost radical schimbată - răscumpărată pot spune - în urma lecturării acestei cărții. Cred că oricine o va citi va fi câștigat și îmbogățit intelectual și spiritual.

Ediția din limba română este absolut genială. Atent lucrată, frumos îngrijtă. Coperta este cartonată, traducere excelenta, dar există un mare minus. Nu se mai tipărește și nu se mai găsește de cumpărat în nici o librărie creștină. Pentru cei interesați, ea se poate găsi free în limba engleză pe internet.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the FIRST book I read concerning Reformed Doctrine and was the writing that the Holy Spirit used to open my eyes to the Truth of Scripture. It provided the Foundation that had been omitted from teachings of Scripture for the first 26 years of my life. Those teaching were not fully incorrect but were misguided by false doctrine (though I would later be told that a doctrine was not being taught).
Teaching includes doctrine whether it is stated or implied. I much prefer a stated doctrine in the form of the Westminster Confession (or similar Church creed) so that the teaching may be examined in light of that confession and that confession examined in light of Holy Scripture.
The language is 1932 era and can be difficult to understand at times. I only read 1/2 of the book before I was overwhelmed with the Truth revealed by the Holy Spirit and had to take a month to examine my own faith before beginning the book again and reading through to the end. I have read it two times and find new truth in each reading.
This is not a full statement of the Reformed Doctrine but brings to light the major points of Reformed Doctrine that give glory to God and remove selfish and prideful humanism from the modern Christian.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED along with the R.C. Sproul book "What is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics"

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is THE book to read on Calvinism. The title leads you to believe it is about predestination alone, but Boettner demonstrates that the Calvinistic system is a whole--predestination necessarily leads to "TULIP".

He uses the acronym, though modifies it somewhat into clearer terminology, that perhaps isn't quite so provocative. The book is structured largely around TULIP, followed by rebuttals of common arguments by opponents.

There is also a section showing the way Calvinism has transformed culture. He argues, as others have before and after, that it is Calvinism that has brought the development and advancement of the West in ways that even many critics of Calvin acknowledge. We've largely lost, or abandoned this position in our own day, but the history is there for us all to discover if we're open to the truth.

The conclusion of the book is a mini biography of Calvin which has some helpful material, even for those that have read other such mini bios. This is a great and useful book. Boettner demolishes the Arminian position.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Also read in May of 1988.

[William Dicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

After many years of online debate, as an Arminian against Calvinists, I was challenged to read this book. This is the book that convinced me of the veracity of the doctrines of grace found in what is commonly known as Calvinism.

Boettner goes from passage to passage in the Bible to show how the doctrines of predestination are thoroughly Biblical.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said this privately, but it’s worth stating publicly as well. I’m almost certain that if the doctrines of grace were shown to be incorrect, I would be an agnostic. My reasons for that are measured and many, but one that rises to the surface for me is the consistency of the doctrine. You can march the doctrines of grace all the way through the Bible and it doesn’t make pit stops or u-turns. It just keeps going. If the consistency breaks somehow, I think everything falls at that point and we just can’t know anything for certain about God or His revelation. The alternatives offer no real help here to solving this conundrum and we are left at just our best guesses.

One of the key areas that the doctrines of grace hinge upon is the doctrine of predestination. Now, it is worth noting that just about every Christian tradition has beliefs about what predestination is and what its scope actually is. In this book, Boettner (I have always pronounced his last name as Bet-ner, but I heard a respectable theologian pronounce it But-ner, and another Boat-ner. I think I’m right.) presents the reformed doctrine of predestination. This is daunting for its size, but my goodness I wish I read this 20 years ago. If you are like me and try to find ways to disprove whatever the author you are reading is arguing for, you will also be like me and have very little to say when reading this book. Boettner is magnificently thorough, careful, logical, precise, and practical. There’s really not enough good things I could say about this work, outside of the fact that if you struggle with this doctrine, or outright deny it, or have grown to love and fall on it when everything around you starts to crumble as I have lately, then there is not much else you could do to better your understanding of this relieving and comforting and altogether biblical doctrine than to pick this one up and read it.

