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Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace?: Rediscovering the Doctrines That Shook the World
Combines a serious examination of the state of today's church and a powerful solution: reclaiming the gospel of grace found in the confessional truths of the Reformation.Though the Christian church has achieved a worldly sort of success-big numbers, big budgets, big outreaches-these are not good days for evangelicalism. Attendance is down, and it is increasingly difficult to distinguish so-called "believers" from their non-Christian neighbors-all because the gospel of grace has been neglected.In this work, the late James Montgomery Boice identifies what's happened within evangelicalism and suggests how the confessional statements of the Reformation-Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, and glory to God alone-can ignite full-scale revival. "A church without these convictions has ceased to be a true church, whatever else it may be," he wrote, but "if we hold to these doctrines, our churches and those we influence will grow strong."
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First published February 7, 2001
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About the author
James Montgomery Boice
268 books100 followersJames Montgomery Boice was a Reformed theologian, Bible teacher, and pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia from 1968 until his death in 2000. He was also president and cofounder of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, the parent organization of The Bible Study Hour on which Boice was a speaker for more than thirty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 28, 2022
Boice is always worth reading. Recommended for every Christian as a helpful tool to get our bearings in an ever changing cultural “Christianity.”
December 24, 2020
Boice was a titan of the faith. He was the John Macarthur for so many years. That one man that people would look up to, to stand up for his faith and for truth despite the world crashing down on him. Boice offered a solemn warning in this book - that if the doctrines of Grace are abandoned, our faith as we know it will be shattered. Squishy evangelicalism has tried for many years to silence these doctrines with a lot of success, and we see where that has led us. The doctrines of Grace are the foundation of our faith. Without them we fall right into works based religion or into a world with no Christianity at all. Boice cannot overstate this. Good and helpful reminders.
August 11, 2010
This was the last book Pastor Boice wrote before his death in June 2000 and I must say he really left us with a true jewel. His book, "Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace?", is divided into three parts and it's almost like getting three books in one volume. Part One (Our Dying Culture) is a straight forward, no nonsense critical analysis of our modern evangelical church. Boice describes a church that spends more time developing programs designed toward success (does it work?) and messages that are focused on the congregation's felt need and a dedication to growing a mega-church instead of fulfilling God's calling by protecting and feeding the flock of God through the Word of God. He contends the focus of the church has been turned inward, becoming a man-centered business rather than God-centered worshipers, rightly giving God alone the glory (soli Deo gloria). Boice's criticism becomes stern at times in this section. But anyone familiar with Pastor Boice, personally or through his writings, knows this is just a reflection of his great pastor's heart.
Just like an epistle, after carefully pointing out the problems in the modern church, he moves into Parts Two and Three describing the practical remedy to a lost and wandering church. Part Two (Doctrines that Shook the World) covers the five "solas" of the Reformation (Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Glory to God Alone). Boice was at his best in this section section, providing one of the clearest, most concise and biblically supported study of this area of theology I have read. He dedicates a chapter to each of the solas. I especially appreciate his use of the relevant texts, focused explanations, and very effective applications of each principle.
After completing an excellent doctrinal section, Boice moves into Part Three (The Shape of Renewal)which is his application of the first two sections. I enjoyed parts of this last section, but not as much as the first two. Boice allows his personal preferences to really come to the forefront and this section will probably draw most of the criticism of the book. This section has a number of worthwhile parts and takes on more of an outline format, especially Chapter Nine, which I found to be the most helpful area of Part Three. For whatever reason, I felt Boice lost his focus in Chapter Eight and wandered around a little in his presentation of different aspects of true worship, which will be what I think is the most controversial part of the book. I have already noticed one reviewer really took exception to the information in this chapter.
Overall, this was an excellent book and a worthwhile read and addition to any library. It's not written beyond the younger Christian, nor too shallow for the more mature Christian, either. I recommend this book. Part Two alone is worth the price of admission.
Just like an epistle, after carefully pointing out the problems in the modern church, he moves into Parts Two and Three describing the practical remedy to a lost and wandering church. Part Two (Doctrines that Shook the World) covers the five "solas" of the Reformation (Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Glory to God Alone). Boice was at his best in this section section, providing one of the clearest, most concise and biblically supported study of this area of theology I have read. He dedicates a chapter to each of the solas. I especially appreciate his use of the relevant texts, focused explanations, and very effective applications of each principle.
