Chosen by God

by R.C. Sproul

Clean and tight

Unknown Binding

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sproul is one of my favorite writers. He explains predestination and supports the claim with various Bible verses in a way that is easier to understand for many. Such a clear writer. Sproul had such a great sense of humor and there was one part I loved - he was talking about humans making choices and how he loved ice cream and always made the choice to eat it. He said if there was such thing as an ice cream addict that would be him, he begins to say “a second on the lips and a lifetime on the hips” then immediately goes right back to - you have no ability to choose God without intervention - you are born a sinner etc etc. He is absolutely hysterical. Overall the book supported my convictions I have had on predestination and affirmed it even more. A great great read.

[Cameron Borders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

[Joy Smoak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information. Not an easy read. Prepare to spend time in this one.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sproul! A e

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FRANK, YET CLEAR PRESENTATION OF PREDESTINATION

Robert Charles Sproul, (born 1939) is an American Calvinist theologian, author, radio host, and founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries. He has written many books, such as 'The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good?'

Describing himself as a "converted Arminian" (pg. 13), he observes that Adam and Eve, unlike us, were NOT created "fallen," and they had no sin nature; they were good creatures with a free will. "Yet they chose to sin. Why? I don't know. Nor have I found anyone yet who does know." (Pg. 31) He admits the objection that for the non-elect, it would seemingly have been more loving of God not to have allowed them to be born. But then he poses the "really tough question: Is there any reason why a righteous God ought to be loving toward a creature who hates him and rebels constantly...?" (Pg. 32-33)

After asking the question, "Why does God only save some?" he frankly admits, "I don't know. I have no idea why God saves some but not all. I don't doubt for a moment that God has the power to save all, but I know that he does not choose to save all. I don't know why." (Pg. 36-37) However, he quickly adds that while he personally might PREFER that God give mercy to everyone equally, "I may not DEMAND it." (Pg. 38) Dealing with Romans 9:20-24, he admits, "This is a heavy answer to the question. I must confess that I struggle with it... (the text) sounds like God is actively making people sinners. But that is not required by the text." (Pg. 152-153)

After noting that groups like Young Life have a "frighteningly high rate of youngsters who make professions of faith and later repudiate that profession," he adds, "Those who become 'unconverted' were never converted in the first place." (Pg. 181) Discussing 2 Peter 3:9 (God is "not willing that any should perish"), he suggests, "I think what he is saying here is that God does not will that any of us (the elect) perish." (Pg. 197)

Unlike many expositors on this subject, Sproul is not afraid to face up squarely to the "tough questions." This is a very intellectually-challenging treatment of a difficult and controversial subject.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sproul is so clear. I appreciate the way he fairly lays out opposing arguments and then calmly refutes them.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“our nature is so corrupt, the power of sin is so great, that unless God does a supernatural work in our souls we will never choose Christ. We do not believe in order to be born again; we are born again in order that we may believe”

one of the best books i read this year. really changed a lot of the things i think.