Reformed theology: The Reformed doctrine of predestination by Boettner

Today I'm adding 'The Reformed doctrine of predestination' by Loraine Boettner to the Master Reading List under the category of Reformed theology (Available from Amazon).

Some people avoid labels for their beliefs and this includes Christians. They will particularly avoid labels for various understandings of Christian theology.  But without labels, every time you want to explain your theological framework you need to launch into a lengthy discussion.  But if you use terms (e.g. orthodox, liberal, reformed and evangelical) much can be conveyed immediately.

The Reformed label for a particular understanding of Christian theology has seen a resurgence in recent decades.  But exactly what is Reformed theology?  Basically it is the understanding that God is sovereign in the salvation of man (i.e. every Christian was predestined to be a Christian long before they lived).  And it is called Reformed because it was a key teaching of the Reformation.  Of course the Reformers taught much more than predestination, but believing in God's complete sovereignty in salvation is essential if one wishes to call themselves Reformed.

So what is entailed in the Reformed doctrine of predestination?  Boettner's book is an old but helpful defense of the Reformed doctrine of Predestination.  Initially in the book Boettner asserts key doctrines concerning God's planning, sovereignty, providence and foreknowledge.  Then he moves on to teach the five points of Calvinism:
(i) Total inability/depravity;
(ii) Unconditional election;
(iii) Limited atonement;
(iv) Efficacious/Irresistible grace;
(v) Perseverance of the saints.

Then Boettner answers common objections against Reformed doctrine:
(i) it is fatalism;
(ii) it is illogical;
(iii) it makes God the author of sin;
(iv) it discourages motivation to exertion;
(v) it represents God as unjustly partial;
(vi) it is unfavourable to good morality;
(vii) it precedes a sincere offer of the gospel;
(viii) it contradicts the universalistic Scripture passages.

Next Boettner teaches about other relevant issues including the harmony of Reformed doctrine with science and Islam.  The book then closes with a quick review of Calvinism in church history.

My only problem with the book is that it briefly promotes post-millennial eschatology and seems to be ignorant of Reformed Baptists.

Nevertheless, if you are trying to understand what exactly is Reformed theology, Boettner's book is an excellent and convincing treatment of the subject.