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A Student's Guide
Rebels Rescued: A Student's Guide to Reformed Theology
Have you ever had a shopping cart with a broken wheel? You push it around and all it wants to do is run into the sides of the aisle. If you were to let the cart go on its own, it would immediately turn and smash into that case of pickles up ahead! You are like that shopping cart! The bad wheel is your heart. It's always veering off, leading you away from what you were created to be. You were created for God's love and glory, but instead, your heart pulls you away from Jesus and into something much worse than a case of pickles. Being a rebel at heart means that you do not have the ability to choose God or even to respond to God on your own because you are spiritually dead; we all are. Reformed theology teaches that, because we are more sinful than we could ever imagine, it can only be God who takes that broken shopping cart wheel (our sinful heart) and replaces it with one that has both the ability and the desire to seek him and to follow him. By faith in Christ, you are no longer set to smash into the aisles of sinful destruction. No, he promises to carry us in his grip of grace.
61 pages, ebook
First published September 7, 2012
5 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Brian H. Cosby
24 books9 followersBrian H. Cosby is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America. He has written several books including John Bunyan: The Journey of a Pilgrim in the Trailblazers series and continues to write articles for various magazines and journals.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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August 15, 2018This book was sitting on my shelf, undiscovered. Perhaps another personal in my family bought it and put it there. But for some reason, I found it exactly when I needed it.
I grew up in a reformed household. For a while, I was that homeschooled Christian kid that studied reformed theologians as part of her history class. But for some reason, I was faced with questions I couldn't answer. I switched to a new school for my sophomore year, and discovered that although all the staff there were Catholic, I was the only Protestant Christian in the entire school. I started a school Bible study, and found that the debate was growing. And then, I found this book, sitting comfortably on my shelf.
"Rebels Rescued" is a guide, a useful introduction, recap, or explanation of reformed theology for young people. It's a short read, one that could probably be finished easily in one sitting. It gives the basic understanding of reformed theology - five solae, and all that. If you're looking for something that goes far in depth, gives every detail, or explains history, then this isn't your book. But it is still a useful tool.
I love Christian books written for young people. I find myself constantly buying Bible studies and nonfiction reads for people my age. (and for that, I'm currently going through "Get Your Story Straight" by Kristen Hatton - a year-long study for teens - and loving it!) But this one did seem a little forced in terms of relating to teens in it's explanations. It was a bit expected, I'll admit - the cover did seem like something that would invite that.
I'd recommend this for anyone who needs just a quick explanation of reformed theology.
I grew up in a reformed household. For a while, I was that homeschooled Christian kid that studied reformed theologians as part of her history class. But for some reason, I was faced with questions I couldn't answer. I switched to a new school for my sophomore year, and discovered that although all the staff there were Catholic, I was the only Protestant Christian in the entire school. I started a school Bible study, and found that the debate was growing. And then, I found this book, sitting comfortably on my shelf.
"Rebels Rescued" is a guide, a useful introduction, recap, or explanation of reformed theology for young people. It's a short read, one that could probably be finished easily in one sitting. It gives the basic understanding of reformed theology - five solae, and all that. If you're looking for something that goes far in depth, gives every detail, or explains history, then this isn't your book. But it is still a useful tool.
I love Christian books written for young people. I find myself constantly buying Bible studies and nonfiction reads for people my age. (and for that, I'm currently going through "Get Your Story Straight" by Kristen Hatton - a year-long study for teens - and loving it!) But this one did seem a little forced in terms of relating to teens in it's explanations. It was a bit expected, I'll admit - the cover did seem like something that would invite that.
I'd recommend this for anyone who needs just a quick explanation of reformed theology.
December 14, 2012
The author is Brian H. Cosby, who is the lead Pastor at Wayside Presbyterian Church in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. He is the author of the youth ministry best-seller, Giving up Gimmicks and has also published biographies on John Bunyan and David Brainerd.
Cosby begins the book by asking an important question, “What is Reformed Theology?” In this introductory chapter and/or introduction, the author sets the course for this brief 112 page book. His goal is simply stated on page 3, “This book is an introduction to Reformed Theology with a particular view towards teenagers”.
How does Cosby plan to achieve such a lofty goal? To begin, he purposely makes the book ascetically relevant. The front cover is bright red with funky lettering and a title that attracts the rebellious teenager, Rebels Rescued. Also, the graphics of the chapter titles remind the reader of paintbrush strokes and possibly a subtle graffiti theme. For all of his anti-gimmick language, Cosby is keen to draw upon the angst of the American adolescent.
