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A Long Line of Godly Men #1
Foundations of Grace, 1400 BC – AD 100
Understanding the doctrines of grace provides a clearer picture of Gods sovereignty, mercy, and majesty. From the lawgiver Moses to the Apostle John, and from the early church fathers to modern defenders of the faith, there has marched onto the stage of human history a long line of godly men, a triumphant parade of spiritual stalwarts who have upheld the doctrines of grace. In this book, Dr. Steven J. Lawson takes readers on a heart-stirring survey of the Scriptures and their teaching on Gods way of salvation. Lawson demonstrates that far from being a sixteenth century invention, the doctrines of grace are the clear teaching of the Bible in its entirety. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures declare the message of Gods sovereign grace in salvation.
535 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
103 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Steven J. Lawson
79 books315 followersDr. Steven J. Lawson is the Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, having served as a pastor in Arkansas and Alabama for the past twenty-nine years. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Reformed Theological Seminary (D. Min.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 27, 2011
Some months ago I reviewed a book called Pillars of Grace by Steven Lawson. That book was the second book in a series called “A Long Line of Godly Men” and this one I present today is the first. I actually read the second book before the first and in this series that is totally appropriate. The books have common themes, however, they don’t build off one another allowing the reader to read them out of order.
Foundations of Grace is all about a “great divide.” Lawson says:
Lawson very capably takes these two contrary ideas of theology and looks at each book of the Bible and the long line of godly men represented within. Lawson is wonderful to read and his understanding of church history bleeds through the pages as he explains the sovereignty of God in peoples lives.
Because the scope of this volume covers the entire Bible this volume is quite large (580 pages). However, each chapter stands alone as a very helpful unit and addition to the conversation. Where many people might be intimidated by large books, this one is helpful because of the clearly defined chapters and objectives of each chapter. I heartily recommend this work to anyone with an interest in church history and those who want to see how the Bible does in fact teach the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism.
FTC Rhetoric: I do not receive payment for my book reviews. I do sometimes receive free review and giveaway copies from authors, publishers, and publicists. My first responsibility is to my readers, therefore, I am committed to honest reviews.
Foundations of Grace is all about a “great divide.” Lawson says:
Geography is not the only place we find a great divide. There is a high ground that runs through church history as well—a Continental Divide of theology. This great divide of doctrine separates two distinctly different streams of thought that flow in opposite directions. To be specific, this determinative high ground is one’s theology of God, man, and salvation. This is the highest of all thought, and it divides all doctrine into two schools. Historically, these two ways of thinking about God and His saving grace have been called by various names. Some have identified them as Augustinianism and Pelagianism. Others have named them Calvinism and Arminianism. Still others have defined them as Reformed and Catholic, while others have used the terms predestination and free will. But by whatever name, these streams are determined by the Continental Divide of theology. (21)
Lawson very capably takes these two contrary ideas of theology and looks at each book of the Bible and the long line of godly men represented within. Lawson is wonderful to read and his understanding of church history bleeds through the pages as he explains the sovereignty of God in peoples lives.
Because the scope of this volume covers the entire Bible this volume is quite large (580 pages). However, each chapter stands alone as a very helpful unit and addition to the conversation. Where many people might be intimidated by large books, this one is helpful because of the clearly defined chapters and objectives of each chapter. I heartily recommend this work to anyone with an interest in church history and those who want to see how the Bible does in fact teach the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism.
FTC Rhetoric: I do not receive payment for my book reviews. I do sometimes receive free review and giveaway copies from authors, publishers, and publicists. My first responsibility is to my readers, therefore, I am committed to honest reviews.
January 16, 2013
This book does a fine job of teaching the Doctrines of Grace, but it hurts itself with too much evidence. While it was a blessing to see the themes as the flow through the OT, it comes off at times as if he is beating a dead horse. I am a calvinist and I still couldn't help but flip through some pages while thinking, "ok, I get it...let's move along." I do have to praise this work as it is a well formed argument, I have no doubt I will use this as a resource in the future.
