40 Questions about Divine Election - by Daniel Kirkpatrick (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

What is divine election? Who are the elect? And where does human will fit into all this?

The doctrine of election has been a major point of contention within the Church. Indeed, in the last 500 years since the Reformation, the doctrine of election has been a point of contention. So much so that many of the denominations that we see spread around the world are the consequence of differing understandings of what election means, and what implications it has on our lives. In 40 Questions About Divine Election, author Daniel Kirkpatrick guides the reader through the many facets of election by providing a robust description of the doctrine through the Biblical and historical witness. Through question and answer format, Kirkpatrick artfully defines election while simultaneously describing and navigating opposing views and their implications. These questions include:

• Is Election Rooted in the Divine or Human Will?
• Is Election Conditional or Unconditional?
• How Does Human Will Reconcile with Divine Will in Election?
• Does God Elect Some People to Hell?

In this book, the reader is invited to wrestle with their own understanding of election and are encouraged to apply that understanding to their lives. In the end, election is about God's sovereignty, and the question the author invites us to ask, is what that sovereignty means for humanity.

Review Quotes

"Discussion and debates about the doctrine of election are often hampered by a lack of clarity of essential concepts and terminology. This '40 questions' approach lends itself to the careful nuancing necessary, and it is here that Kirkpatrick excels. His work shows precision in both theological concept and biblical statement. Well informed, clearly stated, and easily accessible. A welcome contribution to this wonderful study."--Fred G. Zaspel "Pastor, Reformed Baptist Church, Franconia, PA, Executive Editor, Books At a Glance, Adjunct Professor of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary" (1/31/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"I cannot think of another term in Scripture that is the cause of as many seemingly endless arguments as is that of divine 'election.' And each time I think that nothing more can be said or written that would contribute positively to helping us understand what it means, I come across yet another volume that does precisely that. Daniel Kirkpatrick's contribution to the 40 Questions series of books is one of the clearest and most comprehensive treatments of this issue that I've read. There is nary a question, issue, objection or problem that he does not address. His defense of unconditional election is rooted in Scripture and sound reasoning. Although many will not be persuaded of his position, none will charge him with avoiding problem texts or misrepresenting those with whom he disagrees. If you've never examined election and assessed the many alternative perspectives, this is the book for you."--Sam Storms "President of Enjoying God Ministries; Executive Director of the Convergence Church Network" (1/31/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"If it is true that all Christians believe in election, since the Bible affirms it, where is the controversy? Kirkpatrick lays out the two major positions, Reformed and non-Reformed. The former understand election and predestination to be based on divine decree while the latter view God's choice as based on divine knowledge of those who will believe. The tone of this work is irenic, the argument is clear, and the conclusions are ministerially significant. Throughout the work, Kirkpatrick addresses the pastoral implications of these doctrines directly, honestly, compassionately, and charitably."--Glenn R. Kreider "Editor in Chief, Bibliotheca Sacra, Professor of Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary" (1/31/2025 12:00:00 AM)