The Doctrine of Absolute Predestination Stated and Asserted
Overview
Predestination is one of the most mysterious and controversial doctrines of the Christian church, but in this classic account, Jerome Zanchius presents a concise explanation of the terms and ramifications of this doctrine. Zanchius, a sixteenth-century Reformed clergyman and scholar, was influenced by the great Reformers of his day, such as Martin Bucer, Phillip Melanchthon,Martin Luther, and John Calvin. He gives succinct detail on the love and will of God, election and reprobation, foreknowledge, and predestination, beginning with the attributes of God. This edition also includes a history of Calvinism and Arminianism, biographies of both Zanchius and his translator, Augustus Toplady, and an introduction to God’s characteristics.
The Doctrine of Absolute Predestination is not only an essential introduction to the doctrine of predestination; it provides invaluable insight by one of the most beloved Reformers. It gives insight into one of the key turning points in Christian theology. Perfect for students, professors, and anyone interested in the history and theology of the Reformers.
- Introduction and explanation of the key terms of predestination<
- Written by one of the key Reformers
- Includes detailed table of contents and prefaces to guide study
Top Highlights
“When i consider the absolute independency of God, and the necessary, total dependence of all created things on him their first cause; I cannot help standing astonished at the pride of impotent, degenerate man, who is so prone to consider himself as a being possessed of sovereign freedom, and invested with a power of self-salvation; able, he imagines, to counteract the designs even of Infinite Wisdom, and to defeat the agency of Omnipotence itself. Ye shall be as gods, said the tempter, to Eve, in Paradise: and ye are as gods, says the same tempter now, to her apostate sons.” (Page 23)
“God’s sovereign will is the first link; his unalterable decree is the second; and his all active providence the third, in the great chain of causes. What his will determined, that his decree established, and his providence either mediately or immediately effects. His will was the adorable spring of all, his decree marked out the channel, and his providence directs the stream.” (Pages 37–38)
“He that made all things, either directs all things he has made, or has consigned them over to chance. But what is chance? a name for* nothing. Arminianism, therefore, is Atheism.” (Page 39)
“For, without predestination, there can be no Providence; and, without Providence, no God.” (Page 41)
“By Arius they were all gathered up and artfully formed into one complete system of falsehood and blasphemy. His opposition was chiefly directed against the doctrines of Christ’s Eternal Sonship—of his co-essentiality and co-equality with the Father: but his system included in its bosom the very essence of the Socinian and Arminian errors.” (Page 8)
Absolute Predestination presents the doctrine of predestination in a concise and logically ordered exposition. Zanchius follows in the footsteps of John Calvin in affirming the complete Sovereignty of God in all affairs of history and human experience.
—Online Reviewer
- Title: The Doctrine of Absolute Predestination Stated and Asserted
- Author: Jerome Zanchius
- Translator: Augustas Toplady
- Publisher: George Lindsay
- Publication Date: 1811
- Pages: 311
Jerome Zanchius was born in 1510 in Italy. He was a Biblical scholar, educator, and part of the Protestant Reformation. A prolific writer, some of his works include Confession of the Christian Religion and Observation of the Divine Attributes. Because of his theological convictions and teachings, he was often forced into exile. Zanchius died in 1590.
Reviews
2 ratings
Forrest Cole
11/9/2021
Phil Niebergall
7/30/2013
