Cover Image: What’s So Great about the Doctrines of Grace?

What’s So Great about the Doctrines of Grace?

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

God's grace means everything to us as His people. We get what we do not deserve through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In this book, Richard Phillips does a wonderful job in laying out the amazing greatness of God's grace. We can never hear about God's grace enough, so I would encourage people to add this book to their collection as well!

Was this review helpful?

WHATS SO GREAT ABOUT THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE is insightful and thought provoking. Although it is a serious and well documented book about the doctrine of grace, it is not laborious or too intellectually challenging for the lay person! That is a BIG plus! The author systematically brings understanding to this very misunderstood doctrine.. He also addresses the misconceptions of grace . The foundational teachings provided in this book are impactful for one’s hope, joy, and eternal security. EXCELLENT!

Was this review helpful?

This book was an excellent info to reformed theology or “Calvinism.” It is more of a quick view version, which many would find helpful. There were a few little things that I think could cause one to be a little confused, but those things were addressed. I really enjoyed the book and will read it again!

Was this review helpful?

I'm not sure what I expected from this book but apparently I missed the part about it being about Calvinism. I totally believe in the Grace of God but unlike Calvinism, I believe what the Bible says "that God deserves that none should parish". I believe although God being all knowing causes Him to know who will or will not choose salvation, but don't believe He excludes anyone from from accepting salvation. That is what true grace is!

Was this review helpful?

This was a great read. I’m relatively new to the doctrines of grace, and I learned a lot through reading this book. I feel that this is easily reachable for those who are new to and those who are well versed in the doctrines of grace. This is one that I’ll definitely keep handy and will reference often. I highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

Simply put, the doctrine of irresistible grace states that sinners are converted to faith in Christ because the sovereign God extends His mighty power to change their hearts through the Gospel.

Using the 5 points of Calvinism - it is appropriate for the 5 points of Calvinism to conclude with a matter of personal application. TULIP begins with man's problem: total depravity. It answers this problem with three gracious doctrines, each focused on a different person of the divine Trinity; the Father's unconditional election, the Son's limited atonement, and the Spirit's enlivening work of irresistible grace. We need now to return to the life of the believer to see how grace works out in practice. This is the issue with the P of Tulip: the perseverance of the saints.

We can know about the doctrine of grace however, it another thing to experience the doctrine of Grace. I appreciated reviewing the TULIP in the light of grace as it brings home God's sovereignty and my lack of "keeping" up. It is human nature to work for ones salvation. To do all the right things, however with that mindset, we look to ourselves instead of who God is. In my own experience, I do that more than I realize. In the doing, I lose the awe and gratitude of what Christ has done. Christianity is not meant to be an ideology, full of good deeds but a person we cling to that compels in thankfulness a grace filled life.

This is a short study that contrasts Armenian theology and that of the Reformed in the doctrine of Grace. The grace of God is really about the sovereignty of God. It has to start with knowing our depravity so that we may know the glory. In knowing the glory, we experience grace in all that we do and all that we are. Selah.

A Special Thank you to Reformation Trust Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Was this review helpful?

I'd been steered away from Calvinism by my church a long time ago but I thought it would be useful to get a view on it by an advocate. To my surprise, what I have read so far is well-argued and useful. I have re-read the chapter on the sovereignty of God a couple of times and while I doubt I'm going to convert, I do appreciate the powerful additional perspectives the book has given me.

Isn't this really why we read the work of other Christian authors? To see through another part of the glass darkly? To see another facet of the diamond? I will probably read to the end and find this a useful little book. Would I recommend it? If someone asked me about Calvinism - yes.

Was this review helpful?

The books fine. But it's not necessary. The topic has already been covered very well and the author doesn't add anything.

Was this review helpful?

I am thankful to Reformation Trust publishing and net galley.com for an advance review copy of this book. This is an excellent little book by Richard Phillips which basically outlines and defends the five points of Calvinism. Each of the five points of T.U.L.I.P. basically has a chapter of its own with an introduction and conclusion.

Each chapter is basically split into two unequal halves. The first half of each chapter basically outlines the background, the Biblical evidence and the historical case for the point being advanced and the second half of the chapter gives some more contemporary reflections on the point.

This is a book well worth reading as a refresher for those interested in Calvinism or the five points, I dont think there is enough content in the book to persuade an Arminian to convert but then I suspect that was never the purpose of the book in the first place.

This book is not a long read probably around 90 mins and will be 90 mins well invested.

Was this review helpful?