Humble Calvinism

by J. A. Medders

Publisher:

The Good Book Company

, 2019

Overview

Calvinism has an image problem. For far too long it has been synonymous with being argumentative, arrogant, and unloving. Somehow the doctrines of grace often haven’t made those who believe them actually gracious.

Self-confessed recovering, cranky Calvinist, Jeff Medders wonders whether the love of God has been replaced with the love of Calvinism. It’s one thing having the “five points” all worked out in your head, but have they really penetrated your heart?

His warm-hearted, challenging (and surprisingly witty) book reveals how a true understanding of “the five points” fuels a love of Christ and his people that builds others up, rather than tearing them down. He urges readers to be humble and gracious as well as zealous for the truth, to the praise and glory of Christ and his church.

Key Features

• Examines the need for kindness, tenderness, and compassion
• Encourges those who love the “doctrines of grace” to grow in showing grace
• Includes a brief introduction to the history of Calvinism

Contents

• Foreword by Ray Ortlund
• The Problem With Calvinism
• A Short Interlude About Jargon and History
• Humble Calvinism is Not an Oxymoron
• Total Dependency
• The Prequel to Your Faith
• The Cross, the Church, and the Cosmos
• Drawn In and Sent Out
• He Holds Our Hands
• Humble and Happy (and Calvinist)
• Afterword by C.H. Spurgeon

Praise for the Print Edition

If you’re not a Calvinist, this book is for you; and if you are a Calvinist, this book is for you. Jeff Medders explains simply, winsomely, and humbly from a Calvinistic perspective what the Bible teaches about five key doctrines. And he demonstrates throughout that no one truly understands the “doctrines of grace” unless they themselves are gracious and humble. Down-to-earth, often funny, and with a keen knack for illustration, Medders makes plain what biblical Calvinism—Humble Calvinism—looks like in everyday life.

—Donald S. Whitney, Author, Praying the Bible; Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Dean, SBTS, Louisville

Maybe in another generation the term “humble Calvinism” won’t seem like such an oxymoron. If so, this encouraging and challenging book will have been used by God to help us live up to what we believe.

—Collin Hansen, Editorial Director, The Gospel Coalition; author, Young, Restless, and Reformed and Blind Spots

Reformed culture seems to be known for its harshness and lack of grace. Yet Reformed soteriology should create a joyful heart and a deep, glad humility that overflows into compassionate evangelism and graciousness to all. I hope Jeff’s book will be used by God to renew a spirit of gentleness and humility among us, and will encourage those who have rejected these beautiful beliefs to consider them anew.

—Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas; President, Acts 29; author, Take Heart

Product Details

• Title: Humble Calvinism
• Author: J.A. Medders
• Publisher: The Good Book Company
• Publication Date: 2019
• Pages: 176
• Christian Group: Reformed
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Calvinism

About J.A. Medders

J.A. Medders is Lead Pastor of Redeemer Church, Tomball, Texas. The author of Humble Calvinism and Rooted, J.A. is married to Natalie and they have two children, Ivy and Oliver. He loves vinyl records and sour candy, and is a popular blogger and speaker as well as the host of the ‘Home Row’ podcast for writers. J.A. holds a Masters from Southern Theological Baptist Seminary.