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The Doctrine of Election

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In The Doctrine of Election, Arthur Pink forwards a comprehensive treatment of this often misunderstood and maligned Scriptural teaching. Herein, Pink elaborates on the strong Biblical support for this key doctrine of grace, deflates the common objections to this doctrine, and demonstrates that an understanding of election is essential to sound preaching.

This e-book was carefully prepared by Mark Walter and The Calvinist Cafe. It contains an active table of contents for your e-reader device. Soli Deo Gloria!

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2010

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About the author

Arthur W. Pink

657 books304 followers
Arthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.

Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.

In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.

In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.

After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.

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5 stars
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39 (23%)
3 stars
8 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Faye.
303 reviews37 followers
November 26, 2023
Pink has a wonderfully simple way of explaining even the most complex subjects.
Profile Image for Faye.
303 reviews37 followers
March 24, 2022
Pink was such a great author!
I love reading Pink's work. He explains things so well as nd so thoroughly.
Profile Image for Jimmy.
1,242 reviews49 followers
December 22, 2013
A classic by Arthur Pink, this is a short exposition of the Bible’s doctrine of election. If you are familiar with other works by Pink you will know that he often goes over Calvinistic doctrines, show where it is derived from Scripture and also show its implication. These practical implications predominately addresses the heart and motive and the right perspective of the Christian life. I enjoyed the discussion about justice and the issue of fairness when it comes to election, which Pink addresses in light of the truth of total depravity. I especially like how the book ended noting how the confidence we have in the Christian life in obeying and following God rests on the sovereignty of God’s work in the life of the believer. Excellent work, edifying for the soul.
671 reviews58 followers
October 27, 2021
Audible.com 9 hours 20 min. Narrated by Andrew Reilly (A)

A. W. Pink gives a thorough and clear explanation of election fully substantiated by verses from both the Old and New Testaments. The great paradox of predestination and man's free will to accept salvation have been beyond my understanding. I have always accepted by faith without truly comprending the doctrine of election. The final four chapters were especially good. What joy it gives to my heart to know that God chose me! This is a book I will read again.
Profile Image for Bipolar1forever.
9 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2014
This book truly points out that we have nothing to do with our salvation. It is totally bible based and backed up by scriptures. We are elect before eternity past. It so pleased the Lord to chose a people as His own. It also pleased Him not to chose the rest (non-elect). If you want to be assured of your election, or test yourself that you are in the faith, this is a great book to for that.
Profile Image for Olivia.
129 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this thorough explanation on the doctrine of election. This book was absolutely loaded with scripture backing up the doctrine, and explained in a no nonsense manner.

"The knowledge that God predestined me unto eternal glories supplies an absolute guarantee that no efforts of Satan can possibly bring about my destruction"


"Those who have been effectually humbled by the Holy Spirit and brought to realize that they are utterly dependent on the discriminatory mercy of God will have no hankerings after, nor patience with a system which sets the crown of honor upon the creature"
Profile Image for Wesley.
79 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2024
A good read! Mr. Pink makes a strong defense of the biblical teaching that God chooses who will be saved, not based on anything the person does, but solely based on God's own purposes and grace. Pink goes through many Bible verses to explain and support this doctrine that salvation is unconditionally decided by God's choice alone, not influenced by human efforts or foreseen faith. For someone who believes in this doctrine of election, Pink's book provides a clear and in-depth explanation of why God having complete control over who is saved displays His authority and loving grace...5-Stars!
Profile Image for Nasser  Jahan.
14 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
Here, Pink tackles the issue of election very strongly and provides scriptural evidence that makes it difficult to repudiate this doctrine. However, granted that Pink's aim was to challenge the reader to understand the importance and the validity of election, a person with strong opposing views will most likely be appalled by this book. I would suggest that chapters 1-3, 11, & 12 are certainly the most thought-provoking and challenging parts of Pink's presentation.
Profile Image for Josiah Richardson.
1,533 reviews28 followers
August 20, 2021
A good and easy summary of the Calvinist doctrine of Election. Pink can be quirky and has teetered on Hypercalvinism through the years, but very little of that is seen here. He was consistent, if nothing else, in his theology as the letters of Pink to a Reformed Baptist in Charleston, WV display the same traits in his theology and doctrine years after this was written.
13 reviews
October 1, 2021
THE TRUTH

Preachers are instructing us Not to believe in predestination. But the Bible clearly teaches it in picture form and explicitly in words: NO ONE can come to Me lest the Father draw him! John 6:44. Check it out.
Profile Image for Naomi Helm.
8 reviews
January 20, 2022
This book has been instrumental in changing the way I read scripture, pray and see the world! It has helped me mature in my faith. Pink writes in such an understandable way, such that you fall in love with theology and in turn fall into a deeper love of God.
Profile Image for Ronnie Nichols.
319 reviews7 followers
October 18, 2018
Love Pink's work! Clear and precise. A great exposition of the doctrine of election with plenty of Scriptural proofs and insight. I can't think of a better work on this specific topic.
Profile Image for Gregory Rothbard.
411 reviews
January 21, 2021
Great review on election. Worth another listen. It’s best to just do a chapter a day until you finish the book, as there is a lot of theology here.
Profile Image for Peter Kiss.
522 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2024
Very good and solid exposition of doctrine, but a little too wordy for me at times.
1 review
February 9, 2025
Election

This book is a very brief explanation of the doctrine of election. It is not theological but more assurance and practica.
Profile Image for Jeremy Stout.
1 review
July 13, 2025
One of the most thorough, scripturally based explanations I have ever read.
Profile Image for John Gault.
255 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2023
Arthur Pink and Predestination - what can go wrong? Nothing. Superb, doctrinal classic. Says Pink: "Election allows some to go to Hell, to show that all deserved to perish. But grace comes in like a dragnet and draws out from a ruined humanity a little flock, to be throughout eternity the monument of God's sovereign mercy."
2 reviews
April 10, 2016
Wonderful

This subject is a very needful one and this author does an excellent job of presenting the the necessity of the doctrine of election. I encourage everyone who desires to understand this doctrine to read this book.
Profile Image for Logan.
1,666 reviews57 followers
August 6, 2016
Though a little brusque at times, Pink's work was formative for me.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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