Originally published in 1961, J.I. Packer’s Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (Ivp Classics) comes now in a newly published version as an IVP classic book. IVP states their passion at the back of the book, “IVP Classics are significant, compact books that have stood the test of time, written by trusted authors who shaped the lives of millions.” It is this timeless application that is very evident throughout every page of Packer’s book on evangelism and God’s sovereignty.

The friction between man’s free will and God’s sovereignty have historically wrought much debate. It is this very Biblical balance that Packer seeks to (I believe successfully) maintain throughout his work. Bringing many Scriptures to bear on this timeless subject, Packer brilliantly shows how both seemingly opposed truths are clearly upheld in a balanced Biblical tension. This 135 page work is very manageable in size and readability, clearly explaining complex doctrinal truths and debates in a very relevant way.

The doctrinal truths of our salvation are very important, for they form the very underpinnings of our faith. I believe we need an intensified passion for doctrine in our churches today–a passion that surpasses the mere academic realm to reality. Such a passion for the deeper truths of God’s Word will inevitably invoke greater awe, wonder, worship, and passion for life. As you read the complexities of our salvation made relevant in Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, I believe your heart will be stirred along with mine by the sheer majesty of our great God and His incredible plan of redemption! It is as one grapples with these truths–the truth that God gives us a responsibility to respond and the truth that God sovereignly elects and sustains–that we believers will be awed and inspired to proclaim this great redemption to others. Packer accurately asserts the notion of evangelistic motivation amidst God’s sovereignty. A Biblical view of election does not deter evangelism, but rather serves as it’s very motivation! What an encouraging truth that our God enthroned above reached down out of grace and saved me! What an incredible truth that God now counts us believers worthy to be entrusted with the awesome ministry of Gospel proclamation! Furthermore, what an awesome comforting truth that this Redeemer God is the very One who transforms hearts–we are His faithful ambassadors, He is the active Agent!

Toward the close of the book, Packer teaches for a few pages on the apostle Paul’s ministry in lieu of God’s sovereignty. I wanted to close this book review with a quote because I believe it beautifully summarizes the Biblical tension of man’s free will and God’s sovereignty, redeemed man’s responsibility to evangelize, and the motivation and confidence we have in our God as we evangelize. The text: Acts 18:9-10. The man: Paul. The mission: Corinth. The target audience: Jews. Their response: rejection. Set amidst this frustrating scene, Paul naturally feels fear and possibly like giving up his efforts in Corinth. It is in this moment, however, that God sends him a vision declaring God’s promise of elect in that city. Paul must persevere. Likewise, we must persevere. God is on a mission of redeeming His own through us as we faithfully proclaim this Gospel to all peoples.
Packer writes, “His confidence was that where Christ sends the gospel there Christ has his people–fast bound at present in the chains of sin, but due for release at the appointed moment through a mighty renewing of their hearts as the light of the gospel shines into their darkness and the Savior draws them to himself.” (pages 126-127)

Oh, what a staggering redemption we share as believers! What an incredible mission we have in this life to share this grace-infused redemption with a world in need! So, if you’re looking for a great short, but insightful and relevant read on the doctrines related to salvation, evangelism, and God’s sovereignty, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (Ivp Classics).

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