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The Sovereignty of God
Handles a doctrine little understood and heard of infrequently in these days of humanism. This book gives God his proper place of supremacy and is a classic on the subject.
269 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1917
About the author
Arthur W. Pink
475 books276 followersArthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
January 4, 2015
"The doctrine of God's Sovereignty lies at the very foundation of Christian theology. It is the centre of gravity in the system of Christian truth- the sun around which all the lesser orbs are grouped. It is the chord upon which all other doctrines are strung like so many pearls, holding them in place and giving them unity. It is the plumbline by which every creed needs to be measured and the balance in which every human dogma must be weighed. It produces gratitude in prosperity and patience in adversity.
It is, and does all, and much more than we have said, because it ascribes to God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- the glory which is His due, and places the creature in His proper place before Him- in the dust...
This doctrine of the sovereignty of God is glorious and edifying, and a due apprehension of it will but serve to make us exclaim with Moses, "who is like unto Thee, O Lord, among the gods?" (Ex. 15:11)"
-The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink [p. 214, 227]
It is, and does all, and much more than we have said, because it ascribes to God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- the glory which is His due, and places the creature in His proper place before Him- in the dust...
This doctrine of the sovereignty of God is glorious and edifying, and a due apprehension of it will but serve to make us exclaim with Moses, "who is like unto Thee, O Lord, among the gods?" (Ex. 15:11)"
-The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink [p. 214, 227]
November 20, 2013
If you want to know what it means to say, 'God is sovereign', this is the book. There are others, yes, but Pink is as thorough and as biblical in his presentation of this part of systematic theology as can be found.
I find it fascinating, in seeing/reading many negative critiques of Pink's work, that so many will call him a 'Hyper-Calvinist.' Clearly, they either misconstrue the term or flat out don't know what it means, except that anyone who believes God has unconditionally elected some to salvation is therefore a 'Hyper-Calvinist.' A 'Hyper-Calvinist' is one who not only believes God has, by His complete sovereignty, chosen those who would be saved and those who would be reprobate; therefore, there is no call to the elect to evangelize the lost. God knows who will and who will not be saved. Nothing we do will change that. In fact, in the understanding of some 'Hyper-Calvinists', to share the gospel with the reprobate is truly casting the pearl before swine and wrong. This is NOT Pink's position. Nor is it the position of any true Calvinist.
That God has chosen/predestined people to salvation cannot be argued against (Ephesians 1.3, just to cite one verse). However, God alone knows who His elect are. He has not given to any man to know this. In fact, Spurgeon once said that if God had intended this, He would have put a yellow stripe on each of the elect, thus making evangelism so much easier. Instead, we are to share the gospel with all, allowing God to do His work of saving. This is Pink's position.
All this stated on the subject of election and predestination, A.W. Pink's book is so much more than just about who 'gets saved' and 'who doesn't' (just one final question to those who disagree: why should God save anyone?) The early chapters on creation and the administration of God's will are most helpful, for if God is not sovereign over all His hands have created, then who is? And if not, then we, as creatures, are most to be pitied for we have no hope.
A highly commendable book. Read it slowly; let it have it's time in your thought.
I find it fascinating, in seeing/reading many negative critiques of Pink's work, that so many will call him a 'Hyper-Calvinist.' Clearly, they either misconstrue the term or flat out don't know what it means, except that anyone who believes God has unconditionally elected some to salvation is therefore a 'Hyper-Calvinist.' A 'Hyper-Calvinist' is one who not only believes God has, by His complete sovereignty, chosen those who would be saved and those who would be reprobate; therefore, there is no call to the elect to evangelize the lost. God knows who will and who will not be saved. Nothing we do will change that. In fact, in the understanding of some 'Hyper-Calvinists', to share the gospel with the reprobate is truly casting the pearl before swine and wrong. This is NOT Pink's position. Nor is it the position of any true Calvinist.
That God has chosen/predestined people to salvation cannot be argued against (Ephesians 1.3, just to cite one verse). However, God alone knows who His elect are. He has not given to any man to know this. In fact, Spurgeon once said that if God had intended this, He would have put a yellow stripe on each of the elect, thus making evangelism so much easier. Instead, we are to share the gospel with all, allowing God to do His work of saving. This is Pink's position.
All this stated on the subject of election and predestination, A.W. Pink's book is so much more than just about who 'gets saved' and 'who doesn't' (just one final question to those who disagree: why should God save anyone?) The early chapters on creation and the administration of God's will are most helpful, for if God is not sovereign over all His hands have created, then who is? And if not, then we, as creatures, are most to be pitied for we have no hope.
