Most Popular Books by R. C. Sproul

What Do the Five Points of Calvinism Really Mean? Many have heard of Reformed theology, but may not be certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and they''d like to know more about it. But they want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one. What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful book, R. C. Sproul walks readers through the foundations of the Reformed doctrine and explains how the Reformed belief is centered on God, based on God''s Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Sproul explains the five points of Reformed theology and makes plain the reality of God''s amazing grace.

What Promises Can You Believe?In The Promises of God, Dr. R. C. Sproul shows how God—the one true Promise Keeper—always keeps His promises. Drawing from his expansive theological background, Dr. Sproul addresses questions such as these:· How do we know that God will fulfill His promises to us?· What can we learn about God’s faithfulness as we wait for His promises to be fulfilled?· What was the agreement God the Father had with Jesus before the beginning of the world?· What does God’s covenant with Adam mean for us today?· What common covenant do atheists and other non-Christians participate in with God?· What does God’s covenant have to do with His forgiveness of our sins today?· Why did Jesus have to die to complete God’s covenant with us? God’s promises throughout history are the foundation for your relationship with Him. Here you will see how and why He keeps His promises to you, from now through eternity.

Dr. R.C. Sproul is one of the most vital and renowned theologians of our time. For over 40 years Dr. Sproul has encouraged, educated, and enlightened millions through his books, teaching, and ministry. How can imperfect people hope to please a perfect God? The answer is both simple and challenging: sanctification. Pleasing God takes an in-depth look at sanctification and its essential role in the life of every believer. Filled with Biblical insights, this release guides both new and seasoned Christians through God’s path for transforming His people.

Explore the most monumental story ever recorded, a story filled with intrigue, drama, and real-life accounts of God at work in the universe. Highly respected theologian R.C. Sproul and best-selling author Robert Wolgemuth have collaborated to highlight the essence of God''s voice, activity, and purpose throughout the Old and New Testaments in an understandable and thoroughly-readable introduction to the Bible. Written from the perspective of a theologian and a layman, What''s in the Bible is a road map that will help you better comprehend the whole of Scripture. This revised and updated edition includes a new topical index.

R. C. Sproul has committed his life to clearly communicating deep, practical truths from God''s Word to students and laypeople. His lucid teaching style brings clarity to the most difficult--and often contentious--biblical and theological questions. Gathered here in one volume are three of his best-selling books--over $40 worth of reading at a great low price. From Rudolf Otto''s" mysterium tremendum" to Martin Luther''s "insanity"and Jonathan Edwards''s fiery sermons, Sproul''s classic "The Holiness of God"illuminates history and Scripture to help readers understand--and live with--the tension that exists between God''s terrifying holiness and his inexplicable grace. In "Chosen by God," Sproul tackles the divisive subject of predestination, and discusses God''s sovereignty and the problem of evil, human freedom, and the task of evangelism. He explains that there is a mystery in God''s ways but not contradiction; and paints a picture of a loving--not spiteful or whimsical--God who provides redemption for radically corrupt people."Pleasing God" explores the topic of sanctification--how we satisfy God by pursuing righteousness. Sproul examines the constant battle Christians wage against sin--pride, slothfulness, dishonesty. He reveals how many Christians have tragically abandoned the struggle, but that God delights in those who press on. Although Sproul brings a Reformed background and approach to topics, his work is not just for Calvinists but for all Christians who want to understand and build on the foundations of their faith.

The great challenge for the Christian in a post-Christian context is how to impact this fallen world with our faith. In Making a Difference, beloved theologian R. C. Sproul shows readers how to confront today''s moral and social issues with an effective biblical response. Dr. Sproul first examines the major philosophies that affect the way Americans think and act--secularism, existentialism, humanism, and pragmatism--and then presents ideas on how to apply a biblical perspective to spheres of public life that need the Christian''s influence today: economics, science, art and literature, and government.

Confused, angry, and hurt after the death of his father, a young R. C. Sproul began his personal search for ultimate truth with these piercing questions: Who are you, God? And why do you do the things you do? In Enjoying God, readers journey with R. C. Sproul to discover the attributes of God through the questions many of us have asked: Where are you, God? Can I trust you, God? and more. In this warm, personal account, Dr. Sproul communicates deep truths in a fresh and easy-to-understand style as he shares his passion to know God and urges the reader to dig deep and seek the God who is alive, who is real, and who loves each one of us.

A trusted theologian analyzes what Jesus said about his return and the last days.

Dr. R.C. Sproul is one of today’s preeminent theologians. For more than fifty years his solid, practical messages have impacted and inspired generations of believers. The “Classic Theology Series” continues Dr. Sproul’s legacy. How Then Shall We Worship? is a landmark look at God’s design for authentic worship. Today’s church cannot seem to agree on what corporate worship should look like. Some choose contemporary forms, others prefer traditional expressions. Yet pop culture or the status quo do not hold the answers. God’s Word does. Dr. Sproul digs deep into rich Scripture passages to provide a guide for worship today. Readers will discover that God intends worship to be an unforgettable encounter between Himself and His people—a joyous experience engaging the worshiper’s entire being.

