The Doctrines of Grace

by John F. MacArthur, John Watson

Genres: Theology

276 pages, Hardcover

Published December 25, 2025

Reviews

[Amanda Adams]

I heartily enjoyed this overview of these doctrines (commonly known as TULIP/ Calvinism. I might become a full Calvinist yet!). Each doctrine is explained clearly and thoroughly, with much Scripture provided. I would definitely read through this book again, perhaps on a regular basis.

The analogy of Lazarus for explaining Total Depravity (which MacArthur calls Absolute Inability) and the walk-through of the thirteen indictments of Romans 1 are excellent.

I was on the fence about Limited Atonement (which MacArthur calls Actual Atonement), but one paragraph on p.119 made it immediately click for me (below for those who don't mind a "spoiler").

"It is unacceptable to believe that hell is full of millions of people whose sins were fully paid for by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. It's repugnant to think that the Father would fully punish the Son on the cross for the sins of people whom He will then again punish for those same sins forever in hell. What Christ did on the cross was a true, full, and complete atonement for the sins of all who will believe" (p.119).

[Stephen Zhu]

Clear book explaining the "five points of Calvinism" and arguing for their truth. It gave me a better understanding of what they were and what the biblical basis for them was, and I especially appreciated the sections that addressed common objections to them. I did think that sometimes it got overly theoretical and that there wasn't enough practical application of the doctrines (especially in the chapters on actual atonement and the effectual call). The language was also somewhat haughty at times - sometimes MacArthur would claim that the Calvinist stance was obviously the biblical one and express some incredulity or condescension towards people who didn't agree, and there were some lines that felt like uncharitable jabs at people with opposing viewpoints (who are still faithful Christians). Nevertheless, it was still a very helpful book to read.

[Reader]

MacArthur does a good job of explaining the Calvinist doctrines, but I find some of his argument incredibly unconvincing. He is quick to defend his points with scripture but gives poor explanation as to why contradicting scripture should not be considered in its most natural reading. Similarly, MacArthur writes this as if Arminianism and Calvinism were the only two options, which is untrue and present a false dichotomy MacArthur fails to acknowledge throughout the text.

[Robert W]

Dr. MacArthur makes a strong biblical case for the fundamental doctrines of God's Sovereignty in salvation. Citing many clear Scripture passages, he also answers objections to election or God's choosing who is saved. Highly recommended!

[Carson Hancock]

Faithfully handles the doctrine of Grace from the Bible step by step