Salvation. By Earl D. Radmacher. Nashville: Word Publishing, 2000. 302 + xiii pp. (Cloth), $21.99.
JOTGES readers should rejoice in the publication of this important and influential work by a leading Free Grace proponent. This book is part of Dallas Theological Seminary’s Swindoll Leadership Library series.
Dr. Radmacher does a masterful job of explaining salvation from a consistent Free Grace position.
The book contains seventeen chapters. My favorite chapters are What Does Salvation Mean?(Chapter 1), What Is Faith? (Chapter 9), Is the Believer’s Salvation Secure? (Chapter15), and How Can a Believer Have Assurance of Salvation? (Chapter 16).
Radmacher shows that biblical salvation is deliverance, and that it often is deliverance from something other than eternal condemnation. He demonstrates that faith is the persuasion that something is true. With excellent illustrations and scriptural support, he proves the doctrines of eternal security and absolute assurance of salvation by faith apart from works.
The book also contains two appendixes by guest writers. The first is by Dr. Roy Zuck. He deals with the question Will Infants Who Die Go to Heaven? His conclusion is yes. He gives eight proposed reasons for the salvation of all infants who die, without advocating any particular view. There is much helpful material here. Evidently Zuck extends this reasoning to children who die (what is the age of accountability?) and to the severely retarded who are incapable of believing. Unfortunately, he never discusses these issues, limiting himself merely to infants who die.
The second appendix is by me. I deal with the issue of repentance and salvation. It is a real privilege to have a portion of my book Confident in Christ reprinted in this major work.
I was particularly impressed by the clear distinction that is drawn again and again between eternal life as a gift received by faith alone and rulership and rewards as prizes won by faithfulness.
I highly recommend this fine book.
Robert N. Wilkin
Editor
Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Irving, TX
