Evangelical Calvinism

A review by Kenneth Macleod of Evangelistic Calvinism: Why the Doctrines of Grace Are Good News by John Benton, published by the Trust as a booklet of 32 pages.¹

The questions this booklet addresses are:

Does Calvinistic preaching – that is, true scriptural preaching – hinder the proclamation of the love of Christ to a dying world?

Is it a stumbling block that prevents sinners being saved?

The author answers these questions in terms of the Five Points of Calvinism – the response of the Synod of Dort to the Arminian errors which caused such division in the Dutch Church of the early seventeenth century.

Accordingly he deals in turn with Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Final Perseverance. For instance, Dr Benton lays stress on the unconditional nature of election and points out how it answers the objection of the careless individual who responds to the gospel with: “Sorry, but I’m not that type”. The gospel is not for any particular type; it is without conditions; it is for sinners of every conceivable type.

He comes to the conclusion that:

(1) the Five Points of Calvinism are full of cogent and loving evangelistic arguments which persuade sinners to come to Christ [and]

(2) the doctrines of grace are full of pastoral encouragement and consolation and, when carefully explained, will surely promote healthy Christian growth and living in our churches.

This booklet contains much excellent teaching. The only major complaint is the Bible Version used. [ed. the NIV is used.]