While we’re on the topic of reformed theology, I thought I’d mention this interesting new book by Robert A. Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Entitled Election and Free Will: God’s Gracious choice and Our Responsibility, Peterson traces the doctrine of election throughout the Bible and explains the biblical concept of free will.
I find this issue to be at the heart of the Calvinism-Arminianism debate. People often talk past each other because they have different categories for “freedom”. In one sense, all humans are free to do whatever they wish. The problem is that we’re born into this world with corrupt hearts such that we cannot want God (Rom. 8:7-8). Consequently, apart from God’s regenerating grace, we are “free” only to sin against God in various ways, depending on our inclinations. We need heart surgery to gain the freedom to truly obey God. Nevertheless, the concept of “will” is helpful, I think. All persons must choose to believe in Christ (who He was and what He accomplished) or perish (John 3:16-18; 36). A sample of the endorsements:
“This is a singularly helpful book in what promises to be a useful series. It is helpful for three reasons: its attempt to ground its thesis in Scripture, the courtesy with which it engages those who disagree, and the crisp clarity of the writing. Beyond these things is the importance of the subject. Books on this subject often become merely polemical, but this one is full of the majesty and grace of God.”
– D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“Neither superficial nor highly technical, this new series of volumes on important Christian doctrines is projected to teach Reformed theology as it is most helpfully taught, with clear grounding in Scripture, mature understanding of theology, gracious interaction with others who disagree, and useful application to life. I expect that these volumes will strengthen the faith and biblical maturity of all who read them, and I am happy to recommend them highly.”
– Wayne Grudem, Phoenix Seminary, author of Systematic Theology
“There are many misconceptions today about systematic, biblical, and applicatory theology. One sometimes gets the impression that these are opposed to one another, and that the first two, at least, are so obscure that ordinary people should avoid them like the plague. The series Explorations in Biblical Theology seeks to correct these misunderstandings, to bring these disciplines together in a winsome, clear unity, edifying to non-specialists. The authors are first-rate, and they write to build up our faith by pointing us to Christ. That’s what biblical and systematic theology at their best have always done, and the best application of Scripture has always shown us in practical ways how to draw on the rich blessings of Jesus’ salvation. I hope that many will read these books and take them to heart.”
– John Frame, Reformed Theological Seminary
Related: Peterson co-edited Faith Comes By Hearing with Chris Morgan. I interviewed Morgan about the book.