Crossway has just re-published Sam Storms' book, Chosen for Life: The Case for Divine Election. This is not only the first book on election that I read, but it is one of the first theological books I ever read-- and the impact of this book on my life could scarcely be over-stated (which, I realize, for someone given to over-statement, this is a bold claim).
The new book, according to Sam, is
...a revised and greatly expanded version of the earlier work. This edition of Chosen is approximately two-thirds longer than the first one, with new material on James Arminius, the nature of Arminianism (specifically, prevenient grace, the nature of God’s will, and its view of Romans 9), more extensive analysis of the relevant biblical texts (especially John 10, John 17, Ephesians 1, and Romans 9), together with new insights from Calvin, Edwards (on both election and total depravity), and Spurgeon, among others. There is also a completely new chapter addressing the question of why didn’t God choose everyone to be saved, as well as two new Appendices on praying for the lost and the order of the divine decrees.
See the Crossway Chosen for Life page (download the Introduction and Chapter 1)
Chosen for Life: The Case for Divine Election
(continue reading for endorsements)
“I can’t know and love and serve God if I don’t know truth about God. This book describes God the way he really is.”
John Piper, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis
“Sam Storms’s Chosen for Life is well-conceived, well-reasoned, and well-written, with its arguments anchored in the Scriptures. It is fair, thorough, and up-to-date regarding the controversies that swirl around this vital biblical doctrine.”
Mark R. Talbot, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College
“This new edition of Chosen for Life has everything one could want on the topic of election. Those who agree will be heartily encouraged; those who disagree will be respectfully challenged; the hearts of all will marvel at the glorious grace of God in the gospel.”
C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries
“Storms’s offensive against Arminian-type views of election among evangelicals is a very solid piece of work. The thoroughness of its arguments gives it conclusive force.”
J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College
“I am delighted that a revised and expanded edition of Sam Storms’s book Chosen for Life is now available. When students have asked me for a concise, clear, pastoral, and practical explanation of election, I have said that Chosen for Life is my top choice.”
Thomas R. Schreiner, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“This extraordinarily clear and courteous book makes its case without stooping to caricature or invective. It is a fine model of exactly how theological disagreements should be resolved: with respectful listening, careful distinctions, historical awareness, deep reverence for Scripture, and patient exegesis.”
D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
[I wrote an endorsement, but since it included several taunting remarks and statements about Sam's penchant for sweater vests, it didn't make the final cut...]
Just got my copy in the mail today. Looking forward to reading it next week.
Posted by: Joe Thorn | February 02, 2007 at 06:17 PM
It's hard for me to think that he covers election without dealing with Barth on the topic--both in the challenges Barth issued to the traditional view and the ways he upheld the best impulses of it.
Posted by: Keith | February 22, 2007 at 11:21 PM