Unity in the gospel is essential to the witness of the church. Yet that unity was tested by the release of two documents, Evangelicals and Catholics Together and The Gift of Salvation, which appeared to surrender the historic doctrine of sola fide (faith alone). In response, Christian leaders released a statement called The Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration. Getting the Gospel Right, a companion to Sproul''s popular Faith Alone, contains the complete text of that statement along with thorough, point-by-point discussion and exposition, to make a strong declaration of the abiding unity of evangelicals regarding the gospel and justification by faith alone.

Peter wrote two letters to encourage churches to stand firm under persecution. The apostle Peter himself was familiar with persecution, as he probably wrote the letters from Rome, awaiting his death. From his own suffering Peter joins in fellowship with “elect exiles of the dispersion” by urging them to “rejoice, though now for a little while . . . you have been grieved by various trials.” His inspired challenges to live a life worthy of the gospel hold great relevance for us today. Pastor and scholar R. C. Sproul has preached through Peter’s letters and has now compiled these sermons into one volume. This St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary will enable readers to glean from Sproul’s wisdom and perspective on 1–2 Peter. The St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series is the result of years of careful preparation and Bible-centered preaching. Delivered from a pastor’s heart for his congregation, readers will find this volume readable, applicable, appropriately paced, and thoroughly biblical. Here is an opportunity to sit at the feet of an eminent scholar and teacher, encountering the Word of God. Volumes on John, Acts, and Romans have already appeared.

Dr. R. C. Sproul is one of the most renowned theologians of our time. For over 40 years Dr. Sproul has encouraged, educated, and enlightened millions through his books, teaching, and ministry. God doesn’t just love us. He is love. God’s Love explores the unrelenting love of God, which found its ultimate expression through His Son. This release also explains difficult themes such as the different aspects of God’s nature, how His love coexists with His holiness, and what the Bible means when it mentions God’s hatred. This is a compelling read for all who long to love as God loves.

What is the role of the will in believing the good news of the gospel? Why is there so much controversy over free will throughout church history? R. C. Sproul finds that Christians have often been influenced by pagan views of the human will that deny the effects of Adam''s fall. In Willing to Believe, Sproul traces the free-will controversy from its formal beginning in the fifth century, with the writings of Augustine and Pelagius, to the present. Readers will gain understanding into the nuances separating the views of Protestants and Catholics, Calvinists and Arminians, and Reformed and Dispensationalists. This book, like Sproul''s Faith Alone, is a major work on an essential evangelical tenet.

Despite claiming unbelief in God or any higher power that may have designed or created the world and all that is in it, modern scientists often write and speak of chance as some kind of being or force that can cause things to happen. In one breath they push the evolution agenda and in the next they say that creatures were "designed" with specific traits. In this classic book, R. C. Sproul and Keith Mathison call the scientific world to employ logic and clarity in their discourse, to leave the word chance as an abstract concept to describe mathematical possibilities rather than an ontological being that can actually cause change. This expanded edition includes a new chapter dealing with the most recent attempts to defend irrational scientific statements. Two new appendices answer critics and review other literature on scientific discoveries that support belief in a Creator God.

Sproul''s sermons at St. Andrew''s Chapel are the foundation of these never-before-published expositions on Paul''s epistle to the Romans. Chrysostom had it read aloud to him once a week. Augustine, Luther, and Wesley all came to assured faith through its impact. The Reformers saw it as the God-given key to understanding the whole of Scripture. Throughout church history the study of the book of Romans has been pivotal to understanding Christian life and doctrine. Convinced that "Paul''s fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel" is just as vital today, R. C. Sproul delivered nearly sixty sermons on Romans from October 2005 to April 2007 at St. Andrew''s Chapel, where he has pastored for more than a decade. These never-before-published, passage-by-passage expositions will enrich any study of this weighty epistle. Part of the St. Andrew''s Expositional Commentaries series.

God is the embodiment of love. He created love. His character and His actions are defined by love. In Loved by God, acclaimed theologian R.C. Sproul explores the unrelenting love of God-a love demonstrated most fully through the Son. Sproul also delves into the perplexing aspects of God''s divine nature, such as how divine Love coexists with God''s holiness and sovereignty, and what the Bible means when it speaks of God''s hatred. A compelling book for all who seek to fulfill their calling as Christians-to love as God loves.

A leading theologian explains the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone and urges fellow evangelicals to embrace this classic Protestant teaching.

"The minister gently guided my mother away from the grave to a waiting car. I moved behind them in a grim stupor. I was confused. I was hurt. I was angry. One question pierced my soul...''Who are you, God? And why do you do the things you do?''" Thus began R. C. Sproul''s search for ultimate truth and a personal encounter with the living God. In Discovering the God Who Is, readers will journey with Sproul to discover for themselves the magnificence of God''s character and being, his power and personality. Sproul asks the questions many of us wonder about God: Is the Bible the Word of God? What is righteousness? What is the difference between a moral and a legal right? How does God create something from nothing? Does God change his mind? Sproul communicates deep truths in a fresh and easy-to-understand style. Join R. C. Sproul as he shares his passion for God and excites the reader to dig deep and know the God who is alive, who is real, who relates to each one of us in our lives.

