Arthur W. Pink's foreword to the second edition of his work on the sovereignty of God addresses the biblical doctrine of God's sovereignty as a central theological tenet often neglected in contemporary Christian discourse. Pink acknowledges the favorable reception of the first edition while also recognizing critiques that his emphasis on God's sovereignty may be perceived as extreme. He cites John 3:27 to underscore that human reception of spiritual truths is divinely enabled, emphasizing that even the criticism stems from God's sovereignty. Pink argues that the church faces an imbalance in its messaging, often overemphasizing human responsibility at the detriment of God's claims and rights, which he believes is a more pressing theological issue. This revision aims to restore the focus on God's sovereignty, which Pink asserts is crucial in regaining the 'balance of Truth' necessary for a faithful understanding of Scripture.
Key Quotes
“A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven.”
“We have sought to stress that side of the Truth which in these days is almost universally neglected.”
“Surely there is far more danger of making too much of man and too little of God than there is of making too much of God and too little of man.”
“If we err at all it is on the right side.”
What does the Bible say about the Sovereignty of God?
The Bible affirms the Sovereignty of God in His creation, governance, and ultimately in salvation, emphasizing His absolute authority over all things.
Moreover, as we engage with the theme of God's sovereignty, we recognize that while mankind is responsible for their choices and actions, God's plan remains unthwarted. The challenge faced today in many circles is the under-representation of God’s sovereign nature in favor of human responsibility. However, the balance must be maintained to ensure we do not undermine the significant truth of God’s supreme authority.
How do we know God's Sovereignty is true?
The truth of God's Sovereignty is established through scripture, historical fulfillment of God's plans, and the consistent testimony of believers throughout time.
Moreover, the experiences of countless believers demonstrate the reality of God's sovereignty in their lives. Many have testified to the way God has worked in their circumstances, ultimately for their good and His glory. This experiential evidence, alongside the biblical foundation, provides a robust affirmation of the truth of God's sovereignty, leading believers to rest in His ultimate control over all events.
Why is the Sovereignty of God important for Christians?
The Sovereignty of God is crucial for Christians as it assures them of God's control over all circumstances, providing peace and hope in trials.
Additionally, acknowledging God's sovereignty can prevent a shift toward an overemphasis on human effort and responsibility. When Christians lose sight of God's sovereign rule, they can become burdened by the weight of their own perceived inadequacies. Instead, by embracing the truth of God's sovereignty, believers can find rest in His grace and assurance that their salvation and future are secure. This understanding fosters a deeper relationship with God, who is both transcendent and immanent, guiding them through life’s complexities.
It is now two years since the first edition of this work was presented to the Christian public. Its reception has been far more favorable than the author had expected. Many have notified him of the help and blessing received from a perusal of his attempts to expound what is admittedly a difficult subject. For every word of appreciation we return hearty thanks to Him in Whose light we alone “see light.” A few have condemned the book in unqualified terms, and these we commend to God and to the Word of His grace, remembering that it is written,
“a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven” (John 3:27).
Others have sent us friendly criticisms and these have been weighed carefully, and we trust that, in consequence, this revised edition will be unto those who are members of the household of faith more profitable than the former one.
One word of explanation seems to be called for. A number of respected brethren in Christ feel that our treatment of the Sovereignty of God was too extreme and one-sided. It has been pointed out that a fundamental requirement in expounding the Word of God is the need of preserving the balance of Truth. With this we are in hearty accord. Two things are beyond dispute: God is sovereign, and man is a responsible creature. But in this book we are treating of the Sovereignty of God, and while the responsibility of man is readily owned, yet, we do not pause on every page to insist on it; instead, we have sought to stress that side of the Truth which in these days is almost universally neglected. Probably 95 per cent. of the religious literature of the day is devoted to a setting forth of the duties and obligations of men. The fact is that those who undertake to expound the Responsibility of man are the very ones who have lost ‘the balance of Truth’ by ignoring, very largely, the Sovereignty of God. It is perfectly right to insist on the responsibility of man, but what of God?— has He no claims, no rights! A hundred such works as this are needed, ten thousand sermons would have to be preached throughout the land on this subject, if the ‘balance of Truth’ is to be regained. The ‘balance of Truth’ has been lost, lost through a disproportionate emphasis being thrown on the human side, to the minimizing, if not the exclusion, of the Divine side.
We grant that this book is one-sided, for it only pretends to deal with one side of the Truth, and that is, the neglected side, the Divine side. Furthermore, the question might be raised: Which is the more to be deplored—an over emphasizing of the human side and an insufficient emphasis on the Divine side, or, an over emphasizing of the Divine side and an insufficient emphasis on the human side? Surely, if we err at all it is on the right side. Surely, there is far more danger of making too much of man and too little of God, than there is of making too much of God and too little of man. Yea, the question might well be asked, Can we press God’s claims too far? Can we be too extreme in insisting upon the absoluteness and universality of the Sovereignty of God?
It is with profound thankfulness to God that, after a further two years diligent study of Holy Writ, with the earnest desire to discover what almighty God has been pleased to reveal to His children on this subject, we are able to testify that we see no reason for making any retractions from what we wrote before, and while we have re-arranged the material of this work, the substance and doctrine of it remains unchanged. May the One Who condescended to bless the first edition of this work be pleased to own even more widely this revision.
1921 Swengel, Pa.
ARTHUR W. PINK
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