Still Sovereign: Contemporary Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge, and Grace

by Thomas R. Schreiner (editor), Bruce A. Ware (Editor)

The relationship between divine sovereignty and the human will is a topic of perennial theological dispute and one that is gaining increased attention among contemporary evangelicals.In Still Sovereign, thirteen scholars write to defend the classical view of God's sovereignty. According to the editors, "Ours is a culture in which the tendency is to exalt what is human and diminish what is divine. Even in evangelical circles, we find increasingly attractive a view of God in which God is one of us, as it were, a partner in the unfolding drama of life. . . . In contrast, the vision of God affirmed in these pages is of one who reigns supreme over all, whose purposes are accomplished without fail, and who directs the course of human affairs, including the central drama of saving a people for the honor of his name, all with perfect holiness and matchless grace."The fourteen chapters of Still Sovereign (originally part of the two-volume, The Grace of God, the Bondage of the Will) are divided into three parts. Part 1 offers fresh exegesis of the biblical texts that bear most directly on the doctrines of election, foreknowledge, and perseverance of the saints. Part 2 explores theological and philosophical issues related to effectual calling, prevenient grace, assurance of salvation, and the nature of God's love. The final section applies the doctrines of election and divine sovereignty to Christian living, prayers, evangelism, and preaching.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2000

About the author

Thomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including New Testament Theology; Magnifying God in Christ; Apostle of God's Glory in Christ; and Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Reviews

[Keith S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally really benefited from this book. I now have solutions for tricky tensions in scripture, have a more informed understanding of key Arminian-Calvinist arguments and counterarguments, and have an increased repertoire of scriptural passages supporting the Calvinist perspective. Not to mention, some of these essays (as the book is a collection of essays) are valuable enough to deserve revisiting.

Concerning the audience: This book has an academic style (also, all of the essay writers with the exception of Jerry Bridges has some sort of doctorate degree in a relevant field), and the essays written are responses to Arminian essays from the book The Grace of God, the Will of Man. Thus, the purpose of these essays is to be thorough, clinical, and pointed. I would not recommend this book to anybody who desires digestible and/or introductory work on the subject.

As a consequence of this work being a collection of essays, the content is varied in style and helpfulness. Although I believe every writer did a reasonably good job, Yarbrough’s essay, both of Schreiner’s essays, Piper’s essay, and Grudem’s essay were my personal favorites. I thought I would highlight these five essays in a rough ascending order of how much I appreciated them.

Yarbrough’s essay, Divine Election in the Gospel of John, is exactly what the title would lead you to believe the essay is about. As someone who came to the Doctrines of Grace due to the clear text of Ephesians 1 (and had it reinforced by Romans 8:28-30, Romans 9, and other Pauline writings), I was not as familiar with the words Jesus spoke on the subject, so I loved this essay for no other reason than it deepened my scriptural foundation.

Schreiner’s essay, Does Romans 9 Teach Individual Election Unto Salvation, gave me insight into the Arminian interpretation of Romans 9 and the Calvinist critique. I have heard multiple Arminians reference (mostly offhand) their corporate interpretation of Romans 9, but I had never really looked into it much less examined the counterargument. This essay increased my understanding of one of the key battleground texts for the Arminian-Calvinist debate.

Schreiner’s other essay, Does Scripture Teach Prevenient Grace in the Wesleyan Sense?, taught me the Wesleyan argument and the Calvinist response. Previously, I had only heard of Wesleyan Arminians without knowing what a Wesleyan Arminian believed, and I certainly did not know the specific Calvinist critiques to the Wesleyan arguments (outside of standard Calvinist proof texts). This essay proved to be interesting and well laid out, and like with the previous Schreiner essay, I feel like I have a deeper understanding of the Arminian[Wesleyan]-Calvinist debate. Also, I highly appreciated the exegesis of John 1:9 on pages 239 and 240. I have found that verse (and passage) to be confusing outside of the Wesleyan usage of that verse, and as a result, the commentary brought clarity.