The Christian life is a process of growing in holiness, our natural response to the good news of our redemption in Christ. This kind of growth is gradual, and obstacles are plentiful. Thankfully, we don''t have to go it alone. God has given us his Spirit so that we can overcome temptation and become more and more conformed to the image of Christ. But how does the Spirit work? What is the nature of our own personal involvement in the process? And how do we know if we are making progress? Drawn from the lectures of beloved theologian R. C. Sproul, Growing in Holiness explores the doctrine of sanctification, offering insightful commentary on themes such as developing perseverance, overcoming barriers to growth, dealing with feelings of inadequacy, cultivating love for God and others, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, and much more. Whether you''re a new believer who wants to understand what the Christian life is all about or you''ve been a Christian for some time but are frustrated by a lack of progress, this book is your guide to pursuing a holy life.

"100 key doctrines in plain language"--Cover

This book focuses on moments in Jesus'' life when His glory burst forth and was displayed to those around Him. It considers those points where His humiliation gave way to exaltation.

In this revised edition of his classic, R. C. Sproul helps us dig out the meaning of Scripture for ourselves. He presents a commonsense approach to studying Scripture and gives eleven practical guidelines for biblical interpretation and applying what we learn. He lays the groundwork by discussing why we should study the Bible and how our own personal study relates to interpretation.

One of today''s most sought-after theologians answers more than 300 frequently asked questions about life and faith.

The Bible teaches that God is one in substance and three in person--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Although the Trinity is clearly taught in the Bible, it has been attacked throughout church history, and many Christians today have not studied this foundational doctrine. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul carefully explains the Trinity and clarifies common misconceptions. While the Trinity is mysterious, it is not contradictory, and it is essential to understanding the nature of God. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

In this powerful book, graduates will deepen their faith and gain a greater understanding of how Christianity stacks up against other worldviews.

What do Christians believe about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the church, salvation, eternal life, and more? This contemporary classic from theologian R. C. Sproul provides a matchless introduction to the basics of the Christian faith.

The person and work of the Holy Spirit spark much interest these days--but also much confusion. Many do not fully understand who the Spirit is or how He works in our lives. Some people even claim that the Spirit speaks to them apart from the Bible. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul cuts through the confusion by going to Scripture. After explaining who the Holy Spirit is, Dr. Sproul briefly sketches His work in this world, from giving new life to unbelievers to sanctifying and empowering God''s people. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Dr. R.C. Sproul argues everyone is a theologian. Any time we think about a teaching of the Bible and strive to understand it, we are engaging in theology. Therefore, it is important that we put the Bible''s varied teachings together in a systematic fashion, using proper, time-tested methods of interpretation so as to arrive at a theology that is founded on truth. Dr. Sproul, demonstrating his trademark ability to make complex subjects easy to understand, surveys the basic truths of the Christian faith, reminding us once more of what God is like and of what He has done for His people in this world and the next. --from publisher description.

“The work of Jesus reveals to us who He is. The work and the person may be distinguished but never separated.”—Dr. R. C. Sproul Most Christians recognize the importance of Christ’s death and resurrection. But how many of us understand the theological significance of Jesus’ actions before and after the Crucifixion? In The Work of Christ, Dr. R. C. Sproul looks at every aspect of Jesus’ life and work, addressing such life-changing topics as:Why Jesus’ baptism is relevant for our salvationThe similarities and differences between the temptation of the first Adam and the temptation of Jesus, the “second Adam”How God uses song to celebrate his redemptive actsWhy the Last Supper marks the beginning of a greater exodus than that of the Old TestamentHow Jesus’ death and resurrection are grounded in the eternal covenant among the persons of the TrinityWhy Jesus’ ascension makes a difference in our lives todayWhat we know and don’t know about Jesus’ returnMoving from Jesus’ existence from before creation through His incarnation, boyhood, adulthood, death, resurrection, and return, Dr. Sproul guides you to a deeper understanding of God’s beautiful promise and purpose behind the works of Christ’s life.

We often hear people say, "Just have a little faith." But what is faith? Is it a blind leap into the dark? Believing something without evidence? How does the Bible define faith? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul looks to Hebrews 11 for a biblical definition of faith: believing God and living by His Word. Exploring the lives of God''s people in history, he shows how they trusted God when they didn''t know the future. Like them, when we face the struggles of life, we too must trust God. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Until we understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we will not understand the Christian faith. God is holy, so He cannot simply overlook our sin. That means we all stand condemned before His righteous judgment. In order to find deliverance from the wrath we deserve, we must look to the Savior who has paid the penalty of sin for those who trust in Him. In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul surveys the Bible''s teaching about the cross of Christ and the grace of God in redeeming His people.