February 24, 2022
Great read for a biblical survey of Calvanism, otherwise known as the doctrines of grace. The content is repetitive by nature, but not in a monotonous way. Lawson engages the reader by varying his explanations of each of the five points and using biblical examples, illustrations, quotes, etc.
Some of the OT examples that pertained to temporal deliverance (salvation), national favor of Israel (election), and Yom Kippur (limited atonement) were a bit of a stretch. For example, the deliverance of Israel in the exodus and God’s miraculous saving of the people by parting the sea is an example of God’s “salvation”. However, this does not display election and salvation in the same way in which the NT utilizes these terms. Often times in the OT it refers to a physical, temporal salvation, not an electing, eternal salvation. God always had His remnant in Israel, but the election of Israel as a nation certainly differs from the election before the foundation of the world of each individual known by name to God.
Overall, highly recommend. Especially if you are “on the fence” and want to survey the Bible’s on the doctrines of grace.
Some of the OT examples that pertained to temporal deliverance (salvation), national favor of Israel (election), and Yom Kippur (limited atonement) were a bit of a stretch. For example, the deliverance of Israel in the exodus and God’s miraculous saving of the people by parting the sea is an example of God’s “salvation”. However, this does not display election and salvation in the same way in which the NT utilizes these terms. Often times in the OT it refers to a physical, temporal salvation, not an electing, eternal salvation. God always had His remnant in Israel, but the election of Israel as a nation certainly differs from the election before the foundation of the world of each individual known by name to God.
Overall, highly recommend. Especially if you are “on the fence” and want to survey the Bible’s on the doctrines of grace.
January 23, 2021
Are the doctrines of God's sovereign grace found throughout the Bible? Lawson takes us on a journey and shows that indeed these doctrines can be found in every part of Scripture. Read it and be blessed by this in-depth study of the Word. Highly recommended.
November 3, 2022
Lawson does a great job expounding on the Doctrines of Grace throughout all of Scripture. One of the best books outside the Bible that I have ever read. I recommend this book to new and old Christian’s alike to strengthen their understanding and testimony of the reality of the Doctrines of Grace.
February 1, 2013
Some warnings about this book. It probably should not be read through in a few sittings. Lawson is tracking 5-7 themes through the canon of scripture. Because of this, just reading it through may feel like he's beating a dead horse. This is a large book making 1 point. Great for reflections or reference, but not an afternoon read.
August 7, 2023
I'm not used to being so off-put by books by Calvinists. This book earns a place alongside Hunt's "What Love Is This?" and Vance's "The Other Side of Calvinism" (both anti-Calvinist) as being among the worst books on the issue I've read.
For disclosure, I lean Arminian (or some variant of non-Calvinist), though a significant portion of my favorite authors are Calvinist.
Lawson's plan is simple: to give an exposition of the five points of Calvinism from the Scriptures from cover to cover. Along the way, he gives a compendium of quotations from notable Calvinists--valuable in its own right.
There are a couple problems I had with this book and they tend to be pervasive throughout:
First, he repeatedly misrepresents what most if not all Evangelical non-Calvinists believe. If he is truly ignorant, then the scope of this work surely suggests he is culpably so. It's hard not to take his rhetoric as libelous.
Second, he frequently over-exegetes texts of Scripture (a.k.a., eisegesis). While many texts are open to Calvinistic interpretations (and this is where the debate among brothers should focus), Lawson is prone to find Calvinism where no valid interpretation could even suggest it. His treatment of Jonah beggars belief. I haven't seen so clear an imposition of theology onto a text since reading Pink's commentary on John as a teenager.
Third, he constantly ignores contrary data, whether it be texts of Scripture, logical deductions, or (actual) interpretations by non-Calvinists. There is no meaningful engagement here, no nuance.
Fourth, largely a consequence of the second issue above, his imposition of Calvinism onto every text often causes him to (apparently) miss the actual meanings of texts (like Jonah). This is not as much aggravating as it is sad, as so much beauty and so many powerful Biblical messages are obscured.
