The Practical Implications of Calvinism

by Albert N. Martin

True Christianity involves a sight of the majesty of God and calls for a godly life.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Christian Living, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published December 1, 1979

About the author

Pastor Albert N. Martin shepherded the people of Trinity Baptist Church in Montville, New Jersey for 46 years. He was a Reformed Baptist at least a quarter-century before anyone considered it to be cool. Now retired from ministry, he has written this book for Cruciform Press to recount what he learned from the death of his wife, Marilyn, at age 73. Grieving, Hope, and Solace is his second book, and his first for a lay audience. To offer a sense of the depth of Pastor Martin’s ministry, the late John Murray, Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and author of several classic books, including Redemption Accomplished and Applied, once said regarding an upcoming conference,“If Al Martin is to be there I really think he should be asked to take the three evening services proposed for me. He is one of the ablest and most moving preachers I have ever heard…I have not heard his equal.”

Reviews

[Josiah Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with great application. Definitely could have been made into something longer but appreciate the work nonetheless. Recommended to all people who claim the title 'Calvinist'.

[Scott Korljan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and helpful introduction to the experiential side of Calvinism. Focused on the question: what should the wonderful truths of the Doctrines of Grace bring about in your life? A helpful warning to all of us that call ourselves "Calvinists" that to be a true Calvinist is much more than holding onto a certain set of doctrines. If we are not in awe of God, nor men of prayer, than we are not really Calvinists at all. The downside, in my opinion, was that Martin was a bit to triumphalistic in his describing of the experiential side of Calvinism. While we should strive for what he says no doubt, the reality in most of our lives is that because of sin we rarely achieve the type of experience of God that we should. He doesn't really discuss this, and as a result the pamphlet may give the impression that if I am not having tremendous and powerful experience of God routinely, then I may not be a Christian.

[Charity Handley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. More akin to a pamphlet. But really emphasized how sinful man is and that Gods perfect sovereignty is the only remedy.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quote by the author from the introduction sums up this readable little theological booklet quite nicely: "B. B. Warfield describes Calvinism as ‘that sight of the majesty of God that pervades all of life and all of experience'. In particular as it relates to the doctrine of salvation it's glad confession is summarized in those three pregnant words, God saves sinners."

[Andrew Scholes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good synopsis of Calvinism. I know that is the title of the book but, by reading the book, you would think there is no belief in God outside of Calvinism.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humble Calvinist should not be an oxymoron. This short booklet shows how the sovereignty of God in all things should yield humble joyful dependence on a majestic God.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Argues that a true Calvinist is one who lives out those truths in holiness of life. Passionately argued and edifying.

Liked it a lot, at least in 2001.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best things ever written on vital religion.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who hold this position.

[Sandu Andronic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sistemul de interpretare calvinist a fost mereu atacat, din toate părțile, cu tot soiul de obiecții teologice, istorice și filosofice, care căutau întotdeauna să denigreze și să marginalizeze această cheie hermeneutică a Scripturii, arătând celor care subscriu la acest sistem de gândire, că abordarea lor este pur și simplu lipsită de bun simț, de logică și că - mai grav decât toate - demolează definitiv aspectul orice practic al vieții de credință. Cu alte cuvinte, calvinismul nu este o deține o latură practică. Nu are nimic de spus în această privință pentru că el este, de fapt, un soi de fatalism, care induce omul spre pasivitate.

Cartea are o lungime scurtă, nu se pretinde a fi un studiu laborios, exaustiv pe acest vast subiect. Ci, ea conține câteva argumente solide în defavoarea acestei percepții, eronate zic eu. Dacă vom studia teologia, filosofia, istoria creștinismului cât și istoria gândirii și dacă venim cu temele pregătite, vom vedea că doctrina calvinistă nu nimicește aspectul practic al credinței, nu desfigurează omul, transformându-l într-un mecanism rece, presetat, lipsit de responsabilitate sau libertate - după cum zic unii, ci îl înflăcărează și îl ridică la un nou nivel de trăire și înțelegere spirituală.

Convingerea mea este că dacă este lecturată cu atenție, cartea ne conduce înspre această concluzie inevitabilă și ne motivează mai apoi să mergem mai în adâncime cu acest studiu, un studiu pe care eu îl consider foarte benefic din punct de vedere duhovnicesc și doxologic. Mai mult, cred că este un pastilă bună de înghițit și pentru cei aflați în cage-stage, cât și pentru împotrivitorii zeloși.

[Shea Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Has God made you a Calvinist? I am not asking whether you have read a book by Boettner, or Kuyper, or Warfield and become a Calvinist. I am asking, Has God give you a vision of himself? Did he shatter you? Did he bring you to that place by his grace of humility, submission, contrition, gratitude, confidence and joy" That is what makes a Calvinist."

While being written to ministers this little booklet by Banner of Truth would have been excellent for me as a younger man coming to Calvinistic convictions. This is a good heart religion call arrogant "cage stagers".

"What is the personal practical effect of the confession of Calvinism in the life of a man? If he sees God, it will break him, and if he understands that God saves sinners, it will make him a trustful, prayerful, watchful person pursuing practical godliness. Is that what these doctrines are doing for you right where you are at this moment?"

[David Mccowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christian once a year read right next to /Weight of Glory/.

/Practical Implications of Calvinism/ is a short essay (was it ever a sermon) -- just 21 pages in normal paperback size. But it is dense and delicious. For me it is something I try to read once a year. The main focus of the book is not on apologetic reasons for Calvinism but mainly the personal implications (our relationship with God) and practical implications (changes the doctrine should cause) for a true believer of Calvinism.

I would not call myself a Calvinist but every Christian should read this book. Eph 2:8-10 states clearly faith is a gift as such you might want to read this book and consider the implications Martin paints for your own life.

[Mevin Gorayah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone and everyone. Especially for those who just landed into the biblical doctrine of Calvinism and not knowing exactly what they landed by the Lord's grace alone, they throw mud on these biblical truths by their violent and unloving positions. They are what is commonly known as the 'caged-staged' and this booklet, which is from Albert N.Martin's sermon on that issue, addresses the implications of Calvinism. Many points raised, many implications, all for the glory of God. How we should direct lives in the Sovereignty of God? How does the Doctrines of grace should impact our lifes? Biblically, Martin addresses these.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This booklet, though brief, contains a powerful message and a real challenge to those claiming to hold to the Calvinist position. It is a powerful summary not of the five points that comprise the core tenets of Calvinism, but of the practical outworking of this theological system which should be evident in the lives of those who hold to it, myself included. I’m glad I read it and I’d imagine it will be helpful to re-read from time to time as a reminder and an ongoing challenge to pursue authenticity in the Christian life.

[David Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and helpful examination of some of the doctrines and life-style changes that result from adhering to the principles of Calvinism/Reformed theology. The author makes excellent use of quotations from B. B. Warfield. Pretty easy to understand: the pastor-heart is much in evidence, both in the manner and the tone of the presentation.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some helpful thoughts here. Perfect for a cage-stager.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

One or two awkwardly dated expressions, but fantastic through and through.

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, short read. Mr. Martin makes some great points here. Highly recommend for anyone exploring this doctrine.

[Travis Daggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with truth.

[Konrad Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, easy book to read on a Sunday afternoon.

[Eli · Rating 2 out of 5]

This little book is divided into two parts.

The first is a meditation upon Isaiah's experience seeing the Lord high and lifted up (Isaiah 6). Martin points out how the doctrines of Calvinism are but the conviction of the Lord high and lifted up, and the conviction that God saves sinners. These doctrines are designed to humble us, show us our sin, the sin of those around us, and fill us with wonder and gratitude that God saves sinners. This first section of the book is excellent.

The second section, however, is not good. Martin teaches on what fruits he thinks should necessarily follow faith in Christ, and reissues the typical teaching of assurance of salvation based upon our personal holiness (good works). There is nothing distinctly Calvinistic about this as most Arminians also believe the same thing. This is an unfortunate teaching that I don't believe has a basis in Scripture, and it spoils the book.

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent little booklet challenges the reader on the personal level. If you are not aware of the exceeding sinfulness of your sin, the depth of your daily need for Christ, the grace of the gospel, an inward desire and striving after holiness, and a prayerful life, it argues that you are not a true Calvinist. It measures us not against a man-made standard of sanctification, though, but against an image of the exalted God. I recommend it for the edification of all Christian readers.

[Joseph Abudar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outside of the Bible, possibly the hardest and most convicting booklet I read this year. It's caused me to question whether I've been a Calvinist at all, which is the reason why I recommend this to be read by those wearing the Reformed badge to at least once a year. Calvinist soteriology is the catalyst for holy and humble living, this work is wise counsel from a man who was Reformed Baptist before it was cool. Tolle Lege - take up and read!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time to read...Martin does an excellent job of looking at the "practical implications of Calvinism," how it makes a difference in our Christian walk. I especially appreciate his emphasis on humility. If we truly come before the Sovereign Lord, then humility will reign in our lives. As Martin says, a proud Calvinist is a contradiction in terms.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and good. I need to revisit this one. It's located here:
http://thirdmill.org/magazine/article...

[Eric Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little booklet is a marvelous antidote to any cage-stage tendencies one might have. It is pastoral in it's approach. The Doctrines of Grace, rightly understood, should change our behavior.

[Adam Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily readable in one sitting, this should be read by all who would call themselves Calvinists. Then it should probably be re-read periodically that we might not pridefully delude ourselves.