Saved by Grace

by Herman Bavinck, Nelson D. Kloosterman (Translator), J. Mark Beach (Editor)

In the late nineteenth century, two distinct reform movements coming out of the Dutch State Reformed Church (the Afscheiding of 1834 and the Doleantie of 1886) merged to form The Reformed Churches of the Netherlands (De Geereformeerde Kerken in Nederland). While both groups had much in common, there remained fundamental points of disagreement, which erupted into controversies over such doctrines as immediate regeneration and presumptive regeneration.In Saved by Grace, Herman Bavinck discusses God s gracious work in bringing fallen sinners to new life and salvation. He gives a careful historical analysis that shows how Reformed theologians have wrestled to understand and express the Holy Spirit s work in calling and regeneration since the seventeenth century. Bavinck also brings exegetical precision and theological clarity to the discussion, carefully avoiding the errors of undervaluing and overvaluing the use of means in work of salvation. This book, therefore, takes up questions with which every new generation of Reformed writers must grapple.

Genres: Theology, Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

Herman Bavinck (1854-1921) succeeded Abraham Kuyper as professor of systematic theology at the Free University of Amsterdam in 1902.

His nephew was Johan Herman Bavinck.

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the handiest book I have read in a while. Albeit brief, this tract by Bavinck on the presumptive regeneration controversy (Kuyper) in the Netherlands is jam packed with historical gems and theological nuggets. In fact, it is extremely relevant for our time and for that I am grateful for this English translation.

Gifted to me by a friend, "Saved by Grace" is Bavinck's explication and clarification of the Reformed view of the Holy Spirit's work as He relates to salvation. That is to say is it mediated or immediate? Does regeneration precede calling or contrariwise? What exactly are the means of grace? Not empty remembrances (Baptists) but not infused with grace either (Roman Catholic, ex opere operato). So what then?

What is the exact purpose of the Word in the ordo salutis? Can it rightfully be called an instrument or does the Spirit work under, with, by (not confined through) the Word? Should we presuppose everyone in the Church towards whom our preaching is directed to be saved (Baptist, believer's church) or unsaved/pagan (Methodistic revivals, think Uncle Chuck Finney)? Hence should our preaching be missional/evangelical or congregational/ethical?

All of these questions are answered and more as Bavinck traces the historic Reformed doctrines and their developments through history in a cogent, clear, and exciting way. Read this book!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Great translation with a helpful (lengthy) introductory essay and equally helpful (although shorter) footnotes and translation notes. This book provides some clear explanations, distinctions, and arguments related to the concepts of the Holy Spirit's work in calling and regeneration and the connection between the Spirit's work and the Means of Grace (particularly the Word, but also the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper) in calling and regeneration.

Really interesting discussion, arguments, and surveys of historical Reformed writers' perspectives on topics such as the nature of calling and election, immediate versus mediated regeneration, preparatory grace, grace as moral influence only, the role/use/benefit of the Word in calling and regeneration, the role/purpose of baptism (for infants as well as adult converts), "holy children" from families of only one believing parent, the role of preaching the Word, different types of preaching (missionary and congregational) and methods of preaching (focusing on a balance between catholicity and holiness with an emphasis on covenant and faith and repentance), language/human words and their relationship to the human spirit and being, faith, signs, seals, covenant, Pelagianism, semi-Pelagianism, and more. Bavinck may have written this to combat Remonstrant and Anabaptist errors, but it was certainly helpful to me in clarifying what I see as some errors in my spiritual background and providing me with a more Biblical basis for my beliefs.

Pretty sure I put this book on my reading list from a footnote in a Cornelis Venema essay on the topic of covenant children who die in infancy, and while I don't exactly remember why it was I wanted to read it, this was well worth the time and effort it took to read. As a side note, this has to be one of the hardest books I've ever read, so may the aspiring reader undertake it with great determination and a pencil in hand!

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read on the intersection between calling, regeneration, and the means of grace, especially the preaching of the Word. Bavinck takes particular care to show what we should and should not believe concerning the regeneration of covenant children. He also shows how the reformed position refutes both the Anabaptist's rejection of means, as well as the Roman Catholic position that regeneration is automatically conferred through the sacraments. As a minister in the CREC I have been involved in the Federal Vision controversy on various levels. My understanding of the strengths and dangers of Federal Vision were clarified by reading this book.