After completing an excellent doctrinal section, Boice moves into Part Three (The Shape of Renewal)which is his application of the first two sections. I enjoyed parts of this last section, but not as much as the first two. Boice allows his personal preferences to really come to the forefront and this section will probably draw most of the criticism of the book. This section has a number of worthwhile parts and takes on more of an outline format, especially Chapter Nine, which I found to be the most helpful area of Part Three. For whatever reason, I felt Boice lost his focus in Chapter Eight and wandered around a little in his presentation of different aspects of true worship, which will be what I think is the most controversial part of the book. I have already noticed one reviewer really took exception to the information in this chapter.
Overall, this was an excellent book and a worthwhile read and addition to any library. It's not written beyond the younger Christian, nor too shallow for the more mature Christian, either. I recommend this book. Part Two alone is worth the price of admission.
September 14, 2019
How do you introduce the controversial topics of the solas of the reformation? I have seen multiple approaches to laying out Calvinism, also known as the Doctrines of Grace or Reformed Theology.
Some have taught/criticized these doctrines historically. That is they go back to the history of the ancient church, evaluating the early church fathers, namely Augustine and tracing back his conclusions to the majesterial reformers of 15th and 16th centuries.
Others have taught/criticized these doctrines philosophically. That is they teach it as a system in comparison to other systems (e.g. pelgianism, semi-pelagianism, arminianism, etc.) .
Others have taught/criticized these doctrines biblically. While it is noble to approach these doctrines in light of Scripture (and only Scripture), at some point the student will ask, "why doesn't everybody reject or believe these doctrines?" History will eventually be involved. Philosophy will eventually be involved.
Boice offers a different path. He takes a blend of these approaches and answers the most common objections to reformed theology and provides cogent historical, philosophical, and biblical answers. He writes persuasively and warmly as a pastor.
The book is dated but remains one of my favorite introductions to the doctrines of Grace.
Some have taught/criticized these doctrines historically. That is they go back to the history of the ancient church, evaluating the early church fathers, namely Augustine and tracing back his conclusions to the majesterial reformers of 15th and 16th centuries.
Others have taught/criticized these doctrines philosophically. That is they teach it as a system in comparison to other systems (e.g. pelgianism, semi-pelagianism, arminianism, etc.) .
Others have taught/criticized these doctrines biblically. While it is noble to approach these doctrines in light of Scripture (and only Scripture), at some point the student will ask, "why doesn't everybody reject or believe these doctrines?" History will eventually be involved. Philosophy will eventually be involved.
Boice offers a different path. He takes a blend of these approaches and answers the most common objections to reformed theology and provides cogent historical, philosophical, and biblical answers. He writes persuasively and warmly as a pastor.
The book is dated but remains one of my favorite introductions to the doctrines of Grace.
January 5, 2021
So this book is largely a response to antinomianism and theological liberalism. There’s definitely a few “product of his time” moments when it comes to his support of lordship salvation and condemnation of TV (not that I’m a big TV watcher), but there’s still some good things to be learned. I very much appreciate how thoroughly he goes through the 5 Solas and the doctrines of grace. If you’re new to Calvinism, this can be very helpful. That said, if you’re prone to legalism, I might skip it.
July 10, 2018
Great book
This book is helpful, theological, practical, interesting, and easy to read. Read it and be blessed my friends. You’ll thank me later.
This book is helpful, theological, practical, interesting, and easy to read. Read it and be blessed my friends. You’ll thank me later.
April 19, 2022
Decent critique of late 20th century evangelicalism from a reformed perspective. Serves as a good introduction to the doctrines of grace.
December 20, 2017
There are a few books that come along every now and then which are epochal and relevant for all generations, such as Knowing God by JI Packer, The Gospel According to Jesus by J MacArthur and John Stott's The CVros of Christ. Whatever happened to the Gospel of Grace by James Montgomery Boice is one such book!