Grudem’s essay, Perseverance of the Saints: A Case Study of the Warning Passages in Hebrews, was extremely helpful, and it was an essay I see myself revisiting. I had, previously, studied Hebrews 6:4-6 to some (very minor) degree, and I knew enough to emphasize the usage of the non-committal word “tasted” whenever someone would wonder or claim that Hebrews 6 proved incorrect the doctrine of “Perseverance of the Saints.” However, Grudem’s examination of all the words in those verses (and how those words are used throughout the book of Hebrews and the New Testament), exegesis of the subsequent verses to provide helpful context to the meaning of Hebrews 6:4-6, and clarification of what Hebrews 6 is proving (and more importantly what it does not prove) gives me a high level of confidence in my view of an admittedly difficult passage for Calvinists (and anyone who believes in the doctrine of “Perseverance of the Saints” – which includes most non-Calvinist Baptists).

Piper’s essay, Are there Two Wills in God?, was perhaps the most helpful essay in the book. I have read this chapter twice, and I have used the knowledge from this chapter in a multitude of conversations. It so clearly and logically eases scriptural tension, and does so, after giving Arminians key concessions on the interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9. Using evidence gathered from across the Bible (whether it be in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt or in the crucifixion of Christ), the argument presented in this essay seems to nearly flow out of the Word itself. Then, when addressing the logic of the Two Wills, he shows that any Arminian with an orthodox view of God must necessarily also believe in the existence of Two Wills of God – he even quotes an Arminian on page 123 that admits as much. Once Piper illustrates this point, it becomes clear that the argument between Arminians and Calvinists is not whether Two Wills of God exist but which Two Wills are the most Biblical.

Clearly, I was edified while reading this book, and I believe you could have a similar experience depending on what you are looking for. If you want to gain a thorough understanding of the Calvinist viewpoint in the greater soteriological debate, then this might be the book to read and to read actively (as opposed to passively). The material in this book is too dense and the arguments too demanding to be read any other way.

On a final note, I resist the notion that only a Calvinist will like this book. Even though I was a Calvinist before, during, and after I started this book, my journey through it began with an Arminian friend who agreed to read it with me. This man, in part due to this book, now adheres to the Doctrines of Grace. So, say what you want about this book, but do not say Arminians as a whole will not like the book.

[James Bunyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This review is predominantly for my own records- sorry for the length)

Consists of some cracking essays that are, although stodgy and high-brow at times, faithful, gracious and thorough. Really enjoyed it but not exactly for holiday. Probably the best book to recommend that defends the classical view of sovereignty, showing how it is utterly biblical.

Part 1: Biblical Analyses

1. The Sovereignty of God: Case Studies in the Old Testament- Raymond C Ortlund Jr
-convincingly steers you through Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1 and Jonah
-really readable and helpful!


2. Divine Election in the Gospel of John- Robert W Yarbrough
-one of the more helpful things was emphasizing God's sovereignty in terms of God's sole initiative in the incarnation in John's gospel
-then deals with most of the main parts of John's gospel


3. Divine Election in the Pauline Literature- Donald J Westblade
-particularly stodgy and feels like it mostly centred on Romans, with a cameo from Ephesians
-helpful emphasis on the purpose of Paul's letters- that Christians' attention may be drawn to the fact that EVERYTHING has one purpose- to give God glory. Therefore, God's exhaustive sovereignty in election not only has to be Paul's conclusion but helps Christians understand His kindness to them.

