Saved by Grace

by Anthony A. Hoekema

A comprehensive, dynamic, and eminently practical presentation of the biblical teaching on salvation. In discussing the facets of the working out of salvation -- the role of the Spirit, union with Christ, the gospel call, regeneration, conversion, repentance, and so on -- Hoekema does away with the classical ordo salutis ("order of salvation") by viewing these facets largely as simultaneous aspects in the process of salvation rather than sequential steps on the way to salvation.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith, School, Religion

291 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1988

About the author

Anthony A. Hoekema (1913-1988) was a Christian theologian of the Dutch Reformed tradition who served as professor of Systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary for twenty-one years.

Hoekema was born in the Netherlands but immigrated to the United States in 1923. He attended Calvin College (A.B.), the University of Michigan (M.A.), Calvin Theological Seminary (Th.B.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.D., 1953). After pastoring several Christian Reformed churches (1944-56), he became Associate Professor of Bible at Calvin College (1956-58). From 1958 to 1979, when he retired, he was Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Reviews

[David English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me a Calvinist 🌷😅🤷‍♂️

[Jeremy Hendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can be a bit dry at times, but it’s also the clearest perspective I have read on the reformed view of salvation. It sharpened my view on the order of salvation, and will subtly change the ways I will talk about Calvinism moving forward. Hoekema is great at leaving space for mystery and acknowledging the challenges people run into with Calvinism. There is something pastoral about the way he writes (even though this book is academic). He addresses pushback to Calvinism thoroughly and succinctly. It’s also very admirable the way he quotes and relies on Scripture faithfully throughout.

[Anna Chviedaruk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Учение о спасении по благодати является одним из основных отличий протестантизма от православия. И большинство протестантов знают, о чём речь. Однако, развивать и углублять свои познания никогда не бывает лишним, особенно потому, что эта книга разбирает эту тему и её практическое применение детально.

Такие книги, конечно, нужно читать медленно и вдумчиво, что может быть непростой задачей. Но это точно того стоит.

[Carey Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Pretty dense and not for the faint of heart. Helped me have a greater appreciation for my salvation and best put into words God’s grace and work in our salvation and sanctification as well as our own. Highly recommend to all!

[Joshua Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not reformed nor am I a Calvinist, but I do give this book 5 stars simply because it is one of the clearest written works on the subject of soteriology from a reformed protestant perspective. Hoekema is very precise, fluid, and clear. You would be hard-pressed to find a better summary on Reformed Soteriology than this book. Though, I disagree with him fundamentally on many things, I cannot give him a bad rating because of that. He clearly states in the beginning that his book is a guide to Reformed Soteriology- and that it is. If you are Reformed or Calvinist you will greatly benefit from this work. If you are of a different tradition, a new Christian, or maybe a non-religious person wanting to just understand this subject, then you will certainly be educated on this unique Christian theological tradition. It's somewhere between High School level and College, so don't let its size intimidate you.

[Robert Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoekema does an excellent job as an English language writer coming from a Dutch perspective. The debate on justification is becoming dated - only because so much ink has been spilled in the last two decades - but this remains a fine and enlightening book. Not entirely lay friendly, it is nevertheless warm and winsome. Pleasant read.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful introduction overall. Hoekema is devotionally warm and theologically clear.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Elijah McArthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoekema presents a strong case for Reformed soteriology in this work. Staying true to the Canons of Dort and the various Reformed confessions, Saved By Grace is a biblically grounded and pastorally minded piece that accurately represents the Reformed position. However, it is lacking in it's dialogue with other perspectives. While Hoekema does interact with Arminian and Roman Catholic points, he fails to mention and argue with the Lutheran perspective. This is a major flaw, as the Lutheran view presents a monergistic critique of the Reformed position, meaning a response from the Reformed camp is not only warranted, but necessary. Despite this single shortcoming, this work is essential for an introductory understanding of Reformed soteriology.

[Sam Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy lots of systematic theologies and books on doctrine, but I think this book is highly underrated. This is specifically on the Ordo Salutis, and what I appreciated how this book was:

1. Extremely clear and understandable - (the same level of accessibility as Grudem)
2. Reformed and biblical - he is reformed in soteriology and but doesn't shy away from the lifeblood of dogmatics, that is biblical exegesis (influenced by Bavinck, Berkhof, Murray, etc.)
3. Extremely informative but practical, as mentioned earlier it doesn't feel purely academic and cerebral, but leads you to love Christ and His Salvation for us!

I will always turn to this book as my standard to use for teaching!

I believe this is a book every Christian should get their hands on when it comes to soteriology!

[Alex Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid book, and very moving at points, especially the chapters on the work of the Holy Spirit and Union with Christ. There are other reformed soteriology books that have a better interpretation of 2 Pet 3:9 and similar verses. Hoekema takes the Arminian stance on these verses. I would refer to James White- The Potter’s Freedom: chapter: The Big Three Verses.

Discussion of the warning passages in Hebrews with regard to Perseverance is helpful, not necessarily unique.

Hoekema takes a covenantal infant baptism position. Coming from a Reformed Baptist perspective, it is interesting to see how that informs his view on our shared reformed soteriology.

[Isaac · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not onerous to read, but nor is it enjoyable. It's big fault is that it does not lend itself to moving the heart (as, say, most puritanical literature does). However, it is faithful, precise, logical and a very useful reference work when it comes to all the main heads of soteriology. A very useful volume indeed.

[Rafael Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great treatment of the glories of salvation! Despite the academic language getting dry at points, the work presents the Reformed doctrine of soteriology as being firmly rooted in Scripture and informed by the Reformation tradition. Highly recommend it.

[Mark Leberfinger]

Encouraged by God's grace

This has been an encouragement to me as I have delved more into God's grace. It does explore the Greek behind the many verses, which can be quite bit tedious, but I found it very helpful to get behind the meanings of God's Word.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say that I learned so much....!

[Enrimon Elyasaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ini adalah akibat kita di dalam Kristus dan banyak kelimpahan di dalam Kristus. Sangat baik dan memberkati.

[John Boyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Matthew Bloomquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to soteriology, highly recommend as starting point!

[J. Alfred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good thoughtful teaching about Reformed Soteriology. Full of useful quotes and word study notes.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author served a couple of churches as pastor during his life, but I suspect he was always a professor at heart. This is an excellent resource on Reformed soteriology, but it does feel like you're sitting in a lecture hall at a seminary. It lacks a certain something that would encourage the lay-reader to keep turning pages.

Most 'intro to Reformed theology' titles cover this topic well enough, but if you're looking for an in-depth study on the mechanics of salvation, this is probably where you'll want to go.

The discussion of "that passage" in Hebrews as it relates to the perseverance of true believers was helpful.

[Greg Baughman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A contemporary classic on reformed soteriology. I appreciated his affirmation that the ordo is a logical construct which has its place, but it is best to see each aspect as a part of the whole that cannot be separated. Additionally, his emphasis on union with Christ was insightful. Sanctification was likewise handled well, as was the balance between current and future aspects of these doctrines. A great book that will remain useful as an introduction and popular defense of reformed orthodoxy.

[Dylan Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a great presentation of reformed soteriology! Hoekema is a very clear thinker and writer, and most of all he is true to scripture. The only major quibble i had with Hoekema was his view on the spiritual gifts, especially the miraculous one's. He is an ardent cessationist which i feel is not a biblical view of the gifts at all. However, he still did a wonderful job explaining the doctrine of salvation and how we should think about it biblically.

[Josue · Rating 3 out of 5]

To save on time (I'm a full-time student) I began to skim and speedread the latter half of this book. Overall I think this is a great book. I'll have to return to it sometime to read slower through it. There are a few things in the book that I don't necessarily agree with.

[Gary Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and informative covering both controversial views and textual complications on a range of issues. He did a great job pulling back the curtain on the order of salvation from the reformed view and redefining a term or two in ways that serve a well thought out purpose.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Systematic, solid, and generally satisfying.

[Michelle Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and insightful, highly recommend it.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dutch Reformed perspective. Slightly different from the typical Reformed view. You be the judge.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoekema's style is intellectual, yet approachable. This volume on soteriology is comprehensive and engaging! I especially appreciated the section on union with Christ and sanctification.

[Ben Adkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing theology book! On of my top favorite books of all time. If you're serious about understanding salvation, then this is a must read.

[Benjamin Aurich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straight-forward, readable explanation of the major doctrines of soteriology. My one gripe is that some of the chapters were excessively long for the scope of the book, and the confines of time.