This is the second full reading of this book that I have done, although I have dipped into it many a time. It was the basis of a 28-week study series I delivered in Grace Baptist Church on Nothing More, Nothing Less: The Continuing Relevance of the Reformation.'
the book is arranged in 3 Parts: Our Dying Culture, Doctrines that Shook the World and The Shape of revival. Whilst I wholly recommend the whole book Parts 1 and 3 can be and should be read and re-read at least every quarter to remind us how invasive the world is and how different God is!
I could quote copiously from almost every page but then I'd breach copyright! So I'll content myself with an extract from the Publisher's Foreward ...
"This is an extraordinary kind of a book. It is in fact the last written message of an extraordinary, perceptive, and godly man, Dr. James Montgomery Boice. As such it has a timeliness and urgency that the evangelical church today so critically needs to hear and heed. Stated simply as his last word, Jim Boice has given us a three-fold message, calling us as Christians: 1) to repent of our worldliness; 2) to recover the great salvation doctrines of the Bible as the Reformers did five hundred years ago; and 3) to live a life transformed by the essential truths of the gospel."
I listened to him speak and it was as if Abel was speaking!
A truly 5-star read!
This is the second full reading of this book that I have done, although I have dipped into it many a time. It was the basis of a 28-week study series I delivered in Grace Baptist Church on Nothing More, Nothing Less: The Continuing Relevance of the Reformation.'
the book is arranged in 3 Parts: Our Dying Culture, Doctrines that Shook the World and The Shape of revival. Whilst I wholly recommend the whole book Parts 1 and 3 can be and should be read and re-read at least every quarter to remind us how invasive the world is and how different God is!
I could quote copiously from almost every page but then I'd breach copyright! So I'll content myself with an extract from the Publisher's Foreward ...
"This is an extraordinary kind of a book. It is in fact the last written message of an extraordinary, perceptive, and godly man, Dr. James Montgomery Boice. As such it has a timeliness and urgency that the evangelical church today so critically needs to hear and heed. Stated simply as his last word, Jim Boice has given us a three-fold message, calling us as Christians: 1) to repent of our worldliness; 2) to recover the great salvation doctrines of the Bible as the Reformers did five hundred years ago; and 3) to live a life transformed by the essential truths of the gospel."
I listened to him speak and it was as if Abel was speaking!
A truly 5-star read!
November 21, 2013
This is a book I wish every evangelical Christian would read.
June 24, 2020
As the world has progressively departed from a supernatural worldview certain alarming trends are now defining the pattern of our age. These trends (secularism, humanism, relativism, materialism, pragmatism and amusement) have infiltrated the church to the extent that much of the evangelical community now embraces the world's agenda accompanied by the world's methods. This is the primary issue James Montgomery Boice is calling the evangelical church to address and if necessary to repent of.
How does Boice suppose that the evangelical church can recover its roots? By calling its people back to the great doctrines of our faith and the glorious truths about God and His grace. The rediscovery of the depth of these doctrines will once again shake the foundations of the church to forsake its worldliness and to recover its witness to the world.
To achieve his goal, Boice uses the Reformation with its 5 solas (scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, to the glory of God alone) as his platform to rediscover the great doctrines of evangelical faith.
While I would always appreciate more charity from authors to those with whom they disagree on non-essentials, Boice's clarity on how Reformation doctrine can assist us to proclaim the greatness of God once more, is really helpful, even if I would colour in some of details differently and may perhaps emphasize some aspects differently. Boice's urgency, faith and theology blend together and it bleeds through his writing - he is completely convinced of what he is arguing for. So despite some disagreements, this book is both convicting and encouraging.
As helpful as this book is, it is not without its flaws. While acknowledging that Boice's choice of the Reformation as his era for theological retrieval was deliberate, I still thought at times that the Reformation era itself is a very narrow period for retrieval. Some of the grandeur of deep theology is also expressed in the Patristic era. And by this I don't mean where the Reformers agree with Augustine. If we want to call evangelicals back to grand doctrines then the Reformation with a sprinkling of Puritan theology is really only the start. In some places it seemed liked gospel elements were wrapped in Reformation theology and then presented as the gospel itself. This is demonstrated by elevating 'Justification by faith alone' as a synonym for the gospel and the heart of Christianity. Part of the issue here is limiting the retrieval of doctrine to the Reformation where 'justification by faith alone' was rightly rediscovered. In a book in part about the gospel, I was disappointed to see no references to the Resurrection and the Lordship of Christ (lordship as the essential gospel confession). Christ's lordship was discussed, but primarily to show works as a necessary evidence of saving faith. I am not for one minute suggesting that Boice preached a truncated gospel in his ministry, he did write a book about the Christ of the empty tomb after all, but this presentation can easily lead itself to that accusation. I now also know why I was troubled by a mention early on about the 'reformation gospel'.
Those flaws notwithstanding, this book is still excellent in many places. His opening chapters serve as an accurate diagnosis of our secular culture and its dangers of infiltrating the church. As the church becomes more worldly it will by necessity compromise its worship of God to the point where worship loses its meaning. Also, in his chapter on scripture, Boice rightly discerns that not only is the infallibility of the Word at stake, but as the church embraces the world's methods, the sufficiency of the Word is at stake. Boice also emphasizes the centrality of the cross and that we will lose this if we undermine the gravity and reality of sin. Grace once again becomes amazing grace and faith goes beyond intellectual understanding to trust and a life of faithful obedience to our Lord. Boice extols the glory of God from Romans 11:36 in a particularly rich chapter. All the other 'solas' point to God's glory and Boice reminds us that the grandeur of God of the Bible has no parallel (at this point I would have appreciated some Trinitarian reflection but this does not detract from the beauty of this chapter). Boice finishes his book with two excellent chapters on how this kind of grand vision of God can reform our worship and our lives. Soli Deo Gloria!
How does Boice suppose that the evangelical church can recover its roots? By calling its people back to the great doctrines of our faith and the glorious truths about God and His grace. The rediscovery of the depth of these doctrines will once again shake the foundations of the church to forsake its worldliness and to recover its witness to the world.
To achieve his goal, Boice uses the Reformation with its 5 solas (scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, to the glory of God alone) as his platform to rediscover the great doctrines of evangelical faith.
While I would always appreciate more charity from authors to those with whom they disagree on non-essentials, Boice's clarity on how Reformation doctrine can assist us to proclaim the greatness of God once more, is really helpful, even if I would colour in some of details differently and may perhaps emphasize some aspects differently. Boice's urgency, faith and theology blend together and it bleeds through his writing - he is completely convinced of what he is arguing for. So despite some disagreements, this book is both convicting and encouraging.
As helpful as this book is, it is not without its flaws. While acknowledging that Boice's choice of the Reformation as his era for theological retrieval was deliberate, I still thought at times that the Reformation era itself is a very narrow period for retrieval. Some of the grandeur of deep theology is also expressed in the Patristic era. And by this I don't mean where the Reformers agree with Augustine. If we want to call evangelicals back to grand doctrines then the Reformation with a sprinkling of Puritan theology is really only the start. In some places it seemed liked gospel elements were wrapped in Reformation theology and then presented as the gospel itself. This is demonstrated by elevating 'Justification by faith alone' as a synonym for the gospel and the heart of Christianity. Part of the issue here is limiting the retrieval of doctrine to the Reformation where 'justification by faith alone' was rightly rediscovered. In a book in part about the gospel, I was disappointed to see no references to the Resurrection and the Lordship of Christ (lordship as the essential gospel confession). Christ's lordship was discussed, but primarily to show works as a necessary evidence of saving faith. I am not for one minute suggesting that Boice preached a truncated gospel in his ministry, he did write a book about the Christ of the empty tomb after all, but this presentation can easily lead itself to that accusation. I now also know why I was troubled by a mention early on about the 'reformation gospel'.
