Studies on Saving Faith

by Arthur W. Pink

From the publisher's preface: The materials found herein were first published in 1932, 1933 and 1937 in "Studies in Scripture," a monthly magazine published by Mr. Pink from 1922 to 1953.
Pink's works are considered classics of modern Calvinism.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Evangelism, Christianity, Faith

118 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Arthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.

Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.

In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.

In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.

After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.

Reviews

[Debbie Smith]

My, what a heart and thought provoking book about Saving Faith vs Believism. Had to read it very slowly to digest but a wonderful read nonetheless.

[Brady]

This book is a collection of articles written by Pink in the 1930s to counteract the trend of ‘easy believism’ of that day. Basically, despite Bible verses that indicate that if we believe in Jesus, we are saved, there is more to it than that. He in no way endorses a salvation by works, but instead lays out the need for repentance and true life change, along with a desire to obey Jesus’ commands, as signs that point to a saving faith. This was a tough one to read and absorb, but well worth the effort.

[Ming Chen]

A remarkable, Scripturally-abundant, readable, and practical book on the idea of saving faith, and particularly how one may attain assurance of salvation. I recommend it heartily to all Christians, that we might heed the commands of Scripture as set out in 2 Peter 1:10, 2 Corinthians 13:5, etc. It is clearly written from a pastoral heart, and I enjoyed and benefited from it very greatly.

[Isaac]

Magnificent. Will give your faith a robust examination, which is a Christian duty.

[Josh Stowers]

A great book on a misunderstood topic. Jesus came to save us from our sin and not excuse them, especially love the dialogues that brought his points to life.

[Artur Sirk]

A very helpful study in the nature of saving faith v. carnal faith.

A good read for anyone seeking a biblical balance instead of the pitfalls of legalism and easy-believism.

[Andrea]

I'm giving this fewer stars than it really deserves; I'll say that right off the top. Pink makes the point that many people (including pastors and church leaders) have a very superficial view of salvation. He provides arguments concerning the true nature of salvation, carefully backed up by scriptural evidence. But..he..just..goes..on ..too..long. Each section seems to be just a new, slight variation on the idea already well established in the section before. Unless you like an author's prose to beat you over the head, repeating the main idea over and over again, read the first two chapters and move on.

[Steve]

Pink always brings the truth of the Word of God. He seems so current even though he’s been dead for over a half century. This book seems to be a forerunner to what MacArthur, Washer and others proclaim today. Highly instructive and edifying.

[Alex Houston]

This is my first AW Pink book, but certainly not my last. This book is a solid and biblical treatment on what constitutes true saving faith in Jesus Christ.

[Davidus1]

Excellent! Great insight and knowledge for scripture.

[Robby]

Will rate and review at another time.

[Sheila Myers]

A very good book that addresses saving faith. Christians should find the book very informative.