Most my other objections to this book are essentially outgrowths of these four.
The triumphalistic Foreward and Afterword (by MacArthur and Sproul respectively) are as off-putting as the rest of the book. Sproul's concluding remark that "Dr. Lawson has shown so clearly and conclusively that salvation is of the Lord and of His sovereign grace that he dusted off the spot where the opponents of this teaching once stood" would probably meet a response from his opponents along the lines of the quip by Mark Twain: "The report of my illness grew out of his illness. The report of my death was an exaggeration."
As an avid reader of Christian history, I will likely read the second volume, and hope to be more amused. While I expect some of the same issues, at least there he will find real Calvinists, and it will not be so troublesome if he abuses his texts (as all such authors will now be un-inspired).
For disclosure, I lean Arminian (or some variant of non-Calvinist), though a significant portion of my favorite authors are Calvinist.
Lawson's plan is simple: to give an exposition of the five points of Calvinism from the Scriptures from cover to cover. Along the way, he gives a compendium of quotations from notable Calvinists--valuable in its own right.
There are a couple problems I had with this book and they tend to be pervasive throughout:
First, he repeatedly misrepresents what most if not all Evangelical non-Calvinists believe. If he is truly ignorant, then the scope of this work surely suggests he is culpably so. It's hard not to take his rhetoric as libelous.
Second, he frequently over-exegetes texts of Scripture (a.k.a., eisegesis). While many texts are open to Calvinistic interpretations (and this is where the debate among brothers should focus), Lawson is prone to find Calvinism where no valid interpretation could even suggest it. His treatment of Jonah beggars belief. I haven't seen so clear an imposition of theology onto a text since reading Pink's commentary on John as a teenager.
Third, he constantly ignores contrary data, whether it be texts of Scripture, logical deductions, or (actual) interpretations by non-Calvinists. There is no meaningful engagement here, no nuance.
Fourth, largely a consequence of the second issue above, his imposition of Calvinism onto every text often causes him to (apparently) miss the actual meanings of texts (like Jonah). This is not as much aggravating as it is sad, as so much beauty and so many powerful Biblical messages are obscured.
Most my other objections to this book are essentially outgrowths of these four.
The triumphalistic Foreward and Afterword (by MacArthur and Sproul respectively) are as off-putting as the rest of the book. Sproul's concluding remark that "Dr. Lawson has shown so clearly and conclusively that salvation is of the Lord and of His sovereign grace that he dusted off the spot where the opponents of this teaching once stood" would probably meet a response from his opponents along the lines of the quip by Mark Twain: "The report of my illness grew out of his illness. The report of my death was an exaggeration."
As an avid reader of Christian history, I will likely read the second volume, and hope to be more amused. While I expect some of the same issues, at least there he will find real Calvinists, and it will not be so troublesome if he abuses his texts (as all such authors will now be un-inspired).
February 25, 2024
While a book with great information, the formatting of the book works more of a supplement to a commentary than it does as a straight readthrough. Meaning, if you start from page 1 and progress to the end sequentially, you may find yourself bored from the repetition of certain phrases or definitions. Also, doing so requires faith that the verses are being handled carefully as each verse is not necessarily in context, but rather extracted to point to the concept of the Doctrines of Grace.
The 4 stars is because I appreciate the value of information that was given in the approach, but it was an extremely difficult read because it is more written like exerpts than a contiguous paper.
The 4 stars is because I appreciate the value of information that was given in the approach, but it was an extremely difficult read because it is more written like exerpts than a contiguous paper.
March 4, 2019
giving this 5 stars not just because of content. not just because of a great writer. not just because of a fantastic "content-disect-magnify-repeat-study questions" format. but that Lawson took us stitch by stitch along the thread of God's grace through scripture.... a great read that took me through my bible digging for God's golden Grace and made me just keep wanting to see it more and more! i started the 2nd book in this volume and it was just as good!!! can't wait for the rest of this volume to be available!