[Benjamin Glaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure I have read a better book that clearly lays forth the distinctive of Reformed soteriology when it comes to Calling and Regeneration than this work by Bavinck. (This work is not out of his Ref. Dog., but a totally separate work).

Highly Recommend.

[Jonathan Josey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I love Bavinck. And some of this book is brilliant. But he is clearly writing as a paedobaptist. Even when addressing the pros and cons of things like presumptive regeneration, he makes good arguments. But as a Baptist, I find often disagreeing with entire sections of the book.

Probably a good read for a paedobaptist when considering the work of regeneration in infants.

[Jess]

my first book-length dose of Bavinck -- and (somehow?) the book that our men's reading group determined to tackle first. while it may at first blush appear to be mired in nuances of (19th century) (Dutch) (Reformed) theology, it actually has much to say that is of great relevance to believers, particularly with regard to how and when and where the Spirit works with respect to regeneration.
Best quote so far, and a candidate for a new personal motto: "To distinguish is to learn."

[Bruce Eisen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herman Bavinck discusses Infralapsarianism, Supralapsarianism, Eternal Justification, Immediate Regeneration, Presumptive Regeneration as well as to how The Word and the Holy Spirit play a role within Profession of Faith and in Communion.
The book is terse when it needs to be and delves in detail when it needs to be. Honestly, there were quite some savoury answers within the book. I like how he utilizes other branches other theology at times so as to distinguish and clarify the Reformed view.
I really enjoy this savoury quote on page 155: " On one hand, the Reformed view of regeneration maintains the person's ration and moral nature and preserves his responsibility unabated."
Bavinck eventually elaborates a bit more extensively on page 155: "But the Word works morally upon the heart and conscience, upon human understanding and reason. No one then will be able to excuse himself for his unbelief by saying: I was not regenerated and therefore could not believe. No one will be condemned because he could not regenerate himself, for God does not demand that from any person. But each unbeliever will ultimately be condemned because he has spurned the testimony of his conscience in the gospel, and in hard-hearted unbelief has resisted the moral operation that proceeded from the word."
Anyway, I hope you find the book enjoyable. His exposition and clarity are great, although I was hoping for a bit more exegesis to be honest.

[Andrew Hoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many helpful historical and biblical insights into the doctrine of regeneration, specifically the idea of immediate regeneration. I was disappointed by the lack of exegesis (except for the last chapter). Additionally, there were points of tension and disagreement between Bavinck and Kuyper that are addressed in the book, but were never fully addressed or adequately resolved. See my highlights and notes for further thoughts.

[Landon Coleman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Bavinck - but as a Reformed Baptist, this book fell flat. I appreciate the Reformed emphasis on monergism and grace preceding faith. Still, Bavinck's treatment of regeneration (narrow and broad) and its relationship to effectual calling and conversion is a bit convoluted. In my (Baptist) opinion, that convoluted writing is the result of Bavinck trying to allow for infant baptism and infant regeneration apart from the proclamation of the gospel.

[Steve Herreid · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Bavinck read. Very impressed, very readable, clear yet thorough exploration of the subjects of calling and regeneration with specific application to covenant children. I loved this book.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good focused treatment on the nature of regeneration, particularly its narrow definition of the moment when spiritual life is given to a dead spirit, in addition to a couple other more minor points. Herman Bavinck reiterated the same point several times but with a slightly different thrust. I thought the repetition was at time merely repetitive but at other times helpful is recasting a rather difficult, technical point. It was a slower read for me, but I enjoy seeing the necessary conclusions of the central doctrines of Reformed theology in their various aspects.

I highly recommend it for anyone desiring to understand the difference between Roman, semi-Pelagian, and Augustinian views on regeneration, faith, and the means of grace (Word and sacrament).

The Conclusions of Utrecht of 1905 at the end helped sum up his various points.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was my first reading of Bavinck. He's very readable, very clear minded. He links the past with the present and really make you think! Greatly enjoyed.