Bunyan's Calvinism

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He does not say they shall be born to it, but they are born to it. A man is born of God unto God, and the things of God, before he receives Christ to eternal salvation. “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Now unless he be born of God he cannot see it. Suppose the kingdom of God be what it will, he cannot see it before he be begotten of God; suppose it be the gospel, he cannot see it before he be brought into a state of regeneration; believing is the consequence of the new birth: “Not of blood, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Click here for John Bunyan's Sermon on John 1:13

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Bonar and Bunyan

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book7

Title of the Book: The Jerusalem Sinner Saved
Author: John Bunyan
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Publisher's address or where the book may be obtained: 3 Murrayfield Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6EL
Year of publication: First printed 1691 This edition 2005
Number of pages: 127
Hardback or paperback: Paperback
Price: £5.00
ISBN: 0-85151-914-8

This book (available here online in .pdf file) is yet another evangelistic gem from the prolific pen of the Puritan, John Bunyan. The whole thrust is to show how the vilest sinner can be saved, by taking the words of Christ in Luke 24:47 "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Why start at Jerusalem? Simply, because they were the greatest sinners on earth. They had just crucified the Lord of Glory and if they could be saved, then no other sinner should despair.

Bunyan writes systematically and from the heart, commenting, "I have been vile myself, but have obtained mercy; and I would have my companions in sin partake of mercy too: and, therefore, I have writ this little book." Unlike some of his other books, Bunyan's points and sub points are not so numerous and therefore easier to follow. He simply explains the text, gives 8 reasons why Christ should be offered to the greatest sinners first, draws 11 doctrinal applications, answers 4 possible objections and then concludes with a further encouragement to receive Christ and his benefits. A most helpful analysis appears at the back of the book.

Bunyan's quaintness is seen in this book.  In a self confessed homely illustration, to show that Satan's kingdom is greatly weakened when the worst sinners are saved, he speaks of a louse infested family where the quickest way to clear the whole family is to sweeten the skin, head and clothes of the chief breeders. This book also contains the oft quoted dialogue which Bunyan imagined took place between Peter and the Jerusalem sinners at Pentecost. As they objected that they had plotted the murder of the Son of God, had spat in his face and mocked Him etc., Peter simply replied that forgiveness of sins was to be preached to every one of them. 

Obviously, we would like to see wicked sinners access this slim, easy read, and very presentable volume. It is a good read too for all Reformed preachers. Here is one Calvinist who has no difficulty with the words: "Don't let Jesus lose his longing, since it is for thy salvation…" (Introduction p. xv) However, overall, Bunyan does not present a weak, helpless Christ but One mighty to save. It would be good also for those whose emphasis seems to be to keep the non elect out rather than gather the true elect in.

Colin Maxwell

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striving

CALVINISM AND MAN'S TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY TO SEEK THE LORD IN SALVATION

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book1

Reviewed for the British Church Newspaper. 

Title of the Book: Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ
Author: John Bunyan Publisher: Banner of Truth
Publisher's address or where the book may be obtained: 3 Murrayfield Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH12 6EL
Year of publication: 2004 Number of pages: 230pp
Hardback or paperback: P/B Price: £4.50 ISBN: 0 85151 853 2

John Bunyan needs no introduction, although it may be that many have got no further than his famous Pilgrim's Progress or The Holy War. If so, here is an easy read book with which to go further with this delightful writer. It is a wonderful exposition of John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  

Here Bunyan in very simple and easy to follow language divides his text up and expounds it bit by bit. Any who think that Calvinism has no message for the sinner should read this book. Its title alone breathes the free offer of the gospel, and we are not surprised to learn that it greatly influenced Andrew Fuller to help free the Baptists from the grip of hyper Calvinism. In typical Puritan style, Bunyan has points and sub points galore with plenty of reasons and applications and answers to various objections. This does not detract from the book if you are content just to be led along in the many teachings which emanate from this text. There is a analysis at the end of the book to chart the whole course. 

Bunyan had the wonderful God given knack of being able to put his finger on some "obscure" verses and bring them into play in his expositions. What a mine the Scripture really is and what a Master of Scripture was the Tinker of Bedfordshire. The book abounds with Bunyan's quaint language. For example, by capitalising the words "SHALL COME" he almost personifies them when answering many objections, practically making them another name for Christ Himself. Again, he tells us that the promise of John 6:37 is a "pot bellied" promise which contains within it many other promises. 

This new edition is attractively produced with a lovely painting adorning the cover of the Church and Village Green in Elstow. It's price certainly keeps it within reach of everyone's pocket. A good buy.

Colin Maxwell. 



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