Saved by Grace: Why Grace is Amazing
by C. F. Honnold
It’s not often that I get to review a book on doctrine, but I am excited about doing it here.
Saved by Grace is a thorough examination of the Scriptures on the extremely important topic of God’s grace. Though it does not include a Scripture index, I counted well over 100 references in the first chapter alone.
The author’s goal is to present “what are known as the doctrines of grace. It presents what is often called a Reformed view of salvation” (p. vii)
That said, even before I read this book, I knew the author’s position on these doctrines well, because he and I have discussed them many, many times over the last 13 years. C. F. Honnold is my father-in-law, and I know he has wanted to published this book for a long time.
Saved by Grace is divided into five chapters, one for each of these doctrines. Essentially, he contends:
- “The Necessity of Grace” – There is nothing in any human that deserves any part of God’s grace, much less any of his salvation. In our sinful state, we are at enmity with God.
- “The Kindness of Grace” – Because of our sinfulness, any offer of grace – whether to one person or to the whole world – is purely a freely given gift from God. God’s offer is based on nothing that we have done or will do.
- “The Costliness of Grace” – While the first two have to do with God the Father, this chapter deals with Jesus’ part. Though the gift of grace is free, it is not cheap; in fact, it was immensely expensive, costing the life of God’s Son for the redemption of sinner. Sin demands death.
- “Called by Grace” – Left to ourselves, humans would choose to have nothing to do with God. It is the personal work of the Holy Spirit which calls people to Himself for salvation.
- “The Certainty of Grace” – Based on everything to this point, because salvation is based solely on God’s grace, there is nothing that we could do to lose or fall out of God’s grace. Salvation is dependent on God alone.
Many of his years of study have been under the writings of the great old Puritan preachers (whom he references periodically), and it shows in this book. Honnold’s writing style is reminiscent of them in its determination and passion for the teaching of the Scriptures.
While I don’t agree with every conclusion he draws, I heartily believe the great majority of what Honnold has written here, and I would recommend Saved by Grace to anyone who wants a solid, Scripture-based study of God’s grace. It’s not light reading, but it’s worth your time.
You can get your copy here.