If God is in control of everything, can Christians sit back and not bother to evangelize? Or does active evangelism imply that God is not really sovereign at all? // J.I. Packer shows in this classic study how both of these attitudes are false. In a careful review of the biblical evidence, he shows how a right understanding of God's sovereignty is not so much a barrier to evangelism as an incentive and powerful support for it. // J. I. Packer is author of the best selling Christian classic Knowing God. He is Board of Governors Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver.
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"Approximately 65 years ago Packer tackled a theological question still relevant many years later -- how are the doctrines of divine sovereignty and individual responsibility reconciled? Specifically, the author tailored his arguments and proofs to the issue of the effect of sovereignty on personal evangelism. Ultimately, based upon the biblical texts cited (and they are numerous) he concludes that reconciliation between friends is not ever necessary. That is, the doctrines of divine sovereignty and personal responsibility co-exist and are not mutually exclusive. How they operate in tandem are to some extent occasioned in the revealed will of God as evidenced in scripture. He concedes, however, that portions of the interplay are the "secrets of God." Far from a dismissal or cop-out, Packer painstakingly develops each doctrine and ultimately concludes that a genuine belief in the sovereignty of God should spur additional evangelical action and responsibility as the true believer would recognize that conversion and repentance are impossible without the intervening work of God." — Jonathan (4 out of 5 stars)
"Approximately 65 years ago Packer tackled a theological question still relevant many years later -- how are the doctrines of divine sovereignty and individual responsibility reconciled? Specifically, the author tailored his arguments and proofs to the issue of the effect of sovereignty on personal evangelism. Ultimately, based upon the biblical texts cited (and they are numerous) he concludes that reconciliation between friends is not ever necessary. That is, the doctrines of divine sovereignty and personal responsibility co-exist and are not mutually exclusive. How they operate in tandem are to some extent occasioned in the revealed will of God as evidenced in scripture. He concedes, however, that portions of the interplay are the "secrets of God." Far from a dismissal or cop-out, Packer painstakingly develops each doctrine and ultimately concludes that a genuine belief in the sovereignty of God should spur additional evangelical action and responsibility as the true believer would recognize that conversion and repentance are impossible without the intervening work of God."
" This is a great book on the relationship between God's sovereignty over salvation and evangelism. It sharpened my thinking and encouraged my faith. Highly recommendended! "
" I read the first edition of this book. "
" Simply put: boring. "
" This is one of the best books I have ever read on evangelism. "
" This is probably one of the best books I have read about the gospel message and the motivation for believers to share the gospel. It is a short book that was a fast read. The author does a great job of discussing some of the misconceptions about theological/soteriological views and the motivation to evangelize. The author then presents a view of what should motivate Christians to spread the gospel no matter what soteriological view is held. I highly recommend this book for believers who find it hard to get motivated to share the gospel or who are wondering what it takes to be effective at sharing the gospel. "
" Excellent book! I would encourage anyone interested in evangelization, both Calvinist and Arminian, to read this. With all the mediocre books that are used as study material in classes, this book really should be studied. "
" A classic. Packer dominates it. "
" Classic work on evangelism in light of the truth of God's absolute sovereignty. A must read for every Christian. "
" It's been a little while. "
" J.I. Packer is a biblically sound edifier. All the books I've read by him are excellent and deep. "
" Incredibly clarifying. "
" If you've wondered how God's sovereignty and the Christian's responsibility toward evangelism fit together, this is the place to turn. Not only clear and biblically based, but also motivating to sharing Christ with others as well. A must read if interested in evangelism. "
" Lovely balance - and the end result - it comes down to obedience,not theology. "
" Wrestling with some questions and this book is very helpful about a Christian believer's role in light of the doctrine of God's sovereign control over everything. "
" One of the VERY best books on the topic anywhere to be found! If you only read one book on this subject, let it be this one! "
" Also read in July 1992 "
" One of the most helpful books I have read to help one discern a right view of both Evangelism and God's Sovereignty. For any who are questioning how God's Sovereignty affects our human responsibility to evangelize - I highly recommend this book! "
" I think I read this in 2008. Don't really remember. But I remember reading this. It was good. "
" This book helped me realize that God is in control, but showed me that what I do matters too. An easy read that is valuable to anyone. "
" Lay friendly approach to a complex topic. An easy and quick read that may help many reorient their thoughts. "
" nice discussion about Christian most burning question of predestination (the election of God) and man effort to share gospel, when there seems to be a conflicting phenomena. "
" A concise and compelling defense of evangelism within the context of the doctrine of election. "
" It really helped me in the problems I had about sharing and my confusions as to my responsibilities. "
" I know I read it, and I know I liked it, but I can't remember a single word. "
" A classic! What can you say? "
" Good if you're into heavy theology. When I read this several years ago it did give me a better understanding of Calvinism, and branded into my brain the idea of "antinomy" (two truths that coexist even though they seem to contradict, i.e. God's sovreignty versus God's judgment). "
" Very helpful little book. Shows why Calvinism isn't only compatible with evangelism but necessary for evangelism. "
" Good, but Packer seems to flinch at the end. "
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