[Bobby James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t be confused by the title. This is not just about what is typically thought of as predestination. It is a fantastic and thorough handbook on Reformed soteriology. Detailed and scholarly. The strength in this one is Boettner’s comprehensive comparison of Calvinistic and Arminian soteriology. He successfully demonstrates the superiority of Calvinism at every turn and how Arminians do not escape the same inconsistencies with which they charge Calvinists. I’m not sure how anyone could maintain libertarian will after reading this.

“Put the truth of the sovereignty of God into a man’s mind and heart and you put iron in his blood.” (395)

[Chris Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far the greatest book I have ever read so far on the doctrine of Predestination. It gives a very insightful look at God‘s sovereignty and the doctrine of Election. Loraine Boetnner goes into very great detail and strenuous laborious expository that helps to bring to light the hidden truths of Calvinism in a very grand, gracious, and eloquent manner. A doctrine that has been so hated by many and so neglected and obscured by the church in favor of menial immature trends and winds of doctrine, Calvinism is now having its day thanks to authors such Boetnner. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to understand Calvinism and the Doctrines of Grace.

[Barrett Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you hate Calvinism, read this book. If you don't know much about Calvinism, read this book. If you think you are a Calvinist, read this book.

I really love the "Scripture Proof" sections of the book where the author gives Biblical examples (usually lots of them) which support the specific concepts he is addressing in a particular chapter.

The last part is a history section which I did not think had to be a part of this book. I read it, but if you are intimidated by the 500+ pages, you don't have to read the roughly 100 page history section at the end.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really helpful and informative; I’m glad I read it.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner is a must-read title for those who are for and against the Reformed perspective. For those who agree with this particular interpretation it will be an encouragement, for those who oppose it, this title will present a greater opportunity for a lack of misrepresentation. I think Dr. Boettner’s strongest sections came out with his answers towards different objections, and also I appreciate that he takes the time to address the issue of foreordination at a decent length. This would be a good intermediate read for those with questions concerning the Reformed faith. I commend it!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of predestination as it has been revealed in scripture. There is no shortage of solid cross references, both OT and NT in support of the Augustinian/Calvinistic view of this difficult doctrine. This book would be beneficial for any Christian, reformed or not, to deepen their understanding of what the Bible says about this topic.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deep yet understandable explanation of the doctrines of grace, part of Reformed Theology (aka Calvinism); it covers much more than predestination. It helpfully deals with misunderstandings, common objections, and questions. It extensively quotes and references the Bible, and frequently quotes and references the Westminster Standards.

I'm held back from a wholehearted endorsement because Boettner sometimes goes beyond the Bible. In his summary of the Reformed doctrine of election, he says that, "Much the larger portion of the human race has been elected to life," and, "All of those dying in infancy are among the elect," neither of which is taught by the Bible. He also includes postmillennialism in the book, which is not required by Reformed doctrine (amillennialism is commonly held by Reformed people).

I read the free ebook from Monergism.

Notes
Introduction
Augustine defended predestination, and afterward it was universally accepted by the Church. It was taught by Calvin, Luther, Zwingli, Bullinger, Bucer, and other leading Reformers. It was also held by Wycliffe, Zanchius, Owen, Whitefield, Toplady.

For centuries, Arminianism existed as a heresy on the fringes of Christianity, and wasn't championed by an organized church until 1784

Statement of the Doctrine
Foreordination: Acts 4:27-28; Eph 1:5, 11; 2:10; Rom 8:29-30; 9:23; 1 Cor 2:7; Acts 2:23; 13:48; Ps 139:16.

God Has a Plan
If God hadn't foreordained events, but waited until some undetermined condition was or wasn't met, His decrees wouldn't be eternal or immutable.

Christ's death wasn't God's Plan B, it was His Plan A (Acts 2:23; 4:28; 1 Pet 1:20; Eph 1:4; 2 Tim 1:9).

God's plan is eternal: 2 Tim 1:9; Ps 33:11; 139:16; Isa 37:26; 46:9-10; 2 Thess 2:13; Mt 25:34; 1 Pet 1:20; Jer 31:3; Acts 15:18.

