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Reprobation and God's Sovereignty: Redeeming a Biblical Doctrine
God's right to judge humanity is written on the very fabric of human existence
The doctrine of reprobation--that is, the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect--is frequently misconstrued in both pastoral and theological literature. In Reprobation and God's Sovereignty, Peter Sammons reintroduces this oft-misunderstood doctrine, revealing its relationship to divine sovereignty. With Romans 9 as a guiding text, Sammons presents a thoroughly researched defense of reprobation as an essential part in a Reformed theology that magnifies God and encourages believers to trust in him.
Reprobation and God's Sovereignty clearly defines and demonstrates from Scripture the foundational terms and doctrines required for properly understanding reprobation, such as: - God's justice - Election - Compatibilism - Secondary causality - Preterition - Predamnation Understanding these theological ideas proves vital to answering life's all-important question, Who is God? Sammons shows how the doctrine of reprobation leads to a greater admiration for God, eliciting higher praise, reverence, and belief in him.
The doctrine of reprobation--that is, the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect--is frequently misconstrued in both pastoral and theological literature. In Reprobation and God's Sovereignty, Peter Sammons reintroduces this oft-misunderstood doctrine, revealing its relationship to divine sovereignty. With Romans 9 as a guiding text, Sammons presents a thoroughly researched defense of reprobation as an essential part in a Reformed theology that magnifies God and encourages believers to trust in him.
Reprobation and God's Sovereignty clearly defines and demonstrates from Scripture the foundational terms and doctrines required for properly understanding reprobation, such as: - God's justice - Election - Compatibilism - Secondary causality - Preterition - Predamnation Understanding these theological ideas proves vital to answering life's all-important question, Who is God? Sammons shows how the doctrine of reprobation leads to a greater admiration for God, eliciting higher praise, reverence, and belief in him.
296 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2022
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June 17, 2022
Summary: A carefully and biblically argued defense of the doctrine of reprobation, dealing with a number of misunderstandings of this doctrine.
Reformed theology takes the sovereignty of God as a starting place–God’s authority and power that accomplishes all things in accord with his will, for God’s pleasure. This includes election, the eternal, unconditional choice of all those who will be saved. Many struggle with this, even though most who affirm this also inform the importance of human choice. Far more difficult, and far less discussed in modern circles is the doctrine of reprobation. By this is mean, in the words of the author of this work “the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect. In this decree, he chooses to exclude the non-elect from his electing purposes of mercy and to hold them to the strict standards of justice to display the glory of his righteous wrath” (p. 47).
Stern stuff indeed. Because of this, it is not believed by many, or taught even by those who believe it. Peter Sammons believes and teaches reprobation as a integral part of Calvinism and mounts a defense of this doctrine in this volume. For Sammons, reprobation properly understood is not hyper-Calvinism but simply Calvinism.
Key to his argument is a careful study of Romans 9, which spans four chapters of this book. He sees it as explaining why not all believe, although humans know who is elect or reprobate, that reprobation is pretemporal and unconditional, it is not based on foreknowledge of actions, God hardens and shows mercy to whom God wishes, yet God’s decrees do not nullify human responsibility.
He goes on to define a number of key terms, parts of election, perhaps the most importance of which is ultimacy. Double ultimacy contends that God directly intervenes in the hearts of both the elect and the non-elect, a position Sammons associates with hyper-Calvinism and argues makes God the author of sin. He argues for single ultimacy, the direct work of God in the elect and the indirect work through secondary causes in the non-elect. He distinguishes predestination from fatalism and Islamic predestination and argues the impossibility of single predestination (election only) as inconsistent with the character of God. He addresses the arguments against reprobation of its unfairness and that it makes God the author of evil.
As noted earlier, Sammons argument for both the justice of God’s decrees of reprobation and the significance of human choices hinges on a careful discussion of causality–of God as primary and ultimate causality but of secondary proximate and efficient causes. As a particular case, he considers the causality of hardening. He concludes the work with a plea to teach this doctrine as one aspect of revealing the “grandeur of our great God.”
I found the logic of the theological argument more persuasive than the discussion of Romans 9. I am not convinced that you can base the election or reprobation of individuals on the basis of Jacob and Esau and God’s choice of the progenitor of the chosen people in a physical sense. The destiny of people groups, Israel and the Gentiles are the concern of Romans 9-11. That said, I will not be the one who will say what God can and cannot do. Nor do I feel the need to be God’s press agent, putting God’s best foot forward, as it were.
I have seen this doctrine caricatured and treated dismissively. It has been poorly articulated. If you care about such things, Sammons offers a careful, detailed argument that deals with objections and other views. This is a substantive work and not a caricature and those who would deny reprobation need to respond to works like this, or those of the great Reformers.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Reformed theology takes the sovereignty of God as a starting place–God’s authority and power that accomplishes all things in accord with his will, for God’s pleasure. This includes election, the eternal, unconditional choice of all those who will be saved. Many struggle with this, even though most who affirm this also inform the importance of human choice. Far more difficult, and far less discussed in modern circles is the doctrine of reprobation. By this is mean, in the words of the author of this work “the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect. In this decree, he chooses to exclude the non-elect from his electing purposes of mercy and to hold them to the strict standards of justice to display the glory of his righteous wrath” (p. 47).
Stern stuff indeed. Because of this, it is not believed by many, or taught even by those who believe it. Peter Sammons believes and teaches reprobation as a integral part of Calvinism and mounts a defense of this doctrine in this volume. For Sammons, reprobation properly understood is not hyper-Calvinism but simply Calvinism.
Key to his argument is a careful study of Romans 9, which spans four chapters of this book. He sees it as explaining why not all believe, although humans know who is elect or reprobate, that reprobation is pretemporal and unconditional, it is not based on foreknowledge of actions, God hardens and shows mercy to whom God wishes, yet God’s decrees do not nullify human responsibility.
He goes on to define a number of key terms, parts of election, perhaps the most importance of which is ultimacy. Double ultimacy contends that God directly intervenes in the hearts of both the elect and the non-elect, a position Sammons associates with hyper-Calvinism and argues makes God the author of sin. He argues for single ultimacy, the direct work of God in the elect and the indirect work through secondary causes in the non-elect. He distinguishes predestination from fatalism and Islamic predestination and argues the impossibility of single predestination (election only) as inconsistent with the character of God. He addresses the arguments against reprobation of its unfairness and that it makes God the author of evil.
As noted earlier, Sammons argument for both the justice of God’s decrees of reprobation and the significance of human choices hinges on a careful discussion of causality–of God as primary and ultimate causality but of secondary proximate and efficient causes. As a particular case, he considers the causality of hardening. He concludes the work with a plea to teach this doctrine as one aspect of revealing the “grandeur of our great God.”
