Pillars of Grace, AD 100–1564

A Long Line of Godly Men #2

by Steven J. Lawson (Editor)

The doctrines of grace are often known as the five points of Calvinism, but they were not the invention of John Calvin or his reforming cohorts of the sixteenth century. Rather, they are biblical doctrines, as Dr. Steven J. Lawson demonstrated in his book Foundations of Grace (2006). Now, in Pillars of Grace, Dr. Lawson shows that the doctrines of grace have been understood and taught sometimes in embryonic form, sometimes with great clarity throughout church history. From the time of the early church fathers to the years of the Reformers, there have been key men in the church, pillars as it were, who stood on the foundation of Scripture and upheld the truth of God's sovereign role in salvation. In Pillars of Grace, Dr. Lawson walks readers through the ups and downs of church history, profiling these voices for the truth. The inescapable conclusion is that the doctrines of grace are no innovation, but the consistent witness of some of the greatest men of the church.

Genres: Theology, History, Church History, Christian, Biography, Christianity, Nonfiction

543 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

Dr. Steven J. Lawson is the Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, having served as a pastor in Arkansas and Alabama for the past twenty-nine years. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Reformed Theological Seminary (D. Min.)

Reviews

[Michael Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of the men from church history and how they held to the doctrines of grace.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers some important parts of Christian history which is often overlooked by American Christians. Steven Lawson does a good job covering the information; however, the writing is a little dry. This book reads like a history book from school, instead of a work which might be picked up for light reading.

All in all, this is a good book, which I would gladly recommend for those desiring to read a concise history of the Church and the development of Christian Theology prior to the Reformation.

[Donald Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of God's work through history in keeping the light of the gospel before men. At times a bit repetitive in style, however clearly showing in history the many men that God has raised up to defend truth against the error of teaching from within and without the church. Dispels any myth that the gospel had been lost prior to the reformation, albeit that there was a very dark period in church history. Jesus is always building His church! Highly recommend.

[Peyton Elkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this book before the tragic news of Steve Lawson’s double-life became known. Although I appreciate the scholarship found in this book, I found it difficult to finish because of what we now know of its author. May the grace so often referred to in this book do its mighty work in the author’s life, bringing forgiveness and redemption.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lawson provides a brief and shallow survey of the history of the church and how different Christians throughout history have held to the doctrines of Grace that were made known by the teachings of John Calvin in the 16th century. Lawson continuously pulls from quotes from the individual at hand or from commentators on them, and in theologians from 1200-1500 the short biographies on the individuals are well done and do not seem forced. However, the churchmen from 100-1100 seem to be forced into a category that did not exist during their times. Often Lawson says something along the lines of “(Theologian) did not write much on (any doctrine of grace), but it can be believed that he held to such doctrine.” This poor writing and function of history made this book frustrating at times, for it often seemed that he was seeking to turn the early church Fathers into five point calvinists, when they themselves had no construct for such theological categories. This resource would have been much more enjoyable had Lawson not tried to force all five points onto great churchmen in each generation, and just enjoyed the church’s history by pointing out themes of reformed doctrine in the teachings of the church throughout the history. In conclusion, this book gets two stars for forcing conclusions that don’t seem to be present in the early church. While I do not commend this book to you, the first volume is well worth the read.

[Rodrigo Lira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um excelente livro! O Dr. Lawson mostra com grande clareza e riqueza de detalhes tanto o perfil e os feitos de grandes homens piedosos na história da igreja quanto o desenvolvimento das Doutrinas da Graça ao longo do tempo. Além disso, o livro é bastante inspirador, pois diante da vida de homens inteiramente entregues a Deus e a verdade das escrituras, somos impulsionados a buscar ser absolutos por Cristo e firmes na verdade do Evangelho da Graça de Deus. Do ponto de vista teológico e histórico é uma obra que recomendo fortemente, uma vez que é de grande benefício tanto para cristãos mais experientes no entendimento das Doutrinas da Graça quanto para àqueles que iniciaram seus estudos nessas doutrinas inteiramente bíblicas, assim como seu desenvolvimento ao longo do tempo, o que fornece uma visão mais completa daquilo que cremos e confessamos.

[Makayla Hidalgo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the entire thing on a road trip. LOVED it. Deepened my basic understanding of the Doctrines of Grace, introduced me to many unknown figures and eras of church history, and inspired me with the faithfulness of God and His servants of the past.

[Brian Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straightforward Calvinist theology for the average Bible student. Great!

[Patti Gray Dunkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so rich in both history and theology. What a joy to read!

[Jon Sheets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shows that the doctrines of grace have had a remnant of believers hold to them since 100 AD, though imperfectly held. A humbling history book.

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good survey

[Phil Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a decent amount. Obviously Lawson has his case to make and thus reads selectively through Church History, but I don't think that is a particularly unfair way to do it. Calvin used to say that if he was asked to do so, he could replicate all of his teachings by simply taking quotations from the writings of Saint Augustine.
The book is to show that the doctrines of grace (Calvinism) were not initially espoused by Calvin but had been exposited and defended by the church fathers from 100 AD onwards. I think the case is made solidly enough that one could say that that doctrine never did die out. It never completely dominated the church's teachings either. Augustine and the reformers still seem to be by far its most vocal proponents.

[Valerie Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars like the first one of this series!!! i am not a history buff, and usually the presentation of history is a little boring.... this book is NOT!!! it is so great! and not just about the history, the "man" ... but following God's Sovereign hand, His Gracious hand and it leads, keeps, and continues to provide and sustain His will as it unfolds in the hands of time! i will read this again so that i know this better!

[Eric Durso · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is like touring the Grand Canyon from a helicopter. Amazing sights that make you feel really, really small. Like most biographies, it puts ministry in perspective and helps you persevere. Enjoyed it.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a good, selective overview of the doctrines of grace. It does a good job of showing that the doctrines of grace have been celebrated since long before the Reformers, but jumps around quite a bit.

[Angus]

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