4. Does Romans 9 Teach Individual Election Unto Salvation?- Thomas R Schreiner

5. Are There Two Wills in God?- John Piper
-really warm, was very impressed. Helpful in pointing to the problem of salvation for Arminians too.
-covers some Biblical examples in depth; Pharoah, death of Jesus etc
-then moves onto whether or not this makes sense, which I think was particularly strong

6. Perseverance of the Saints: A Case Study from the Warning Passages in Hebrews- Wayne Grudem
-long but so very thorough- puts a very compelling case for what the theological position of Hebrews actually is on this issue- very impressive
-covers Hebrews 6: 4- 6 comprehensively, analysing language and context
-worth giving out as a chapter

7. The Meaning of Foreknowledge- S M Baugh
-foreknowledge and Arminianism are mutually exclusive

Part 2: Theological Issues

8. Effectual Calling and Grace- Bruce A Ware
-lots of repetition and certainly isn't the most gripping of these essays but does a great job of showing from three NT texts (John 6, 1 Cor 1 & Rom 8) how the NT teaches that only those who are called are ultimately saved. This would be difficult for an Arminian to answer

9. Does Scripture Teach Prevenient Grace in the Wesleyan Sense?- Thomas R Schreiner
-really helpful article that shows how Wesleyan thought requires the doctrine of prevenient grace in order to stand up, before defining that doctrine and then argue against the main Wesleyan defences of the doctrine
-clear, concise and thorough

10. Reflections on Assurance- D A Carson
-another good article, this time addressing the current trends of Christian thought when dealing with the issue of assurance (neglect, diversity of interpretation, the hallmark of genuine Christianity for some, reexamining the Reformation for others), before going through a couple of issues that present themselves in the relevant Biblical passages and discussing the tension between assurance found objectively in Jesus and also found in the individual perseverance of the Christian
-deals well with instances of spurious faith, using the parable of the soils to that end
-last section particularly helpful in articulating how compatibilism plays a role in the Christian's understanding of theology
-mentions the pastoral responsibility to apply different aspects of the same truth in differing pastoral situations

11. The Love of God: Universal and Particular- J I Packer
-brief but helpful discussion on how we phrase and frame God's love, followed by the strengths of Calvinism compared to the weaknesses of Arminianism, then a description of Particular Atonement and what reaction that should provoke in Christians
-not particularly persuasive in aim but explains Particular Atonement in a way that shows how that is better than the alternative and thereby helpful
-some real gems and some great writing!

12. Does Divine Sovereignty Make a Difference in Everyday Life?- Jerry Bridges
-much warmer than some of the articles- really glad that these were included in the book- less academic but more practical
-four main parts- "Exhaustive Divine Sovereignty" on sovereignty over the details, "God's Sovereignty over People," "Sovereign over Nature" and "Sovereign over Good and Evil"- each one applied to show how Christians should be trusting God in all kinds of ways
-shorter because a lot of the implications are evident at the end of a book like this

13. Prayer and Evangelism under God's Sovereignty- C Samuel Storms
-Difficult to read, particularly in the first half
-second half was much better and has some fantastic quotes
-not the clearest unpacking of such a difficult topic but exegetes some helpful passages to make some good points- we don't know God's election, elections should motivate evangelism
-ends by explaining that, actually, Arminians are the ones who cannot really pray!

14. Preaching and the Sovereignty of God- Edmund P Clowney
-a sort of Biblical overview, showing how at each stage of the Bible's story, the protagonists appeal to the sovereignty of God as he guides history through his own plan and will
-the message is about God's sovereignty and only God's sovereignty makes the preaching possible!
-touches loads of different passages helpfully but not all that practical

[Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking for awhile now for a more academic treatment of the Calvinist view of God's sovereignty. Thankfully, this book delivered. Most of the essays in this collection (with a couple exceptions) are excellent, ranging from detailed exegesis to deep theological explorations to pastoral reflections on how a high view of God's sovereignty impacts every facet of our lives. Highly recommended for those looking for a deep and comprehensive treatment of the sovereignty of God in Scripture.

[Nate Cordano · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book compiled by several diligent, humble people.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent compendium of reformed thought on a variety of topics. I've really come to admire several contributers, chiefly Piper and Schreiner.

