Books for Those New to the Reformed Faith

  • Putting Amazing Back into Grace
    by Michael Scott Horton

    If you are new to Reformed theology, this is the place to start!  This book has changed a lot of lives!  Lots of biblical and historical content.  Well-written and engaging.  A great introduction for people new to the Reformed faith, but is also good for those wishing to bone-up on basic Reformed doctrine.

     
  • An Unexpected Journey: Discovering Reformed Christianity
    by W. Robert Godfrey

    This wonderful book is both a personal testimony and a theological primer.  A great way to introduce people to the Reformed faith and its practices.  Dr. Godfrey's book is thoughtful and winsome and reminds us that Reformed theology is not just for pointy-headed intellectuals--even though he (Dr. Godfrey) is often thought of as one.  He's a regular guy, a scholar and a gentleman--a rare combination.  This book is highly recommended.  Great to give away to your non-Reformed friends. 

     
  • God of Promise: Introducing Covenant Theology
    by Mike Horton, Michael Scott Horton

    It is one thing to give up dispensationalism.  But what do you put in its place?  Here's an outstanding introduction to classical Reformed covenant theology.  This is the way to read and understand the Bible!  This one will rock your world--whether you be a dispensationalist, a progressive dispensationalist, or even a Reformed Christian who gets unnecessarily squeamish about a covenant of works.  Michael is a great theologian, a superb writer, and most importantly, my friend.

     
  • Trilogy; Gospel and Kingdom, Gospel and Wisdom, Gospel and Revelation
    by Graeme Goldsworthy

    The Goldsworthy trilogy will introduce you to the redemptive-historical way of reading and understanding Scripture.  Very helpful.  Good for home Bible studies and small groups.

     
  • A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of God-Centered Worship
    by Michael Horton

    What should Christian worship look like?  Why use a liturgy?  Why focus on preaching and sacraments?  Why not just "follow the Spirit?"  This is a brilliant book and will remind all who read it of the centrality of biblically-based worship to the Christian life.

     
  • Reformation Sketches: Insights into Luther, Calvin, and the Confessions
    by W. Robert Godfrey

    Dr. Godfrey makes dead people and old places come alive--figuratively speaking, of course.  This is a delightful book and will introduce readers to the people and events Reformed Christians think important.

     
  • The Francis A. Schaeffer Trilogy: The 3 Essential Books in 1 Volume/the God Who Is There/Escape from Reason/He Is There and He Is Not Silent
    by Francis A. Schaeffer

    Francis Schaeffer had one great gift (he had many, actually, but I'm focusing upon one).  It was the ability to show us that ideas have consequences.  Schaeffer's apologetic efforts have some weaknesses--but he presses us to see how Christians should interact with non-Christians in ways most other Reformed apologists miss.  Many Reformed apologists, it seems, were too busy debating each other about how to do apologetics, while Schaeffer was out there actually engaging non-Christian thought. 

     
  • Debating Calvinism : Five Points, Two Views
    by Dave Hunt, James White

    James White versus Dave Hunt reminds me of watching Godzilla take on Tokyo--Tokyo gets flattened, as does Dave Hunt.  White's case is clearly grounded in the text of Scripture, while Hunt focuses on ad hominem arguments and specious readings of texts he doesn't fully grasp.  But it is good to see just how biblically-based the Reformed faith truly is--especially if all of this is new to you.

     
  • The Potter's Freedom

    This is James White's response to Norm Geisler's book, Chosen But Free.  Norm Geisler is a much more worthy and thoughtful opponent for White than Dave Hunt (see above)--but the outcome is still the same.  The reason why is obvious--the Bible teaches that God is sovereign, not the will of man.  It teaches that we are dead in sin, and that unless God acts to save us from our sins, we would remain dead in our sins, and quite happy about it.  Here is a solid defense for the Reformed doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, and effectual calling.  Nicely done.

     
  • Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People
    by Will Metzger

    A great book on a Reformed approach to evangelism.  Yes, Calvinists do believe in it and think it important!

     
  • The Holiness of God
    by R. C. Sproul

    All truly biblical theology begins with the holiness of God.  This is a wonderful book.  A great book to give to someone new to the Reformed faith, or to someone interested in Reformed theology.

     
  • Chosen by God
    by R. C. Sproul

    Many people hate the doctrine of predestination.  They cannot tell you why and give lame excuses.  Yet this doctrine is clearly taught in the Bible.  This is a good book to give to someone struggling with this issue and who will actually take the time to consider what Scripture teaches about how God saves sinners, who can do nothing to save themselves. 

     
  • Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children
    by Daniel R. Hyde
    Ever wonder why someone would baptize a baby?  What is the biblical justification for doing so?  Rev. Hyde explains both the biblical basis and the practical implications of the covenant sign and seal of baptism.
     
  • The Good Confession: An Exploration of the Christian Faith
    by Daniel Hyde

    It is always hard to find a good basic book which provides an introduction to the life and doctrine of a Reformed church.  Rev. Hyde has finally provided us with a book which can be used in new believers classes, new members classes, or even for personal study.  If you are in the process of becoming Reformed and considering attending a Reformed church, this book will tell you what you need to know!