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What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics Paperback – September 6, 2016

by R. C. Sproul (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,143 ratings
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What Do the Five Points of Calvinism Really Mean?

Many have heard of Reformed theology, but may not be certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and they'd like to know more about it. But they want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one.

What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful book, R. C. Sproul walks readers through the foundations of the Reformed doctrine and explains how the Reformed belief is centered on God, based on God's Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Sproul explains the five points of Reformed theology and makes plain the reality of God's amazing grace.
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  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Baker Books
  4. Publication date
    September 6, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.68 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0801018463
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0801018466
  8. See all details
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From the Back Cover

What do the five points of Calvinism really mean?

There are a lot of misconceptions in popular culture and the church regarding Reformed theology. Some references to it are positive, some negative. It's time for a full, understandable explanation of what it really is and why it matters.

What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to a set of beliefs and concepts that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful book, R. C. Sproul walks you through the foundations of the Reformed doctrine and explains how the Reformed belief is centered on God, based on God's Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Sproul explains the five points of Reformed theology and makes plain the reality of God's amazing grace.


R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Florida. He was also founding pastor of Saint Andrew's Chapel in Sanford, Florida, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. His radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, colleges, and seminaries around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone's a Theologian. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible.

About the Author

R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Florida. He was also first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel in Sanford, Florida, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. His radio program, Renewing Your Mind,is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, colleges, and seminaries around the world, and wrote more than 100 books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God,and Everyone's a Theologian. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Baker Books; Repackaged edition (September 6, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0801018463
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0801018466
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.68 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,143 ratings

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R. C. Sproul

R. C. Sproul

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Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was also first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. His radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, colleges, and seminaries around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible.

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Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book to build your biblical wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2023
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Cannot recommend this book enough. R.C Sproul did a wonderful job making very complex concepts simple, and allowing the reader to provide clear answers to typical arguments we are faced with.
3 people found this helpful
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Dr. C.H.E. Sadaphal
5.0 out of 5 stars (4.98 stars) The solid answers to what the Reformists believe and why they believe it.
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2016
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Most Americans call themselves Christian, yet much confusion exists as to what “Christian” actually means. Some Christians call themselves “Reformists” or “Calvinists” but lack a comprehensive understanding of what these labels actually mean. R.C. Sproul clarifies the confusion in What is Reformed Theology? by helping the reader to answer two fundamental questions from the Reformed perspective: (1) What do you believe? and (2) Why do you believe it?

Consequently, this book is an intellectually engaging and doctrinally sound introduction to the foundational doctrines of Reformed Theology and the five main points of Calvinism.

As the author writes on page 163, “The primary axiom of all Reformed theology is this: ‘Salvation is of the Lord.’” What is Reformed Theology? solidifies this core idea in two parts. The first discusses the foundation of theology which is principally theocentric (God-centered). Hence, the resultant foundational stones (based on the Bible alone, committed to faith alone, devoted to Christ, and structured by three covenants) all result from this theocentric posture. The second part of the book clarifies the five main points of Calvinism or the specific doctrines unique to Reformed theology: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace and perseverance of the saints.

Throughout What is Reformed Theology?, Sproul does what he always does: provide clear, concise and Biblically sound arguments to support his claims. He engages heavily with the Westminster Confession of Faith and cites numerous renowned theologians (Calvin and Luther) to clarify central ideas. What I appreciate most about this book is that Sproul does not simply write, “This is how it is.” Rather, and particularly for claims that are more controversial (e.g. limited atonement), he raises the loudest objections from other schools of theological thought, and masterfully responds with coherent counter-arguments. In fact, Sproul’s treatment of Christ’s purposeful atonement (Chapter 8) is a theological masterpiece that makes an airtight case and defense for limited atonement, or the idea that Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross made certain the salvation of the elect only.

Ultimately, one would have to search very hard to find a subpar book from R.C. Sproul (and you would end up empty handed). What is Reformed Theology? is no exception and an excellent introduction to the Reformist perspective and undoubtedly will lay the foundation from the Church Fathers who “got it right.” For Bible students, pastors, church leaders or the generally curious, this is a fantastic place to start.
98 people found this helpful
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Bill S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Idea, difficult to understand
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2023
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Most of this book I had to read pages twice or thrice. Be prepared to read about reform theology and 2 other theolgies at the same time. The author points out comparisons between multiple during the whole book and is confusing sometimes.
4 people found this helpful
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E. Cahn
5.0 out of 5 stars Extensive look into Calvinism
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
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Book is obviosly apologetical towards Calvinism, although Sproul soft-pedals many contentious parts. Can educate Calvinist and non-Calvinist alike.
One person found this helpful
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Z. D. Houghton
4.0 out of 5 stars A Fine Intro Text for Reformed Theology
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2015
Verified Purchase
I remember listening to a recent conference where Dr. Alistair Begg said something that resonated with me. He didn't start out as part of Reformed Christianity; rather he read his Bible and found that's where it led him.

Finding myself in much the same boat, I appreciate Dr. Sproul's attempt in this book to function as an introduction to what Reformed Theology truly is, and not what it is perceived to be. Few things in our church are poorly understood or misrepresented as the ideas generically filed under "Calvinism". In this relatively short (240 p.) but informative volume, R.C. Sproul works to explain the core tenets of the larger body of Reformed Theology in straightforward terms.