Notes:

(1) Error in understanding of foreknowledge (64)

(2) Ortlund attempts to answer a crucial question, if God controls who does and doesn't believe, how are they responsible? I don’t follow his answer (73)

(3) The two Arminianist interpretations of Romans 9 Schreiner provides are rubbish (a) not speaking of salvation but of political standing (b) corporate salvation (more merit here) (82)

(4) Election in Romans 9 is both corporate and individual (spot on!) (89)

(5) Crucial issue: What is faith? Man's response (Arminianism) or an outworking of predestination (Calvinism)? (91). This is a lingering difficulty for me with Calvinism.

(6) Schreiner uses the word "necessarily" imprecisely when critiquing Arminianist understanding of corporate election. Consequently he argues erroneously that God's omniscience precludes human freedom (92) I agree with his conclusion that the election of groups entails the election of individuals within that group (92)

(7) Piper meets the Arminianist on his home turf by granting that passages like 1Tim 2:4, 2Pet 3:9, and Ezek 18:23, 32, 33:11 refer to the "impenitent" (99)

(8) Personal note: The problem with so many takes on Hebrews chapter 6 is that we would never tolerate similar interpretive gymnastics with other passages. (127)

(9) Personal note: if I argue that the items in verse 4 do not describe a believer, then how do I escape the consequent in verse 6? Do we hold that those who fall away from an empty profession are afterward never able to repent? (132)

(10) Bruce Ware begs the question with the use of perseverance as a test of genuine salvation. This is the very question at issue. (151)

(11) Interesting strategy of comparing uncontested descriptions of Christians from Hebrews against those of 6:4 (152)

(12) In conclusion, Ware takes the descriptors of v. 4 to refer to unbelievers. Those who had heard the gospel but stop short of faith. He makes as good a case as I've heard, but is that what the author meant? (154)

(13) As Ware addresses the other apostasy passages in Hebrews, he reads them through the presupposition of perseverance. I understand the impulse, but it's unsatisfying. I want to know what the author meant. Also, it's important to note that Wesleyans are quick to read "security" passages through the grid of their commitment to apostasy. (156)

(14) Impressive summation of Arminianist soteriology. (186)

(15) Ought does not imply can? (192)

(16) Admits that some problems within Calvinism cannot be resolved (222) Although I agree with his critiques of prevenient grace

(17) Security and apostasy passages are irreconcilable? (241) I think he might be right

(18) Genuine faith is tied to perseverance (242)

(19) Personal note: On compatiblism, if we adopt a view because "it must be true" in order to reconcile competing truths (251), then it must be discarded if a second view emerges that accounts for the data as well or better.

(20) Packer says, "None of them was coerced by God to do something he or she did not want to do" (281) How is compatiblism an improvement? God is still coercing, albeit something they DO want to do. If you force me to eat my favorite ice cream, you're still forcing me.

[J. Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ware and Schreiner gathered together chapters from the now out of print The Grace of God, The Bondage of the Will, bring these chapters back into print and providing a fantastic defence of the biblical view of God's exhaustive divine sovereignty. The weakest chapter is unfortunately that of the tremendous theologian J.I. Packer. He unfortunately defends a view of αγαπη love that is not actually true to septuagint and koine usage, and overall his chapter leaves mutch wanting concerning God's selective and general love. It contains valuable insights still, but is the weakest chapter.

[Vic]

I thought this book was an absolute triumph of exegetical and hermeneutic reasoning and answers many of the questions "du jour" with regards to the system of Calvinism. A little wordy but if you are up to being challenged beyond your theological capacities, you won't find such a challenge save by the words of Calvin himself. Not in the arena of wordiness but of depth and the super-selections of expertise is a must read!

[Chris Rapko · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Christian who would not be described as Reformed, I appreciated this book for addressing certain issues central to the Calvinist-Arminian debate, but disagreed largely with the content as a whole because of my views on the scriptures which the writers address. Basically, you'll enjoy it if you're a Calvinist.

[Matt Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best defense of Reformed distinctives I've read