Furthermore, the words of the chapter titles are simple and shrewd. Total Depravity is replaced by Rebels at Heart. Limited Atonement is For His sheep. Irresistible Grace is booted for Mastered by Grace. Sola Scriptura is cast aside for Enjoying God’s Word. Cosby’s emphasis on theological concepts rather than the classic terms is a clever, astute strategy. Lastly, the illustrations used by the author are modern, personal, well-placed and humorous. Oh, and one more thing: Dr. Cosby surprisingly evades the fatal flaw of cheesy rhetoric, which can quickly annoy a perceptive teenage reader.
Another pertinent question this reviewer asked was, “Did the author water-down Reformed Theology in order to make it palatable to his teen audience?” Not at all. In Cosby’s chapter on Unconditional Election, the author seeks to save Calvin from popular criticism. He argues,
“Because Calvin seemed to take freedom away from man, Calvin has been given a bad rap. But what Calvin sought to do, however, was to show that man’s heart is not free to begin with. Our hearts are prone to wander away from Christ every time—if left on our own. Apart from God’s grace in giving us new hearts to love him, we remain chained and imprisoned by sin and unbelief. There is no freedom apart from God’s work of grace and it’s grace precisely because his salvation is something we don’t deserve.”
No mincing of words here. How about Limited Atonement? Cosby must have soften on this point, right? Judge for yourself.
“God is not in the business of taking risks. He’s in the business of purposefully saving his people by grace. He doesn’t scatter the breadcrumbs of atonement across the world in hopes that some will happen to see them and eat. No, God sent his Son to die for his people “according to the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:5). Christ’s death was purposeful, intentional, and definite!”
And yet Dr. Cosby never shoots over the heads of his audience. Though he uses illustrations generously, he intensely desires the reader to understand that ‘Reformed Theology is first and foremost biblical theology (p. 5). This statement is reinforced by a liberal splattering of biblical references, which can be found on virtually every page.
Any theological system has its detractors and the Reformed perspective is no exception. In this book, Dr. Cosby endeavors to address the most common objections to Predestination and Limited Atonement. Again, I was astounded how seamless and succinct these arguments were. No tangents, no hobby horses. In dealing with the issue of evangelism and predestination, the reader is simply reminded that God ordains not only the end, but also the means. Therefore, there is no room for indifference towards the proclamation of the gospel.
The concept of Limited Atonement is without question the most debated of the Five Points of Calvinism. Cosby wisely funnels all his attention to 1 John 2:2, the preeminent text used to attack this doctrine. Here he gives the typical retort, discussing the various ways to understand the word “world” and then gives the reader John’s contextual meaning of the “whole world”. I was a little surprised the author did not allude to the wide evangelical disagreement about this doctrine, but again, a comprehensive 100 page book on Reformed Theology limits such eye-opening statements.
Criticisms
It is a habit of this reviewer to alert the reader to inherent flaws or inconsistencies within each book. I have no criticisms. In my opinion, this is one of the clearest treatments of Reformed Theology I have ever read. Rebels Rescued is a literary landmark in the genre of Youth and Theology.
I guess if I would to add anything, I wish Dr. Cosby would have included a robust appendix, which would better prepare the small group leader or young theologian from the verbal darts of the anti-Reformed community.
Conclusion
This book is a masterpiece. It should be read by every youth leader and used as annual curriculum in every teenage small group. Furthermore, Cosby’s work should be used as a theological primer in Christian colleges and/or given as a membership gift in churches that reside in the Reformed tradition.
Cosby begins the book by asking an important question, “What is Reformed Theology?” In this introductory chapter and/or introduction, the author sets the course for this brief 112 page book. His goal is simply stated on page 3, “This book is an introduction to Reformed Theology with a particular view towards teenagers”.
How does Cosby plan to achieve such a lofty goal? To begin, he purposely makes the book ascetically relevant. The front cover is bright red with funky lettering and a title that attracts the rebellious teenager, Rebels Rescued. Also, the graphics of the chapter titles remind the reader of paintbrush strokes and possibly a subtle graffiti theme. For all of his anti-gimmick language, Cosby is keen to draw upon the angst of the American adolescent.