Those flaws notwithstanding, this book is still excellent in many places. His opening chapters serve as an accurate diagnosis of our secular culture and its dangers of infiltrating the church. As the church becomes more worldly it will by necessity compromise its worship of God to the point where worship loses its meaning. Also, in his chapter on scripture, Boice rightly discerns that not only is the infallibility of the Word at stake, but as the church embraces the world's methods, the sufficiency of the Word is at stake. Boice also emphasizes the centrality of the cross and that we will lose this if we undermine the gravity and reality of sin. Grace once again becomes amazing grace and faith goes beyond intellectual understanding to trust and a life of faithful obedience to our Lord. Boice extols the glory of God from Romans 11:36 in a particularly rich chapter. All the other 'solas' point to God's glory and Boice reminds us that the grandeur of God of the Bible has no parallel (at this point I would have appreciated some Trinitarian reflection but this does not detract from the beauty of this chapter). Boice finishes his book with two excellent chapters on how this kind of grand vision of God can reform our worship and our lives. Soli Deo Gloria!
March 24, 2023
Listened to it via Audible+.
A spectacular work detailing the dying of our culture, the need to return to the Reformation solas, and practical applications for renewal and reformation in our time.
Boice begins his work by addressing the dying culture: certain pervasive attitudes in the world, as well as in the church, such as that of relativism or the commercialisation of religion and a focus on advertisement techniques rather than expository Gospel-preaching. A particularly interesting insight was Boice's demonstration of television's inability to display propositional truth. For example, "The cat is on the mat." can be displayed via images, but "The cat desires to be on the mat." not so much, and even less so with "The cat will be sitting on the mat in the future." Thus, entertainment may be unto intellectual death.
The second part of the work is expository, dealing with the five Reformation solas in clear fashion, utilising applicable and inspiring examples. The writer emphasises that it was these doctrines "which shook the world". This part has a distinctive Calvinistic tincture, exalting the sovereignty of God. It is back to these principles, Boice maintains, that we must return in order gain a reformation in our time.
The third part deals with certain aspects of reformation and renewal in a practical fashion. One of the topics that Boice mentions in this section is the need for a worship which focuses on God, instead of one which seems to be superficially about God, but really is dominated by an excess of first-person pronouns and making "I" the subject. Boice's mention that most modern worship songs do not really tell us anything about God is helpful. Another aspect that the author mentions is our own life - we are to recognise the immanence of God and His presence in our life. Yet another would be community, over against the individualist notions which prevail even in the church.
Excellent, culturally relevant, Biblically undergirded.
A spectacular work detailing the dying of our culture, the need to return to the Reformation solas, and practical applications for renewal and reformation in our time.
Boice begins his work by addressing the dying culture: certain pervasive attitudes in the world, as well as in the church, such as that of relativism or the commercialisation of religion and a focus on advertisement techniques rather than expository Gospel-preaching. A particularly interesting insight was Boice's demonstration of television's inability to display propositional truth. For example, "The cat is on the mat." can be displayed via images, but "The cat desires to be on the mat." not so much, and even less so with "The cat will be sitting on the mat in the future." Thus, entertainment may be unto intellectual death.
The second part of the work is expository, dealing with the five Reformation solas in clear fashion, utilising applicable and inspiring examples. The writer emphasises that it was these doctrines "which shook the world". This part has a distinctive Calvinistic tincture, exalting the sovereignty of God. It is back to these principles, Boice maintains, that we must return in order gain a reformation in our time.
The third part deals with certain aspects of reformation and renewal in a practical fashion. One of the topics that Boice mentions in this section is the need for a worship which focuses on God, instead of one which seems to be superficially about God, but really is dominated by an excess of first-person pronouns and making "I" the subject. Boice's mention that most modern worship songs do not really tell us anything about God is helpful. Another aspect that the author mentions is our own life - we are to recognise the immanence of God and His presence in our life. Yet another would be community, over against the individualist notions which prevail even in the church.
Excellent, culturally relevant, Biblically undergirded.
July 21, 2020
This is a 'call to action' book, which is not my favorite genre - even if I agree with the premise. However, I found a lot of useful material in the midst of the call. Pastor Boice quickly runs through the indictment of the modern church that they/we have given in to the culture and lost sight of our true calling from God. Frankly, this is shooting fish in a barrel.
However, the main part of the book is a description and encouragement to the 5 'soles' (aka 'onlys' or 'alones') that drove the protestant reformation - Scripture alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone and Glory to God alone. These descriptions were solid and enlightening. Pastor Boice is convincing that returning to these foundational principles is right and timely.
