God Saves
Rethinking Christianity’s Most Controversial Doctrine—and Why It Matters
Foreword by Matthew Myer Boulton
Imprint: Cascade Books
God Saves is an argument for rediscovering one of Christianity's most ancient, potent, and liberating teachings, albeit one frequently maligned and misunderstood. In some circles, it's called the doctrine of predestination; in others, the doctrine of election. The time has come to reconsider it in the light of Christian scripture, and so to recast and reclaim it anew for the twenty-first century.
At the heart of the doctrine is the idea of being "elected" or "chosen" by God for salvation, which would seem to be fertile ground for arrogance, anxiety, and division. Properly understood, however, the teaching cultivates the opposite: humility, assurance, and above all, companionship, even and especially with members of other religions, or no religion at all.
In a lively, accessible style, Boulton draws on key biblical passages--from Genesis to Exodus to Paul's Letter to the Romans--to show how, at its core, the election doctrine is the Christian Gospel in two words: God saves. We don't. Religion doesn't. Or, if you prefer the Gospel in one word: Jesus, from a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Yeshua, meaning "God saves."
Wayne G. Boulton served as president of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education; as professor of Christian ethics at Hope College in Holland, Michigan; and as pastor of several congregations in Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of many books and articles, and co-editor of From Christ to the World: Introductory Readings in Christian Ethics (1994).
“Boulton’s account of election will be welcomed by anyone who struggles with aspects of this difficult and controversial doctrine. This is a deeply thoughtful engagement with key scriptural and theological themes, but also, as a fitting legacy from a much-beloved teacher and pastor, Boulton wants us to see why this doctrine matters for our lives, emphasizing its positive implications for individuals, the church, and the world.”
—Suzanne McDonald, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Western Theological Seminary
“For Christians wondering what to think about the doctrine of election, God Saves is the best book ever written. With pastoral sensitivity, sound exegesis, and beautiful prose, Boulton dispels entrenched misconceptions and reveals the electing God to be the ecstatic heart of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures. Election is not about a chosen few, Boulton shows, but about a God whose saving work cannot be bounded by any doctrine. Boulton’s book is a treasure.”
—Peter J. Thuesen, author of Predestination: The American Career of a Contentious Doctrine