Furthermore, the words of the chapter titles are simple and shrewd. Total Depravity is replaced by Rebels at Heart. Limited Atonement is For His sheep. Irresistible Grace is booted for Mastered by Grace. Sola Scriptura is cast aside for Enjoying God’s Word. Cosby’s emphasis on theological concepts rather than the classic terms is a clever, astute strategy. Lastly, the illustrations used by the author are modern, personal, well-placed and humorous. Oh, and one more thing: Dr. Cosby surprisingly evades the fatal flaw of cheesy rhetoric, which can quickly annoy a perceptive teenage reader.
Another pertinent question this reviewer asked was, “Did the author water-down Reformed Theology in order to make it palatable to his teen audience?” Not at all. In Cosby’s chapter on Unconditional Election, the author seeks to save Calvin from popular criticism. He argues,
“Because Calvin seemed to take freedom away from man, Calvin has been given a bad rap. But what Calvin sought to do, however, was to show that man’s heart is not free to begin with. Our hearts are prone to wander away from Christ every time—if left on our own. Apart from God’s grace in giving us new hearts to love him, we remain chained and imprisoned by sin and unbelief. There is no freedom apart from God’s work of grace and it’s grace precisely because his salvation is something we don’t deserve.”
No mincing of words here. How about Limited Atonement? Cosby must have soften on this point, right? Judge for yourself.
“God is not in the business of taking risks. He’s in the business of purposefully saving his people by grace. He doesn’t scatter the breadcrumbs of atonement across the world in hopes that some will happen to see them and eat. No, God sent his Son to die for his people “according to the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:5). Christ’s death was purposeful, intentional, and definite!”
And yet Dr. Cosby never shoots over the heads of his audience. Though he uses illustrations generously, he intensely desires the reader to understand that ‘Reformed Theology is first and foremost biblical theology (p. 5). This statement is reinforced by a liberal splattering of biblical references, which can be found on virtually every page.
Any theological system has its detractors and the Reformed perspective is no exception. In this book, Dr. Cosby endeavors to address the most common objections to Predestination and Limited Atonement. Again, I was astounded how seamless and succinct these arguments were. No tangents, no hobby horses. In dealing with the issue of evangelism and predestination, the reader is simply reminded that God ordains not only the end, but also the means. Therefore, there is no room for indifference towards the proclamation of the gospel.
The concept of Limited Atonement is without question the most debated of the Five Points of Calvinism. Cosby wisely funnels all his attention to 1 John 2:2, the preeminent text used to attack this doctrine. Here he gives the typical retort, discussing the various ways to understand the word “world” and then gives the reader John’s contextual meaning of the “whole world”. I was a little surprised the author did not allude to the wide evangelical disagreement about this doctrine, but again, a comprehensive 100 page book on Reformed Theology limits such eye-opening statements.
Criticisms
It is a habit of this reviewer to alert the reader to inherent flaws or inconsistencies within each book. I have no criticisms. In my opinion, this is one of the clearest treatments of Reformed Theology I have ever read. Rebels Rescued is a literary landmark in the genre of Youth and Theology.
I guess if I would to add anything, I wish Dr. Cosby would have included a robust appendix, which would better prepare the small group leader or young theologian from the verbal darts of the anti-Reformed community.
Conclusion
This book is a masterpiece. It should be read by every youth leader and used as annual curriculum in every teenage small group. Furthermore, Cosby’s work should be used as a theological primer in Christian colleges and/or given as a membership gift in churches that reside in the Reformed tradition.
December 31, 2024
Rebels Rescued: A Student's Guide to Reformed Theology is an excellent, concise introduction to the "Five Solas" and the "Five Points of Calvinism". It is a quick read with each chapter taking approximately 10-15 minutes. I found it to be Biblical, Gospel-centered, logical, and an enjoyable read.
Throughout Rebels Rescued, Brain Cosby utilizes a number of helpful word pictures to make doctrine more accessible to younger readers and/or those who have not been previously exposed to such teaching. He answers important questions like: "Why am I spiritually dead because of something they [Adam and Eve] did?" (pg. 18). The anticipated audience is teenagers, however, I think this book would be equally useful with the pre-teen age group. (Parents of younger readers may want to note that there is a reference to the sexual promiscuity of the church leaders on Page 9 and a reference to fooling about with sex on Page 22. ;) Furthermore, most of the "Reflection Questions" at the end of each chapter will likely be answered more easily by older students.