God's plan is unchangeable: Jas 1:17; Isa 14:24; 45:10-11; Num 23:19; Mal 3:6.

God's plan includes future human acts: Dan 2:28; Jn 6:64; Mt 20:18-19; Mic 5:2 (cf. Mt 2:5-6; Lk 2:1-7); Ps 22:18 (cf. Jn 19:24); Ps 34:19-20 (cf. Jn 19:33, 36); Ps 69:21 (cf. Jn 19:29); Zech 11:12-13 (cf. Mt 27:9-10); Zech 12:10 (cf. Jn 19:37; Mk 14:30).

Sinful human acts are included in God's plan, and overruled for good: Gen 50:20; Isa 45:7; Amos 3:6; Acts 3:18; Mt 21:42; Rom 8:28.

The Sovereignty of God
God is sovereign: Dan 4:35; Jer 32:17; Mt 28:18; Eph 1:11, 22; Isa 14:24, 27; 46:10-11; 55:11; Gen 18:14; Job 42:2; Ps 115:3; 135:6; Rom 9:20-21.

The Providence of God
God's providential control includes individual humans: Pro 16:9; 21:1; 34:7; 37:23; 118:6; Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 4:7; Dan 3:17; Isa 64:8; Ezra 8:31; Neh 4:15; Ex 11:7; Acts 18:9.

God's providential control includes free human acts: Phil 2:13; Ex 12:36; Ezra 6:22; 7:6; Ezek 36:27.

God's providential control includes sinful human acts: Acts 4:27-28; Jn 19:11; 2 Sam 16:10-11; Ps 76:10; Ex 14:17.

The Foreknowledge of God
If acts of free agents are uncertain, God would have to wait until the event occurred before making His plans, which is unbiblical.

"Foreknowledge implies certainty and certainty implies foreordination." Arminianism, if true, would rule out both foreknowledge and foreordination/predestination.

Total Inability
Unregenerate don't have liberty to choose between good and evil, but only between greater and lesser evil, which isn't true free will.

OT circumcision of infant and purification of mother taught that humans enter the world sinful.

The "good" works of the unregenerate aren't truly good (spiritually acceptable) as the motive behind them isn't to glorify God.

Total inability/depravity: 1 Cor 1:18; 2:14; Gen 2:17; Rom 3:10-12; 5:12; 2 Cor 1:9; 5:17; Eph 2:1-3, 12; Jer 13:23; Ps 51:5; Jn 3:3, 19; 5:21; 6:53; 8:19; 14:16; Job 14:4; Acts 13:41; Pro 30:12; Mt 11:25.

Unconditional Election
Unconditional Election: Eph 1:4-5, 11; 2 Thess 2:13; Mt 24:24, 31; Mk 13:20; 1 Thess 1:4; 5:9; Rom 1:4; 5:6-8; 8:29-33; 9:11-13-23; 11:5, 7; 1 Tim 5:21; 2 Tim 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Pet 1:1; 2:9; 5:13; Acts 18:48; Jn 6:37, 65; 13:18; 15:16; 17:9; Ps 65:4; 105:6; 147:20; 1 Kin 19:18; Amos 3:2; Deut 7:6-8; 10:15.

In Rom 8:29, "foreknew" means "appointed to be special objects of favor" (see use of "know" in Amos 3:2; 1 Cor 8:3; Jn 10:14, 27; Mt 7:23; Rom 11:2-5.

Believers will be "rewarded in proportion to their good works, but not on account of them."

If Arminian view was true, then in Rom 11:32-35, Paul would've answered the objection with, "the elect are those who God foresaw would believe and persevere," rather than the way he does answer. There would've been no mystery if salvation was based on good works. This shows Calvinism is right view.

Luther said, "God would never be a whit less good, even though He should destroy all men" because fallen humans are naturally depraved.