August 27, 2023
A comprehensive exposition of the doctrines of Grace seen through the lens of the major writers of the canonical Bible. Threaded with commentary from MacCarthur, Pink and others, the book does a fine job of demonstrating the consistency of Scripture on the subjects of Calvinism. With that said, I wished that Lawson had added more nuance and deeper reasoning to the very complex moral questions that arise. The book is frustratingly repetitive and could have been about 100 pages shorter.
November 1, 2017
Lawson goes through every book of the Bible and showcases each happenstance that lines up with TULIP. Very interesting for books that we typically think would be showing, for instance, the perseverance of the saints in Esther.
Very repetitive, however.
Very repetitive, however.
October 12, 2021
Got to meet Lawson and thank him for this book. Exposits each book in the Bible and how it shows the 5 points of the doctrines of grace.
August 27, 2022
A thorough and complete record of the doctrines of grace in the scripture from beginning to end, showing God's unity of purpose and consistency over time.
June 23, 2023
A great book but it needs to be read rather than heard.
July 10, 2021
What a treasure Steve Lawson has put together. From Genesis to Revelation Lawson lays out clearly that the Doctrine of Grace are taught in every book in the Bible. It’s so clear and it’s so easy to read.
December 7, 2019
Steven Lawson's Foundations of Grace is the first volume in the A Long Line of Godly Men series. Volume 2, Pillars of Grace will be released in March and after diving into this text I am even more excited than I already was. The series traces the Doctrines of God's Sovereign Grace throughout history. Foundations of Grace deals with the doctrines as found in Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation....literally, Lawson traces these doctrines as presented by Moses in Genesis, John in Revelation and just about every book in between.
John Macarthur gives a foreword, Divine Immutability and the Doctrines of Grace, for the book that follows in the pattern of JI Packer's introduction to Owen's Death of Death. By that I mean, Macarthur's foreword is of such high quality that you somewhat fear it will outshine the text itself. However, just like with Death of Death, that fear is unwarranted. As great as both forewords are, the main texts both live up to the quality that is found in these first few pages.
Foundations of Grace feels much like a Steven Lawson sermon: extensive, organized, enjoyable and understandable.
Lawson has become one of my favorite theology writers of this generation, in large part due to the fact that his writing is very pastoral rather than academic. It is always fun to dive into some Edwards, Owen, Sproul, Horton, etc... but oftentimes I need to go to more pastoral sources; Piper, Baxter, Lawson, etc... From those examples I hope it is clear that you do not lose depth with these men, but they definitely are blessed with a way of putting complex concepts into simplistic terms and repeating/rephrasing without being boring or repetitive.
The basic structure of the book is to isolate a biblical author, beginning with Moses and to see the Doctrines of Grace as presented in these books. As you go through this, Lawson will interject a more specific look at certain doctrine. These “Doctrine in Focus” sections cover all the Doctrines of Grace, beginning with God's Sovereignty, Radical Depravity,Sovereign Election, Definite Atonement, Irresistible Call and Preserving Grace. Lawson draws out all the passages from these Biblical books that lay out these God-exalting, man-diminishing truths of God's Word.
He also does a great job in presenting God's Sovereignty as the overarching, all-encompassing truth of this theological system. “The Doctrines of Grace are a cohesive system of theology in which the Sovereignty of God is clearly displayed in the salvation of elect sinners.”(page 30) As JI Packer has been known to say, there is not 5 points to Calvinism. There is one point:God is sovereign. Once you honestly embrace this truth of Scripture, all of the rest fall neatly into place.
With all of the current interest in reformed theology, and the controversy that seems to inevitably surround it, a text like Foundations of Grace is much needed. For those who hold to these doctrines, Foundations of Grace is a great refresher and encouragement that these truths date much further back than Calvin or Augustine. For those opposed to these truths, Lawson presents a wonderfully organized, clear, and Bible-based arguments for the Doctrines of Grace. This book needs to be in everyone's library because the truths it so wonderfully presents are, dare I say, foundational!