I found the logic of the theological argument more persuasive than the discussion of Romans 9. I am not convinced that you can base the election or reprobation of individuals on the basis of Jacob and Esau and God’s choice of the progenitor of the chosen people in a physical sense. The destiny of people groups, Israel and the Gentiles are the concern of Romans 9-11. That said, I will not be the one who will say what God can and cannot do. Nor do I feel the need to be God’s press agent, putting God’s best foot forward, as it were.
I have seen this doctrine caricatured and treated dismissively. It has been poorly articulated. If you care about such things, Sammons offers a careful, detailed argument that deals with objections and other views. This is a substantive work and not a caricature and those who would deny reprobation need to respond to works like this, or those of the great Reformers.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 1, 2022
How much do you know and understand the doctrine of reprobation both biblically and how it developed in historical theology through the history of the church? In his first published book author Peter Sammons explores the historical dimension of this doctrine in church history but here in this book the author Peter Sammons works on biblically recovering this doctrine that is often misunderstood and slandered. It has been my observation that there are many books that have been written on predestination and election of those who are saved and not as many discussion about reprobation of the lost even though one hears reprobation being brought up as an objection against Calvinism/Reformed Theology. It is in light of this consideration that I appreciate author Peter Sammons tackling this subject with care and nuances concerning human will, God’s sovereignty, causation, agency, God’s goodness, etc, and does so with the intent and desire to be biblical. This subject as it is discussed online and in person seems to generally generate a lot more heat than light and Sammons’ writing isn’t emotionally driven which I appreciate. I recognize that not everyone reading my review are necessarily Reformed in their theology but I think Sammons has given us a book that one must interact with if one wants to consider an academic presentation of this doctrine from a Reformed proponent. Even for those who consider themselves Reformed already, this book is worth getting, since so little is often discussed about this doctrine that this book is worthwhile to ensure one understand this accurately and also to be nuanced.
There are eighteen chapters in this book. The first two chapters establishes that God is Lord, being Lord over all (chapter one) and over condemnation (chapter two). Chapter three then turn to the place of Romans 9 for the discussion of reprobation followed by chapters analyzing Romans 9 in chapters 4 through 7. From chapters 8 onwards there’s somewhat of a shifting of gears to more systematic theology with chapters 8 and 9 on the parts of predestination and chapter ten on “Concurrence, Compatibalism and the Origin of Objections.” Two chapters presents us objections people have brought up against reprobation (chapters 11-12) followed by a chapter answering these objections (chapter 13). Chapter 14 then looks at the doctrine of first and secondary causes and chapter 15 is on human volition and ability. The last three chapters then looks at different categories of causations that is relevant to God’s causation of reprobation. Sammons here looks at the causation of divine abandonment, hardening and personal and non-personal agency.
Generally speaking I thought the book overall got better and better towards the end. Here I think it is appropriate that I insert a constructive criticism not with the book’s content (which I agree with) but with the format which would make the material even more robust. I personally think chapter eight and nine should be one of the earlier chapters in the book since it explains what is election and also what is reprobation including its elements and sub-elements. I think Sammons in chapter nine especially was very detailed and nuanced in explaining what is reprobation and it would be helpful for readers right away to understand what the doctrine of reprobation is before seeing verses teaching and proving this biblically. Chapter 8 and 9 was a hundred pages into the book, far too deep into the book in my opinion. Chapter nine has a good chart that define reprobation and its parts which includes listing out of the terms, its definition and biblical texts.
There’s a lot of good content in the book. The discussions in chapters 16-18 about the different kinds of causation was very helpful and the appendix gives us in summary and chart form the different causation’s terms, definitions and Scriptural support that would be useful as a reference well beyond one’s reading or first reading of the book. God does not cause evil and he did not put sin in people’s heart directly in the same way as God regenerating someone’s heart towards salvation and so this discussion of causation is quite significant. I enjoyed also Sammons discussion about Compatibalism and that we are not robots as hyper-Calvinists think we are in which Compatibalism means humans do have a will though that will is a volition and desire of the creature even as God is sovereign. While discussing the human will, Sammons talked about the difference between Christian predestination and fatalism and Islam even in brief (along with the expected discussion of libertarian free will, Middle Knowledge, etc). Also I was very pleased to see Sammons’ book also brought to bear insight of Reformed philosophers and philosophically bent theologians concerning the issue of Calvinism and the problem of evil, citing and utilizing the book Calvinism and the Problem of Evil which had contributors such as James Anderson, Paul Helm and Greg Welty.
I am glad such a book was written and I imagine it would be read and referenced for years to come given how little book-length topic exists on this topic. Yet I also have some further constructive criticism. Early in the book on page 65 Sammons noted that the strongest arguments for corporate election from a theological standpoint originated with Karl Barth. Yet I wished Sammons interacted more with Barth and Barth’s arguments. After I finished the book just to double check I didn’t miss anything I looked up the index of persons and saw there’s only two references to Barth and none of them were on Barth’s argument on corporate election. I don’t want to have detractors misunderstand what I’m trying to say: I do think Sammons’ handling of Romans 9 within the book does show why individual election to salvation is a part of Paul’s authorial intent in Romans 9; I think responding to Barth’s argument would boost Sammons’ interpretative conclusion. Another area of improvement is more of a suggestion of something to add to the book’s argument that God is not the author of evil. I think from Romans 9 and elsewhere in Scripture we see an “Ex Lex” approach towards the problem of evil in that if morals comes from God and God never said He cannot ordain judgment then there is no basis for creatures to protest against God that He is unjust; now Sammons have said a lot of things about God being unjust such as we don’t deserve grace but this additional thrust I think further reinforce the position. I have benefited here from the insight of Gordon Clark and Jay Adams. Finally the editing could have been better. For example on page 183 it says the following chart is 3.1 but it is actually 13.1. It seems the chart is numbered according to the chapter numbers (for instance chapter fourteen has charts labeled as 14.1, 14.2, etc) but chapter 8 has chart 10.1 and 10.2 and chapter 9 has chart 10.3. This doesn’t take away from the argument of the book but if there’s a future updated edition this can help make the book be tidier.
If it is not evident already I highly recommend the book.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Kregel Publications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
There are eighteen chapters in this book. The first two chapters establishes that God is Lord, being Lord over all (chapter one) and over condemnation (chapter two). Chapter three then turn to the place of Romans 9 for the discussion of reprobation followed by chapters analyzing Romans 9 in chapters 4 through 7. From chapters 8 onwards there’s somewhat of a shifting of gears to more systematic theology with chapters 8 and 9 on the parts of predestination and chapter ten on “Concurrence, Compatibalism and the Origin of Objections.” Two chapters presents us objections people have brought up against reprobation (chapters 11-12) followed by a chapter answering these objections (chapter 13). Chapter 14 then looks at the doctrine of first and secondary causes and chapter 15 is on human volition and ability. The last three chapters then looks at different categories of causations that is relevant to God’s causation of reprobation. Sammons here looks at the causation of divine abandonment, hardening and personal and non-personal agency.
