©2004, P & R Publishing, 150 pages in paperback.

The path along which God brings believers to reformed theology is always interesting and intriguing.  This well-written book describes one such path.

Dr. Godfrey serves as professor of church history and president of Westminster Seminary.  His introduction to Calvinism began on a swim team in his junior year of high school.  In God’s providence, he met a reformed senior on the swim team.  In that large school and with a grade difference, their likelihood of meeting was slim.  In God’s plan, however, no encounter is by chance or without a purpose.  This meeting led to a discovery of mutual interests and numerous conversations.  In time the author began to attend his friend’s church, came to faith in Christ, and began to learn the truth and beauty of the reformed faith as expressed in a Christian Reformed Church congregation.  There he learned the importance not only of church attendance but, also, commitment through membership to a local body of believers.

Over time, he learned that reformed theology includes the premise that the Christian continues to grow in the Lord throughout his lifetime, learning more about his sinfulness, sanctification, and security in Christ.  This was only one aspect of Calvinism that he grew to appreciate.  He admired the emphasis on scripture, as it applies to issues in life.  This Christian worldview was able to engage contemporary cultural challenges, seeing not only the problems but the answers.  Having been a Calvinist for many years, he continues to humbly rejoice in God’s blessings in the theological tenets he treasures.

This unique volume is more than a biographical sketch.  Mr. Godfrey addresses many relevant theological issues within the framework of biblical Calvinism.  He writes on topics such as worship, the Lord’s Day, and individual accountability for one’s actions.  He explains the relationship of justification and sanctification and the role of the sacraments as means of grace.

With his graduation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, he had to make a decision whether to enter the ministry or to pursue further academic studies.  His wrestling with this decision offers insight for readers who struggle with how to know the will of God.

This book provides a practical example of how Christians are to see all things through the lens of scripture.  The author writes with a passion for Christ and a passion for the reformed faith.  The reader will learn about the author’s life; but more importantly, he will learn many of the basics of the reformed faith.  Reading this volume made me humbly marvel at God’s work in my life and in the lives of many others down through the ages.

 Review ©2006 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia