Deity and Decree

by Samuel D. Renihan

This book is a primer, in three parts, dealing with God's Unity, God's Trinity, and God's Decree. Deity and Decree intends to teach the longstanding doctrine of God taught in the Christian church throughout the centuries. Christians who confess the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) will find it especially pertinent to explaining the language and teaching of chapters 2 and 3 of those confessions of faith.

Genres: Theology

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2020

Reviews

[Ryan Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly helpful work covering Chapters 2 (Of God, and of the Holy Trinity) and 3 (Of God's Eternal Decree's) of the Westminster/1677 Baptist Confession of Faith. Sam writes and explains with great clarity and precision. The benefit of Sam's focus on the 1677 confession of faith was to bring out the benefits of the more scholastic wording on the Trinity, entering the discussion of the usefulness of persons vs subsistences. Some of my biggest take aways was gaining a greater grasp at the confessions trinitarian grammar and distinctions, Along with gaining clarity on the difficult metaphysical nature of God's decrees. While being heavy on terms and distinctions, the book was not without a much needed devotional touch that pointed you towards beholding our great transcendent God. At the outset the book acknowledges to have a great influence from John Norton's The Orthodox Evangelist. After skimming on EEBO it proves it looks to be an excellent resource as well.

[Denny Skoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this work, Sam Renihan does an excellent job in succinctly addressing Who God is and His Decree (hence the title). Instead of jumping right into the discourse of God's decree, Renihan shows the importance of understanding who God is, for without that we will misunderstand the decree, make an error in our theological judgements, and have a wrong view of our God. Sam addresses several areas regarding who God is such as the 3 categories of the attributes or predications of God: negative, relative, and positive, the 3 manners by which we can know God, and so on. He then goes on to describe how God is the Triune God (as revealed in Scripture). This section is definitely a good portion, as he gives out some "extra" verses that pertain to the deity of the Holy Spirit (a subject often neglected by some). Renihan then spends some time on the topic of the relation between human choice and the divine decree and how there is a concurrence between the two, not a competition (as confessed in confessional documents such as the 2nd London Baptist Confession). This another important chapter as it opens up the door for further readings on how to think about this topic, as it has been discussed by men such as Richard Muller and Paul Helm in recent years. Finally, Sam deals with the various aspects of the decree of God, how it is "played out", the question of sin in relation to the decree and finally predestination and assurance.

Overall, this is a great work and it is of my opinion that this is a work that should definitely be recommended for theological students to get along with major texts (of Theology Proper) such as a Bavinck, Turretin, Aquinas, and others. What Sam addresses in this primer, others do a good job of expanding upon it.

The only "issue" one may encounter is that Sam uses the terminology, ideas, and wisdom of older theologians, which may be foreign to some modern readers. Do not let that stop you but rather recognize this is in keeping with the history of the Christian Church's faith and teaching. This is a work to get the minds of readers to look, wonder, and contemplate on the God who is above all. Thinking about God is not easy but He is worth every effort; He is Goodness, He is Love, He is Truth, He is Wonderful & and He is worthy of all contemplation and all who come to the Triune God will be blessed.

This primer is not a barebones and "dry" read but one will encounter the devotional aspects rather quickly. The study of God should not be seen ss "dry" "cold" study [even when it gets technical] but should lead one to recognize & praise the God who gives being to all things, sustains all beings that exist, and the redeemer of many sinners.

[Rachel Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite of the several primers I’ve read on the doctrine of God. Renihan does such a good job of concisely summarizing the key doctrines of God, His Triunity, and His eternal decree. I especially appreciate that he repeatedly points the reader to the doxological end of studying this doctrine, to know and worship the Triune God who is the Eternal One and has sovereignly decreed the beginning to the end!

[Parker James Lipetska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very different than any other book I have read on God. It is very peculiar and Academic at times but it was needed in his attempts to explain who God is (Deity) and how he operates (Decree). I rate this book 5 stars because it is very rare that a book changes how I view God and makes me more thankful for who he is. I’ll leave with this quote on God’s Immutability, “I know that the mercies of God are new every morning, that God will not abandon me, and that he will fulfill his promises because my God is immutable and impassible(without passions).” Pg 56