Generally speaking I thought the book overall got better and better towards the end. Here I think it is appropriate that I insert a constructive criticism not with the book’s content (which I agree with) but with the format which would make the material even more robust. I personally think chapter eight and nine should be one of the earlier chapters in the book since it explains what is election and also what is reprobation including its elements and sub-elements. I think Sammons in chapter nine especially was very detailed and nuanced in explaining what is reprobation and it would be helpful for readers right away to understand what the doctrine of reprobation is before seeing verses teaching and proving this biblically. Chapter 8 and 9 was a hundred pages into the book, far too deep into the book in my opinion. Chapter nine has a good chart that define reprobation and its parts which includes listing out of the terms, its definition and biblical texts.
There’s a lot of good content in the book. The discussions in chapters 16-18 about the different kinds of causation was very helpful and the appendix gives us in summary and chart form the different causation’s terms, definitions and Scriptural support that would be useful as a reference well beyond one’s reading or first reading of the book. God does not cause evil and he did not put sin in people’s heart directly in the same way as God regenerating someone’s heart towards salvation and so this discussion of causation is quite significant. I enjoyed also Sammons discussion about Compatibalism and that we are not robots as hyper-Calvinists think we are in which Compatibalism means humans do have a will though that will is a volition and desire of the creature even as God is sovereign. While discussing the human will, Sammons talked about the difference between Christian predestination and fatalism and Islam even in brief (along with the expected discussion of libertarian free will, Middle Knowledge, etc). Also I was very pleased to see Sammons’ book also brought to bear insight of Reformed philosophers and philosophically bent theologians concerning the issue of Calvinism and the problem of evil, citing and utilizing the book Calvinism and the Problem of Evil which had contributors such as James Anderson, Paul Helm and Greg Welty.
I am glad such a book was written and I imagine it would be read and referenced for years to come given how little book-length topic exists on this topic. Yet I also have some further constructive criticism. Early in the book on page 65 Sammons noted that the strongest arguments for corporate election from a theological standpoint originated with Karl Barth. Yet I wished Sammons interacted more with Barth and Barth’s arguments. After I finished the book just to double check I didn’t miss anything I looked up the index of persons and saw there’s only two references to Barth and none of them were on Barth’s argument on corporate election. I don’t want to have detractors misunderstand what I’m trying to say: I do think Sammons’ handling of Romans 9 within the book does show why individual election to salvation is a part of Paul’s authorial intent in Romans 9; I think responding to Barth’s argument would boost Sammons’ interpretative conclusion. Another area of improvement is more of a suggestion of something to add to the book’s argument that God is not the author of evil. I think from Romans 9 and elsewhere in Scripture we see an “Ex Lex” approach towards the problem of evil in that if morals comes from God and God never said He cannot ordain judgment then there is no basis for creatures to protest against God that He is unjust; now Sammons have said a lot of things about God being unjust such as we don’t deserve grace but this additional thrust I think further reinforce the position. I have benefited here from the insight of Gordon Clark and Jay Adams. Finally the editing could have been better. For example on page 183 it says the following chart is 3.1 but it is actually 13.1. It seems the chart is numbered according to the chapter numbers (for instance chapter fourteen has charts labeled as 14.1, 14.2, etc) but chapter 8 has chart 10.1 and 10.2 and chapter 9 has chart 10.3. This doesn’t take away from the argument of the book but if there’s a future updated edition this can help make the book be tidier.
If it is not evident already I highly recommend the book.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Kregel Publications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
January 7, 2022
It has often been said that the Gospel is Good News. Literally, that is true. For the gospel brings faith, hope, and love, all perfectly embodied in the Person of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, sin has affected our understanding of the gospel. Instead of seeking the whole truth, people tend to prefer the nice and pleasant ones. Instead of what is real, they prefer the falsehood that appears good on the outside but rings empty on the inside. For sin has made one preferring to hear what one craves and to see what one covets. Corrupted by sin, the mind begins to make hell out of heaven and heaven out of hell. While acknowledging the Sovereignty of God, man still tries to usurp control from time to time. As the popular saying goes, one cannot have the cake and eat it too. Like the marriage vow, the woman's choice to marry the man also means the decision to reject all other suitors. Acceptance of one automatically meant the rejection of others. Likewise, in the doctrine of election, being the chosen one (Predestination) also means that there are also those who are not (Reprobation). Author Peter Sammons aims to help us understand the doctrine of "Reprobation" which is essentially the "eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect." In other words, if predestination is for the elect, then reprobation is for the non-elect (aka reprobate). This is sometimes referred to as "double predestination." When talking about God's Sovereignty, God exercises justice for all which includes reward as well as punishment. Using Romans 9 as his key passage, he states that the purpose of election is for both nations and individuals. He provides several interesting interpretations of:
- Significance of human will, like Pharaoh hardening his heart (and God hardening Pharaoh's heart);
- Issue of God loving Jacob and hating Esau;
- Unconditional double predestination
- Arminianism vs Calvinism
- Reprobation as an active choice by God
- Hyper-Calvinism and Misunderstanding of Calvinism
- God's Will vs Human Volition
- Four Scriptural Categories of Causality
- ...
Biblical doctrines of election, faith, grace, justification, sanctification, inspiration, salvation, and predestination are plenty. Many of them are popular because they talk about hope and the positive things about the gospel. Things like sin, punishment, and damnation are less pleasant and usually downplayed. Sammons boldly takes the leap to say that God has spoken to all and has meted out his judgment in his Sovereign will, first to the elect, and then to the reprobate. He then addresses some of the objections and guides us through the difficult issues arising out of this stand.
My Thoughts
==========
Sammons's orientation is clearly cataphatic (as opposed to apophatic) in approach to explicitly support the calling for the elect and the express punishment of the non-elect. That is understandable, given his emphasis on the Sovereignty of God which gives God the ultimate authority to decide rewards or punishments for all. This manner of certainty does provide some problems too. For one, the argument is how a finite being like us could comprehend an infinite God? What about the places in Scripture that are silent on issues? Has the author taken his interpretation of the "will of God" too far? Must we become so certain of all things that we leave no room for mysteries to keep us humble? Sammons is aware of these and gives a somewhat cursory acknowledgment of these, which appears to me as a form of minimizing them. I think he is correct in terms of ascertaining clarity from Scripture. Where he lacks is the patience to allow divine mysteries to co-exist. This sense of determinism can sometimes minimize the journey of spiritual formation which needs time to cultivate and grow. One example is the rush to interpret Romans 9:11-13 as God's "pretemporal decision" to judge Esau. I believe this should be placed in the realm of divine mystery as we don't want to be guilty of limiting an infinite God with our finite understanding.
