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The Plan of Salvation
Does man save himself or does God alone save him, or is it somewhere in-between? The Subject to which our attention is to be directed in this series of lectures is ordinarily spoken of as "The Plan of Salvation." It is my purpose in this lecture to bring before us in a rapid survey the varying views as have been held by large parties in the Church, that some conception may be formed of their range and relations. This may be most conveniently done by observing, in the first instance at least, only the great points of difference which separate them. I shall enumerate them in the order of significance, proceeding from the most profound and far-reaching differences which divide Christians to those of less radical effect. Dr. Michael J. Kruger wrote the following of this little book.... Throughout the history of the church, there are have been many different perspectives on how a person is saved. So, what is the best way to help Christians understand these various approaches? And what is the most effective way to make the case for Calvinism? There are many answers to these questions, but there is one resource that I have found tremendously helpful. And it is a resource that is often overlooked and forgotten. And that resource is the five lectures delivered by B.B. Warfield in 1914 at Princeton Theological Seminary. These lectures are not found in the standard 10 volume collected works of Warfield–and for that reason are often missed. Instead they are found in a little book entitled The Plan of Salvation. What makes Warfield’s approach so helpful is that he takes the reader through a series of choices about how God saves–starting with very broad concepts and moving towards more specific concepts. At each point along the way he eliminates the options that just don’t work. Thus, the reader is able to see how theologians have arrived at a belief in Calvinism in a gradual, step by step fashion. In a sense, Warfield has created a logical “decision tree” that any Christian could follow. Thus, it is an incredibly useful tool for convincing people of the Reformed approach...Here is the outline of his decision 1. Deism vs. Is God personally involved in our lives (Theism) or does he stand back from the universe and allow it to take its course (Deism)? Warfield’s Theism. 2. Supernaturalism vs. Given the reality of Theism, the next question is whether man saves himself and works his way to God (Naturalism) or whether God intervenes and saves man (Supernaturalism). Warfield’s Supernaturalism. 3. Evangelicalism vs. Given the reality of Supernaturalism, the next question is the specific manner in which God saves. Does God save men through an instrument he has appointed like the sacraments (Sacerdotalism) or does he act on people’s souls directly and immediately (Evangelicalism)? Does God use sacraments as an intermediary or he does God operate directly on the human soul by grace? Warfield’s Evangelicalism. 4. Universalism vs. Given the reality of Evangelicalism–that God works on men’s souls directly–the next question is whether he exerts this saving power equally on all men. Does he apply this saving power on every person, whether they or saved or not (Universalism), or does he apply it to particular individuals who are actually saved (Particularism)? Does God’s grace just make salvation a possibility or does it actually make salvation a reality? Warfield’s Particularism (Calvinism). The logic and flow of Warfield’s argument are powerful and weighty. He builds such momentum towards Particularism (Calvinism), that even at an early point in the book the reader gets the sense that it is an inevitability. All the biblical and theological arrows are pointing in the same direction. If you are looking for a persuasive tool for others, or even for yourself, check out Warfield’s little book.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1942
100 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
B.B. Warfield
222 books92 followersBenjamin Breckinridge Warfield (usually known as B. B. Warfield) was professor of theology at Princeton Seminary from 1887 to 1921. Some conservative Presbyterians consider him to be the last of the great Princeton theologians before the split in 1929 that formed Westminster Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 29, 2020
An excellent and lucid introductory treatment of soteriology from a confessionally Reformed and Presbyterian perspective.
Warfield examines supernaturalism versus naturalism, evangelicalism versus sacerdotalism, and varieties of Calvinism/Particularism. On the latter analysis, he treats supralapsarianism, infralapsarianism (to which he seems sympathetic), Amyraldianism, and Pajonism.
He interacts extensively with the evangelical Lutheranism and Wesleyan Arminianism of his own day.
His command of the subject is evident on each and every page.
Warfield examines supernaturalism versus naturalism, evangelicalism versus sacerdotalism, and varieties of Calvinism/Particularism. On the latter analysis, he treats supralapsarianism, infralapsarianism (to which he seems sympathetic), Amyraldianism, and Pajonism.
He interacts extensively with the evangelical Lutheranism and Wesleyan Arminianism of his own day.
His command of the subject is evident on each and every page.
February 10, 2023
The most clear summary of the different concepts of salvation I’ve read.
September 7, 2020
Are you looking for a written work that would help you think deeper concerning God’s work of saving sinners? Check out Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield’s theological classic The Plan of Salvation. Warfield was a former professor at Princeton Theological Seminary during the 1800s and the turn of the century for the early 1900s. The book is based upon his lectures that he delivered in 1914. Looking up this book on Goodreads it seems that this isn’t as well-known as his other works since there’s few who have reviewed this book. I think that this is rather unfortunate as I was immensely blessed to have read this book.
The book consists of five chapters. The first one is titled “Differing Conceptions” then chapter two is titled “Autosoterism” while chapter three is “Sacredotalism” and chapter four is on Univesalism. Finally chapter five is on Calvinism.
Basically what Warfield is trying to do is look at various wrong views of God’s grace and salvation and argue all the way to the conclusion that the view of God’s sovereign grace is the best theological system to help us understand what God has done to save us. He begins by arguing for Theism over Deism then proceed next to argue supernaturalism over and against naturalism, follow by evangelicalism against the sacerdotal religious system and then particularism as more superior than universalism. I do realize that Warfield uses certain theological terminology that even modern seminary students wouldn’t know at first glance since these terms can have different meaning in other contexts and its specific meaning is for the context of salvation. For example Warfield uses the term supernaturalism to refer to the theological view that all of salvation is the work of God (as opposed to the belief called naturalism that believes man saves himself). Warfield notes that Supernaturalism is the mark of Christianity. Warfield in the book uses the term “Evangelicalism” and by this term he meant the theological belief in the immediacy of God’s saving grace as opposed to Sacredotalism. Evangelicalism of course is the mark of Protestantism. Warfield also used the term particularism which is understood as God saving individuals and Warfield is right to note that this doctrine is the mark of Calvinism.
I learned a lot and enjoyed reading this book. My favorite chapter was the one which Warfield evaluated Sacredotalism. Today there are denominations that say they are Christians but then their beliefs in sacredotalism mean they see the institutional church is the one which dispenses grace. Readers shouldn’t miss Wafield’s theological augments. For instance Warfield asks whether it is God or men who saves when one subscribe to sacredotalism. He points out that those who subscribe to sacredotalism believes God has left salvation unto the “tender mercies of a mechanism” and that an issue with sacredotalism is that it elevates and exalts the means of grace above God.
The final chapters on Calvinism was also helpful. After talking about the varieties of Calvinism Warfield also said something that I thought was very good: “There is perhaps nothing which prejudices Calvinism in the general mind than that current identification of it with an abstract doctrine of sovereignty, without regard to concrete interests which this sovereignty safeguards.” I thought that was so true of the motivation of those who are Calvinists and the defense of the Gospel Warfield presented here leads up to a robust high view of God’s grace and sovereignty. Glory to God!
The book consists of five chapters. The first one is titled “Differing Conceptions” then chapter two is titled “Autosoterism” while chapter three is “Sacredotalism” and chapter four is on Univesalism. Finally chapter five is on Calvinism.
Basically what Warfield is trying to do is look at various wrong views of God’s grace and salvation and argue all the way to the conclusion that the view of God’s sovereign grace is the best theological system to help us understand what God has done to save us. He begins by arguing for Theism over Deism then proceed next to argue supernaturalism over and against naturalism, follow by evangelicalism against the sacerdotal religious system and then particularism as more superior than universalism. I do realize that Warfield uses certain theological terminology that even modern seminary students wouldn’t know at first glance since these terms can have different meaning in other contexts and its specific meaning is for the context of salvation. For example Warfield uses the term supernaturalism to refer to the theological view that all of salvation is the work of God (as opposed to the belief called naturalism that believes man saves himself). Warfield notes that Supernaturalism is the mark of Christianity. Warfield in the book uses the term “Evangelicalism” and by this term he meant the theological belief in the immediacy of God’s saving grace as opposed to Sacredotalism. Evangelicalism of course is the mark of Protestantism. Warfield also used the term particularism which is understood as God saving individuals and Warfield is right to note that this doctrine is the mark of Calvinism.
I learned a lot and enjoyed reading this book. My favorite chapter was the one which Warfield evaluated Sacredotalism. Today there are denominations that say they are Christians but then their beliefs in sacredotalism mean they see the institutional church is the one which dispenses grace. Readers shouldn’t miss Wafield’s theological augments. For instance Warfield asks whether it is God or men who saves when one subscribe to sacredotalism. He points out that those who subscribe to sacredotalism believes God has left salvation unto the “tender mercies of a mechanism” and that an issue with sacredotalism is that it elevates and exalts the means of grace above God.
The final chapters on Calvinism was also helpful. After talking about the varieties of Calvinism Warfield also said something that I thought was very good: “There is perhaps nothing which prejudices Calvinism in the general mind than that current identification of it with an abstract doctrine of sovereignty, without regard to concrete interests which this sovereignty safeguards.” I thought that was so true of the motivation of those who are Calvinists and the defense of the Gospel Warfield presented here leads up to a robust high view of God’s grace and sovereignty. Glory to God!
April 19, 2022
Does exactly what it says on the blurb. A survey of the many soteriological views that have presented themselves within the Church's history, convincingly characterised as the perennial battle between Augustinianism (for which Warfield argues) and Pelagianism. That is, a consistent view of God's grace and sovereignty against that view which inevitably and logically follows from the denial of salvation being a personal work of the Lord alone; that being a works-based salvation.
July 16, 2024
Amazing deep dive into the soteriology of different veins of Christianity and glorying in Christ’s work of salvation. I will definitely read again.
February 26, 2024
This little book presents such a concise, logical breakdown, not only of the substance of Calvinism, but indeed of the key distinctive of Christianity over and against so many other religious systems. Beginning from the base dichotomy of naturalism versus supernaturalism, Warfield proceeds to pare away at the vegetal substance of the religion until he has whittled it down to what he takes for its essence: Calvinism. Even that, he carefully distinguishes from pseudo-Calvinisms of Amyrauldianism and Pajonism, both dismissed as concessions to a hoped-for universalism that would only diminish the sovereignty of God were it to be admitted as true. Even if you remain unconvinced of Calvinist doctrine, this book is nonetheless inordinately useful as a logical exposition to help you think through the fascinating intellectual puzzle of an all-sovereign God and the salvation of a willful recalcitrant creation. Up there among my favorites, for sure.
July 21, 2013
This is an excellent survey on the most popular positions on the order of salvation (Ordo salutis) found in Christendom. Warfield describes the "Particularistic" (Supralapsarian, Infralapsarian, and Amyraldian), "Universalistic" (Lutheran, Wesleyan, and Pure Universalistic), "Sacerdotal" (Anglican, Roman, and Orthodox), and "Naturalistic" (Remonstrant and Pelagian). He critiques each from a Reformed perspective. He is meticulous in detail and takes care to fairly describe each position. This short book clearly demonstrates the fundamental soteriological differences between all camps in Christendom. I highly recommend it to all students of Christian theology.
June 20, 2013
A Reformed theologian surveys the options for a doctrine of salvation and makes a case for the classic Reformed doctrine. If you are not Reformed, this is a useful book for you to understand both Reformed theology and how Reformed theology views your beliefs. 100 pages of crystal clear writing, and if that's too much, there's a one-page chart.
November 4, 2013
A well written primer on the different methods of pursuing the spreading of the gospel while endorsing Calvinism. Unfortunately, it's severely dated, and uses a lot of vocabulary that is either now or is on the verge of being extinct.
September 2, 2019
Considerado merecidamente um clássico da teologia reformada. Destaque para os dois apêndices adicionados à versão publicada perla Monergismo: «Serão poucos os salvos?» e «Jesus Cristo e a propiciação por todo o mundo».
April 28, 2009
Great. Also read in September of 1988.
March 11, 2020
And Outstanding outline and detail for Gods plan of salvation.
March 17, 2022
Most excellent.
"But as in the one case, so in the other, the end is attained at last: there is a completely saved man and there is a completely save world. This may possibly be expressed by saying that the Scriptures teach an eschatological universalism, not an each-and-every universalism. When the Scriptures say that Christ came to save the world, that he does save the world, and that the world shall be saved by him, they do not mean that there is no human being whom he did not come to save, whom he does not save, who is not saved by him. They mean that he came to save and does save the human race; and that the human race is being led by God into a racial salvation: that in the age-long development of the race of men, it will attain at last to a complete salvation, and our eyes will be greeted with the glorious spectacle of a saved world. Thus the human race attains the goal for which it was created, and sin does not snatch it out of God's hands: the primal purpose of God with it is fulfilled; and through Christ the race of man, though fallen into sin, is recovered to God and fulfills its original destiny."
"But as in the one case, so in the other, the end is attained at last: there is a completely saved man and there is a completely save world. This may possibly be expressed by saying that the Scriptures teach an eschatological universalism, not an each-and-every universalism. When the Scriptures say that Christ came to save the world, that he does save the world, and that the world shall be saved by him, they do not mean that there is no human being whom he did not come to save, whom he does not save, who is not saved by him. They mean that he came to save and does save the human race; and that the human race is being led by God into a racial salvation: that in the age-long development of the race of men, it will attain at last to a complete salvation, and our eyes will be greeted with the glorious spectacle of a saved world. Thus the human race attains the goal for which it was created, and sin does not snatch it out of God's hands: the primal purpose of God with it is fulfilled; and through Christ the race of man, though fallen into sin, is recovered to God and fulfills its original destiny."
February 20, 2021
Good philosophy at times, but it is very hard to read. I distinguish this particular work as philosophy since it relies on natural revelation/reason more so than special revelation/scripture. The content is 3/5, but the writing itself has not aged well and is a 2/5. The negative quality on the content, is regarding supralapsarianism/infralapsarianism, I would argue God does not decree or think in lapses; that is within time which is necessary to have a logical order. The decree of God is not ordered in such a fashion, His thinking is not in linear terms like ours, it is not progressive. But in His divine goodness, knowing and ordaining all, He does so complexly, the Creator orders the creation without Himself being ordered. His plan was not without facet, but the facets were not made independently, but as cohesive parts to the whole simultaneously according to His decree.
Though I do appreciate Warfields handling of Sacerdotalism and Autosoterism. But his writing style and the age of the document can make it hard to glean.
Though I do appreciate Warfields handling of Sacerdotalism and Autosoterism. But his writing style and the age of the document can make it hard to glean.
August 23, 2021
A classic, Reformed standard on the doctrine of salvation. Warfield is an excellent communicator and among the best theologians that Old Princeton had to offer. His grasp of the subject material is vast and is evident throughout his lectures. He outlines Pelagianism, Romanism, Lutheranism and Arminianism, and Augustinianism (or Calvinism). He also included differing views from Calvinist circles including Supralapsarianism, Infralapsarianism, Amyraldianism (hypothetical universalism), and Pajonism (a theological forerunner of rationalism and close to Amyraldian thought). Warfield's knowledge and command of the subject at hand is excellent. His nomenclature can get a bit technical, he is an expert theologian from the Victorian Era after all, though it is pretty clear in most spots. I'd highly recommend this book to a number of people from laymen to adept theologians. The doctrine of salvation is vitally important for Christianity; we must learn it, what orthodox Augustinian doctrine (or Pauline) teaches, and how to answer other views.
June 23, 2018
A good analysis of the plan of salvation that I believe will appeal to a limited scope of readers. In a series of dogmatic lectures at Princton in 1914, Dr. B. B. Warfield interacts with the fundamental presuppositions that divide various views of salvation. Starting with the supernaturalistic vs. naturalistic divide, Warfield shows that Christianity at large militates against the notion that man can save himself. Rather, God provides the decisive power to save. Next, Warfield reveals the crucial divide between evangelicals and sacramentalists where the method of salvation comes through faith vice participation in the sacraments. Thirdly, Warfield discusses the division within Evangelicalism regarding the extent of the atonement, universal or particular. Finally, Warfield shows the divisions within Calvisinism as to the logical order of the divine decrees. Here, Warfield shows that the universalistic error arrises even within Particularists through the doctrine of Amyraldianism.
February 27, 2020
Very helpful, short, and to the point! It is surprisingly as comprehensive as can be for its short length. He also offers various helpful charts showing a synopsis over the various Christian positions regarding soteriological matters. I found especially helpful his articulation of Amaraldyanism and hypothetical universalism, which has seemed to resurface and be of peeked interest as of late. His critique of the Roman Catholic sacerdotalism is still relevant today as it was a century ago, and even centuries before that.
November 5, 2024
Good explanation of calvinism in terms of soteriology. Warfield is very logical and precise, addressing the main elements that distinguish the Calvinist tradition from other conceptions of salvation, and even the distinctions within Calvinism itself, in a briefly and succinct way.
My only criticism is the almost complete absence of a properly biblical and exegetical foundation in his arguments, depending heavily on logic and systematic theology. It would be great to find biblical texts in his arguments, since there are several options to work on.
My only criticism is the almost complete absence of a properly biblical and exegetical foundation in his arguments, depending heavily on logic and systematic theology. It would be great to find biblical texts in his arguments, since there are several options to work on.
