This devotionally and doctrinally rich new title from the pen of pastor Rick Phillips (Greenville, SC) has two purposes. The first is to explain the doctrines of grace through a coherent exposition of Scripture. Phillips does not attempt an exhaustive study by any means; rather, he seeks to expound a few passages as they pertain to total depravity, unconditional election, definite atonement, effectual calling, and the perseverance of the saints. His goal is to succinctly explain both the message of Scripture on these matters as well as their practical implications. But Phillips goes farther. He also writes to help Christians feel the greatness of the doctrines of grace–how a right understanding of them radically impacts our appreciation for God and therefore our attitude toward our lives in this world (as well as the one to come). Consequently, this book is an ideal companion to one’s regular time in the Word. Alternatively, it is the sort of concise, accessible book that could be given to a friend who is struggling over the sovereignty of God in salvation. The blurbs:
“The heart of the gospel is contained in the doctrines of grace. To understand these truths is to understand the height, depth, breadth, and length of the saving grace of God for sinners. Richard Phillips has done an outstanding job of capturing the heartbeat of these precious truths. Prepare your heart to be greatly blessed as this pastor and author guides you into a greater appreciation of the sovereign grace of God.”
— Dr. Steven J. Lawson, Senior pastor, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala.
“Rick Phillips has an unbounded love for the doctrines of grace and writes about them with an enviable simplicity and clarity. Here is persuasive exposition of biblical teaching that captures the thrill of knowing a sovereign God. What’s So Great about the Doctrines of Grace? never loses sight of the grace to which these doctrines point. This is a wonderful book to read, study, lend, and give away.”
— Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
“Richard “Rick” Phillips has done it again! In summarizing the doctrines of grace in this book, he brings us into the arena of historic Calvinism, which, as C. H. Spurgeon said, “is the Gospel and nothing else.” But what we have here is more than just a re-telling of the doctrines themselves; it is an account of why these truths matter in the church of the twenty-first century. Its enthusiasm is infectious, its urgency compelling, and its logic irrefutable.”
— Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas, Professor of systematic and practical theology, Reformed Theological Seminary Minister of teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Miss.
Read the Table of Contents and a Sample Chapter.