Somewhere in the middle of the book, Sammons agrees that reprobation is a difficult doctrine and how it can be a stumbling block to new believers. I agree with him that it is the responsibility of all believers to study God's Word deeply so as to be guided by Scripture instead of fear. We should not let the world's version of love and goodwill stop us from letting God be who He is and what He is doing. After all, Scripture has declared: "Let God be true and every human being a liar" (Rom 3:4a). Author Mark Schaefer notes that "Religion is poetry. The great abuse of religion is that so many should treat it like prose." He observes our modern infatuation to be certain of everything to the point that we become inherently less tolerant people. I would take a position somewhat between Sammons and Schaefer. On the one hand, I agree with Sammons about the need to state the explicit truths as revealed in Scripture. at the same time, I agree with Schaefer that the unending quest for certainty might very well lead to a lack of humility. Granted that this book is a fruit of a doctoral dissertation by Sammons, though I am cautious about accepting his determination for cataphatic certainty, I understand the passion and energy behind the ideas clearly affirmed, eloquently argued, and boldly asserted.
Peter Sammons (PhD, The Master’s Seminary) is both director of academic publications at The Master’s Seminary and managing editor of The Master’s Seminary Journal. He is the author of Reprobation: From Augustine to the Synod of Dort. He is also the Director of the Institute for Church Leadership by The Master's Seminary (TMS).
Rating: 4 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Academic without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
- Significance of human will, like Pharaoh hardening his heart (and God hardening Pharaoh's heart);
- Issue of God loving Jacob and hating Esau;
- Unconditional double predestination
- Arminianism vs Calvinism
- Reprobation as an active choice by God
- Hyper-Calvinism and Misunderstanding of Calvinism
- God's Will vs Human Volition
- Four Scriptural Categories of Causality
- ...
Biblical doctrines of election, faith, grace, justification, sanctification, inspiration, salvation, and predestination are plenty. Many of them are popular because they talk about hope and the positive things about the gospel. Things like sin, punishment, and damnation are less pleasant and usually downplayed. Sammons boldly takes the leap to say that God has spoken to all and has meted out his judgment in his Sovereign will, first to the elect, and then to the reprobate. He then addresses some of the objections and guides us through the difficult issues arising out of this stand.
My Thoughts
==========
Sammons's orientation is clearly cataphatic (as opposed to apophatic) in approach to explicitly support the calling for the elect and the express punishment of the non-elect. That is understandable, given his emphasis on the Sovereignty of God which gives God the ultimate authority to decide rewards or punishments for all. This manner of certainty does provide some problems too. For one, the argument is how a finite being like us could comprehend an infinite God? What about the places in Scripture that are silent on issues? Has the author taken his interpretation of the "will of God" too far? Must we become so certain of all things that we leave no room for mysteries to keep us humble? Sammons is aware of these and gives a somewhat cursory acknowledgment of these, which appears to me as a form of minimizing them. I think he is correct in terms of ascertaining clarity from Scripture. Where he lacks is the patience to allow divine mysteries to co-exist. This sense of determinism can sometimes minimize the journey of spiritual formation which needs time to cultivate and grow. One example is the rush to interpret Romans 9:11-13 as God's "pretemporal decision" to judge Esau. I believe this should be placed in the realm of divine mystery as we don't want to be guilty of limiting an infinite God with our finite understanding.
Somewhere in the middle of the book, Sammons agrees that reprobation is a difficult doctrine and how it can be a stumbling block to new believers. I agree with him that it is the responsibility of all believers to study God's Word deeply so as to be guided by Scripture instead of fear. We should not let the world's version of love and goodwill stop us from letting God be who He is and what He is doing. After all, Scripture has declared: "Let God be true and every human being a liar" (Rom 3:4a). Author Mark Schaefer notes that "Religion is poetry. The great abuse of religion is that so many should treat it like prose." He observes our modern infatuation to be certain of everything to the point that we become inherently less tolerant people. I would take a position somewhat between Sammons and Schaefer. On the one hand, I agree with Sammons about the need to state the explicit truths as revealed in Scripture. at the same time, I agree with Schaefer that the unending quest for certainty might very well lead to a lack of humility. Granted that this book is a fruit of a doctoral dissertation by Sammons, though I am cautious about accepting his determination for cataphatic certainty, I understand the passion and energy behind the ideas clearly affirmed, eloquently argued, and boldly asserted.
Peter Sammons (PhD, The Master’s Seminary) is both director of academic publications at The Master’s Seminary and managing editor of The Master’s Seminary Journal. He is the author of Reprobation: From Augustine to the Synod of Dort. He is also the Director of the Institute for Church Leadership by The Master's Seminary (TMS).
Rating: 4 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Academic without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
October 8, 2022
Very thorough, and Biblically centered. When this idea is well understood as taught by God's Word, the gravity of our great salvation comes alive, and God's grace towards us is that much more astonishing!
The only criticism I have is that there is a dependency on an understanding of causation that he grounds partially in philosophy, and supports it from Scripture. I think he could have left out the philosophical grounding, and depended wholly on Scripture.
When the author explains the verses that are the foundation for this doctrine, he does so thoroughly, and without any concern to "protect" God's reputation. He let's God speak for Himself. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!
The only criticism I have is that there is a dependency on an understanding of causation that he grounds partially in philosophy, and supports it from Scripture. I think he could have left out the philosophical grounding, and depended wholly on Scripture.
When the author explains the verses that are the foundation for this doctrine, he does so thoroughly, and without any concern to "protect" God's reputation. He let's God speak for Himself. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!
February 7, 2022
When I saw the title Reprobation and God’s Sovereignty: Recovering a Biblical Doctrine, by Peter Sammons, and I saw that John MacArthur wrote the forward, I knew this was a defense of the doctrine being biblical, and I hoped it would be good. I was not disappointed.
MacArthur writes: “to worship [God] as the one true sovereign God is to worship him for his glory revealed in heaven and his glory revealed in hell” (9).
In the first chapter, Sammons looks at Who God is – His Omnipotence, Holiness, and decrees.
Then he explains the God is Sovereign over damnation. And in the third chapter gives the reader a definition of reprobation: “Reprobation is defined as the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect. In this decree, he chooses to exclude the non-elect from his electing purposes of mercy and to hold them accountable to the strict standards of justice to display the glory of his righteous wrath” (47).
