Anthony Hoekema's Created in God's Image is an excellent Reformed resource for the study of biblical anthropology (the doctrine of man). I've enjoyed this book for quite a few years now. In my studies last week I was reading chapter twelve, which has to do with human freedom. In a helpful way, Hoekema explained what …
The Goals of Effectual Calling (Hoekema)
I just read a helpful section of Anthony Hoekema's book, Saved by Grace. It's the part where he discusses the biblical doctrine of effectual calling. I don't really have to summarize it because Hoekema is concise and clear: ...A more complete definition of effectual calling, therefore, might be: that sovereign action of God through his …
The Need for an Effectual Call (Hoekema)
 I really like these reflections by Anthony Hoekema on the effectual call of God.  Hoekema first gives an objection, then a clear answer and an illustration.  This post is a bit longer than my usual ones, but it's not too tough to read/follow - and it's comforting! A final objection which could be raised is …
Eight Points: A Critique of Dispensational Premillenialism
(This is a re-post from September, 2014) Anthony Hoekema (d. 1988) wrote a helpful critique of dispensational premillennialism in his excellent book, The Bible and the Future. Because I think they are helpful, I’m going to summarize and edit them below. I strongly recommend reading the entire 20-page chapter for the full discussion – along …
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Grace Efficacious, Grace Unlosable (Hoekema)
 God's saving grace is sovereign grace. That means so many things!  It means that election is gracious rather than meritorious (Eph 1:6); election is unconditional because it is all of God's gracious good pleasure.  Regeneration is gracious: we were dead in sin, but God graciously gave us new life in Christ (Eph. 2:5).  Justification is …
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