A highly commendable book. Read it slowly; let it have it's time in your thought.
January 17, 2011
This book caused quite a controversy when it was first published and I suppose it still does. This book is a treasure to me as it opened a new view of God and His Word. It deals with one of the most vital aspects of the Godhood of God--sovereignty. Is God sovereign, is really asking, is He God? What does it mean for God to be God? Who is really in control? Who has supreme authority and power?
I highly recommend it. Read along with your Bible and watch how the sovereign supremacy is seen throughout the entire Scriptures.
I highly recommend it. Read along with your Bible and watch how the sovereign supremacy is seen throughout the entire Scriptures.
May 2, 2020
A classic that every person should read!
January 5, 2024
De esos libros que marcan un antes y después. Es una doctrina tan fundamental pero que es olvidada por muchos de nosotros. Me propuse leer este tipo de libros y más que todo aplicarlos y este fue un buen regalo De Dios.
May 23, 2012
This book will turn you into a Calvinist overnight!
March 1, 2016
There are not a lot of books that I give five stars and say that they are a must read. However, this is most definitely one of those books on one of the most volatile subjects: The Sovereignty of God. A.W. Pink attempts to draw closer the tension between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man, a conundrum that has puzzled theologians for centuries. And yet, both are plainly taught in Scripture. Though Pink's focus is clearly on the divine side of the issue and understandably, given that the view of the day is on man leaving God in a subordinate position to cater to the whims of His creation. As Pink expressed:
The “balance of truth” has been lost, lost through a disproportionate emphasis being thrown on the human side. We grant this book is one-sided for it only pretends to deal with one side of the truth and that is the neglected side, the divine side.
Almost a century has passed and things have only gotten worse in the this one-sided focus.
The book was written in 1918 with two more editions afterwards. What was completed is a sound, cogent, thought-provoking, God-honoring presentation of this lofty subject.
It starts with a chapter that goes into defining God's sovereignty then spends several chapters presenting the different spheres that it works and operates (creation, salvation, reprobation, etc.).
In Chapter 7, it turns to the sovereignty of God and the human will. If you only had the opportunity to read one chapter out of this whole book, this would be it. This chapter is an excellent explanation of what human will is and why “free will”—as most mean it— is a myth.
Chapter 8 deals with God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Reading the previous chapter will make you want to read this. They go hand-in-hand. His argument is excellent. He states in that chapter:
“Free moral agency” is an expression of human invention and, as we have said before, to talk of the freedom of the natural man is flatly to repudiate his spiritual ruin. Nowhere does Scripture speak of the freedom or moral ability of the sinner. On the contrary, it insists on his moral and spiritual inability.
That paragraph alone is enough to raise the hair on the modern day Christian's neck.
He deals with other issues such as God's sovereignty and prayer and difficulties and objections to this doctrine.
This book is not for the faint at heart. It's not for those who have their presuppositions about God and want to hold on tight to them. This book will shake you. It will make you feel uncomfortable. But if you let it, it will edify you and you will mature from your reading of it. I grew from reading this book. It helped to build and bolster my faith in God and elevated my worship of Him. It can do the same for you as well. Even if you disagree, you will come away challenged. The book is just that good.
The “balance of truth” has been lost, lost through a disproportionate emphasis being thrown on the human side. We grant this book is one-sided for it only pretends to deal with one side of the truth and that is the neglected side, the divine side.
Almost a century has passed and things have only gotten worse in the this one-sided focus.
The book was written in 1918 with two more editions afterwards. What was completed is a sound, cogent, thought-provoking, God-honoring presentation of this lofty subject.
It starts with a chapter that goes into defining God's sovereignty then spends several chapters presenting the different spheres that it works and operates (creation, salvation, reprobation, etc.).
In Chapter 7, it turns to the sovereignty of God and the human will. If you only had the opportunity to read one chapter out of this whole book, this would be it. This chapter is an excellent explanation of what human will is and why “free will”—as most mean it— is a myth.
Chapter 8 deals with God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Reading the previous chapter will make you want to read this. They go hand-in-hand. His argument is excellent. He states in that chapter:
“Free moral agency” is an expression of human invention and, as we have said before, to talk of the freedom of the natural man is flatly to repudiate his spiritual ruin. Nowhere does Scripture speak of the freedom or moral ability of the sinner. On the contrary, it insists on his moral and spiritual inability.
That paragraph alone is enough to raise the hair on the modern day Christian's neck.
He deals with other issues such as God's sovereignty and prayer and difficulties and objections to this doctrine.
This book is not for the faint at heart. It's not for those who have their presuppositions about God and want to hold on tight to them. This book will shake you. It will make you feel uncomfortable. But if you let it, it will edify you and you will mature from your reading of it. I grew from reading this book. It helped to build and bolster my faith in God and elevated my worship of Him. It can do the same for you as well. Even if you disagree, you will come away challenged. The book is just that good.
February 12, 2011
A lot of doctrine to swallow, some easier than others. Let me start with the one that went down easy. Pink's chapter on prayer was by far the most enlightening for me. In this chapter the familiar became life changing. His explanation that we pray because we rely on God, not because we want God to change things, was an eye opener. It was one of things that you know intellectually, but it hasn't taken root in your heart and become real. Well know it has. I approach prayer in a whole different manner. It makes answers the question, " if God knows everything then why do we need to pray?" We pray because it helps us acknowledge our dependence on His plan. We need the wisdom to discern His plan in our life. In regards to some of the tougher stuff to swallow, I am still working through it- even after reading his book. The doctrines of predestination and limited atonement are going to take awhile to digest, even with Pink's explanations and scripture references. Part of the problem for me is he had to do to much qualifiying of words, phrases and beliefs before proving his point or just letting the biblical text speak for itself. So some of his points went to a far off the track for me and I got lost in definitions and explanations of his explanations.
I will continue to seek reconciliation so that it is not just an intellectual knowledge, but one I can believe with my whole heart.
I will continue to seek reconciliation so that it is not just an intellectual knowledge, but one I can believe with my whole heart.
September 3, 2012
Another book that the Lord used to show me His grace!
July 28, 2020
Loved this book. The long pages and tiny margins made it a little hard to get into at first, but committing to a chapter a day was doable and beneficial. I loved that Pink's arguments - every single one - were based solely on the Bible. The book makes a point to call out modern beliefs of God that feel good but are in no way biblical. Pink challenges what we're used to hearing - "God loves everyone", "man has free will", etc. Overall, the book's main goal is to exalt God solely from the pages of Scripture, even if it isn't "easy on the ears" (or human conscience). I would love to share this book (if you don't mind my underlining!).
March 25, 2022
Pretty good book. I think the more I read about the sovereignty of God, the more I was reminded that there are so many dual truths that I will never fully understand, such as Gods sovereignty and human free will etc. What I need to do is continue to come back to what I know to be true about God. He is just, loving, all powerful, all knowing and so much more. So I can know that these truths will also line up with his sovereignty. Even though I will never fully know and understand everything about his sovereignty, I can still know that he is a good and perfect God!
December 27, 2022
This book is a valuable read in that it points the reader back not just to any God but the Sovereign.
It's a faith & hope builder because it repeatedly underscores the reality that God is in charge of everything, even all the things that appear completely evil or out of control.
A good idea to read this semi regularly to stay grounded in this important & central doctrine that Pink says is second in importance only to the doctrine of the inspiration of holy scripture.
It's a faith & hope builder because it repeatedly underscores the reality that God is in charge of everything, even all the things that appear completely evil or out of control.
A good idea to read this semi regularly to stay grounded in this important & central doctrine that Pink says is second in importance only to the doctrine of the inspiration of holy scripture.
April 28, 2009
Excellent.
April 6, 2022
Written over 100 years ago, this classic still holds great value. The sovereignty of God is a generational problem, that is to say that every generation will continue to wrestle with this truth because we naturally want to deny it. As Pink notes in this work, God's sovereignty runs directly into man's autonomy and only one walks away unscathed. Just as a child why cries for his mother may believe that he is calling the shots, so too is the man who believes that God's will is subservient to his own.
The sovereignty of God rests (quite comfortably) in the text of Scripture first and foremost. There are some doctrines that are brought to scripture by good and necessary consequence, and there are doctrines that simply spill out of the pages of scripture because they are so clearly taught therein. The sovereignty of God is one of those. Although we may think of the sovereignty of God as a work that brings about salvation in man, it is much more than that. When we speak of the sovereignty of God, we mean that all of creation is in direct submission to him and furthermore, dependent on Him for their life and being.