[Ronni Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer for the basic building blocks of theology proper. Moreover, Renihan does a great job culling some lesser-known 17th Century English theological literature.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful primer on theology proper by the prince of primers. Sam Renihan has provided another helpful work, drawing especially from the 2nd London Confession.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a book that goes pretty deep with the difficult doctrines of God while also within the range of under two hundred pages? This book would be suitable for you. Originally a class syllabus for his lectures in a Spanish seminary this book is by Reformed Baptist (1689) Samuel Reinhan. I felt I grew a lot reading this book in terms of my theology proper and though it was 161 pages I read this very slowly and took notes to really understand it. Immensely rewarding and edifying!
The book consists of three parts. Pat One is titled “Of God’s Unity” and is on the attributes of God. Part two is on the Trinity. Part three part is on the decree of God. Part one and two consists of four chapters each and part three also consists of four chapters.
I really enjoyed the chapters on the attributes of God. The author divided the discussion about the attributes of God into three chapters: The negative attributes, the relative attributes and the positive attributes. The negative attributes consists of attributes of God that is often harder for the human mind to grasp such as Divine Simplicity, eternality, immutability and impassibility, etc. I thought the author did a good job here. Given that some of these attributes are questioned by even Evangelical and Calvinist Christians today I think readers will benefit greatly from this section of the book.
Likewise the discussion of the Trinity was also worthwhile and especially with the pages on what ways the members of the Trinity are distinct and how divine simplicity fit in with the Trinity. The third part of the book with the discussion of the decree was also very well laid out and I enjoyed the discussion about how the decree of God relate to the concurrence of man’s will. The discussion of various kinds of liberty, the different kinds of causes and the nature of sin are all very helpful for those who have nagging questions about God’s sovereign decree in relations with sin and suffering in this world.
Of all three section I do have questions with the decree section. There are times I wonder if the author established fully his conclusion from his premises specifically with whether the decree is a simple act just because God is Divinely Simple. There were certain instances in talking about God’s decree I wished the book argued more with the Ex-Lex approach to the problem of evil that is used by Jay Adams and Gordon Clark. Still the discussions here is really good.
Overall though I recommend the book.

[Jeff Wiesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read through it in a couple of afternoons. An accessible, well-organized primer on the doctrine of God. No less than what I've come to expect from Sam.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional primer on theology proper.

[Brance Gillihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent primer on the incomprehensible glory of our God, the knowledge of the Trinity, and the relation of God’s essence and subsistences to His decree. A very worthwhile, and accessible, read for every Christian.

[Richard Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is God? Who is God? What does God do?
A brief and very accessible introduction that aims to whet the readers appetite for more in-depth study of God. Following chapters 2 and 3 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.

This short book introduces the nature of God (incl. Divine Attributes), the personality of God as Trinity, and the actions of God in decreeing all things.

This is a helpful starting point for a younger christian to understand the doctrine of God - though perhaps too complex for a child.

All points are backed up with a myriad of biblical quotes as well as some related philosophy and quotes from historic christian writers - particularly though not exclusively from the 17th century.

Strengths
- Introduces the attributes of God briefly, accurately and accessibly
- Explains the doctrine of the Trinity, briefly, accurately and accessibly
- Makes some (brief) applications to the life of the believer (particularly the devotional life)
- Encourages (by reference) the reader to dig into older christian writers

Weaknesses
- Points that may be controversial are not explored
- The section on the divine decree and how it relates to human freedom doesn't get much beyond the definitions
- Amazon appears to be the only place you can buy this - it should be sold somewhere else so I can reccomend it without supporting Amazon

[Kyle McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book this is. It is a must read for anyone. It helped me learn about the doctrine of God. It let me learn about His aseity, His sovereign decree and His will for all of His Children. This book, like all Christian reading ought to be, helped me to value our God more. For that reason, I highly recommend it.

[Josh Cosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clarity regarding difficult concepts is astounding. The reader should be able to walk away and understand the position presented. 5 stars for clearness on three topics:
- God’s Being
- Trinity
- God’s Decree

[Chris Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really struggled with this one. Will have to read it again at some point. Definitely worth the effort, even if it only leads to further ponder and contemplate on God's mysteries. But I feel like I am a little bit closer to understanding than before I read it.

[Johnny Zacchio jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a primer, this was surprisingly comprehensive. I thought it was masterfully done! I want to kick myself for not using this as a text book for our Sunday school class on the attributes of God. It would have been perfect!

[Jim Hasslen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book!

I do appreciate the incredible scholarship and devotion to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is an incredibly deep and at times difficult book but always pointed me to our glorious God! I think this is an essential book for every believer to read!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves more than five stars. Honestly, this is an excellent work that will bless anyone— from the serious student, to the pastor, to the layman— who reads it.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at who God is… and how that matters. A look at what the decree of God actually means... which is an interesting read.

[Nick Roark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edifying

[Scott Bielinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.

[esrom ventura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es una hermoso ver la doctrina propia, con énfasis en el decreto divino, ser recordados que no somos dioses sino criaturas.

[Aaron Irlbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Sam Rennihan writes so helpfully on two of the most difficult theological subjects to conceive. Beautifully written, and I look forward to rereading it again.

[Hunter Strength · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful primer into an often neglected and difficult subject!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intellectually challenging/humbling/worship-inspiring/excellent book! In 'Deity and Decree' the author explores the attributes of God, the Trinity, and the decree of God. Particular highlights for me were the discussion on the unity and the distinction within the Trinity, the discussion on God’s decree in relation to sin & predestination, and his approach to looking at the attributes of God. I would definitely recommend this book and one I look forward to reading again in the not to distant future.