Arthur W. Pink (1886–1952)

ETA: I reread this one in February/March 2023. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this doctrine. I think it is under-taught, under-appreciated. I think when it is 'preached' it is a surface-level, shallow presentation. This book by Pink is SO deep. I do think I rushed through it this time more than I should. My mind would get distracted at times and wander. No fault of Pink. I think this is a doctrine that Screwtape and company would like to keep believers from reading, believing, teaching, show more etc. It is so fundamental.

First sentence: Who is regulating affairs on this earth today--God, or the Devil? That God reigns supreme in Heaven, is generally conceded; that He does so over this world, is almost universally denied--if not directly, then indirectly.

If the average, modern-day Christian would dare to read Pink's The Sovereignty of God, then chances are they'd be shocked--shaken--by the contents. The stuff of which he writes--this "hard teaching" of the Bible is rarely the subject of preachers in the pulpit. Not in this day and age when Free Willy sermons are more prolific than Tribbles.

Does truth matter to God? If truth matters to God, shouldn't it matter equally to us? If the sovereignty of God is clearly, plainly, obviously, matter-of-factly found in Scripture, shouldn't we take note and study this doctrine? Shouldn't we allow it to have an impact on our lives? Of course this implies something fundamental: that Christians hold the Word of God--Scripture, Old and New Testaments--to be true.

I fear that the sovereignty of God has become one of those "attributes" that Christians are embarrassed about and want to apologize for much like the wrath of God.

But. Rightly understood and studied the sovereignty of God is one of the most comforting, reassuring, AMAZING doctrines. The sovereignty of God should have us singing, rejoicing, praising God. It's a THRILLING doctrine.

I loved this one. show less

There is no better study than the study of God.

Pink exemplifies his strength for bringing in a wealth of Scriptures on one attribute of God, and not always the typical ones. The background for this book is based on a rigorously systematic Calvinist (aka Reformed) theology, so that colors everything he says.

I picked up this book both as a devotional and to gain some understanding on different views of foreknowledge. The thoroughly referenced chapter on Foreknowledge was a helpful find, no show more matter what theology you come from. Because I am not a Calvinist, certain chapters were monotonous to get through, although interesting to read his views—no need to elaborate on that. But there were many chapters that I enjoyed purely from a devotional point of view (esp. Patience). All in all if you are Arminian I would recommend Tozer's book for you, but thank God we can learn from each other. show less

Other than the bible itself, I suppose the best book I have ever read about God is "The Existence and Attributes of God" by Stephen Charnock. If I had to choose a second best "Gleanings in the Godhead" may well be it. Arthur Walkington Pink was extremely educated, extremely adroit at exposition, and he had a photographic memory. His "Gleanings" books demonstrate these talents, gifts, and attributes very well indeed. Pink has the gift of enabling his readers to see things they would otherwise show more most likely never see in their studies of the scriptures. So many of today's authors serve up nothing but "milk;" not so, with Pink. His writings are all "meat" all the way, all the time. If you are not familiar with Arthur Pink and you are serious about your bible study, by all means, get your hands on as much of his writings as you possibly can. You will see for yourself why his writings are so very important. show less

All I have to say is wow! The Holy Spirit has rewarded Mr. Pink's many years of service and study with a strong WHOLE view of the Bible. Mr. Pink weaves together many strands to illuminate many truths. For instance reading about Abraham's inspired move from Mesopotamia to Canaan, we see that Genesis 12 is more fully fleshed out by Joshua 24:2 and Acts 7:2,3. By using these other scriptures we see that Abram did not fully obey the command to leave not just his country, but his kindred - he show more took his father Terah and his nephew Lot. As a result, he tarried in Haran until his father's death and Lot caused problems later on.

Many verses that are easily passed over as a history each have a lesson: ALL Scripture is Spirit breathed for our instruction. He shows that in Noah's genealogy, everyone from Adam and Seth down in his lineage was alive when Noah's father was born. Adam passed before Noah was born, but around 4 or 5 generations were alive almost a thousand years later. We see that Jacob's blessing to Judah would reflect the fact that they would be the last whole tribe around when Christ came but that their authority to rule themselves would pass when he arrived (we see the Jewish leaders appealing to Pilate to execute Jesus. If they still ruled, they would not have appealed to the ruling authority.

In any case, Pink demonstrates that a command of the Bible is essential to understanding God's whole plan. The more you understand, the more solid your faith.
I learned a lot and the prophecy for Judah placed in his blessing was another point to consider when we consider the many fulfilled prophecies in the Bible. show less