Pink does a swell job laying this out on the table like a box of puzzle pieces and allows us to observe him putting the pieces together. One thing that is particularly helpful is his willingness to point out common mistakes, misconceptions, and even critiques of God's sovereignty. We don't believe in God's sovereignty because we are bored or contrarians. Rather, we believe that scripture presents a God who rules and reigns all things, who's works can not be matched, and who does not need the approval or permission of any other created being in order to move or act.
The sovereignty of God leads us into other areas of doctrine, namely the so-called Calvinist view. If God is sovereign in all things, which he is, then he is sovereign in our salvation as well. This has intensely practical applications. I remember growing up and after committing some sin, immediately thinking if I didn't repent of that sin then and there, I would lose my salvation. While ongoing repentance is needed for progressive sanctification, we are not on some fluid balance scale where we move from saved to unsaved based on our actions throughout the day. God's grace is not weighted by volume.
There's more to say here, but Pink says it best. And so I commend this book to you if you are looking for a good overview of the doctrine of God's sovereignty.
The sovereignty of God rests (quite comfortably) in the text of Scripture first and foremost. There are some doctrines that are brought to scripture by good and necessary consequence, and there are doctrines that simply spill out of the pages of scripture because they are so clearly taught therein. The sovereignty of God is one of those. Although we may think of the sovereignty of God as a work that brings about salvation in man, it is much more than that. When we speak of the sovereignty of God, we mean that all of creation is in direct submission to him and furthermore, dependent on Him for their life and being.
Pink does a swell job laying this out on the table like a box of puzzle pieces and allows us to observe him putting the pieces together. One thing that is particularly helpful is his willingness to point out common mistakes, misconceptions, and even critiques of God's sovereignty. We don't believe in God's sovereignty because we are bored or contrarians. Rather, we believe that scripture presents a God who rules and reigns all things, who's works can not be matched, and who does not need the approval or permission of any other created being in order to move or act.
The sovereignty of God leads us into other areas of doctrine, namely the so-called Calvinist view. If God is sovereign in all things, which he is, then he is sovereign in our salvation as well. This has intensely practical applications. I remember growing up and after committing some sin, immediately thinking if I didn't repent of that sin then and there, I would lose my salvation. While ongoing repentance is needed for progressive sanctification, we are not on some fluid balance scale where we move from saved to unsaved based on our actions throughout the day. God's grace is not weighted by volume.
There's more to say here, but Pink says it best. And so I commend this book to you if you are looking for a good overview of the doctrine of God's sovereignty.
May 3, 2021
A theological book that spends no time shying away from some of the most difficult ideas put forward in the Bible, for believers and non-believers alike. I can't speak for 100% of the hundreds of scripture application references used, but Pink's clarity and his own emphasis on the importance of the context of scripture was reassuring.
A solid book, but MY GOODNESS does he need an editor (for stupid simple mistakes.)
A solid book, but MY GOODNESS does he need an editor (for stupid simple mistakes.)
December 4, 2018
Una definición biblica de principio a fin demostrando a través de las escrituras cómo Dios se muestra soberano. Entender este atributo me enseño quién en verdas tiene toda potestad sobre la tierra y el cielo
Vivir entendiendo su soberanía te da una vida en Cristo de sumision santa, reverente , en obediencia; sabiendo que todo está bajo su dominio. Tengo alegría en mi prosperidad y confianza en mi aflicción. Recomiendo este libro para un mayor y mejor entendimiento de lo que es Soberania. De gran edificación para mi.
Vivir entendiendo su soberanía te da una vida en Cristo de sumision santa, reverente , en obediencia; sabiendo que todo está bajo su dominio. Tengo alegría en mi prosperidad y confianza en mi aflicción. Recomiendo este libro para un mayor y mejor entendimiento de lo que es Soberania. De gran edificación para mi.
August 14, 2015
Great book that definitively tackles the question of the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. I think I prefer Lorraine Boettner's "The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination" better than this, but this is still a worthy read.
March 29, 2021
Re-read as audiobook. Still profound.
March 22, 2020
Good encouraging word. Some fundamental truths here!
May 19, 2023
“Of course it is true that doctrine, like anything else in Scripture, may be studied from a merely cold intellectual viewpoint, and thus approached, doctrinal teaching and doctrinal study will leave the heart untouched, and will naturally be dry and profitless. But doctrine properly received, doctrine studied with an exercised heart, will ever lead into a deeper knowledge of God and of the unsearchable riches of Christ.” (A. W. Pink)
I took in this book extremely slowly and I’m so glad that I did. Pink has a beautiful writing style that provides a kind of lilt within the mind while reading. He italicizes many words and phrases for the purpose, I assume, of more clearly communicating his intended message. I loved that aspect of it! He also repeats his points in various ways, with different illustrations and syntax, which allowed me to more firmly grasp concepts that have always seemed elusive and out-of-reach for me intellectually. Placing some of the more antiquated phrasing aside, (this was written 100 years ago and, yes, I did use a dictionary a good bit, which was well worth the effort!), I found the book’s message clear and deeply impactful. Foundational! Necessary.
Chapter 8, “God’s Sovereignty and the Human Will,” and chapter 9, “God’s Sovereignty and Prayer” are ones I plan to come back to again and again. They were conceptual juggernauts for my brain! Insanely powerful, eye-opening… so many “OH!!!” moments.
One of my favorite Bible teachers often talks about how it is good for us to dwell in the ‘I don’t know’ as it is part of the learning process and one that we as an instant-gratification-society are quickly forgetting. Instead of getting overwhelmed, frustrated, and stopping reading, as I would have done in years past, I remembered this concept and slowly kept going, praying for patience with each turn of the page. But, man, it was totally worth it! I highly recommend this book!
I took in this book extremely slowly and I’m so glad that I did. Pink has a beautiful writing style that provides a kind of lilt within the mind while reading. He italicizes many words and phrases for the purpose, I assume, of more clearly communicating his intended message. I loved that aspect of it! He also repeats his points in various ways, with different illustrations and syntax, which allowed me to more firmly grasp concepts that have always seemed elusive and out-of-reach for me intellectually. Placing some of the more antiquated phrasing aside, (this was written 100 years ago and, yes, I did use a dictionary a good bit, which was well worth the effort!), I found the book’s message clear and deeply impactful. Foundational! Necessary.
Chapter 8, “God’s Sovereignty and the Human Will,” and chapter 9, “God’s Sovereignty and Prayer” are ones I plan to come back to again and again. They were conceptual juggernauts for my brain! Insanely powerful, eye-opening… so many “OH!!!” moments.
One of my favorite Bible teachers often talks about how it is good for us to dwell in the ‘I don’t know’ as it is part of the learning process and one that we as an instant-gratification-society are quickly forgetting. Instead of getting overwhelmed, frustrated, and stopping reading, as I would have done in years past, I remembered this concept and slowly kept going, praying for patience with each turn of the page. But, man, it was totally worth it! I highly recommend this book!
July 12, 2021
La lecture de cet ouvrage a été un vrai régal. Beaucoup de choses sont dites dans le livre sur la souveraineté divine et ses rappels sont réjouissants. De tous les ouvrages lus sur le sujet, je pense qu'il est de loin le plus complet. J'encourage chacun à le lire et à l'avoir dans sa bibliothèque. Une valeur sûre !
January 30, 2021
Biblically supported and a very clear presentation of a reformed perspective on the sovereignty of God.
June 19, 2023
This book is one of those gems whose truths frequently move one to worship and that one hates to see come to an end. It is simply beautiful and Scripture saturated! I highly commend this book!
December 7, 2023
Covers all areas and most objections. Great resource.
November 18, 2014
“But let us now inquire, What is the human Will? Is it a self-determining agent, or is it, in turn, determined by something else? Is it Sovereign or servant? Is the will superior to every other faculty of our being so that it governs them, or is it moved by their impulses and subject to their pleasure? Does the will rule the mind, or does the mind control the will? Is the will free to do as it pleases, or is it under the necessity of rendering obedience to something outside of itself?”
These are just a few of the questions asked and answered in Arthur Pink’s book “The Sovereignty of God”. A profound book discussing a complex topic and Pink does an excellent job interweaving the Holy Text in with stories and examples to teach on the topic of God’s Sovereignty. The human race cannot get away from this topic, whether one believes in God or not. We all live under God’s sovereignty and it cannot be escaped. Pink starts with defining God’s Sovereignty and each chapter addresses the different way that sovereignty is administered. If you’ve never heard about the Doctrine of Reprobation then this book is for you as an entire chapter is devoted to this topic. Looking for a defense of the Doctrine of Predestination? Pink won’t disappointed you. Ever wondered what man’s responsibility is and how can man be responsible for his actions if God is sovereign? Pink gives a logical and cohesive answer to that question and many more. I cannot recommend this book enough, although this book is not for the faint at heart. It is a difficult task and the reader must be willing to take a self inventory because what is taught in this book will force you to rethink how you see and understand God’s sovereignty.
These are just a few of the questions asked and answered in Arthur Pink’s book “The Sovereignty of God”. A profound book discussing a complex topic and Pink does an excellent job interweaving the Holy Text in with stories and examples to teach on the topic of God’s Sovereignty. The human race cannot get away from this topic, whether one believes in God or not. We all live under God’s sovereignty and it cannot be escaped. Pink starts with defining God’s Sovereignty and each chapter addresses the different way that sovereignty is administered. If you’ve never heard about the Doctrine of Reprobation then this book is for you as an entire chapter is devoted to this topic. Looking for a defense of the Doctrine of Predestination? Pink won’t disappointed you. Ever wondered what man’s responsibility is and how can man be responsible for his actions if God is sovereign? Pink gives a logical and cohesive answer to that question and many more. I cannot recommend this book enough, although this book is not for the faint at heart. It is a difficult task and the reader must be willing to take a self inventory because what is taught in this book will force you to rethink how you see and understand God’s sovereignty.
March 3, 2013
This book made me furious--but that's not necessarily a bad thing, I guess. It is certainly a thought-provoking read, and a good exercise in devotion simply because I could not safely acquiesce to Pink's teachings without serious contemplation.
Like the reviewer before me, I believe the idea that Jesus only died for the elect, and the contention that God does not love everyone He has made, to be heretical. It seems inconsistent and unlike Him for God to enjoin us, through Jesus, to live our enemies, but to possess such limited love Himself. I did not sense any love (not even of God, honestly, tho he claims it) in Pink's writing. It seems to follow that any of us, failing to exhibit one of the transferrable attributes of God, might not then be able to understand it, let alone believe in it.
In his favour, I will acknowledge that Pink does well to remind us that God IS sovereign, and that just because we may not like what we perceive to be the implications, doesn't negate that fact.
Like the reviewer before me, I believe the idea that Jesus only died for the elect, and the contention that God does not love everyone He has made, to be heretical. It seems inconsistent and unlike Him for God to enjoin us, through Jesus, to live our enemies, but to possess such limited love Himself. I did not sense any love (not even of God, honestly, tho he claims it) in Pink's writing. It seems to follow that any of us, failing to exhibit one of the transferrable attributes of God, might not then be able to understand it, let alone believe in it.
In his favour, I will acknowledge that Pink does well to remind us that God IS sovereign, and that just because we may not like what we perceive to be the implications, doesn't negate that fact.
August 17, 2010
This was one of the earliest books in the Reformed theology thought that I read. It was very foundational in my early Reformed days, and still holds a high place in my mind when I think of great book. The Baler Publishing edition is preferred over the edited and chopped up Banner of Truth edition, because you get a more well rounded scope of sovereignty in all areas (the Banner of Truth edition - a baptist organization - cut out chapters and dealings with such things as reprobation, due to their disagreement over that doctrine), but either version is a great launch pad for grasping issues surrounding the sovereignty of God in areas of our life.
If you are new to, or just exploring the issues of Reformed theology, I highly recommend this work as foundational.
If you are new to, or just exploring the issues of Reformed theology, I highly recommend this work as foundational.
May 3, 2015
Until I read A.W. Pink's "Sovereignty of God" I would've laughed at the notion of a book on Christian doctrine being a "page-turner" or to elicit a feeling of "I can't put it down!" Yet, here I am emphatically endorsing what I expected to be a stuffy and dry treatise on Reformed Doctrine. Despite being written almost 90 years ago, Pink's handling of Scripture proved incredibly relevant to many of the struggles we continue to face in the 21st century. But, of greatest importance, the book inspired within me a greater confidence in God and encouraged me towards a greater reliance upon Him and his perfect Word. I cannot recommend this book highly enough; the easiest 5-stars rating I've ever given.
October 28, 2018
I understand this book is a classic excursion through the difficult subject of God's sovereignty, but to be quite honest, I think it is highly overrated—and that is coming from someone from the same theological tradition as Pink. The book seems more like a random rambling about the subject rather than a reasoned assessment of the biblical data. Jerry Bridges' book, Trusting God, is way better, more pastoral in nature, and more balanced than this. That is perhaps a better place to start exploring this subject.
December 30, 2013
Pink examines the claims of God’s sovereignty – that is, His total control of and authority over the entire cosmos. Is God really sovereign, and if so, what implications does that have on prayer, evangelism, and the notion of free will? Although brief, Pink addresses several topics and relies heavily on Scripture to show that his arguments have a solid foundation. The result is a high view of God’s sovereignty that both encourages and challenges readers’ perceptions.
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