The end of the book is a quick recap of how to apply these principles and what the church would look like in that case.
Throughout, the prose is clear and persuasive. He references great minds and writers all the way back to St. Augustine. I went in a bit skeptical of the book, but came away enlightened and challenged.
However, the main part of the book is a description and encouragement to the 5 'soles' (aka 'onlys' or 'alones') that drove the protestant reformation - Scripture alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone and Glory to God alone. These descriptions were solid and enlightening. Pastor Boice is convincing that returning to these foundational principles is right and timely.
The end of the book is a quick recap of how to apply these principles and what the church would look like in that case.
Throughout, the prose is clear and persuasive. He references great minds and writers all the way back to St. Augustine. I went in a bit skeptical of the book, but came away enlightened and challenged.
October 4, 2021
I really wanted to rate this higher, honestly I did. JMB has such a reputation that I seriously mulled over giving this three stars. But, I couldn't, and here's why.
While he (correctly IMO) identifies many ways in which the American church of all shades has gone astray from the Gospel and the Doctrines of Grace, and instead embraced worldly power, some of his reasoning on solutions and some of his complaints are just plain strange or unhelpful. "TV bad" is a big one that he comes back to a lot. Also, "Christian Contemporary Bad" comes up quite a bit toward the end. There's little to no nuance to these takes which makes it a little difficult to take the rest of the book seriously. Maybe it's just a product of its time.
While he (correctly IMO) identifies many ways in which the American church of all shades has gone astray from the Gospel and the Doctrines of Grace, and instead embraced worldly power, some of his reasoning on solutions and some of his complaints are just plain strange or unhelpful. "TV bad" is a big one that he comes back to a lot. Also, "Christian Contemporary Bad" comes up quite a bit toward the end. There's little to no nuance to these takes which makes it a little difficult to take the rest of the book seriously. Maybe it's just a product of its time.
February 3, 2022
Disclaimer: I only listened to this on Audible.
This book was tough to rate. In Boice’s work, the author does a tremendous job of outlining the five solas of the reformation, regeneration, and a multitude of other doctrines. In all of these, the book is above reproach and would be edifying to any reader interested in Biblical and reformational teaching.
The reason the book is difficult to rate is because the tone of the work is that of complaint and frustration. While I am in complete agreement with the author, I find in myself the regular pattern of lamenting the church in America and the broader culture in such a manner that one might believe that all my hope is found in her; rather, than hoping and trusting in Christ. For this reason, I have to give an otherwise excellent book such a moderate rating. That said, I recommend it to any interested in the decay of the church in America and eager to call for a return to the Scriptures and what the church has historically taught.
This book was tough to rate. In Boice’s work, the author does a tremendous job of outlining the five solas of the reformation, regeneration, and a multitude of other doctrines. In all of these, the book is above reproach and would be edifying to any reader interested in Biblical and reformational teaching.
The reason the book is difficult to rate is because the tone of the work is that of complaint and frustration. While I am in complete agreement with the author, I find in myself the regular pattern of lamenting the church in America and the broader culture in such a manner that one might believe that all my hope is found in her; rather, than hoping and trusting in Christ. For this reason, I have to give an otherwise excellent book such a moderate rating. That said, I recommend it to any interested in the decay of the church in America and eager to call for a return to the Scriptures and what the church has historically taught.
September 30, 2023
Listened to on libby//
Ug. Seriously difficult to hear all the terror stories of American churches being attractional and cultural. So blessed to live where I do with multiple gospel preaching churches. Didn’t take notes on the book but I plan to relisten and buy copies for family members and friends. Good intro to many theological doctrines.
Book hit on worship, sovereign grace, humility, good works, repentance, God’s holiness, the cultural influence of pragmatism and decline of theology, man centered theology vs Good centered theology.
Shocked I haven’t heard of this book before (from my memory at least). I think of it like another “Holiness of God” By Sproul for believers or those claiming to be believers.
Ug. Seriously difficult to hear all the terror stories of American churches being attractional and cultural. So blessed to live where I do with multiple gospel preaching churches. Didn’t take notes on the book but I plan to relisten and buy copies for family members and friends. Good intro to many theological doctrines.
Book hit on worship, sovereign grace, humility, good works, repentance, God’s holiness, the cultural influence of pragmatism and decline of theology, man centered theology vs Good centered theology.
Shocked I haven’t heard of this book before (from my memory at least). I think of it like another “Holiness of God” By Sproul for believers or those claiming to be believers.
March 26, 2025
Most excellent. It was an overview of the reformation doctrines (Solas) that, as the author shows, shook that world and, as I believe, are still shaking the world every day. As those doctrines were just a rediscovery of a clear gospel message, I believe we should study them and teach them to ourselves every day. This was my first Boice book and I liked it. As all authors seem want to do, it had some extra doom and gloom thrown in, whereas I believe these doctrines are alive and thriving in their groups, I believe we should all be encouraged to share them with others that haven't heard the gospel yet.
November 14, 2018
For the theological novice or the theologian, Boice's book is a called to reexamine the Five major doctrines of the Reformation, the Five Solae or alones (scripture, grace, faith, Christ and glory to God), as a way of meeting today's challenges and opportunities. A fraction of this book is dated, but don't let that stop you. Read it and think deeply about the importance of theology for the good of people and the praise of God.
November 24, 2018
James Boice is very thorough in explaining the weaknesses of the modern church. He goes through certain basic Christian theology, bringing it back to what is most important: glorifying God. I do think that his criticism can be a bit harsh at times & his points can be shortened. But he got his points across. Recommend those who need a refresher and reminder of what the church is supposed to be preaching on.
September 9, 2021
Interestingly, this book isn't so much about about the 'gospel of grace' per say, but more about the watering down of the church and its message, and a call to reclaim a deeper proclamation of the foundational church truths, primarily as found in the 5 solas. Its a challenging and enlightening read, and, speaking as a preacher, a push in the right direction is always welcomed, no matter how committed you are to the truth, as complacency and familiarity can, sadly, often be enemies.
July 15, 2017
A great read. Originally published in 2001, the only update needed might be to say that modern social media is perhaps a bigger distraction and obsession today than television. Emphasis on the doctrines of grace is never more necessary and crucial to the maturing of the church and for a re-awakening to true worship and following after God than right here and right now. Read this book.
November 28, 2017
This is a good overview of the five “solas” of the reformation, but I wish it interacted more with the medieval Catholic theology the reformers were reacting against. If you are not interested in the historical context, however, this is a very readable explanation of the doctrines that were central to the reformers and should be central to all Protestants today.
January 6, 2021
A study of the 5 "solas" of the Reformation and how a new reformation is needed today. A quote from Mr. Boice: "Evangelical churches today are increasingly dominated by the spirit of this age rather than by the spirit of Christ" (how soberingly true this often is in my own life). "As evangelicals, we call ourselves to repent of this sin and to recover the historic Christian faith."
May 2, 2020
Great read
Great read well worth the time to renew our trust in the power of the eternal gospel! For all Christ honoring, Bible loving, Gospel believing Christians this is a must read
Great read well worth the time to renew our trust in the power of the eternal gospel! For all Christ honoring, Bible loving, Gospel believing Christians this is a must read
February 10, 2023
Decent. The sections on the five solas are helpful for people who are newer to these Reformation principles. And I agree, by and large, with Boice’s assessments. But the book felt like a bit of a hodge podge of information overall.
June 15, 2023
This book was so so good and so relevant to today. It truthfully examined the issues in the American church and clearly stated the biblical solutions to those problems. I think all Christians should read this book.
August 29, 2017
A good book on how the doctrine of election and the sovereignty of God
affect how we live.
affect how we live.
March 4, 2019
Good book, clearly written. Sometimes cloudy perspective on his experience of large churches and American context, but if that is ignored an intresting conservative Calvinist / reformed perspective
January 12, 2021
Loved this book
February 5, 2021
Excellent. Couldn't recommend more. What will cause reformation in the church today? A commitment to the principles that informed the reformation in the past.
February 20, 2021
MUST READ!!!
He deals with the heart of the problem with the church, preaching and mainly the Gospel! Very informative and helpful!
He deals with the heart of the problem with the church, preaching and mainly the Gospel! Very informative and helpful!
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