The Gospel as Taught by Calvin

by R.C. Reed

This book is a rare gem. It was written to help Christians come to a clearer understanding of and appreciation for 'the gospel of the grace of God'.

Genres: Theology

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

1851-1925

Reviews

[Esther Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sound little book clearly laying out the tenets of Calvinism and discussing the Arminian objections. It can be a bit wordy at times, but as I am just recently starting to read more theological books, I am sure I'll become more used to that type of writing style. Overall a good book.

[Josh Stowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of the reformed faith and in many ways succeeded works of greater popularity with its clarity on pelagianism , arminianism, and calvinism.

[Devin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book contrasting Arminianism with Calvinism. Reed asserts that Calvinism is the more logical and biblical of the two. He begins each chapter bringing up a theological issue, describes the Arminian view and then argues in favor of the Calvinist view. Despite the title of the book, he doesn't invoke Calvin much (very few quotes from Calvin). The bulk of the book is divided into chapters on the 5 points of Calvinism and then he ends the book examining the love of God and the fruits of Calvinists since the reformation. It is an older book and is dated at times, but it was insightful; he made a number of arguments that I had never heard before.

It started out great but ran out of steam towards the end.
I own the original Baker's book edition so there were no citations (not sure if the newer editions do).

[Jon Coupal · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This was interesting and worth the read, but also very much the product of its time. Some of its benefit is lessened by the scars of its age, and in other ways its age gives it usefulness. For most of the book, it gives topical considerations of Calvinism and its contrast to Arminianism, and it occasionally gives some thought to Wesleyanism. Although, as betrayed by the title of the book, the author is coming at this from a particular point of view, most of these arguments were presented fairly and with charity to each position. I appreciated the approach and attitude of the author when a lighthearted story shined through.

For example, "Some years ago I heard an Arminian preacher close a very earnest and impressive sermon to the unconverted with this statement: 'Now, sinners, I have done all that I can do, an God has done all that he can do, and so your salvation rests with you.' He then called on me to pray. It occurred to me that it must be a waste of breath to pray to a God who had already exhausted his resources." Ha! What a line - almost Shakespearian in its humor.

It was right up to the last chapter that I really enjoyed this book, but there it lost me. Being the product of the turn of the 20th century, with no familiarity of modern elements which carry us now beyond the first quarter of the 21st century, it had little to add to modern discussion of the application of Calvin's profound teachings. "Are not these fruits, which stand out conspicuously on the surface of modern history, challenging the attention of all men, and winning the admiration of all impartial students, sufficient to demonstrate the quality of the tree?" Unfortunately, R.C. Reed, they are not. Not because they are insufficient statements of Calvinism's lasting effect on history, but because they are no longer modern.

This is a great book, and it ought to be commended to the church at large. At the same time, it isn't an irreplaceable historical pillar. It comes with dated application that requires an update to be useful for the modern church.

[John Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heartily recommend this timeless book as an introduction to Calvinism. The author is a very easy to understand and follow. His writing style is enjoyable and aids movement through the book. As he goes through the 5 points of Calvinism and objections to Calvinism he presents the opposing view of Arminianism by quoting their authorities and describing with accuracy. His approach in each chapter greatly helped me to understand the core beliefs of the two systems. In each chapter he presents the Arminian view and then the Calvinistic view. He mentions where they agree and then he mentions where they divide and follows their logical conclusion. The similarities and differences have not been so clear to me than while reading this book.

After going through the five points he addresses objections. The objections to Calvinism is the authors day are the same ones thrown at it today. And the authors responses are helpful and easy to grasp.

I thought it funny that he call John, the writer of the gospel, Paul, and Peter Calvinists!! Ha!!! “We believe that the apostles, and their immediate successors were Calvinists of the deepest die. How could John have escaped Calvinism after listening to the discourses of Christ which he records in the sixth and 10th chapters of his gospel? How could Paul have written the eighth and ninth of Romans, the first Ephesians, and, in fact, all his other epistles, unless he had been a Calvinist? How could anyone but a rank Calvinist ever have preached such a sermon as Peter preached on the day of Pentecost?” The author loves to ask questions as a male to make a statement. He does this a lot.

[Benjamin Ried · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have an intellectual leaning towards calvinism, but this book caused me to question the value of the system. It is a quick easy read, but some of the paragraphs tend to provide the type of characterazation of calvinism that its opponents point to in an attempt to discredit it.

It is a useful introduction to the subject, but falls short of its objective to persuade people of the truth or biblical basis for calvinism.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost gave this 3 stars. I decided to give it 4 stars because of some excellent points towards the end that surprisingly ministered to my heart. Overall, its a good introduction to the reformed faith, though there are better books today that accomplish the same goal.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unknown and underrated gem—especially the last two chapters.

[Justin Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives the reader a balanced understanding of Calvinism.

[Steve Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed very much. Convincing arguments for the scriptural basis of Calvinism