Sammons relies heavily on Romans 9 as he explains what this means and answers objections. The argument being – in part – that God does not merely elect some to salvation and allow the rest to their own devices, but God actively elects some to salvation and some to reprobation (72).
In chapter six, he argues that there is a distinction to be made between God causing people to sin – which He does not do – and God choosing some to salvation and some to reprobation apart from anything a person does or does not do – for, election and reprobation occur prior to the Creation.
He contrasts Hyper Calvinism with Calvinism (110) and defines the parts of reprobation (126-127).
A major assist in seeing that reprobation is biblical is to understand causality, compatibilism, and concurrence. In these, one sees that God often uses means to accomplish His purposes and God sometimes cooperates with the actions of a creature to accomplish what God would have done. In this, one can understand how God is not the author of sin. God does not force anyone to sin. Yet, sin occurs according to the Providential and Active Will of God (133ff). That is, humans have freedom according to their desires (135).
In chapter 11, he answers the objections of fatalism and reprobation limiting God’s Sovereignty. In chapter 12, he addresses the objections of reprobation demeaning God’s justice.
In chapters 13 and 14, he goes into detail explaining causality and how the understanding of causality is vital in understanding reprobation.
Then he turns to address human volition, will, responsibility, and theodicy. He follows this by looking at the idea of divine abandonment in the Scripture, hardening, and God’s use of personal and non-personal agency in affecting human volition.
The conclusion is a solid summary of the work, which is followed by charts outlining the types of restraints explored in the final chapters, followed by a Scripture index, a terms index, and a persons index.
This is a stunning, biblical, and God-glorifying book which I cannot recommend highly enough to anyone who wants to understand the biblical doctrine of reprobation and to address objections to it.
This is the book I will recommend on the subject.
The one item that puzzled me was Sammons seems to indicate that there may be such a thing as an “age of accountability” (44). Perhaps I misunderstood that.
This is not an overbearing academic tome, but it is not something all congregants will be able to handle. Pastors, theologians, seminarians, and college students can and should read this and become aware of how to show that this doctrine is biblical and why it matters.
Excellent – highly, highly recommended.
[I received this book free from Kregel Academic in exchange for an honest review.]
MacArthur writes: “to worship [God] as the one true sovereign God is to worship him for his glory revealed in heaven and his glory revealed in hell” (9).
In the first chapter, Sammons looks at Who God is – His Omnipotence, Holiness, and decrees.
Then he explains the God is Sovereign over damnation. And in the third chapter gives the reader a definition of reprobation: “Reprobation is defined as the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect. In this decree, he chooses to exclude the non-elect from his electing purposes of mercy and to hold them accountable to the strict standards of justice to display the glory of his righteous wrath” (47).
Sammons relies heavily on Romans 9 as he explains what this means and answers objections. The argument being – in part – that God does not merely elect some to salvation and allow the rest to their own devices, but God actively elects some to salvation and some to reprobation (72).
In chapter six, he argues that there is a distinction to be made between God causing people to sin – which He does not do – and God choosing some to salvation and some to reprobation apart from anything a person does or does not do – for, election and reprobation occur prior to the Creation.
He contrasts Hyper Calvinism with Calvinism (110) and defines the parts of reprobation (126-127).
A major assist in seeing that reprobation is biblical is to understand causality, compatibilism, and concurrence. In these, one sees that God often uses means to accomplish His purposes and God sometimes cooperates with the actions of a creature to accomplish what God would have done. In this, one can understand how God is not the author of sin. God does not force anyone to sin. Yet, sin occurs according to the Providential and Active Will of God (133ff). That is, humans have freedom according to their desires (135).
In chapter 11, he answers the objections of fatalism and reprobation limiting God’s Sovereignty. In chapter 12, he addresses the objections of reprobation demeaning God’s justice.
In chapters 13 and 14, he goes into detail explaining causality and how the understanding of causality is vital in understanding reprobation.
Then he turns to address human volition, will, responsibility, and theodicy. He follows this by looking at the idea of divine abandonment in the Scripture, hardening, and God’s use of personal and non-personal agency in affecting human volition.
The conclusion is a solid summary of the work, which is followed by charts outlining the types of restraints explored in the final chapters, followed by a Scripture index, a terms index, and a persons index.
This is a stunning, biblical, and God-glorifying book which I cannot recommend highly enough to anyone who wants to understand the biblical doctrine of reprobation and to address objections to it.
This is the book I will recommend on the subject.
The one item that puzzled me was Sammons seems to indicate that there may be such a thing as an “age of accountability” (44). Perhaps I misunderstood that.
This is not an overbearing academic tome, but it is not something all congregants will be able to handle. Pastors, theologians, seminarians, and college students can and should read this and become aware of how to show that this doctrine is biblical and why it matters.
Excellent – highly, highly recommended.
[I received this book free from Kregel Academic in exchange for an honest review.]
August 18, 2024
The robust treatment of this important doctrine came from the author’s doctoral work on the subject. Although he describes this treatment as the attempt to offer “an accessible, lay-level treatment” (p. 11), it is nonetheless and extraordinarily detailed and complex work, providing numerous citations including the words of a wide range of theologians (living and dead) both in agreement with and challenging the doctrine of reprobation. Sammons offers a definition of reprobation from the Reformed tradition, asserting that God’s eternal degree of reprobation does not require His implantation of sin in man, preserving both the volition of man and the holiness of God. Referencing the Westminster Confession, the author presents five presuppositions in addressing the topic: 1) God’s Word is not silent on reprobation, 2) His Word is the ultimate authority on the subject, 3) God is impeccably holy, 4) He is meticulously sovereign, and 5) humans are responsible for every act they commit.
Beginning with specific definitions of key terms for this work, Sammons provides clear definitions and biblical support for God’s decree (determination of God’s will regarding everything that takes place in time), omnipotence (His infinite, eternal, and unchangeable power), providence (God is involved in everything that happens on earth),and sovereignty (God’ right and authority over all things). God holds authority over condemnation, and humanity is legally accountable to Him as the ultimate Judge. Sammons continues with a rich exposition of Romans 9 throughout much of this work as it relates to reprobation, describing it as “the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect” (p. 47), noting that Paul will not bring his argument to completion until Romans 11:25-32. Discussing the distinction between individual and national election (Sammons supports the former), the author spends more time in Romans 9 to drive home the purpose of election as demonstration of God’s unmerited favor and unconditional election.
Referencing careful investigation of key words on the subject, Sammons sees double predestination in the stories of Jacob and Esau, emphasizing the unconditional nature of this decision, a decision that cannot be explained through prescient knowledge as the cause of God’s choices regarding the twins. He continues in defending the meticulous sovereignty of God, noting man’s inability to respond righteously and discussing the actions of God in hardening individuals, as was the case with Pharaoh. The entire focus of Romans 9 “explains God’s role in reprobation and the motivating causes in God’s distinction between the elect and non-elect” (p. 111).
Two chapters are provided to address issues with predestination, including misunderstandings of the doctrine (e.g., Arminius, Wesley, and Geisler) and the concept of equal ultimacy (inaccurately stating that God works as extensively in the lives of the reprobate as He does with the elect). Charts are provided to compare and contrast the various views, including the position of hyper-Calvinism. Another chart is provided in the second chapter to present reprobation in its requisite parts, including reprobation (God’s decree to pass by the non-elect), preterition (His choice to reject or exclude salvation for the non-elect), predamnation (His affirmative decision to hold the non-elect to the standards of His justice), condemnation (His judicial act to visit the penalty of sin on them), and causality (the means God uses to bring about all He has ordained, through secondary agency). This useful chart includes Bible references for each definition.
In preparation for treatment of the objections to reprobation, Sammons invests time explaining the concept of compatibilism, explaining how “God is able to ordain evil events by evil people in such a way that maintains their complete responsibility…God’s predetermination of sin is always in such a way that he remains blameless and humanity remains blameworthy” (p. 135). Three chapters address the major objections to reprobation, including fatalism, limiting God’s sovereignty, using permissive language to mitigate concerns in theodicy, single predestination, challenging God’s justice, and making God the author of evil. All of these objections are addressed in turn with solid biblical exegesis to respond to the concerns.
In addressing the issue of causality and reprobation, Sammons, introduces the concept of three levels of causality. In discussing what he terms as “the causal joint” (how God relates to the entire process), he provides the “Authorial Model” (p. 197) to demonstrate the process. The ultimate cause is God (due to His sovereignty), with two additional causes. The second cause, termed as the proximate cause, serves to influence the third or efficient cause, which is where the action takes place. The author demonstrates these three in Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 – God ordained the death of His Son (ultimate), the Jews plotted the crucifixion (proximate), and the Gentiles (Romans) carried it out as the efficient cause. Sammons provides other biblical examples of this sequence of causal events (including the first sin in Genesis 3) as he demonstrates how, even as God is the ultimate cause of sinful actions, He cannot be seen as the source of these transgressions.
The author closes this exceptional treatment of the doctrine of reprobation in dealing with human volition and ability, as well as causality in relation to divine abandonment, hardening, and personal/nonpersonal agency. Another fascinating chart offers a visual depiction of reprobation in contrast to the Golden Chain of Salvation, titled “The Black Chain of Damnation” (p. 265). The appendix includes a detailed description of each of the causalities noted above.
This book provides an exceptional and biblically faithful consideration of the theme of reprobation, delivering rich insights and perspectives that are well work reading (and rereading).
Beginning with specific definitions of key terms for this work, Sammons provides clear definitions and biblical support for God’s decree (determination of God’s will regarding everything that takes place in time), omnipotence (His infinite, eternal, and unchangeable power), providence (God is involved in everything that happens on earth),and sovereignty (God’ right and authority over all things). God holds authority over condemnation, and humanity is legally accountable to Him as the ultimate Judge. Sammons continues with a rich exposition of Romans 9 throughout much of this work as it relates to reprobation, describing it as “the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect” (p. 47), noting that Paul will not bring his argument to completion until Romans 11:25-32. Discussing the distinction between individual and national election (Sammons supports the former), the author spends more time in Romans 9 to drive home the purpose of election as demonstration of God’s unmerited favor and unconditional election.
Referencing careful investigation of key words on the subject, Sammons sees double predestination in the stories of Jacob and Esau, emphasizing the unconditional nature of this decision, a decision that cannot be explained through prescient knowledge as the cause of God’s choices regarding the twins. He continues in defending the meticulous sovereignty of God, noting man’s inability to respond righteously and discussing the actions of God in hardening individuals, as was the case with Pharaoh. The entire focus of Romans 9 “explains God’s role in reprobation and the motivating causes in God’s distinction between the elect and non-elect” (p. 111).
Two chapters are provided to address issues with predestination, including misunderstandings of the doctrine (e.g., Arminius, Wesley, and Geisler) and the concept of equal ultimacy (inaccurately stating that God works as extensively in the lives of the reprobate as He does with the elect). Charts are provided to compare and contrast the various views, including the position of hyper-Calvinism. Another chart is provided in the second chapter to present reprobation in its requisite parts, including reprobation (God’s decree to pass by the non-elect), preterition (His choice to reject or exclude salvation for the non-elect), predamnation (His affirmative decision to hold the non-elect to the standards of His justice), condemnation (His judicial act to visit the penalty of sin on them), and causality (the means God uses to bring about all He has ordained, through secondary agency). This useful chart includes Bible references for each definition.
In preparation for treatment of the objections to reprobation, Sammons invests time explaining the concept of compatibilism, explaining how “God is able to ordain evil events by evil people in such a way that maintains their complete responsibility…God’s predetermination of sin is always in such a way that he remains blameless and humanity remains blameworthy” (p. 135). Three chapters address the major objections to reprobation, including fatalism, limiting God’s sovereignty, using permissive language to mitigate concerns in theodicy, single predestination, challenging God’s justice, and making God the author of evil. All of these objections are addressed in turn with solid biblical exegesis to respond to the concerns.
In addressing the issue of causality and reprobation, Sammons, introduces the concept of three levels of causality. In discussing what he terms as “the causal joint” (how God relates to the entire process), he provides the “Authorial Model” (p. 197) to demonstrate the process. The ultimate cause is God (due to His sovereignty), with two additional causes. The second cause, termed as the proximate cause, serves to influence the third or efficient cause, which is where the action takes place. The author demonstrates these three in Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 – God ordained the death of His Son (ultimate), the Jews plotted the crucifixion (proximate), and the Gentiles (Romans) carried it out as the efficient cause. Sammons provides other biblical examples of this sequence of causal events (including the first sin in Genesis 3) as he demonstrates how, even as God is the ultimate cause of sinful actions, He cannot be seen as the source of these transgressions.
The author closes this exceptional treatment of the doctrine of reprobation in dealing with human volition and ability, as well as causality in relation to divine abandonment, hardening, and personal/nonpersonal agency. Another fascinating chart offers a visual depiction of reprobation in contrast to the Golden Chain of Salvation, titled “The Black Chain of Damnation” (p. 265). The appendix includes a detailed description of each of the causalities noted above.
This book provides an exceptional and biblically faithful consideration of the theme of reprobation, delivering rich insights and perspectives that are well work reading (and rereading).
March 4, 2022
The concept of reprobation is anathema to many Christians. Believers don’t want to talk about it, and if they do talk about it, they have a strong emotional reaction to the very idea. Does God consign some people to hell in the same way that He elects people to heaven? These are the questions that Peter Sammons tackles in his extremely solid work on the theology of reprobation.
Sammons opens his work by laying the groundwork of the debate over reprobation, and it surrounds the issue of theodicy or the problem of evil in the world. This lies at the heart of the debate. If God is fully in charge of everything, does that by definition make him in charge of evil, and if so, does that make Him culpable for the evil in the world?
The rest of the book is a tightly-written argument for the sovereignty of God over all things, even the eternal destiny of the damned. Sammons spends time establishing the sovereignty of God over all things generally, then takes time to do a thorough and extensive exegesis of Romans 9-11. This is one of the strongest points in the book, as Sammons does an excellent job of unpacking the text and carefully answering objections to his interpretive conclusions. He also spends time answering objections to reprobation, then unpacks his view of primary and secondary causes, which he argues allows God to be the ultimate cause of evil while not being the efficient cause.
Reprobation and God’s Sovereignty has many strengths and only a few weaknesses. On the negative side, the book is very poorly edited. I know that this falls on both the author and the editor, but it needs to be mentioned because the book is very tightly argued, and the poor editing distracts from the force of the book. Another weakness is that there are a few places where the author seems to quote different theologians who have different definitions of reprobation without clarifying the terms used. This leads to some “studied ambiguity” (to borrow a term from R.C. Sproul), which stands out in a book that is otherwise very well laid out.
Other than a few minor weaknesses, Sammons has contributed an excellent piece of literature to the evangelical world. His textual work is strong. He interacts with objectors without building strawmen. He traces his doctrinal arguments through church history. Ultimately, the reader will have to interact with Sammon’s arguments and see if he finds them convincing. Overall, this is an excellent work on a hard subject and will serve as a representative text on a question that has engendered debate in the church for years.
I received a free copy of this book from Kregel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sammons opens his work by laying the groundwork of the debate over reprobation, and it surrounds the issue of theodicy or the problem of evil in the world. This lies at the heart of the debate. If God is fully in charge of everything, does that by definition make him in charge of evil, and if so, does that make Him culpable for the evil in the world?
The rest of the book is a tightly-written argument for the sovereignty of God over all things, even the eternal destiny of the damned. Sammons spends time establishing the sovereignty of God over all things generally, then takes time to do a thorough and extensive exegesis of Romans 9-11. This is one of the strongest points in the book, as Sammons does an excellent job of unpacking the text and carefully answering objections to his interpretive conclusions. He also spends time answering objections to reprobation, then unpacks his view of primary and secondary causes, which he argues allows God to be the ultimate cause of evil while not being the efficient cause.
Reprobation and God’s Sovereignty has many strengths and only a few weaknesses. On the negative side, the book is very poorly edited. I know that this falls on both the author and the editor, but it needs to be mentioned because the book is very tightly argued, and the poor editing distracts from the force of the book. Another weakness is that there are a few places where the author seems to quote different theologians who have different definitions of reprobation without clarifying the terms used. This leads to some “studied ambiguity” (to borrow a term from R.C. Sproul), which stands out in a book that is otherwise very well laid out.
Other than a few minor weaknesses, Sammons has contributed an excellent piece of literature to the evangelical world. His textual work is strong. He interacts with objectors without building strawmen. He traces his doctrinal arguments through church history. Ultimately, the reader will have to interact with Sammon’s arguments and see if he finds them convincing. Overall, this is an excellent work on a hard subject and will serve as a representative text on a question that has engendered debate in the church for years.
I received a free copy of this book from Kregel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 13, 2022
In some Christian circles, affirming belief in “reprobation” or “double predestination” is enough to warrant the label “Hyper-Calvinist.” But is that fair? Is it true? Petter Sammons recognizes that the word “reprobation” can elicit a powerful negative reaction in people, yet he is convinced that it is a biblical doctrine. His book, based on his doctoral thesis, aims to both define and defend the doctrine of reprobation, particularly against the charge that it makes God guilty of sin.
From the onset, Sammons is careful to define terms. One of his frustrations in working through this doctrine and evaluating what people have said about it is that those who reject the doctrine rarely employ the same definitions as those who advocate for it. Sammons points out the unfairness of such behavior while treating other (Arminian) views respectfully even as he explains why he finds them deficient.
As this book is a defense of reprobation, I appreciated his careful attention to Scripture, particularly Romans 9. He does not shy away from grammatical and lexical arguments based on Greek and Hebrew. Sammons also interacts with a wide range of Scriptures that address God’s sovereignty, election, hardening of sinners’ hearts, and human agency in sin.
Too often the discussion of reprobation is characterized by heat rather than light. Reprobation and God’s Sovereignty is a refreshing contrast to those fruitless debates, and it’s where I recommend starting for anyone interested in a coherent and well-argued defense of the doctrine.
Note: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
Quotes:
[S]omething that both Calvinists and Arminians can agree on is that at the end of the age God has an authoritative right to judge every person based on the life they have lived.
The Calvinist maintains that God directly intervenes in regenerating the elect to bring them to salvation, but does not have to directly intervene in the non-elect in order for them to receive condemnation.
God does not elect to save those whom he first sees exercising faith and repentance. On the contrary, God grants faith and repentance to those individuals whom he first elected to save.
Reprobation is not purely passive—God’s choice to reprobate is an active choice. It is not an afterthought or simply the logical byproduct of neglecting to assign an eternal destination for the non-elect.
Every one either has Christ as their substitute to bear their sins, or they will bear their own.
From the onset, Sammons is careful to define terms. One of his frustrations in working through this doctrine and evaluating what people have said about it is that those who reject the doctrine rarely employ the same definitions as those who advocate for it. Sammons points out the unfairness of such behavior while treating other (Arminian) views respectfully even as he explains why he finds them deficient.
As this book is a defense of reprobation, I appreciated his careful attention to Scripture, particularly Romans 9. He does not shy away from grammatical and lexical arguments based on Greek and Hebrew. Sammons also interacts with a wide range of Scriptures that address God’s sovereignty, election, hardening of sinners’ hearts, and human agency in sin.
Too often the discussion of reprobation is characterized by heat rather than light. Reprobation and God’s Sovereignty is a refreshing contrast to those fruitless debates, and it’s where I recommend starting for anyone interested in a coherent and well-argued defense of the doctrine.
Note: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
Quotes:
[S]omething that both Calvinists and Arminians can agree on is that at the end of the age God has an authoritative right to judge every person based on the life they have lived.
The Calvinist maintains that God directly intervenes in regenerating the elect to bring them to salvation, but does not have to directly intervene in the non-elect in order for them to receive condemnation.