Those who have read some of Sproul's other works will know his witty, warm style is usually excellent for teaching, and it serves him well here. In the first part of this book, Sproul examines the foundations of Reformed Theology, and explains why it is indeed centered on God and God's Word.

Part two, which I think will be of supreme importance and interest to those who have only heard of Calvinism secondhand, goes through the familiar "TULIP" acrostic (Total Deprivation, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints). Sproul explains and works through what each of these mean, clearing up some misconceptions along the way.

Sproul also frequent points out through the work the differences between Reform Theology and Arminians, Pelagians, and other varying views. He does this without much in the way of vitriol or harshness. Some of these opposing views probably could have been explored and compared/contrasted a bit more fully in a longer book, but given the length of the book, I can't fault this too much. After all, it's an introduction to Reformed thought, not an all-out debate among major positions.

If you have a friend who thinks because you're a Calvinist, you see everyone as a robot, human responsibility as a joke, or denying the need for a holy life, this would be an excellent starter book to have them read. Sproul explains why Reform Theology is powerfully rooted in the Bible. If you're starting to attend or considering attending a church that adheres to Reform Theology, this would be a very helpful read. There are only a few illustrations and charts, but they are very helpful for relaying some of the content in a memorable way.

Don't expect this to be a full-on, in-depth of Calvinism; there are some elements of that here, but it functions much better as an introductory or overview text. In this, I think Sproul exceeds admirably.
35 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Reinhard Janssen
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2024
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Great introduction to the Reformed theology.
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Marcos Luz
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in Brazil on September 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book has a kind of summary of the reformed theology. Easy to read and easy to comprehend the whole idea and the acronym TULIP.

There is a lot more but I would like to cite two ideas from this book that are really good:

First one is the

Right of Private Interpretation
(Bible)

“The right of private interpretation means that every Christian has the right to read and interpret the Bible for himself or herself. This does not give an individual the right to misinterpret or distort the Bible. The Bible is not a waxed nose to be twisted and shaped to fit one’s fancy. With the right of private interpretation comes the responsibility of handling the Bible carefully and accurately…”

The second one is

“…difference between the Roman (Catholic Church) view of justification and the Protestant view is misstated. Some say Rome believes in justification by merit and Protestants believe in justification by grace. Rome believes in justification by works, while Protestants believe in justification by faith. Rome believes in justification by the church, while Protestants believe in justification by Christ. To state the differences this way is to radically distort the issue and to be guilty of gross slander against Rome. The Roman Catholic church believes that grace, faith, and Christ are all necessary for the sinner’s justification. They are necessary conditions, but not sufficient conditions.

While grace is necessary for justification, it is not enough. Merit (at least congruous merit) must be added to grace. Rome declares that faith is necessary for justification. Faith is called the foundation (fundamentum) and the root (radix) of justification. Works must be added to faith, however, for justification to occur. Likewise the righteousness of Christ is necessary for justification. This righteousness must be infused into the soul sacramentally. The sinner must cooperate with and assent to this infused righteousness so that real righteousness becomes inherent in the person before he can be justified. Missing from the Roman Catholic formula for justification is the crucial word alone. It is not an exaggeration to say that the eye of the Reformation tornado was this one little word. The Reformers insisted that justification is by grace alone (sola gratia), by faith alone (sola fide), and through Christ alone (soli Christo)…”
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great and Uplifting read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2018
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Sproul always taught the tuth of the bible in n accessible way, well worth reading as this book expounds Gods wonderful salvation story.
2 people found this helpful
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NikName
5.0 out of 5 stars Basics der Reformatorischen Theologie
Reviewed in Germany on March 15, 2017
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Das Buch ist zweigeteilt: Im ersten Teil geht es darum erstmal zu zeigen wie die Ansätze der reformatorischen Theologie sind zB: Gott-Zentriertheit, Sola Scriptura etc.. Im zweiten Teil gehts es speziell um die häufig auch als "5 Punkte des Calvinismus" umschriebenen Konzepte, die aber hier um der häufigen Missverständnisse die manchmal aus der traditionellen Betitelung hervorgehen leicht abgewandelte Namen tragen. Jetzt nach 500 Jahren Reformation kann man sich gut und gerne auch mal wieder damit befassen was damals tatsächlich geleistet und losgetreten wurde (hier nicht geschichtlich, sondern theologisch). Die Rückbesinnung auf die Heilige Schrift und die Ergebnisse die das vor allem für das Heilsprinzip hat, dürften für den einen oder anderen erfreuliche Nachricht sein. Denn trotz dass das Prinzip der Errettung aus Gnade allein schon immer schwarz auf weiß in der Bibel zu finden ist, hält sich das falsche Konzept der Gerechtigkeit durch Werke, religiöse Rituale uvm. bis heute wacker. Wer ganz gut Englisch kann und sich mit reformatorischer Theologie auseinandersetzen möchte, ist hier genau richtig. Große Empfehlung.
2 people found this helpful
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Aaron Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend!
Reviewed in Australia on September 28, 2020
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I highly recommend this book, with the work of R.C. It has great value and will greatly encourage the believer.
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