The Free Offer: Biblical and Reformed

by David Silversides

David Silversides, minister of Loughbrickland Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, argues that Scripture warrants more than a presentation of the facts of Christ’s redeeming work accompanied with a bare command to repent and believe. He contends that God expresses His loving kindness by extending a free offer of mercy to all sinners. Silversides not only presents scriptural arguments for his case, but also a host of quotations from the Reformers and Puritans to show its Reformed heritage.

"David Silversides' purpose is to establish the doctrine of Scripture on the 'free offer' and he has done this with very considerable charity, precision and force…The whole subject is treated in a masterly way, carefully distinguishing between things that differ. May the reading of it stir hearts to preach the joyful message of the gospel to poor lost sinners!" -Rev Malcolm Watts, Salisbury.

"…answers such questions as, Does God show love to the non-elect in this life? Does God command us to love those whom He does not? Is common grace compatible with God's hatred of the wicked? Is common grace compatible with the unchangeableness of God? He asserts that the free offer is an expression of divine kindness, not divine frustration...he quotes many authors to back up his assertions: Calvin… Turretin,…Cunningham…and many more. The book is clearly written, carefully argued, uses restrained language…and will be helpful to those perplexed by this subject. – Rev William MacLeod, Free Church Witness.

"We hope and believe that David Silversides' thorough work will be of help to many on this important issue." – Rev Iain Murray, Banner of Truth Magazine.

"…a hugely impressive work, attractively presented and AV based. For all who have an interest in this vital subject…this book is required reading."- Rev Timothy Nelson, British Church Newspaper.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. I had the privilege of meeting Rev. Silversides in 2016 and he very kindly signed my copy. This book came as an answer to prayer for me. I was struggling with the fact that I saw Calvinism in Scripture, and could not deny it, but found myself rejecting the idea that God had nothing but hate for the non-elect. I understood common grace, but I had imbibed the teaching that common grace toward the non elect only served to increase their wrath in damnation. On the other side of the pendulum, Silversides presents common grace as an overture of God's love for all men, elect and non-elect, and a Gospel offer to all indiscriminately. As a street evangelist, I struggled often when preaching with the idea that if the Gospel offer is only for the elect, then what if all these people were non elect? Who was I preaching to? Myself? Of course God is glorified in the proclamation of His Word, but I also wanted, like the Apostle Paul, and the Lord Jesus, to see sinners come to repentance. I need to believe what I was offering was truly genuine from the Lord. Hyper-Calvinistic notions had done damage to this aspect of my ministry. When I came to see the free offer as indiscriminate to all, even if not received, and also as an overture of love, I was able to confidently preach the Gospel like I had once done, before imbibing hyper-Calvinism.

Back to the answer to prayer. Before I found this book, I had expressed my struggles of soul to a friend by email, who assured me he would pray for me. The following morning, I was feeling a little down, but made my way to the bookshop my church ran on Saturday's, and found this book. Something compelled me to purchase it, and I read the book within one or two days (can't quite remember but i read it quickly)! As I read it, all of the deep questions and concerns I was facing were resolved, and I felt my soul refreshed in the Lord and the Gospel, and the great Reformed doctrines of Calvinism, like never before.

The book is essentially a refutation of the teaching of Herman Hoeksema on this point. I had never heard of Hoeksema, but I had struggled with the doctrinal issues presented. Obviously not every fine mystery on this point is revealed to us, nor makes sense, but I think Rev. Silversides ably proves the case for the Free Offer, which, I have come to realize, is an important issue in the Reformed Churches - that of genuinely offering Christ to our hearers. Evangelists will benefit from the theology and numerous quotes contained in this work. To this day, my heart warms when I think of this book.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, thorough explanation of the free offer and why it matters. Recommended.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bits I understood, I loved. I'd not really encountered the view Silversides is countering, so following some of what he says can be hard. But what he positively asserts throughout and how he explains it is excellent.

I've got a much deeper appreciation of God's goodness, mercy and grace, and how He does desire the salvation of sinners, and how the Gospel invitation is so universally offered so that none might exclude themselves from it.

If you just want to dip in then go to Appendix B and read the quotes from Calvin forwards where they put forth how the Gospel is to be offered - they'll get repetitive over the 35 pages but that's the point (they agree), though each has their own way of saying it.