God does not elect to save those whom he first sees exercising faith and repentance. On the contrary, God grants faith and repentance to those individuals whom he first elected to save.
Reprobation is not purely passive—God’s choice to reprobate is an active choice. It is not an afterthought or simply the logical byproduct of neglecting to assign an eternal destination for the non-elect.
Every one either has Christ as their substitute to bear their sins, or they will bear their own.
June 16, 2023
"Oh! dear brethren, what a mercy it is that there are such things as the grand old truths which men nickname Calvinism, but which are the very marrow of the gospel. I find when the heartaches, and the spirit is heavy, there is nothing like reading the eighth and ninth chapters of the Romans; and when things go amiss with me, and everything is perversely disappointing my hopes, it is very delightful to throw oneself back upon the soft couch of God’s eternal purpose, to pillow one’s head upon the certainty that what he said he will perform, and that what he has commanded shall stand fast. Here are royal dainties! Costly cheer for fainting pilgrims! If you want the wings of eagles, study these doctrines, and they shall bear you up aloft; if you would creep along the ground, and be full of doubts, and tears, and miseries, and distractions, live on baser food; but if you would walk in the strength of a giant, and fight with the valour of a David, live you on these loaves of heaven’s best bread, and your youth shall be renewed. Yet these things are strong meat, and are not for babes, but for men." - Charles H. Spurgeon
I agree with Spurgeon that Calvinism, specifically reprobation is a "meaty doctrine" but it is also the most controversial doctrine within Christendom, IMO. And the controversy is understandable, especially for American Christians, who live in a culture that values independence, choice, freedom, etc.
Love it or hate it, (or know next to nothing about it), this book is an important one to read. Here the author makes the case for reprobation being a Biblical doctrine. Agree or not with the author or not, it's important to at least know the arguments for it.
"The intention of this book is to help faithful Christians to understand reprobation properly and to help them recognize and establish the role of secondary causes. This process helps clarify a vast number of scripture passages that are often neglected, avoided, or distorted by many in the church...
"A clear understanding of secondary causes preserves God's holy sovereignty and man's accountability with respect to reprobation...
"The purpose of this book is twofold: to properly define reprobation and explore God's use of secondary causes in this doctrine." - Peter Sammons
I'm glad I read this book and will return to it in the future. I can't give it 5 stars due to my passionate disagreement with the author's cessationism. Nevertheless, it's worth reading.
I agree with Spurgeon that Calvinism, specifically reprobation is a "meaty doctrine" but it is also the most controversial doctrine within Christendom, IMO. And the controversy is understandable, especially for American Christians, who live in a culture that values independence, choice, freedom, etc.
Love it or hate it, (or know next to nothing about it), this book is an important one to read. Here the author makes the case for reprobation being a Biblical doctrine. Agree or not with the author or not, it's important to at least know the arguments for it.
"The intention of this book is to help faithful Christians to understand reprobation properly and to help them recognize and establish the role of secondary causes. This process helps clarify a vast number of scripture passages that are often neglected, avoided, or distorted by many in the church...
"A clear understanding of secondary causes preserves God's holy sovereignty and man's accountability with respect to reprobation...
"The purpose of this book is twofold: to properly define reprobation and explore God's use of secondary causes in this doctrine." - Peter Sammons
I'm glad I read this book and will return to it in the future. I can't give it 5 stars due to my passionate disagreement with the author's cessationism. Nevertheless, it's worth reading.
May 13, 2024
One of the most controversial aspects of classic Reformed theology is the doctrine of reprobation, which states that not only does God actively elect some to salvation, he actively rejects some to damnation. Sammons provides us with the clearest defense of this doctrine and, as such, even if one disagrees with the idea or finds it offensive, this is the best recent defense and so should be consulting by anyone interested in the doctrine of reprobation.
March 12, 2023
Reprobation is clearly one of the most volatile and debated topics in all of theology. Mr Sammons does a phenomenal job of presenting a reformed perspective and grounds his defense in the Scriptures and historical narrative. Sound, scholarly, and Christ honoring. This a fantastic resource and should find a place in every theologians library. Top notch!
July 3, 2022
Solid.
March 22, 2022
Reprobation is a term often misunderstood and misused. It is a term that is full of emotions being the other side of predestination. The damnation of real people who are not of the elect of God. It is a tough doctrine but one that must be carefully studied and understood. When properly understood, it gives glory to God as we see his majesty in his holiness and justice. But what about the human objections? What about the hardness of this doctrine? Peter Sammons has the answers in his new book Reprobation and God’s Sovereignty: Rediscovering a Biblical Doctrine.
Sammons does an excellent job of explaining the doctrine of reprobation in great detail. He goes to great lengths to not only provide scriptural support, but also, painstakingly demonstrates through the history of the church exactly what this doctrine means and how it is to be used and understood. But he does not stop there.
The doctrine of Reprobation has many emotions bundled with it that lead to objections of fatalism, or an unloving God, or a God who is actually the author of evil. Sammons takes these objections one by one and meticulously details the proper responses to these objections that are largely unfounded and purely emotional pleas.
The book is full of excellent footnotes that provide readers many sources to further explore the doctrine and objections. Sammons also includes appendixes that show the detail of what is contained within the covers of the book with scriptural support and arguments. Also included are topics and areas for further study as you go deeper into this doctrine and the doctrines that connect to Reprobation.
The book is an easy read and enjoyable, not overly technical. I give this book five out of five stars for excellent research, great sources, wonderful exposition, and easy readability. This book is a must have for anyone studying the topic of salvation.
I was given a copy of this book free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sammons does an excellent job of explaining the doctrine of reprobation in great detail. He goes to great lengths to not only provide scriptural support, but also, painstakingly demonstrates through the history of the church exactly what this doctrine means and how it is to be used and understood. But he does not stop there.
The doctrine of Reprobation has many emotions bundled with it that lead to objections of fatalism, or an unloving God, or a God who is actually the author of evil. Sammons takes these objections one by one and meticulously details the proper responses to these objections that are largely unfounded and purely emotional pleas.
The book is full of excellent footnotes that provide readers many sources to further explore the doctrine and objections. Sammons also includes appendixes that show the detail of what is contained within the covers of the book with scriptural support and arguments. Also included are topics and areas for further study as you go deeper into this doctrine and the doctrines that connect to Reprobation.
The book is an easy read and enjoyable, not overly technical. I give this book five out of five stars for excellent research, great sources, wonderful exposition, and easy readability. This book is a must have for anyone studying the topic of salvation.
I was given a copy of this book free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2025
It's a theologically dense and yet very necessary examination of the side of God's sovereignty that I had given very little thought to prior to picking this book up.
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