Reprobation From Augustine To The Synod Of Dort

Over the centuries, the Protestant church has been severed into two major positions in regard to predestination and reprobation. On one side, the Arminians largely reject these doctrines, while the reformed readily embrace them as biblical truth. Although much has been written either rejecting or defending the doctrine of reprobation, little attention has been given to the historical development of the reformed position on the nature of reprobation and God's use of secondary causality in the hardening of the wicked. By means of historical analysis, Peter Sammons traces the development of the doctrine of reprobation from Augustine to the Synod of Dort. In this book, Sammons gives special attention to views on reprobation and its various parts, preterition and predamnation, along with how, historically, theologians have attempted to articulate its execution. Perhaps one of the greatest paradoxes in all of Scripture, theology, and philosophy is here addressed: "How does an omnibenevolent and omnipotent God predetermine and interact with sin in the world?" Answering the question proves vital, not merely to reconcile theological and philosophical concerns, but to answer the all-important question of life, "Who is God?" This volume is intended to provide a balanced analysis of the historical and intellectual development within reformed theology as to how God is simultaneously holy and sovereign by examining how reprobation and its parts have historically been defined. Reformed understanding on this doctrine was not done in a vacuum, nor was it concluded in the 180 meetings of the Synod of Dort; rather, it has a history within the church of thoughtful development.

God's right to judge humanity is written on the very fabric of human existence The doctrine of reprobation--that is, the eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect--is frequently misconstrued in both pastoral and theological literature. In Reprobation and God's Sovereignty, Peter Sammons reintroduces this oft-misunderstood doctrine, revealing its relationship to divine sovereignty. With Romans 9 as a guiding text, Sammons presents a thoroughly researched defense of reprobation as an essential part in a Reformed theology that magnifies God and encourages believers to trust in him. Reprobation and God's Sovereignty clearly defines and demonstrates from Scripture the foundational terms and doctrines required for properly understanding reprobation, such as: God's justice Election Compatibilism Secondary causality Preterition Predamnation Understanding these theological ideas proves vital to answering life's all-important question, "Who is God?" Sammons shows how the doctrine of reprobation leads to a greater admiration for God, eliciting higher praise, reverence, and belief in him.

Themelios is an international, evangelical, peer-reviewed theological journal that expounds and defends the historic Christian faith. Themelios is published three times a year online at The Gospel Coalition (http://thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/) and in print by Wipf and Stock. Its primary audience is theological students and pastors, though scholars read it as well. Themelios began in 1975 and was operated by RTSF/UCCF in the UK, and it became a digital journal operated by The Gospel Coalition in 2008. The editorial team draws participants from across the globe as editors, essayists, and reviewers. General Editor: D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Managing Editor: Brian Tabb, Bethlehem College and Seminary Consulting Editor: Michael J. Ovey, Oak Hill Theological College Administrator: Andrew David Naselli, Bethlehem College and Seminary Book Review Editors: Jerry Hwang, Singapore Bible College; Alan Thompson, Sydney Missionary & Bible College; Nathan A. Finn, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Hans Madueme, Covenant College; Dane Ortlund, Crossway; Jason Sexton, Golden Gate Baptist Seminary Editorial Board: Gerald Bray, Beeson Divinity School Lee Gatiss, Wales Evangelical School of Theology Paul Helseth, University of Northwestern, St. Paul Paul House, Beeson Divinity School Ken Magnuson, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Jonathan Pennington, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary James Robson, Wycliffe Hall Mark D. Thompson, Moore Theological College Paul Williamson, Moore Theological College Stephen Witmer, Pepperell Christian Fellowship Robert Yarbrough, Covenant Seminary

Calvin for Today is an edited compilation of the stimulating addresses given at the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary’s annual conference in August 2009, at Grand Rapids, Michigan. The book contains a wealth of information and practical applications about how to use Calvin’s thought in our challenging day. Topics include Calvin on preaching Christ from the Old Testament, missions, the church, Scripture, the Spirit’s work, redemption, ethics, believers’ benefits, the early church, reprobation, marriage, and reforming the church. Table of Contents: Preface – Joel R. Beeke Introductory Sermon 1. What Kind of Love Is This? - Dr. David Murray Calvin and the Bible 2. Calvin on the Word of God - Dr. Gerald Bilkes 3. Calvin on Preaching Christ from the Old Testament - Dr. David Murray Calvin the Theologian 4. Calvin on the Holy Spirit - Dr. Joseph Pipa 5. Redemption: Speaking Peace in the 21st Century - Dr. Derek Thomas 6. Union with Christ, the “twofold Grace of God,” and the “Order of Salvation” in Calvin’s Theology – Cornelis Venema 7. Calvin’s View of Reprobation – Donald Sinnema Calvin and the Church 8. Calvin’s Doctrine of the Church - Rev. Neil Pronk 9. Calvin on Reforming the Church - Dr. Derek Thomas 10. Calvin and Missionary Endeavor of the Church – Dr. Michael Haykin 11. Calvin on the Early Church – Ligon Duncan Calvin the Ethicist 12. Calvin on Ethics – Nelson Kloosterman 13. Christian Marriage in the 21st Century: Listening to Calvin on the Purpose of Marriage - Dr. Michael Haykin Calvin and His Contemporary Impact 14. The Resurgence of Calvinism in America - Dr. Ligon Duncan 15. Why is Calvin Important Today? - Dr. Joel Beeke

An exploration of post-Reformation inter-confessional theological exchange between Reformed, Dominican, Arminian, and Jesuit theologians on controversial soteriological topics. These essays bring theological works into meaningful points of contact in a European-wide struggle with the legacy of Augustine.