September 24, 2017
Does God personally, directly, and determinedly save? Or does He give an impersonal, mediated, and indifferent open door for me to shimmy my way through? This book gives a very clear picture to that question and much more by giving a concise overview of the different theological stances concerning the "odor salutis": the order of salvation-- or to put it in another way, the plan of salvation. ( also a good chart inside in the book )
June 28, 2020
It's a short read though it is thick in content. Thinking through people hearing these as lectures and comprehending them audibly made me feel my lack of brainpower. I re-read through many paragraphs multiple times.
It does however very powerfully argue for the Calvanistic particularism regarding God saving man. I thought his shedding light on the inconsistencies and problems that arise from the other salvation systems were the most poignant and profitable.
It does however very powerfully argue for the Calvanistic particularism regarding God saving man. I thought his shedding light on the inconsistencies and problems that arise from the other salvation systems were the most poignant and profitable.
April 26, 2018
Interesting overview on the doctrines of salvation. Be prepared to have the dictionary and google translate at the ready. I was hoping for more definitive answers on free will vs election in the determination of salvation. Does one precede the other or is it all on one plane of time? Still lots of study for me to do on the subject.
December 29, 2019
Uma espécie de esboço dos principais sistemas soteriológicos. Warfield, nos dois primeiros capítulos, faz um ótimo trabalho e pode alcançar um público mais amplo. No capítulo final, em que deixa claro sua posição pessoal, resume todos os sistemas em naturalista-autoesotéricos e particularista-eletivos. Um clássico para os cristãos de tradição reformada.
February 8, 2021
If you want to learn more about the distinctions between Calvinism and other views of salvation, then Warfield's work is a perfect place to start. This book is beneficial for understanding what is truly at stake in the doctrine of salvation.
June 15, 2021
Me encantó esta corta lectura, porque claramente se puede distinguir sobre la base en que se nos presentó el Evangelio de Cristo.
Gloria a Dios por la Expiación a favor de su pueblo, su único pueblo.
Gloria a Dios por la Expiación a favor de su pueblo, su único pueblo.
January 19, 2021
Tried to give it five stars but it wouldn't let me. Great read
October 28, 2021
Pretty good
April 4, 2023
Super duper excellent crash course on the method of salvation taken by our Lord. B.B. is simply cracked. I only wish he brought in Scripture, but it is probably beyond the aim of the book.
June 11, 2023
Narrows down different views of salvation to finally the correct one. A bit tedious but understandable from a methodical perspective.
May 30, 2014
The Plan of Salvation is a series of five lectures that B. B. Warfield gave in 1914. It is a penetrating analysis of God's plan of salvation from sin. In the lectures Warfield first lays out the differing plans and then he carefully examines each one. The plans are divided into two major categories: Naturalistic and Supernatural. The Supernatural category is further divided into Sacerdotalism, Universalism, and finally Calvinism. Through out the lectures Warfield is careful to represent each view faithful often provide quotes and footnotes from proponents of each view.
After setting the context for the rest of the lectures Warfield then begins to look at each of the major plans. First is the plan of autosoterism or self-salvation where God is not directly involved in man's salvation, that this is accomplished by man himself.
In Sacerdotalism Warfield examines how grace is mediated by the church through the use of sacraments. Warfield reviews the teaching of Roman Catholicism, some Anglican writers, and Confessional Lutherans.
In the Universalism lecture Warfield examines the Wesleyan and Evangelical Lutheran teachings.
In the Calvinism lecture Warfield examines the several different strains of Calvinism and ends showing how in Calvinism we see the definite salvation of both the individual and of the world.
I enjoyed the book greatly and highly recommend it. I must warn the reader though that Warfield was lecturing and writing to an academic crowd and so the language can be a bit tough to work tough but it well repays the effort.
After setting the context for the rest of the lectures Warfield then begins to look at each of the major plans. First is the plan of autosoterism or self-salvation where God is not directly involved in man's salvation, that this is accomplished by man himself.
In Sacerdotalism Warfield examines how grace is mediated by the church through the use of sacraments. Warfield reviews the teaching of Roman Catholicism, some Anglican writers, and Confessional Lutherans.
In the Universalism lecture Warfield examines the Wesleyan and Evangelical Lutheran teachings.
In the Calvinism lecture Warfield examines the several different strains of Calvinism and ends showing how in Calvinism we see the definite salvation of both the individual and of the world.
I enjoyed the book greatly and highly recommend it. I must warn the reader though that Warfield was lecturing and writing to an academic crowd and so the language can be a bit tough to work tough but it well repays the effort.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews