Living For God's Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism (Beeke)

Description

The theological system known as Calvinism is often caricatured as harsh, dour, and illogical. But as Dr. Joel R. Beeke argues in this important new book, this image could not be further from the truth. Dr. Beeke, a pastor, educator, editor, and prolific author, shows instead that Calvinism is a theology that is firmly rooted in Scripture and works its way out into every area of the believer‘s life. He aims to “cover the intellectual and spiritual emphases of Calvinism, the way it influences the church and everyday living, and its ethical and cultural implications.“

In this comprehensive survey of Reformed Christianity, Dr. Beeke and eight fellow contributors offer twenty-eight chapters that trace the history of Calvinism; explore its key doctrinal tenets, such as the so-called five points of Calvinism and the solas of the Protestant Reformation; reveal how Calvinists have sought to live in devotion to God; and survey Calvinism‘s influence in the church and in the world at large. In the end, the book asserts that the overriding goal of Calvinism is the glory of God. Saturated with Scripture citations and sprinkled with quotations from wise giants of church history, this book presents Calvinism in a winsome and wondrous fashion.

Contents

Foreword Michael A. G. Haykin
Preface

Part One: Calvinism in History

1. The Origins of Calvinism 
2. Confessing the Faith 

Part Two: Calvinism in the Mind 

3. The Marrow of Calvinism 
4. Total Depravity 
5. Unconditional Election 
6. The Extent of the Atonement 
7. Definite Atonement 
8. Irresistible Grace and Effectual Calling 
9. Perseverance and Assurance 
10. Scripture, Grace, Faith, Christ, and Glory 
11. Philosophical Calvinism – James Grier 

Part Three: Calvinism in the Heart 

12. Cultivating the Spirit – Michael A. G. Haykin 
13. Calvin’s God-Exalting Piety
14. Sanctification in Puritan Thought 
15. Sanctification in Puritan Practice 

Part Four: Calvinism in the Church 

16. Reforming the Church – Derek W. H. Thomas 
17. Foundations of Reformed Worship – Ray Lanning 
18. Roots of Reformed Preaching – Robert Oliver
19. Applying the Word 
20. Calvin’s Evangelism 
21. Puritan Evangelism 

Part Five: Calvinism in Practice 

22. A Theology for All of Life – Ray Pennings
23. The Puritan Marriage 
24. The Puritan Family 
25. Working for God’s Glory – Ray Pennings 
26. Political Ministers of God – Ray Pennings 
27. Calvinist Ethics – Nelson Kloosterman 

Part Six: Calvinism’s Goal

28. Doxology – Sinclair B. Ferguson

Index of Subjects and Names
Index of Scripture

Endorsements 

“Dr. Joel Beeke has once again performed a great service for the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This book will profit every class of reader, from the new convert to the most mature believer. Dr. Beeke’s style embodies the characteristics of experiential Calvinism on which he writes: every chapter is clear and addressed to the heart. I particularly found the chapter ‘Applying the Word’ to be a needed word for Calvinistic preachers in our day. Buy a copy for yourself and a number to give away.”
—Dr. Joseph A. Pipa Jr.

“Living for God’s Glory is a very helpful and insightful introduction to Reformed Christianity. It demonstrates that Calvinism is not narrowly doctrinal, but broad and profound, speaking to every aspect of Christian life. It will inform and inspire Christians in biblical faithfulness.”
—Dr. W. Robert Godfrey

About the Author 

Dr. Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and a pastor at Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Mich. He is also editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, coauthored, or edited eighty books, including A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life.