After Darkness, Light: Distinctives of Reformed Theology

by R.C. Sproul

The five points of Calvinism and the five “solas” of the Reformation are hallmarks of a Reformed understanding of Scripture. In this refreshing exploration of those truths, ten prominent contributors pay tribute to R. C. Sproul, whose name is virtually synonymous with these treasured Reformed distinctives. The slogan Post Tenebras Lux (after darkness, light) described the dawn of a new era of understanding in the church during the Protestant Reformation. Today that same light of Scripture calls us out of the darkness of false teaching and misguided practice to a renewed appreciation of our glorious sovereign Savior.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[William Schrecengost · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Having so many authors contribute to the book was a cool idea, but it made the book feel disjointed.

[Jonathan Franzone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just come into the reformed way of thinking this year. After going through a Ligonier Connect course on the 5 Solas using this book, I finished out the other essays. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to ALL Christians. I seriously cannot tell you how many years I believed in utter heresy out of pure ignorance. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you into the truth, then read your Bible and if you get a chance, this book.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essays are actually pretty good. Despite what critics think of Mathison, he didn't invent the Tradition 1, 2, and 3 categories in order to sneakily justify sola scriptura. Those categories are the product of Heiko Oberman, whose thesis is the standard on late medieval theology.

[Nolan Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on Reformed theology. Calvinism is just Christianity

[Ph. D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking, although some of it was over my head. The essays caused me to re-evaluate my positions, especially predestination. I have to be careful not to interpret scripture according to what I wish it said.

[Simon Wartanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent chapters on the five points and five solas.

[Matt Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mathison’s chapter is absolute gold.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and easy enough to read without seeming dumbed down. I was hoping to see some of the apparent contradictions in uber-Calvinism taken on, but left a little disappointed here. If 'man' himself can do nothing to obtain salvation, then why in "solus Christus" is hearing the word spoken necessary for election (God alone saves... provided the Reformed church has preached first)? Calvinism is a relief to the unbearable notion that we might not be absolutely sure that we're saved; but, suppose we did apostacize, that only meant that retroactively we never had it ("Relax! You can't *lose* salvation, all you need to fear is knowing you never had it in the first place!)

Also, this book for all Christians pretty much assumes "sola Republican." FYI

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books that introduced me to Reformed theology and indeed, it makes a great introduction, featuring an essay on each of the five points of Calvinism and five Solas of the Reformation written by some contemporary giants in the world of Reformed Christian preaching and writing. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to become acquainted with the rudiments of Reformed theology.

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good survey of Calvinism, by taking 5 solas and 5 TULIP points of Calvinism.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of Reformed theology.

[Michial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good on many subjects

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calvinism in a nutshell.

[Nathan Bizeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Non-Fiction Book of the Year for 2020.

[Luke Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic. Very solid though. Ferguson's article particularly excellent.