Rebels Rescued also serves as a gentle introduction to some opposing viewpoints and alternative interpretations of Scripture. For example, in his chapter on purposeful and definite atonement, Brian Cosby refutes the notion of "universal atonement" by looking at the context of key passages used by others to support the notion. Instead, he shows how passages like 1 John 2:2 perfectly dovetail with a reformed understanding of definite atonement. Brian Cosby does a superb job of refuting anti-Calvinist thought and successfully acquaints the reader with sentiments/arguments that are likely to be encountered as one moves into adulthood.
If you are looking for an introduction to reformed doctrine that is concise, yet thorough, you will likely find Brian Cosby's book, Rebels Rescued, a helpful starting point. With a little bit of history and a lot of Scripture, it is going to be my "go-to" book for young readers. Perhaps the best part is that the Gospel clearly shines through this book; we are all sinners in need of a Savior! A comprehensive understanding of God's glorious character and his work of salvation is essential to a faith-filled life. I'm so thankful for the way Brian Cosby makes these truths accessible to a younger generation! May God's Word, used liberally throughout this book, not return void!
*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Christian Focus Publications for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Throughout Rebels Rescued, Brain Cosby utilizes a number of helpful word pictures to make doctrine more accessible to younger readers and/or those who have not been previously exposed to such teaching. He answers important questions like: "Why am I spiritually dead because of something they [Adam and Eve] did?" (pg. 18). The anticipated audience is teenagers, however, I think this book would be equally useful with the pre-teen age group. (Parents of younger readers may want to note that there is a reference to the sexual promiscuity of the church leaders on Page 9 and a reference to fooling about with sex on Page 22. ;) Furthermore, most of the "Reflection Questions" at the end of each chapter will likely be answered more easily by older students.
Rebels Rescued also serves as a gentle introduction to some opposing viewpoints and alternative interpretations of Scripture. For example, in his chapter on purposeful and definite atonement, Brian Cosby refutes the notion of "universal atonement" by looking at the context of key passages used by others to support the notion. Instead, he shows how passages like 1 John 2:2 perfectly dovetail with a reformed understanding of definite atonement. Brian Cosby does a superb job of refuting anti-Calvinist thought and successfully acquaints the reader with sentiments/arguments that are likely to be encountered as one moves into adulthood.
If you are looking for an introduction to reformed doctrine that is concise, yet thorough, you will likely find Brian Cosby's book, Rebels Rescued, a helpful starting point. With a little bit of history and a lot of Scripture, it is going to be my "go-to" book for young readers. Perhaps the best part is that the Gospel clearly shines through this book; we are all sinners in need of a Savior! A comprehensive understanding of God's glorious character and his work of salvation is essential to a faith-filled life. I'm so thankful for the way Brian Cosby makes these truths accessible to a younger generation! May God's Word, used liberally throughout this book, not return void!
*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Christian Focus Publications for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
September 15, 2025
A great introduction to Calvinism and the 5 solas for teenagers! I went through this book as part of a small group study, and the girls I led loved it. The book uses frequent illustrations to explain sometimes complex biblical concepts, and the language is perfectly suited for younger ages. The questions after each chapter also open up great discussion of the contents of the book, and can help you to see where gaps in students knowledge lies. I recommend this book to any youth leaders looking to start a small group.
February 12, 2019
In seminary, the main go-to debate always centred around Calvinism and Arminianism. I have spent time on both sides of the fence, and see the value and points of both, but in recent years have come to err more on the Calvinist side. This book was a very helpful and succinct description of Calvinism and it's main points. It wrestled with some of the theology but in very simple lay-man's terms and also presented the devotional side as well (that theology isn't just a heady exercise, but a heart-filled experience). The book was written for teenagers, but to be completely honest, I hardly know any teenager that would be even remotely interested in reading a theology book such as this one. I don't think the target market was very well thought-out, but the writing itself was quite on par. It would be a good and short read, say, for an adult who wants to learn theology without raking through reams of difficult words and explanations.
November 21, 2025
Great handbook on solid teaching of the Bible and of the foundations of the Reformation. Crosby’s writings are clear and concise. I would give this book to anyone who truly wants to understand basic Christianity. I will look for more books written by this author.
January 23, 2017
A clear, fun to read overview of reformed Christian theology. I read this when I was 16 and thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews