Determined to Believe?: The sovereignty of God, faith and human responsibility

by Professor John C Lennox

"¿Predeterminados a creer?" ha sido escrito para aquellos a quienes les interesa (o inquieta) todo lo relacionado con la soberanía de Dios, y la libertad y responsabilidad humana. John Lennox escribe este libro con la intención de ayudar a los lectores a abordar por sí mismos estas cuestiones desde la Biblia.

En este análisis comprehensivo del determinismo teológico, Lennox busca en primer lugar definir el problema, estudiando los conceptos de libertad, los distintos tipos de determinismo y las dificultades morales que conlleva cada uno de ellos. Después de esto, el autor profundiza en los Evangelios, y luego investiga lo que podemos aprender sobre el determinismo y la responsabilidad de la discusión de Pablo en Romanos sobre los tratos de Dios con Israel. Para terminar, Lennox aborda el problema de la garantía cristiana.

Este matizado y detallado estudio desafía muchas de las suposiciones ampliamente difundidas en el área del determinismo teológico, aportando una perspectiva fresca al debate.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Christianity, Audiobook, Religion

368 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2017

Reviews

[Frank Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the time of this writing, there was a single review for this book on Goodreads. I read the review prior to reading Lennox’s book and again after. What surprises me is that the criticisms in the critical 1-star review seem to come from a book that I didn’t read. The reviewer code named: “Calvin” seemed not to have read the book carefully (perhaps skimmed it), and I don’t think their review is reasonable or fair. I can well imagine that some wouldn’t like the book, but they shouldn’t misrepresent what was written in their criticism.

This book is all about Theistic Determinism, which the author defines as the view that God has predetermined the spiritual future of everyone to the extent that they have absolutely no choice. In the book he quotes numerous authors who have expressed this type of view, and then systematically shows through scriptural quotes that this Theistic Determinism is not consistent with scripture. Yes, there are isolated proof texts that could be interpreted that way, but the larger message around those proof texts is not supportive. Lennox spends considerable effort going through two large portions of scripture: a few chapters in John and a few in Romans to make his case, which I believe is very strong. He does an outstanding job showing from scripture that faith comes before regeneration in all of Jesus’ teaching, such that the alternate view is unscriptural. It is unfortunate that all his arguments were not as strong, even from my perspective as someone in agreement.

I fully expect that those who are strongly in the Calvinistic TULIP camp may well be irritated by the book. For this reason, Lennox begins the book quoting Paul admonition not to claim to follow anyone but Jesus (i.e. not Paul, Apollos or Peter) and expands this to the present day suggesting that it is inappropriate to use terms such as Calvinist or Armenian. I think he makes an excellent point! Furthermore, he argues that one shouldn’t interpret scripture through a system (such as Armenianism/Calvinism), but instead use scripture as the foundation and starting point without any system. I would encourage anyone who reads the book to consider what Lennox is saying, based on the scriptures, rather than condemning him for disagreeing with favourite Christian authors.

Based on my respect for the author and the need for a book to address this topic, it deserves 5 stars. However, as already stated, not all his arguments have the same weight (which he acknowledges in the short epilogue).

[Liam · Rating 1 out of 5]

John Lennox is an amazingly talented intellectual figure. I was turned on to his apologetic work after seeing very high reviews, and then reading his ‘Seven Days that Divide the World,’ which is an absolutely remarkable book on how science and Scripture meet – especially concerning the book of Genesis. Lennox has also had several debates with intellectual figures from various backgrounds, and he is typically charitable and winsome and wise in his banter in these events. (His discussion here at the Veritas Forum was particularly compelling). I recently saw that he had written this book on the free-will/Predestination | Calvinism/Arminianism debate, and I knew I had to read it.

Throughout the book, Lennox disposed of labels. He does this based on Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 1. While he certainly has a point, I think he takes it a bit too far, believing that Christians should have no labels at all for theological systems that are names of people. However – to solve this he simply stamps his own label of ‘determinism’ onto the old label of Calvinism – an uncharitable, and misleading title for the theological system, in my view.

Unfortunately, I have to say I was very disappointed with Lennox’s arguments in this book. He seems to be largely unfamiliar with the views of classic Protestant Calvinism. He treats rather – almost entirely, Hyper-Calvinism only. Throughout the book, Lennox makes some good arguments, but they address a debate between free-will Arminianism and Hyper-Calvinism. They don’t actually come close to addressing classic orthodox Calvinistic beliefs as he intends.

In almost the same breath, Lennox criticizes (albeit in a somewhat charitable way) figures such as Calvin, Luther, Edwards, and also moderns such a as Piper, Sproul, and Horton – stating the absurdity of views that believe so strongly in God’s sovereignty that they, for example, don’t believe in evangelism, don’t believe in human responsibility, or even, believe that God is actually the author of sin.

The glaring problem, is that none of these names mentioned actually believe any of these absurd Hyper-Calvinistic doctrines. In fact no orthodox Calvinists actually believe these things. Lennox fails to point out any examples of orthodox Calvinists who actually believe that evangelism is not something Christians should do. He also does not give any examples of orthodox Calvinists (via confessions of faith or theological works written) stating that humans are not responsible for sin and that God is. However, much of his argument is based on the absurdity of these beliefs. An argument (I think) his Calvinistic opponents would heartily agree to.

Lennox seems to have failed to see that when Calvinists think of predestination, they don’t think about it in a robotic mechanistic way. Calvinists see God as sovereign over all things – but in that sovereignty God uses means to achieve nearly all of his work. So – for example, evangelism is absolutely crucial for Calvinists – because God uses means to accomplish his work. It is only the Hyper-Calvinist who can sit back and say, ‘well God is ultimately in control of all – so why do anything?.’
When God changes hearts, it is by the means of giving us new affections for him and his beauty and kindness. It is not fair to Calvinists to say that they believe God drags the unbeliever, kicking and screaming all the way, into becoming Christians against their will. This is just a wrong understanding of Calvinism. However this is exactly how Lennox presents Calvinism throughout the book

Lennox’s book is more philosophical than exegetical. However he does do a wee bit of exegesis in his argument – however he limits his work to word studies instead of exegeting what each passage actually says. He does some fancy foot work with his word studies proving that the words in question don’t mean what Calvinists say they mean all the time and then concludes that therefore we don’t have to believe they mean those things in the noteworthy Calvinistic passages – which, in my mind, let’s him sidestep the problem; it’s also just not good or full exegesis. This debate has been going on for centuries, and it will require vast amounts of exegesis to get to the root of – a chapter of word studies is simply not enough to tackle this kind of massive theological debate.

Lennox’s main axe to grind throughout the book is that Calvinism cannot create a system where humans can be responsible for their own sin. He concludes that Calvinists must believe that humans are not responsible for their sin – leaving God himself as responsible (this was in chapter 5 I believe). This is, however, a view that is simply not true. I know of no orthodox Calvinist thinkers who believe this.

Contrary to Lennox’s view, Scripture rather, presents two simultaneous realities. (1) One is that God is absolutely sovereign, and he controls every minute detail of everything – from the insignificant: even each hair we lose each day or a tiny bird suddenly dying in the forest – to the very significant: each decision made by every great ruler (see Matthew 10 & proverbs 21:1 respectively). The other simultaneous reality (2) is that we are responsible for all of our evil that we knowingly and willfully commit – especially for things we judge others for yet do ourselves (see Romans 1:18-3:20).

The biblical response to these two realities should not be to emphasize one over the other, but rather to seek a full compatiblism (a term sometimes used for Calvinism – and probably a better term) of the two seemingly exclusive realities.

To students of theology this should not seem to be such a strange concept. After all, we seek a compatibilism in a great many theological areas – including the Triune nature of God, the humanity and divinity of Christ, several aspects of justification (that imputation of Christ’s righteousness is not – strictly speaking – fair or logical), and several other areas – especially the areas nearer to the nature and character of God himself. This is simply one of the aspects of theological concepts that are too high and beautiful for us to fully grasp as humans. If these aspects of God don’t make absolute logical sense to us now – it should not be seen as a worse problem than say, some of our plethora of scientific mysteries. We should know, after all, that God – the maker of our physical realities – is infinitely more complex than them. And if there are mysteries in those realities, there will necessarily be mysteries in the greatest of realities.

Ultimately Lennox’s book fails to even get the opposing side’s position correct – and for that reason the book fails to be persuasive. Since he mischaracterizes the view he is debating, he likely won’t be persuading any opponents to his side of the argument. Unfortunately the end of this book will largely just stir the pot more and proliferate the misunderstandings of each side of this ancient theological debate.

See also D.A. Carson’s excellent critical review of this book: Are Some People Determined to Believe the Worst About Reformed Theology?

[Calvin Coulter · Rating 1 out of 5]

John Lennox is well known both as a maths scholar and Christian apologist. He has publicly debated with Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. He is highly regarded in the apologetics field and has earned a reputation as a champion of Christian theism in the public square. For these reasons I was curious to read this book given that the subject matter was outside his usual field, and arguably his expertise. Lennox sets out his stall early doors and declares his disliking for the commonly used labels 'Calvinists' and 'Arminians', coining in the process a new one to me, 'Calminian'. He goes on to challenge the received reformed wisdom on predestination and election, which he dismisses as theistic determinism. This simply couldn't be fair, rather this would be despotic and would be closer to atheist (dec'd) Christopher Hitchens' view of the Christian god. Through the book Lennox makes generous use of bible quotes which is great, but what is not so good is the plain attack on some well loved Christian writers and theologians, not just Calvin and Luther, but AW Pink, RC Sproul, and John Piper; declaring in the process many of their writings as unbiblical.
The recurring argument that Lennox makes is that for God to hold as blameworthy those who are not extended the necessary act of grace to cause a person to believe in God simply not just. Man must be free to act unhindered or all is unfair. What he does not allow for though is for any notion of Adamic federalism that renders man's will spoiled and bent toward sin and freely choosing wrong. instead in Lennox's scheme, man is unfettered entirely and not bound by his nature. This is just wrong-headed in my view. The other major issue I have with the book is the incongruity of insisting on man's complete autonomy when it comes to the decision to trust in God, but once made, Lennox insists then that perseverance kicks in and God makes unalterable the decision made freely. Surely this is just as despotic, in his terms, as causing them to believe in the first place. In any case this act of God's in lifting the fog of the fallen sinful man and allowing him to see what he could not by himself is clearly an act of mercy and not despotism.
I was delighted that John Lennox at least claims belief in God's primacy in initiating salvation and conceding that without his acting, there would not be regeneration, but I found the way he argued his position on what he mislabels determinism somewhat arrogant. I detect an underlying system of belief that is far from the ground-breaking, new term-coining rethink it purports to be. Something to work on. I didn't like the book very much, I haven't recommended it.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most thoughtful, balanced, and needed volumes that I have seen a long time in the always turbulent Calvinist/Arminian debate. He takes us back before these later labels to the more correct label of theological determinism and helps us wrestle with the sometimes tricky concepts of the sovereignty of God and human freedom. In tone and in content this book is a tour de force that refuses to accept the theological constraints that have been foisted upon us and takes us back to the Bible itself.

Both in the brief prologue and the introduction on what this book is about, we immediately notice something that is rare in this debate –civility. There’s no way he can agree with everyone, but he is altogether kind to those with whom he cannot. Occasionally, I almost wondered if he’s spilled too much ink in a cautious attempt to be respectful. Still, that may be what this subject demanded.

He had me by just a few pages into chapter 1. His discussion of the nature and limitations of freedom brought the subject into clear focus as he explains the difference between the liberty of spontaneity and the liberty of indifference. He introduces terms like determinist, indeterminacy, compatibilists, and incompatiblists. He makes an indisputable case that there can be no morality without freedom, nor love without free will. He gives a great discussion of how there are both atheists and Christians who hold to determinism. Chapter 2 dives into various kinds of determinism including physical determinism and theistic determinism. The logic employed is flawless and unanswerable. Chapter 3 develops some of the earlier thoughts to discuss the moral problem with determinism. As you will see, there is a major moral problem with it. Chapter 4 with its interesting title of “weapons of mass distraction” talks about the plethora of labels that have overtaken this debate. He turns us to Scripture and shows us what the apostle Paul said about following men or labels and how perhaps this debate stumbles out of the gate in the approach to it that so many of us take.

Chapter 5 begins part two that now feels comfortable to address God’s sovereignty and human responsibility head on. Again, he writes with clarity and does not allow himself to be bound by the clichés that have robbed the debate of its vitality. In chapter 6 he turns to the biblical vocabulary and instead of turning to a theological book goes straight to the Bible to discuss and define foreknowledge, predestination, and election. Part three begins with a chapter on human capacity and its limits and it is where we are now able to discuss some of the common arguments given, including some of the letters of TULIP. The next chapter looks at the human condition and digs into God’s righteousness and justification by faith. Chapter 9 tackles what the Bible says about being drawn by the Father and coming to Jesus Christ. Chapter 10 asks hard questions about the common explanations given for regeneration. Chapter 11 cycles to the gospel and human moral responsibility. The balance of the book looks directly at some of the key Scriptures that serve as the battleground of this issue: Romans 9 – 11 (5 chapters), several passages on assurance (1 chapter), several passages on endurance (1 chapter), and passages in Hebrews (2 chapters). The book ends with a very brief epilogue and questions for reflection.

I don’t see how you’d want to dig into this subject without availing yourself of this incredible book. I give it the highest recommendation!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Norman Bennett Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Lennox does an incredible job laying out the theological, philosophical, and exegetical challenges of Calvinist soteriology, determinism, and compatibilism.

In a time when Calvinism is in vogue and its proponents seemingly unwilling to address - or simply unaware of - the internal inconsistencies of their systematic, a popular-level work like this one is necessary to expose the layman to biblically consistent interpretations of popular Calvinist passages. The supremacy of Scripture is the centerpiece of this work, and defending the character of God and the extent of the gospel is the chief aim. I highly recommend this book to anyone beginning their journey into contemplating the doctrine of salvation.

[Scott Monteith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems to address Hyper Calvinism more than Calvinism, so I think Calvinism is frequently misrepresented in the arguments. While he writes persuasively, Lennox seems to extrapolate too much from a few texts and often does more textual gymnastics than expected. It does cause you to return to the text and see what you think is being argued (which is always a good thing), but wouldn’t regard it as one of the more biblically faithful works from him.

To be clear, I still very much think Lennox is a gift to the church, and I’ve been encouraged by many of his contributions. However this particular book missed the mark for me.

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Andy Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the author makes an extended argument against theistic determinism, while also addressing the issues of eternal security and assurance of salvation. The book is technically divided into 5 parts, and this is my take on them: 1. The problem between the ideas of freedom and God's sovereignty; 2. A review of the essential ideas or doctrines related to God's sovereignty; 3. How the issue relates to the gospel; 4. How the issue is addressed in Romans 9-11; 5. How the issue is addressed in Hebrews.

Overall, the author is very gracious in his approach, carefully explaining the issues including the problems and benefits of labels, and being clear that while he disagrees with some statements by other authors, he generally still respects and values them. I really enjoyed the first few parts of the book, as I hadn't really been exposed to the philosophical challenges of God's sovereignty, and was encouraged to realize that there is a reality to our choices and we can choose to do good or not. I got kind of stuck towards the end of book, as some of the issues he was addressing regarding Israel and assurance were more familiar to me (I would recommend Full Assurance by H.A. Ironside), but eventually I got some momentum again and finished it off. So my main takeaway is the refreshing reality of our God-given freedom to serve him in contrast to the strong determinism that I generally encounter in other articles and books I read.

[Danny Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a dense read, highly recommend listening to the audio book to get through it quicker, but the themes and ideas were amazing. I thought it was going to be heavy philosophy and debating a lot of the people and ideas advanced by the Neo-Calvinist, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was much more of a Bible Study on these topics and the focus was really on Scripture rather than on the philosophy of determinism. Chapter 4 was especially good in terms of getting the issues framed around the Scripture and not pointless denominational debates. Great book, full of great insights right from Scripture. This guy is a current C.S. Lewis type of writer! Not as many analogies, but clear thinking and reasoning.

[Richard Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a comprehensive overview on the topic of determinism. This book goes over most of the passages dealing with election, predestination, and foreknowledge, but it does so in the context of each verse. I feel like I can now make an informed decision on what I believe which confidently takes into account all the verses that on the surface may seem to support determinism.

One of the most helpful things about the book though is the notion of avoiding labels. I think both sides would be more unified if everyone adhered to this. This is tied to 1 Corinthians 3:4-9 where people claimed to follow Paul or Apollos (insert Calvin, or Armenius here). Did those people die and rise again for our sin? No! Our hope is in Jesus Christ and that is what unites us as believers.

[John Sagherian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading “Determined to Believe? – The Sovereignty of God, Freedom, Faith, and Human Responsibility” by John C. Lennox. I’m sure I didn’t get everything, I’m not that smart, but it had a lot of good stuff I did get, and many nuggets of truth, like, “Trusting the mind and using God is tantamount to idolatry: trusting God and using the mind is Christian.” Lennox bases his book on scripture, the Gospels and the letters in the NT. As it says on the back cover, “This is an essential book for those looking to understand God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.” I highly recommend it to those who want their understanding of these truths challenged and expanded.

[Clayton Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good presentation of a late 20th century Keswick convention perspective on Election. I was impressed by the discussion on whether faith is a work, whether Romans 9 is about group or individual election and the harmonisation of an Arminian view of man's ability to choose with an irreversible regeneration. It's the most I have questioned Calvinism and I gained a lot from thinking about Romans 9 in it's OT context, but ultimately it did not persuade me. For two good responses that summarise my view, see https://journal.rts.edu/review/determ... and https://www.reformation21.org/article...

[Amílcar Rodríguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy bueno. Lectura obligada para aquellos que están interesados en profundizar en las posturas que generan debate hoy acerca de la responsabilidad humana y la soberanía divina. Es un libro para re-leer y analizar con cuidado. Lennox plantea puntos que son necesarios considerar con mucha seriedad a la luz del texto bíblico.

[Garrett Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely not a Calvinist book, but it also isn’t a Arminian book, or a Molinist book. This book is concerned with one thing: Devine determinism. Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it biblical? I listened to this book, but have purchased a hard copy to go through and mark up!

[Geoff Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is the book to address Calvinism/Theological Determinism. Very clear reasoning, well organized arguments.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am studying Hebrews and love John Lennox debates with athiests so decided to read this.

John Lennox is a student of CS Lewis and very CS Lewisy in the way he talks and writes. (Very British too.)

The topic is determinism among athiests and Christians. He goes to the Bible and breaks down the points of Calvin he doesn't believe are biblical. I also am troubled by some of them for the similar reasons so I enjoyed hearing his Bible study on the topics.

After this, he breaks down why believers can't fall away biblically. (Not a position I currently hold, but very interesting.)

He spent a long time in Hebrews talking about passages I'm wresting with (Yay!)

He pointed out that Paul didn't want believers to call themselves Paulists or followers of Apollo. Or calvanists. He calls himself a bible follower. Makes sense I'm kinda in the same boat. Labels can be handy but aren't important.

This book drew some very engaging discussions with husband, and I'm coming out of it feeling encouraged in my faith and the gospel! May God be glorified!

[Jon Hausler · Rating 5 out of 5]

My front runner for best book I’ve read this year. Pit words to things I’ve been wrestling with and provides a convincing view that doesn’t fall into determinism.

[Evghenii · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the subject. Highly recommend for anyone looking to see a Biblical, exegetical and logical expose. This one goes to my Favorites shelf. This means worth reading again!

[libremilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My objective has been to challenge deterministic arguments that claimed to be based on something I do not challenge—the biblical doctrines of the sovereignty of God and human responsibility."

John Lennox is, in my mind, one of our day's most esteemed theologians and philosophers. He discusses and debates with humility and class, and I was more than interested to hear his thoughts on the age old debate between free will and human responsibility.

I have long been troubled by this very subject, and the hardcore predestination of Calvinism has always frightened me as I consider my place in the world. There were many times when I almost thought it had to be the only logical explanation. But then . . . how can I account for the horrific idea that God willfully predetermines those who He does not see fit? It made no sense, and I was eager for a different opinion.

Enter this book. Honestly, I will admit right off the bat that I was disappointed by the book's lack of discussion on scientific determinism (i.e. molecules, circumstance, and nature determining human action). I was hoping for more than just a chapter on it, but I was grateful for the small amount of discussion it was given. But I did expect more in that regard. That's honestly one of the only reasons I'm taking off a star.

This book is more oriented around the distinctly Christian view of free will and human responsibility. Lennox does an excellent job explaining basic theistic determinism, Calvinism, TULIP, "election," and other essential points primary to the overall discussion. He then dissects the strongest arguments for predestination and—using scripture—begins to unravel some of their coherence. He also looks at passages that Calvin and others have used to support their arguments, such as those from the books of Romans, Hebrews, and the "hardening of Pharaoh's heart" in Exodus (among others). What I had originally thought were hard and fast pointers toward God's determining of a person's will and moral choice turned out to be completely different. He all does this in respect to Calvin, Luther, Sproul, and others, who he readily admits that "it is precisely because I respect them that they have caused me much thought regarding the particular issues I have focused on in this book."

For the sake of time, I can't go into all of his arguments now. However, for the Christian troubled by the dilemmas of freewill, assurance, salvation, and whether or not humans can (or should) be held morally responsible for their actions, this is a great place to start.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Lennox is an Oxford math professor who has become known for his cheerful debates/ discussions with New Atheist folks. In this book, he examines 5-point Calvinism with that same spirit of rational analysis and of kindness to those with whom he disagrees. He concludes that the Calvinist system is not well supported by Scripture.

The question of whether humans have free will is, of course, one that has been puzzled over outside the world of Christian theology. He starts, very appropriately, by framing the issue within the broader philosophical context, touching briefly on the influence of Greek philosophy on Calvinism and more recently the New Atheists' embrace of determinism - the idea that our sense of free will is an illusion. In contrast, the Bible describes humans as endowed with the ability and responsibility to make meaningful choices that have eternal significance. Our time on this earth has meaning.

There is so much that is helpful in the way that Dr. Lennox approaches this topic. For one, he avoids theological labels and instead derives his theology from the Biblical text without using the labels. This is necessary as terms like "Calvinism" mean different things to different people. He goes through biblical texts used to support Calvinism in detail. And the whole presentation is refreshingly logical, which will be satisfying to anyone who has been frustrated by the logical contradictions and "mystery" in Calvinism.

This is one of the best books I've read for a while and would highly recommend it.

[Ken Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this, it felt like I was literally attending a course personally taught by John Lennox. The material is so thorough in its presentation, so meticulous in the biblical references, and so clear in how Lennox patiently reached his conclusions that I wanted to be a front row student every time I sat down to read this book. Lennox is a sharp thinker who made some great points in this book, and really got me thinking. But I didn’t find it quite as comprehensive as I had hoped it’d be, as Lennox didn’t address some key biblical passages that I’d like to have heard his views on, and he sometimes seemed a tad dismissive of views that differed from his conclusions. I’ve read a fair bit on both sides of this issue, but I’m glad I added this to what I’ve read. Though I wasn’t fully persuaded by some of Lennox’s conclusions, I still found most of his arguments extremely helpful and insightful.

[Danny Adkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Lennox, his writings and arguments, especially in debate. However, his arguments against the doctrines of grace are built on premises that misrepresent the doctrines of grace. Plus his misrepresentation of Calvinism with scientific determinism demonstrates he isn’t interested in understanding the reformed position. Mankind is either in Adam or in Christ and the will of man is in bondage to his desires. This he doesn’t deal with very well at all. He does write persuasively but he jumps back and forth from molinism and traditional Arminianism constantly. These really are two different systems that do not agree. After reading this book I am still a convinced, Reformed Christian, who holds to the doctrines of grace, and the theology of the WCF. I still enjoy and love Dr Lennox, and look forward to reading more of his materials.

[D D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Determined to be Faithful to the Word

This is a very helpful book for Christians who wish to understand human freedom in the light of the sovereignty of God.

