Richard Phillips booklet is a part of a ten part series, published by Presbyterian and Reformed. Each booklet provides a snapshot of a crucial area of theology that serve as a catalyst for more in-depth study.
This work overviews the vital doctrines of election and predestination and is rooted in Scripture throughout. Phillips distinguishes between election and predestination, i.e. “God elects persons and predestines things.”
After providing basic definitions, Phillips articulates biblically informed responses to typical objections to these doctrines. He argues that election is not in fact, a doctrine that is concocted in the mind of man; rather it is a biblical doctrine. Second, he maintains that election does not promote pride as some suppose; rather this doctrine sparks humility. Third, he argues that “election promotes holiness and not license.” Phillips contends that “election promotes assurance of salvation, but not presumption.” Finally, the author strongly argues that “election promotes glory to God alone and not to man.”
The section on predestination responds to the two primary arguments that are advanced by our Arminian friends, namely, that predestination is unfair and it is incompatible with human responsibility. Phillips argues against these notions in a winsome and theologically precise way.
There is a strong movement in America that is returning to our Reformed theological roots. Richard Phillips short treatment of this subject serves as a basic introduction to the doctrines of grace and should be utilized with anyone who struggles (as I did for many years) with these doctrines. A more comprehensive treatment may be found in John Murray’s, Redemption Accomplished and Applied and Lorraine Boettner’s, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination.
5 stars
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