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This is an excellent introduction to Reformed teaching on election. Covers the biblical foundations patiently, addresses classical and contemporary challenges fairly, while keeping an eye on the pastoral ends of the doctrine. Highly recommended. Should become the standard intro.

Scott R. Swain
Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida

This is an important book for the lucid and instructive treatment of predestination it provides. Composed of in–depth biblical, historical, and theological discussions with some concluding pastoral reflections, it will greatly benefit all who are interested in this doctrine and the crucial issues involved—issues, the author shows convincingly, that concern nothing less than the heart of the gospel.

Richard Gaffin
Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Why another book on predestination and election? Because people still struggle with these great biblical doctrines. Why a book by Cornel Venema on the subject? Because he is one of the clearest and simplest systematic theologians today. Why read this book rather than an older one? Because Venema applies old texts and old doctrines to contemporary questions.

Ryan M. McGraw
Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Greenville, South Carolina

Cornel Venema had given us a careful, thoughtful, and very helpful study of predestination: its biblical foundations, its historical development in Augustine and the Reformation, its modern challenges from Arminius, Barth, and open–theism, and its pastoral significance.  Throughout Venema provides an excellent exposition and defense of the Reformed doctrine of election.

W. Robert Godfrey
President Emeritus, Professor Emeritus of Church History, Westminster Seminary in California, Escondido, California

This is a magnificent discussion of predestination and election. I can think of no better resource, for not only does it address the usual questions surrounding this difficult but vital topic but it does so with close attention to the Biblical text and in dialogue with the history of thought from Augustine to the present day.

Robert Letham
Wales Evangelical School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales

… this book brings abundant exegesis and theological argument to bear on a controversial but wonderful truth.  I’m delighted to commend such a learned and helpful work.

Michael Horton
J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California, Escondido, California

Vigilant in explanation and polemic, Venema serves up the classic Reformed doctrine of predestination for a new generation of readers.

J. Mark Beach
Professor of Doctrinal and Ministerial Studies, Mid–American Reformed Seminary, Dyer, Indiana