John leads the reader through many difficult passages of scripture bringing clarity and understanding. This is especially helpful for those whose perspective is distorted by doctrines, which are in some measure, inconsistent with all Scripture.

[José Aguilar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half is a 5*, the second half a 2*, so I’d give it a 3,5*

[Derek Kreider · Rating 2 out of 5]

I respect the author and appreciate his humility and desire for unity, which is something those on the other side of the argument from him rarely show. That being said, his work, like most others from a LFW position, fall flat.

My issues are always the same. First, all the time is always spent attacking determinism and never positing what free will actually is. OK, determinism sounds like it sucks. I agree. But what is free will? Is it the choice we make because of our nature? No, that’s determinism. Nurture? No, that’s determinism. Randomness? No, that is indeterministic determinism (a dice roll controls me and my action isn’t representative of me). So what is free will? Would I always make the same choice under the same conditions given repeated events? If yes, I’m determined. If no, then in what way do decisions actually represent who we are?

The author points out that Jesus mentions a town that would have believed in him had they seen his miracles. So damned not because of who they are at their core, as they had the heart of believers given the right circumstances (nurture). LFW makes no sense, and I have yet to hear someone tell me what or actually is.

So the author never tells us what LFW is or how it’s grounded, and never defends the serious justice issues of LFW that are as irreconcilable as those found on determinism (and I’d argue more so). It’s the same old same old LFW legerdemain. I don’t at all mean that the author is trying to be deceptive, just that LFW proponents never address the substantive content.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by John Lennox, and I enjoyed it overall. The topic itself can be intimidating, but Lennox broke it down into bite sized pieces and made it very approachable and understandable (however, by no means am I an expert). He really tried to focus on making arguments from scripture rather than from a specific system of theology, which I appreciated, but his bias toward Arminianism certainly came through. This was a nice book to read to solidify some of the viewpoints I have heard before on these topics. I found myself agreeing with much of what he said except for perhaps the last section on assurance of salvation, but I have to do more digging into this. Overall, I recommend this book as a comprehensive yet doable foray into the topics listed in the title.

[Mihaela Mureșan · Rating 5 out of 5]

,If God chooses to save some and not others. What is wrong with that? There is everything wrong with it if that selection is mysterious or even arbitrary. There is everything wrong with it if God is the God who so loved the world that he gave his only that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. There is everything wrong with it if God is the God who inspired the apostle Paul to write, encouraging all believers to pray: 'This is good, it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth' 1 Timothy 2: 3-4. There is everything wrong with it because it points to a God who hates rather than one who loves''

[Erik Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God is sovereign, and that is a glorious thing. He acts according to His will, and His activity is right because He never acts contrary to His own character."

John Lennox is a gifted writer and he does not disappoint in "Determined to Believe". Here he tackles the doctrine of election, and he specifically addresses the rising issue of determinism in Christian thought. Utilizing good argumentation and solid exegesis, Lennox exposes the errors of determinism and offers a Biblical explanation of election. As of today, this is the best book on this doctrine that I have read. For anyone interested in this topic, I definitely recommend this book. The section on the security of the believer alone is worth the price of the book.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook. It was an amazing book but had so much depth to it that I have bought the Kindle copy so I can highlight and go through it slower with a Bible.

This is now in my top 10 favourite books. I have never felt Determined Theology to be possible as if God determines some for Heaven it also means he determines some for Hell and I couldn't link that to my understanding of God's nature.

This book has helped me deal with those "problem" passages, like Romans 9 as well as opened my eyes to new passages that do show that yes, human choice to believe is real and yes, God has to give us the power to do so.

It is well written and there's a lot in here.

[Lorna J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very hard subject

With characteristic kindness John Lennox explores the subject of God's and humans' role in salvation. Is this a mystery too deep even for his sharp mind? He rejects predestination in the Calvinist sense while hoping to hold onto God's sovereignty. Ultimately he provokes thought and biblical study but doesn't quite give a satisfactory rebuttal to the Apostle Paul's grand predestination message of Romans. I deeply respect Professor Lennox and appreciate him wading into this mystery with a deeply evangelical heart.