The Five Points of Calvinism; a study guide
by Edwin H. Palmer
Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI: 1980
132 Pages, Paperback. 

This little, helpful, beginner’s book is extremely easy to read and easy to follow.  It is comprised of a great number of Scriptures in explaining the important doctrines of grace called Calvinism which are found through the Scriptures but systematically compiled.  Calvinism is divided into hundred of points, but Palmer’s book touches upon the five main points most commonly deemed the “doctrines of grace.”  He deals with the acrostic “T.U.L.I.P.” which stands for Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.  Palmer also introduces the reader to the doctrine of reprobation included in chapter 7. 

This book is great help to those who have been recently introduced to the doctrines of grace, or have never heard of them.   I have personally given out many copies of this book to those in various circumstances who desire to know salvation in a true way.  It has aided every person on their quest to understand grace and I have yet to find anyone who did not like reading it, even if they disagreed with the doctrines presented since it is in such a simple and easy to follow format.  Palmer adds a series of discussion questions to the end of each section in order to prompt the reader to some needful mediations on what he is covering.

This is not a theologically deep book, as far as a systematic theology goes, but is a very good book in its aim and purpose to help the newcomer understand the very basic tenants of Calvinism.  The reader must also be aware of the last chapter dealing with "making sense" of all this.  Palmer, in my opinion, gives a very convoluted and contradictory chapter on the mystery of God's will.  He believes sovereignty and human responsibility cannot be reconciled - I think this is a grave mistake and confusing for the reader.  However, other than that erroneous notion, the book is very helpful.

Some Quotes:  
“The purpose of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit coincide.  They strive for and accomplish the same purpose: the salvation of those whom the Father has loved with a special love.”

“Instead of the Arminian view that foreordination is based on foreknowledge, Romans 8 agrees in a most powerful way with the rest of Scripture that foreordination of the believer is based on God’s eternal love.”

“Not only is man unable to understand to do the good by himself, he is not even able to understand the good.”

“Reprobation should be preached.”

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