John Macarthur gives a foreword, Divine Immutability and the Doctrines of Grace, for the book that follows in the pattern of JI Packer's introduction to Owen's Death of Death. By that I mean, Macarthur's foreword is of such high quality that you somewhat fear it will outshine the text itself. However, just like with Death of Death, that fear is unwarranted. As great as both forewords are, the main texts both live up to the quality that is found in these first few pages.
Foundations of Grace feels much like a Steven Lawson sermon: extensive, organized, enjoyable and understandable.
Lawson has become one of my favorite theology writers of this generation, in large part due to the fact that his writing is very pastoral rather than academic. It is always fun to dive into some Edwards, Owen, Sproul, Horton, etc... but oftentimes I need to go to more pastoral sources; Piper, Baxter, Lawson, etc... From those examples I hope it is clear that you do not lose depth with these men, but they definitely are blessed with a way of putting complex concepts into simplistic terms and repeating/rephrasing without being boring or repetitive.
The basic structure of the book is to isolate a biblical author, beginning with Moses and to see the Doctrines of Grace as presented in these books. As you go through this, Lawson will interject a more specific look at certain doctrine. These “Doctrine in Focus” sections cover all the Doctrines of Grace, beginning with God's Sovereignty, Radical Depravity,Sovereign Election, Definite Atonement, Irresistible Call and Preserving Grace. Lawson draws out all the passages from these Biblical books that lay out these God-exalting, man-diminishing truths of God's Word.
He also does a great job in presenting God's Sovereignty as the overarching, all-encompassing truth of this theological system. “The Doctrines of Grace are a cohesive system of theology in which the Sovereignty of God is clearly displayed in the salvation of elect sinners.”(page 30) As JI Packer has been known to say, there is not 5 points to Calvinism. There is one point:God is sovereign. Once you honestly embrace this truth of Scripture, all of the rest fall neatly into place.
With all of the current interest in reformed theology, and the controversy that seems to inevitably surround it, a text like Foundations of Grace is much needed. For those who hold to these doctrines, Foundations of Grace is a great refresher and encouragement that these truths date much further back than Calvin or Augustine. For those opposed to these truths, Lawson presents a wonderfully organized, clear, and Bible-based arguments for the Doctrines of Grace. This book needs to be in everyone's library because the truths it so wonderfully presents are, dare I say, foundational!
November 20, 2016
The book sets out to be a comprehensive look at the different passages in Scripture that evidence the underlying themes of the Calvinist perspective, and it does a good job of that as a whole. There were only a couple of interpretations that felt stretched, and Lawson demonstrated a deep grasp of the passages being covered. It was incredibly helpful to see how the principles of grace are taught all throughout Scripture and I really appreciated Lawson's perspective on this.
Also of note is Lawson's rhetoric. Simply put, Lawson utilizes some of the highest and most beautiful rhetoric I've heard in defending the doctrines of grace. The first chapter in particular is just an awe-inspiring declamation of the glory of God and every time he came back to it, he pointed me right back to the One who really matters in all this. For an Arminian who happened to pick this up, I'd imagine this sort of rhetoric could be rather off-putting, but for my purposes, I didn't mind it.
This is probably best read by someone who is in a more Calvinist camp or is leaning Calvinist, but who wants to see evidence for this being written all across Scripture. Because it is primarily a defense by example, I'm not sure if a committed Arminian would find it helpful as a summary/defense of the Calvinist position. But as a Calvinist looking to see the breadth of these doctrines throughout Scripture, this book was helpful and appreciated.
Also of note is Lawson's rhetoric. Simply put, Lawson utilizes some of the highest and most beautiful rhetoric I've heard in defending the doctrines of grace. The first chapter in particular is just an awe-inspiring declamation of the glory of God and every time he came back to it, he pointed me right back to the One who really matters in all this. For an Arminian who happened to pick this up, I'd imagine this sort of rhetoric could be rather off-putting, but for my purposes, I didn't mind it.
