A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance
by Steve West
About the Author
Arthur W. Pink was the author of numerous books on biblical and theological issues. He was well-known for teaching and defending Calvinism.
Table of Contents
Introduction
PART ONE-THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
1. As Manifest in Creation
2. As Revealed in Man
3. As Seen in Human History
4. As Unveiled in the Lord Jesus Christ
PART TWO-THE HOLY BIBLE
5. God’s Written Communication
6. Addressed to Reason and Conscience
7. Fills Man’s Need for Divine Revelation
8. Declares It Comes from God Himself
9. Is Unique
10. Teaches the Way of Salvation
11. Its Fulfilled Prophecies
12. More Unique Characteristics 1
13. More Unique Characteristics 2
PART THREE-GOD’S SUBJECTIVE REVELATION
14. In the Soul
15. Is Essential
16. The Holy Spirit Must Quicken
PART FOUR-REVELATION IN GLORY
17. This Life and Life Hereafter
18. The Joy of Death and Heaven
19. The State of Saints in Glory
20. Conclusion
Summary
Part 1 – The Existence of God
God is self-existent and self-sufficient, eternal and infinite. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The creation bears the irrefutable marks of creation, and God is the First Cause who is responsible for it. This universe could never emerge and evolve from nothing, but creation is possible. God’s glory and wisdom is revealed herein, and only those who refuse to see can miss the wonders of this world’s Maker. Motion, force, and life are all around us, and they are inexplicable apart from God’s design and creative power. When we see things in motion we know that they are caused to move, and when we see the workings and movements of the universe, we can only marvel at the power of God! Though invisible, we see God’s power and glory revealed through what has been made. He is revealed so clearly in creation that all men are without excuse if they harden their hearts and suppress the truth that is all around them.
The bounty and fertility of the earth is testimony to the incredible provision and goodness of God. In creation, God’s existence is made certain, and his excellence is made clear. Studying the air and water shows us marvels that are difficult to fathom, yet God created, orders, and sustains the atmosphere and water cycles; he sets the boundaries of the sea, causes clouds to rise, and gives all creatures life and breath. Exquisite design is seen in the adaptation of creatures for their habitats in the water, the air, and on the land. Rightly, the Psalmist praises God, since, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Whether we look at the highest heavens, at the world around us, or at our own body and faculties, we cannot avoid seeing the signature of an intelligent designer and infinite mind. Our eyes, ears, and hands are marvels. The intricate minutiae of our cells and systems are extraordinary. In both function and beauty, creation calls us to praise the Creator.
Evidences of God’s existence are found when we examine ourselves. God made us in his image, and so of all of his created works we bear the stamp of the divine likeness. Our body, soul, and spirit correspond analogously to God’s triune nature. We reflect God’s image by having a spirit, and also through our moral nature—it is the latter which was lost in the fall and is restored in regeneration. The wonders of the human body are less than the wonders of the spirit and soul. Will, morality, imagination, rationality, and intelligence separate us from other animals. Our consciousness and conscience make us unique. Human beings have an implanted sense of right and wrong, and understand intuitively that wrong should be punished. Conscience is not found in any other creature on earth, and it testifies to a universal sense of law. Law requires a lawgiver, and the fact that conscience is an authority and judge points to a transcendent moral source. Conscience bears witness to a moral, legal reality beyond the individual and the human sphere.
Both the physical and moral spheres witness to God, and so does human history. When we study history deeply, we see that there must be a Power that guides and directs things beyond human plans and activity. Taking a wide-angle perspective, we can see how events work together over time to accomplish God’s plan. Even our voluntary actions are ordered by providence. God rules and guides the world; he does not merely observe it or tinker. There is no blind fate. Everything is purposefully ordained and directed by God. Behind the scenes of human machinations—in every detail, great or small—stands the decree of God. The destinies of individuals and nations are set by him. He controls the decisions of rulers; he raises up armies and disposes nations; he controls the cast of the lot. Suffering occurs because of human sin, and through it, God manifests his perfections. He protects his people and guides everything for their ultimate good. We must remember that this world is not the only stage of existence: this is not the realm where everything is judged and made right. God’s absolute sovereign rule is a place of comfort and rest for the believer’s heart.
God’s self-revelation is progressive, and it culminated in the incarnation of Christ. No greater revelation exists than the Word becoming flesh. No atheist can give an adequate account of the person of Jesus; there is no secular explanation for the phenomenon of Christ and his impact on the world. The goodness of his character and the profoundness of his moral teaching have been recognized by virtually everyone. He transformed the world and established a global kingdom without raising an army. Christ’s birth is the dividing mark of human history. Any honest reader cannot help but acknowledge that the presentation of Christ in the Gospels is without parallel. . . .
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