"Whosoever will."

by Herman Hoeksema

"And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17b). The author makes clear that those words so often quoted and sung, have a far deeper and richer meaning than they are usually given. By means of many Scripture passages, the author proves that while the gospel is promiscuosly proclaimed, its call is a particular and powerful dynamic to save the elect. In a simple and effective way the author explains the doctrines of sovereign, particular grace regarding coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Especially for those unfamiliar with the Reformed faith, it has proved a helpful introductory study. This book has edified readers for decades and its message is still important today. It bears rereading. "We are often at a loss to know how to interpret and apply some of the so-called Armenian texts. Here is a book written in a warm, clear style which ought to help you."

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1945

About the author

Herman Hoeksema (1886-1965), a Dutch Reformed theologian, was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to the USA in 1904. After studying at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he began his ministerial career in the Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids - at that time one of the largest reformed congregations in the United States.

Hoeksema was one of the principal founders of the Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC). Founded as a separate denomination of Reformed churches in 1924, the PRC stand in the tradition of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Their origin as a denomination was the doctrinal controversy over "common grace" within the Christian Reformed Church in the early 1920s, occasioned by that church's adoption of the doctrine of common grace as official church dogma. The result of the controversy was that several ministers with their congregations were put out of the Christian Reformed Church. These men then established the Protestant Reformed Churches.

The newly-formed PRC denomination established the Protestant Reformed Seminary where Hoeksema served as professor of theology for 40 years.

Reviews

[Henry Hoekstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most encouraging books I have ever read. If you are a Christian struggling in despair, anxiety, or whether you are assured of your salvation, please give this book a read.

Or

If you are interested in doctrine pick this book up as well. It is rich in scriptural wisdom concerning the question: who may come to Jesus Christ?

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book showing that the truths of the doctrines of grace do not negative "Whosoever Will". The author lays a solid foundation that God enables man to voluntarily come to Christ rather than dragging him kicking and screaming against his will.

[Melissa Nocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only word I can think to describe this book, this author, and the truth taught in its pages is ... Perfection! It's a must-read in my opinion!

[Nancy Almodovar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Shows how today's preachers twist this passage from Revelation ever so slightly but in doing so present another gospel altogether.