Absolute Predestination

by Jerome Zanchius

Jerome Zanchius (1516-1590) is one of the great names of Reformed theology alongside Peter Martyr, John Calvin, and Theodore Beza. Jonathan Edwards referred to him as "the best of Protestant writers in his judgment." John Farthing claimed that Zanchius "lived and breathed in dialogue with scripture." The hymnist, Augustus Toplady (and original English publisher of this work), said Zanchius's work was "from beginning to end, a regular chain of solid argument: deduced from the unerring word of divine revelation, and confirmed by the co-incident testimonies of some of the greatest lights that ever shone in the Christian church." Not only have Reformed scholars of the past been assisted by this volume, the modern reader will benefit from this classic statement of the biblical doctrine of predestination as well. This book is thoughtful, balanced, and biblical. Absolute Predestination remains a helpful explanation of the Reformed doctrine of election and reprobation. This book is not milk for babes; it is meat for grown men and women. But it is good meat; nutritious, wholesome, spiritual food for the soul. After reading it, you will see the clear teachings of Scripture on election and reprobation.

Genres: Theology

158 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1982

About the author

A.k.a. Girolamo Zanchi.

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Also read in July of 1989.

[Jordan Coy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the book’s content- This is a decent introduction to the standard reformed position on the doctrine of Predestination
based on the translation- this is a bad translation of Zanchi’s treatise

This rendition of Zanchi’s treatise was done by Anglican preacher Augustus Toplady in 1769. Toplady did a terrible job at translating this text, adding his own opinions and inserting anachronisms (Toplady had a famous dispute with John Welsey due to the translation of this treatise). At several points he criticizes the Arminians by name, however, Zanchi died about 14 years before the public disputes involving Jacob Arminius. If you are wanting a text for studying Zanchi or his works, don’t look here. If you want a text that details how the reformed have articulated predestination, this is a decent introduction
Content- 4/5. Translation 2/5.

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read on God's absolute Sovereignty. Jerome gives an unapologetic presentation of what predestination means. God ordains how things will come to pass according to His will and doesn't change His mind.

If you're looking for a quick read with a solid presentation of double predestination, I'd recommend this book.

Consider checking out my blog:
https://laymansprogress.com

Or following me on Instagram:
@laymansprogress

[Tom James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a translation by Augustus Toplady of Jerome Zanchius' book. Provides an airtight case for the Christian doctrine of election and predestination. He points out that our very love for God ought to be even more intense when we understand that God loved us (and will continue to do so) not because of any love that He foresaw in us toward Him, but simply because He chose to love us and save us, undeserving as we were.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.