Reprobation: Pro 16:4; 1 Pet 2:8; Jude 4; 2 Pet 2:12; Rev 13:8; 17:17; Lk 2:34; 10:20; Phil 4:3; Rom 1:28; 2:5; 9:17, 22-23; 11:8-10; 2 Thess 2:11; Acts 13:41; Jn 9:39; 12:39-40; Mt 11:25; 13:10-15; 25:41; Deut 2:30; Josh 11:20; 1 Sam 2:25.

Mt 25:41 records God sending reprobate to Hell, and "What is right for God to do in time it is not wrong for Him to include in His eternal plan."

God doesn't directly harden human hearts; He permits some people to follow the evil impulses that are already in their hearts, so they become more obstinate by their own choices. When Bible says God hardened Pharaoh's heart and Pharaoh hardened his own heart, it's sometimes giving God's viewpoint, and sometimes human viewpoint.

When Jesus said He came not to condemn the world but to save it, He meant that the condemned world needed no further condemnation, but saving.

If Christ died for all people, we'd expect God to have Gospel be communicated to all people, but He hasn't.

For Arminianism to be consistent, it must admit that it has God deliberately creating people He foresees will only bring an eternity of Hell on themselves, even though God wishes to bring them to Heaven, and will be eternally grieved at seeing them there. This would make God foolish.

Supralapsarianism can't be consistently carried out (Creation, Fall). God's decree didn't include only some humans, but all of them. The Fall didn't include only some humans, but all of them. Only infralapsarianism is self-consistent and consistent with Bible.

Bible is infralapsarian. Reprobation is judicial, based on sinfulness of person (Rom 1:24-28). God didn't predestinate innocent people to Hell, but sinners. Believers are chosen out of world (Jn 15:19; Rom 9:21).

No Reformed confession teaches supralapsarian. Several explicitly teach infralapsarianism.

Heaven is described as large, and Hell is described as relatively small (Lk 20:35; 1 Tim 6:17; Rev 19:20; 20:10, 14-15; 21:1, 8-27; Mt 5:3; Heb 11:16; 1 Pet 3:19). Angels and saints are described as large number, but lost aren't described that way (Lk 2:13; Isa 6:3; Rev 5:11).

Mt 7:14 and 22:14 don't necessarily teach that more are lost than saved; these verses could describe temporary condition in Palestine at Jesus' time.

Arminianism logically precludes salvation of infants who die, as they have no opportunity to rationally choose Christ.

Limited Atonement
If Arminianism were true, many for whom Christ died are finally lost; the salvation Christ earned for them is never applied to them.

If Christ paid the ransom for all people, yet some go to Hell, that would be unjust. This shows the ransom was for some, not all (Mt 20:28).

Christ Himself limited the scope of His atonement (Jn 8:44; 10:14-15, 26; 15:13; 17:6-10; cf. Acts 20:28; Eph 5:25).

Jesus' name was Jesus because He was to save His people, not merely make salvation possible.

God put enmity between seed of woman and seed of serpent, showing that He didn't love all people equally or intend to redeem all.

To describe God as earnestly trying to save those He knows He will not save is to make Him look foolish.

General benefits of Christ's atonement for all humans: it arrests penalty that would've been inflicted on all humans due to Adam's sin; forms basis for preaching Gospel and introduces positive moral influences and restrains evil influences; provides temporal benefits (Acts 14:17). In this way we can say Christ died for all.

Efficacious Grace
Efficacious grace (regeneration): Titus 3:5; Eph 1:19-20; 2:9; 1 Pet 2:9; Jn 3:3; 5:21, 24; 17:2; Col 2:13; Ezek 11:19; 36:26; 2 Cor 5:17; Heb 12:2; 1 Cor 1:31; 4:7; Acts 13:48; 16:14.

Because regeneration is from God, the source of life, it's irresistible and permanent.

If God does everything He can to regenerate a human, but a human must still accept or not resist, then the human has veto power over Almighty God, and salvation is ultimately in human hands. In that case, the person who comes to salvation has some personal merit in their salvation, which contradicts the Bible (Eph 2:9; 1 Cor 1:31).

Just because God commands something, doesn't mean humans are able to obey. Even human parents sometimes tell their children to do things they aren't capable of, to show their inability and motivate them to ask for their parents' help. The Bible tells people what they ought to do, not necessarily what they can do.

Common grace provides health; material prosperity; intelligence; talents in art, music, oration, literature, architecture, commerce, inventing, etc. It's the source of order, refinement, culture, common virtue. It restrains evil passions and sin.

The Perseverance of the Saints
If God can preserve saints in Heaven without violating their free agency, He can preserve saints on earth without violating their free agency.

Regeneration is a radical, supernatural change of the inner nature, making the soul spiritually alive; this is an area a human can't control. Only God can. So a person can't make themselves unregenerate.

Believers are under grace, not under the law, so they can't be condemned for violating the law (Rom 4:15; 6:14; 7:4, 8; 11:6; Gal 6:3).

If Christ reconciled us to God while we were God's enemies, He can certainly keep us reconciled after giving us spiritual life (Rom 5:8-10).

Christ is the Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb 12:2), so it's impossible for His chosen to be lost.

The cause of effectual calling is God's sovereign and unmerited love (Jer 33:3; Rom 8:30), and as that cause is unchangeable, so is the effect.

God elected His people when they were totally depraved, and not for reason of any good in them (Isa 54:10; Rom 5:8-10; 8:28-39; 11:29), so the sin of the elect would not give God reason to withdraw saving grace.

Bible's warnings against apostasy are the means God uses to motivate people to stay faithful.

Perseverance: Rom 6:14; 8:10, 29, 35-39; 11:29; 14:4; Jn 4:14; 5:24; 6:47, 51; 10:28; 14:19; Phil 1:6; Ps 138:8; 1 Jn 5:11, 13; Heb 10:14; 2 Tim 4:18; Eph 1:5; 4:30; Mt 24:24; Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 2:14; 9:8; Jer 31:3; 32:40; Ezek 11:19-20; 1 Pet 1:5; Lk 10:20.

Objection 1. It Is Fatalism
Predestination isn't fatalism, which has no place for a personal God.

Humans are free within the limits of our nature.

Objection 2. It Is Inconsistent with the Free Agency and Moral Responsibility of Man
God directs human actions; His will is primary, ours secondary, working in harmony.

If God foreknows an event, it must be as certain as if fore-ordained. The Bible predicts many events fulfilled through actions of free agents.

Actions can be certain and free. We're often certain how we'll act, yet free. God is free, yet certain do always do right. Holy angels and saints in Heaven are free, yet certain to never sin.

Our actions are free yet certain because God's decree renders them certain, though it doesn't produce them.

Humans have free will only in sense that no outside compulsion interferes with freedom of choice or accountability. Fallen humans only have "freedom" of slavery to sin. This is better called self-will than free will.

Bible frequently commands humans to do things they're unable to do without Him (e.g. Jesus telling paralytic to walk and Lazarus to come out of tomb; see also Eph 6:14; Mt 5:48). But the inability to obey that's a result of our Fall doesn't remove the obligation.

God governs feelings, external environment, habitat, desires, motives, etc. of people so they freely do what He purposes (Phil 2:13, 15; Ps 110:3).

To say creatures have completely free will makes creatures beyond God's control, giving them veto power over His will, and makes it possible that angels and saints in Heaven could sin.

God's sovereignty and human freedom are in harmony: Gen 45:5, 8; 50:20; Rom 9:17; Ex 9:16; 10:1-2; 12:36; 34:24; Ezra 1:1-3; 6:22; 7:6; Pro 16:9; 21:1; Acts 2:23; 3:17-18; 4:27-28; 13:27-29; Jer 10:23; Isa 44:28; Rev 17:17; 1 Sam 2:25; 1 Kin 12:11, 15; 2 Sam 17:14

Objection 3. It Makes God the Author of Sin
When Adam and Eve sinned, they died spiritually, and immediately began to age (they began to die physically).

God isn't author of sin, but overrules and uses it for His purposes: Gen 45:5, 8; 50:20; Ex 4:21; 9:12, 16; 14:17; Josh 11:20; 1 Sam 2:25; 16:14; 1 Kin 12:15; 22:20-23; Jud 9:23; 2 Sam 24:1, 10; 1 Chr 5:22; 10:14; 2 Kin 22:20; Ps 105:25; Is 63:17; Acts 3:18; Jn 18:11; Mt 21:42; 26:31; Lk 9:31; 22:22.

The objections raised in Rom 9:14, 19 only make sense if Calvinism is true.

Objection 6. It is Unfavorable to Good Morality
English Puritans, Scottish Covenanters, and French Huguenots had same faith and similar morality.

Objection 7. It Precludes a Sincere Offer of the Gospel to the Non-Elect
God sincerely commands people to repent, believe, and obey, though He knows some will refuse (Ex 3:18-19; Lk 10:27; Mt 4:48).

God offers Gospel to those who in His secret counsel weren't designed to accept it (Ex 3:18-19; Isa 1:18-19; 6:9-13; Ezek 3:4-11; Mt 23:33-37).

Objection 8. It Contradicts the Universalistic Scripture Passages
1 Tim 2:2-4; Ezek 33:11; 2 Pet 3:9 teach that God is benevolent and doesn't delight in suffering of His creatures, but He doesn't decretively will salvation of all people, though He desires it. If these passages were applied as broadly as some wish, they'd prove universalism, which is contrary to Scripture.

Word "will" can mean "decree" or "purpose," or "desire" or "wish."

Word "all" doesn't always mean every individual human; it sometimes means all elect, or Gentiles as well as Jews, or humanity in general.

Word "world" doesn't always mean every individual human; it sometimes means Gentiles as well as Jews, or humanity in general, or a large part of the world.

God doesn't love everyone (Rom 9:13, 17, 22; Ex 17:14; Deut 20:16; 23:3; Ps 5:5).

Christ died for humanity in general in sense that there's no distinction about age, nation, character, condition. Human race fell in collective sense in Adam, and is redeemed in collective sense in Christ. Christ's work arrested immediate execution of penalty for sin on human race, and brings temporal and physical blessings on human race in general. But Christ didn't die equally and with same design for all people.

Personal Assurance That One Is Among the Elect
The presence of genuine faith, even if weak, is proof of salvation.

Good works are a sign of election (2 Pet 1:10).

Assurance of salvation: 2 Pet 1:10; Rom 8:16; 1 Jn 2:29; 3:14, 24; 4:6; 5:1, 10-13; Gal 4:6.

The Practical Importance of the Doctrine
Churches tend to descend from Calvinism to Arminianism to Modernism to Unitarianism to self-destruction.

[Jon Cardwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my humble opinion, this work by Loraine Boettner is his magus opus and should never gather dust from the book shelf of the student of Reformed Theology. It is more than a classic; it is a standard that should be read every few years. It has been a few years since I read it last so I'm due.

Although I have a signed first edition of the book, I did not know Dr. Boettner personally. Some of my friends, my elder contemporaries in the Reformed faith, did know him, however. My friend, Dr. Ed Wallen, told me of the first time he met Dr. Boettner; that when he was scheduled to preach at Henry Mahan's church in Kentucky, Ed asked Henry why he was going to allow a woman to speak from the pulpit.

Loraine Boettner's communication of these blessed Biblical truths are clear and comprehensive so that the youngest student of God's Word can access them easily; while at the same time, his simplicity in presenting this blessed doctrine allows the most studied and academic of the reformed faith to receive again and again this treatise with joy unto God's glory.

I most highly recommend this work to every reformed student of God's Word, as well as to those who have never explored the Calvinistic perspectives. Dr. Boettner presents the heart of Calvinistic principle with beautiful feet firmly planted on the gospel, unto God's glory, and through the exaltation of Jesus Christ.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first books that I read when learning the Reformed faith many years ago. I still remember Boettner's analogy for Total Depravity, "In a gang of pirates we may find many things that are good in themselves. Though they are in wicked rebellion against the laws of the government, they have their own laws and regulations, which they obey strictly. We find among them courage and fidelity, with many other things that will recommend them as pirates. They may do many things, too, which the laws of the government require, but they are not done because the government has so required, but in obedience to their own regulations . . . Yet, as respects the government, and the general principle, their whole life is one of the most wicked dishonesty . . . Their first step must be to give up their rebellion, acknowledge their allegiance to the government and sue for mercy. So all men, in their natural state, are rebels against God; and though they may do many things which the law of God requires . . . yet nothing is done with reference to God and His law."

[Bro. Austin McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book thoroughly covers the doctrine of Predestination. Not only does it cover predestination, but it also evaluates the multiple reformed doctrines, and shows how certain reformed doctrines harmonize together. This book was helpful in understanding the doctrines of Grace from a historical view, a theological view, and contextual view. I had this particular book recommended to me whenever I had many questions about the doctrine of Predestination. If this is a topic you are interested in studying I recommend this book! I began reading this book with many questions, and finished reading this book with many of my questions answered.

This book is $13.59 (paperback) on Amazon. $0.99 (Kindle), and $7.99 on Logos Bible Software! You should give it a read! (As of August 10th, 2018).

[Jamison Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very dry book given to me by a friend. I thought it was worth reading and there are many great points in there, but it was very theological in approach and could have been written in a much simpler way, but academics tend to not do simple well. Overall, it discusses reformed doctrine well and how it compares with other doctrines and provides some great points and insight into every day faith questions for those that are looking for answers and have decided down the path of Christianity or are well versed with it and are looking for certain answers in their journey.

[Natalie Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books that I have ever read! I have studied the doctrines of Calvinism and predestination for years and this book gave me a much clearer understanding of them. Mr. Boettner does an excellent job of gently guiding the reader through the process of understanding topics and passages that are potentially very confusing. I finished the book not only with a more complete understanding of these doctrines, but also a greater appreciation and love for God Himself.

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many poignant and profound sections in this book that it was a true pleasure to read. This is a great, modern explanation of the doctrine of predestination that is easy for the reader to understand, and the author is fair and concise when refuting any counterarguments. That being said, when the author leaves the Bible and begins quoting Presbyterian Church in the United States position papers, he goes way, way off the reservation.

[Jeff McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been in my possession since my earliest days of studying the Reformed Faith. The content in this volume was very pivotal in helping me to understand and get a much better grasp on the doctrines of the Reformed faith. This book along with A.W. Pink's "Sovereignty of God" where the two books I carried around and referenced the most back in the day, to defend the Reformed position.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great lengthy introduction to the doctrines of grace including discussions of practical importance and Calvinism in history.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was instrumental in helping me on my pilgrimage going from believing in free will to embracing the doctrine of election.

[Jay D · Rating 1 out of 5]

Books from an immature, embarassing time in my life. This book presents a case for Calvinism, which, ultimately, is one of the worst things to have ever existed. Stay away.

[Nick Prodromou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Required reading.

[Justin Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few doctrines in the Christian faith that have produced so much consternation as the doctrine of predestination. In essence, the big debate is between two camps (there are more, but I won’t bother to delve into these): the “Calvinist” camp, which believes that man is entirely evil and that he cannot, on his own, come to salvation but God must intervene. Therefore, because God’s decreed will can never be thwarted, he “predestined” all who will come to salvation from before the foundations of the earth. The other camp is the Arminian camp, which believe that God has given up some of influence on man to allow us to have free will so that we can choose God on our own volition.

Rightly so this has divided not only Evangelicalism, but Christianity in general. Loraine Boettner, a committed Presbyterian (ask him, he will tell you about it), wrote this book to flesh out some of the issues of the system of Calvinism. In his book, he introduces the doctrine and then examines each “point” of Calvinism that is commonly known in the acronym, “TULIP”: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and the Preservation of the saints. He begins each chapter first with a brief explanation of the point, a quotation from the Westminster Catechism giving proof for the point, an explanation in detail, and finally any controversy over the point.

Next, he focuses on the objections to Calvinism in an entire section. For example, he goes into the objection that the system of Calvinism makes God the author of sin, etc. Next, he delves into the practical aspects of the doctrine: how it affects us in the here and now. Lastly, he examines Calvinism through history.

I don’t really want to get into a debate about Calvinism, although I am sure we could. Earlier this year, I wrote a review on the book “Proof” which is also about the reformed doctrine of grace. What benefit we have, as Christians, in studying this doctrine, even if you disagree with it, is the magnanimous love that God has for us. I hate that word “Calvinism” because it seems to label someone a particular way before you even understand what it is they are standing for. In my review of “Proof,” I argued we should simply call it the doctrine of grace, because that is the emphasis that we should take away from this most wonderful doctrine. If the reformed doctrine of grace is true, then it demonstrates how great the father’s love for us is, that we can say “amazing grace how sweet the sound” and really mean it because even though you are a wicked, evil, rebellious person, God picked you out of the billions of people on this earth to be an instrument for his glory. Before the universe even began, you had a special purpose that you wholly do not deserve. The gravity of this is made all the more clear when you begin to understand how much you were in enmity towards the father before He called you: Jonathan Edwards said “I know not how to express better what my sins appear to me to be, than by heaping infinite upon infinite, and multiplying infinite by infinite.” God has known every sin you’ve done, every sin you will do, and, if given the chance, the sin you would have done. This is the “T” in TULIP: total depravity. And despite that, God “for-loved” you and called you to be one of his children. What an awesome God.

I highly recommend this book for skeptics, Arminians, and Calvinists. I think the greatest injustice we do toward the doctrine of grace is not understanding it fully. So be educated before you make a decision. Boettner does say that this is not always an easy doctrine to comprehend and it may make some quite unsettled. But we cannot bring our pathos into the Bible; no, the Bible speaks for itself and we are to interpret it for what it says and not what we want it to say. There are unpleasant realities to this doctrine I will admit myself. So I would encourage you to wrestle with it and not to just write it off as rank heresy (which it’s not, if you didn’t know).

[Christopher Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read “The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination “ by Loraine Boettner. First published in 1932, this volume has stood the test of time and is today considered a classic statement of the sovereignty of God in salvation. This book helpfully follows the Westminster Confession of Faith. After quoting the Westminster Confession, Boettner unpacks each element of Reformed doctrine pertaining to salvation. It is obvious that Boettner is not content to simply make a few arguments in favor of his position; rather, Boettner overwhelms the reader with arguments from Scripture, theology, logic, history and common sense. If you are look for a pithy read this book is not for you.

I would classify this book as an intermediate theology. But given the vintage of this tome the language can seem anachronistic and somewhat stilted. Nevertheless, this is a very useful, insightful and helpful statement of soteriology from the Reformed perspective.

One of my favorite aspect of this book is Boettner’s of and his high view of Scripture. After every section Boettner includes a “Scripture Proof” section. In other words, Boettner does not want the reader to be content with his argumentation unless that argumentation is firmly premised on the active, living, breathing and inspired Word of God.

For the serious student of Scripture this classic text is a must read. Happy reading!

[NG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I have read many books defending the principles of the Reformation (I.e. Calvinist doctrine) and this is the most thorough/comprehensive. Boettner leaves few “stones unturned”, positively teaching each doctrine of Calvinism with extensive quotation of Scripture and other authors/theologians. The text also contains a nice review of “Calvinism in history” at the end of the book and a discussion of postmillennialism about midway through. The Scriptural witness, the “testimony of time”, and the undeniable logic contained herein should “convert” any Arminian. As a former anti-Calvinist, I am glad I have found works such as these to feed the soul. You will find more in this volume than you expected to find, but certainly not less. Once you pick it up, be prepared to spend a significant amount of time in this book!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book quite by accident and have to admit that some parts are at first quite dry (I mean who would want to read a book about predestination?) nevertheless it drew me in and it is written in a clear style that unfolds the case for Calvinism. I found the last chapter on Calvinism In History as the most engaging. Before reading this book I was completely unaware of why John Calvin could be called the virtual founder of America or that Jefferson probably borrowed from the Mecklenburg Declaration in drafting the Declaration of Independence. If you are drawn to comparative religion, this is worth a read to get a good grasp on Calvinism and its influence in history, especially the last chapter.