This is probably best read by someone who is in a more Calvinist camp or is leaning Calvinist, but who wants to see evidence for this being written all across Scripture. Because it is primarily a defense by example, I'm not sure if a committed Arminian would find it helpful as a summary/defense of the Calvinist position. But as a Calvinist looking to see the breadth of these doctrines throughout Scripture, this book was helpful and appreciated.
April 23, 2016
First let me state that I am a 5 point Calvinist.....so my theology is in line with Lawson's. I looked forward to this book because I was interested to see the Doctrines of Grace portrayed in the Old Testament. I will say that IMO, Lawson demonstrated that while the Sovereignty of God and the Total Depravity of Man are most definitely taught as doctrine in the Old Testament, and that there are (in the OT) "pictures" unconditional election, definite redemption, effectual grace and perseverance, but I do not think that he proves his point. He cherry picks verses out of context and in one instance omits a passage that does seem to offer proof of definite redemption (1Samuel 3:12-14).
Of course the New Testament is a different story since and he does prove his points here.
However, I was disappointed in the Old Testament portion of the book. While I agree with him theologically I do not believe that this book accomplishes what he intended for it to do. I agree with Greg Koukl that one should never read a Bible verse, that is, to take a verse alone without considering the context of the entire passage. Lawson does not always do this in this book.
Of course the New Testament is a different story since and he does prove his points here.
However, I was disappointed in the Old Testament portion of the book. While I agree with him theologically I do not believe that this book accomplishes what he intended for it to do. I agree with Greg Koukl that one should never read a Bible verse, that is, to take a verse alone without considering the context of the entire passage. Lawson does not always do this in this book.
August 15, 2014
Understanding the doctrines of grace will give you a clearer picture of God’s sovereignty. From the lawgiver Moses to the apostle John, and from the early church fathers to modern defenders of the faith, there has marched onto the stage of human history a long line of godly men, a triumphant parade of spiritual stalwarts who have upheld the doctrines of grace. In this book, the first in the three-volume A Long Line of Godly Men series, Dr. Steven J. Lawson takes you on a heart-stirring survey of the Scriptures to show that the Bible in its entirety teaches the doctrines of grace
I was delighted with this book all the way and would highly recommend it!
I was delighted with this book all the way and would highly recommend it!
April 13, 2012
This is a great book. I was an Arminian when I was introduced to this book. Along with its teaching in Scripture, it wasn't long before my belief was challenged and shook. To say the least, the foundation I was standing upon was built on sand (lies). God opened my eyes to His grace, and now the foundation I stand on is solid Rock! The Doctrines of Grace...saved my life! Soli Deo Gloria.
November 1, 2012
Excellent book. Steve Lawson uses Scripture extensively and many quotes from well respected theologians to thoroughly explain the doctrines of grace. I love the quotes which begin each chapter, as well as the discussion study questions at the end of each chapter. I'm reading this book for the second time and feel like I can confidently defend my theological beliefs much more precisely now.
June 19, 2016
This may be the most repetitive theological work I've yet encountered. It was a chore to finish this.
Dr. Lawson proof-texted his way from Genesis to Revelation, offering passages that support (or seem to support) Calvinism without any interaction with the ones that don't. Ugh...
Dr. Lawson proof-texted his way from Genesis to Revelation, offering passages that support (or seem to support) Calvinism without any interaction with the ones that don't. Ugh...
October 4, 2008
Wow, a great book fully and comprehensively expositing the Bible to support the Doctrines of Grace. Excellent book and reference for later usage.
Want to read
May 29, 2009Foundations of Grace (Long Line of Godly Men) by Steven J. Lawson (2006)
October 6, 2011
My review here: http://lunchboxsw.wordpress.com/2011/...
May 9, 2013
Read my review here.
February 10, 2013
A unique work that covers literally every Scripture that stands as the foundation of the Reformed Doctrines of Grace. Well done and comprehensive.
August 1, 2020
Very encouraging!
July 16, 2016
Steven Lawson goes through each book of the bible and clearly shows the doctrines of Grace throughout God's word. This is a must have book!
June 2, 2023
Second time through this excellent book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews