The Sovereignty of God

by A. W. Pink

Paperback, 2016

Status

Available

Call number

230

Genres

Religion & Spirituality

All Topics

Nonfiction

Publication

Whitaker House (2016), 336 pages

Description

This theological classic, first published in 1919, was notorious for its independent take on the Bible. In it, Arthur Pink fiercely defends the sovereignty of God against the apparent threat of the Devil. His doctrinal belief is that that God both elects and reprobates, as Romans 9:21-23 clearly teaches. "Fear not!" he admonishes. "All things are moving in accord with His eternal purpose, and therefore, all things are working together for the good of them that love God." With admirable facility and clear, simple language, Pink uses the Scriptures to answer a host of questions that may have remained unresolved in the minds of many Christians. The result is an important guide post for the recently converted as well as a strong defense against the free will of man.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member lougheryweb

Blew my socks off the first time I read it. One of my first exposures to Calvinism. This book is not for the theological faint of heart.

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LibraryThing member nesum

The wonderful thing about reading A. W. Pink is that you get this incredible blend of accomplished scholarship, of devotion to the truth, of love of our Lord, and pure pleasure in what is he doing. It feels like he is leading us frantically through the Bible saying, "Look at this; this is so cool!"

I mean, in a 1928 sort of way of saying that.

The theology is advanced and wonderfully presented, but it is far from dry, mainly because of Pink's enthusiasm. This may not be good for new Christians who are still on the milk of the Word, but it is something to strive for as we move forward in our understanding in the God's glory of awesome power.

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LibraryThing member moses917

The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink, when first published in 1918 was a very controversial book as it still is today. The reason for this is probably due to the fact that in Pink's day the doctrine of God's sovereignty was almost completely ignored, misunderstood or rejected. Why read a book on the

doctrine of God's sovereignty? The author believed that this doctrine is the second most important doctrine taught in the Bible, the first being the Divine Inspiration of the Bible, which is the title of Mr.Pink's first book that was published.

Pink (1886-1952) was a Christian evangelist and Biblical scholar known for his staunchly Calvinist and Puritan-like teachings. Most of Pink's writings made available to the public at Pink's Archive site. When he wrote this book, Pink was clearly concerned about the elevation of man and his abilities at the expense of the sovereignty of God throughout Christendom. He understood that presenting a high Calvinist view of God's sovereignty would not win any popularity contests, and he was certainly right about this.

I found this book to be the best systematic treatment of establishing the sovereignty of god in all things that I have yet read. One of the joyous facts of all of Pink’s works is his use of scripture to explain, prove and sustain his statements. He relies more on Scripture even though he quotes throughout the book the giants of the Christian faith in the words of Calvin, Luther, Edwards, Spurgeon and Augustine.

I also felt that Pink's discourse on human responsibility and accountability for his actions was utterly outstanding. The reconciliation of human responsibility or 'free-will' in light of God's sovereignty has been a central issue in Christianity throughout its history. I felt that Pink's attempt at reconciling the difficulty is a very significant achievement that moves the discussion in a very positive direction. Throughout his discourse, Pink's Biblical exegesis is thorough and often compelling.

Realizing the sovereignty of our God will accomplish peace in the hearts of His people like nothing else can bring. Knowing that God is sovereign will allow the Christian to truly walk by faith - Biblical faith in a God who loves him and sovereignly works all things according to His good pleasure

Pink has this to say about the importance of this Biblical truth on p.19 "It is... the key to history, the interpreter of providence...and the foundation of Christian theology, p.215...it is designed as the sheet anchor for our souls amid the storms of life.

Though there are many good things in this book, it is not the complete picture of God. This focus on God’ Sovereignty, though wonderful and necessary a subject for meditation, can also lead into many dangerous and off balanced positions. Read discerningly and search the scriptures.

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LibraryThing member laholmes

A scripture soaked book by Pink about the control of God over every thing in life is as controversial now as it was then. Most people would not have a problem with much of the book. The chapter on God's sovereignty in reprobation is the one that caused me to read slowly and think carefully, and the

one chapter that most people would disagree with. Pink pulls no punches in saying God is over everything, and uses scripture after scripture to back it up.

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LibraryThing member camelotstud

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD - A.W. Pink: There are no adjectives left for me, from all the other reviews. I could say from my perspective, snip all the comments that are in the 5 star catagory, put them together and you'd have my review. I must say (with hesitation, as I don't want to give a wrong

impression). After finishing this book, I asked myself, WHY has this man's written narrative, (of course, using Scripture), take me places that the Bible didn't in a like manner. Well I think I have my answer. Through out the Bible the Sovereignty of God and His infinite attributes are generally spread out; so as I read, the awe, comes to me is somewhat like "snipits." Pink on the other hand is centerlizing on the single topic, and all those "snipits" are concentrated; and the Awe just keeps coming. You don't get a chance to breath, gasp, yes, but one is flooded with all those spread out verses. It's all Biblical, and when you have it all thrown on top of you at once its simply beyond what my little brain can comprehend. It gives much to the Psalm (paraphrase) wherein King David asks, ["what is it that attracts you to us little worms?"]. In summary, I can close by saying the inconcievable Sovereignty of God, as presented brings our Creator so much beyond comprehension. . .while taking man and bringing him so insignificant, by comparision. To think such a gap, and He Loves us so? Answer that from a human perspective. Praise God.

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LibraryThing member ittai

I read Lorraine Boetner's Reformed Doctrine of Predestination in high school and thought it was the best until I was introduced to The Sovereignty of God some years later. All of the major topics that this subject brings to the mind of a serious Bible student are addressed by Pink. A copy should be

in everyone's library.

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LibraryThing member blbooks

ETA: I reread this one in February/March 2023. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this doctrine. I think it is under-taught, under-appreciated. I think when it is 'preached' it is a surface-level, shallow presentation. This book by Pink is SO deep. I do think I rushed through it this time more

than I should. My mind would get distracted at times and wander. No fault of Pink. I think this is a doctrine that Screwtape and company would like to keep believers from reading, believing, teaching, etc. It is so fundamental.

First sentence: Who is regulating affairs on this earth today--God, or the Devil? That God reigns supreme in Heaven, is generally conceded; that He does so over this world, is almost universally denied--if not directly, then indirectly.

If the average, modern-day Christian would dare to read Pink's The Sovereignty of God, then chances are they'd be shocked--shaken--by the contents. The stuff of which he writes--this "hard teaching" of the Bible is rarely the subject of preachers in the pulpit. Not in this day and age when Free Willy sermons are more prolific than Tribbles.

Does truth matter to God? If truth matters to God, shouldn't it matter equally to us? If the sovereignty of God is clearly, plainly, obviously, matter-of-factly found in Scripture, shouldn't we take note and study this doctrine? Shouldn't we allow it to have an impact on our lives? Of course this implies something fundamental: that Christians hold the Word of God--Scripture, Old and New Testaments--to be true.

I fear that the sovereignty of God has become one of those "attributes" that Christians are embarrassed about and want to apologize for much like the wrath of God.

But. Rightly understood and studied the sovereignty of God is one of the most comforting, reassuring, AMAZING doctrines. The sovereignty of God should have us singing, rejoicing, praising God. It's a THRILLING doctrine.

I loved this one.

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