| Although I've recommended it before, if you haven't read John Piper's article, "What We Believe About the Five Points of Calvinism," you're definitely missing out. Whether you're sympathetic towards Reformed theology or not, Piper's work would be well worth your time. He explains the doctrines of grace in simple, yet profound terms that give us a glimpse into the heart of God and the Gospel. While re-reading the article yesterday, I came across an especially profound quote from Charles Spurgeon: "I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what is nowadays called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the gospel...unless we preach the sovereignty of God in His dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah; nor do I think we can preach the gospel unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of His elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the Cross; nor can I comprehend a gospel which lets saints fall away after they are called." |
posted by Christie