Putting Amazing Back into Grace: Embracing the Heart of the Gospel

by Michael Scott Horton, J.I. Packer (Foreword)

What does it mean to be "saved by grace"? Now revised and updated, this classic reminds readers of the Reformation's radical view of God and his saving grace, the liberating yet humbling truth that we contribute nothing to our salvation. It lays out the scriptural basis for this doctrine and its implications for a vibrant evangelical faith. Horton's accessible treatment will inspire readers with a fresh amazement at God's grace. The brand-new companion DVD makes this book even more useful for small groups and Sunday school classes. Foreword by J. I. Packer.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Nonfiction, Religion

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

Dr. Horton has taught apologetics and theology at Westminster Seminary California since 1998. In addition to his work at the Seminary, he is the president of White Horse Inn, for which he co-hosts the White Horse Inn, a nationally syndicated, weekly radio talk-show exploring issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. He is also the editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine. Before coming to WSC, Dr. Horton completed a research fellowship at Yale University Divinity School. Dr. Horton is the author/editor of more than twenty books, including a series of studies in Reformed dogmatics published by Westminster John Knox.

Reviews

[Isaac Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horton is a theologian and writer who's understanding and love for the Gospel permeates everything he writes. This book is a prime example of that love. Horton's readable presentation of the Gospel and it's implications on our lives is a wonderful reminder of the grace we have received in Christ.

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite hymn for many years has been “Amazing Grace”, authored by John Newton in the 1700’s.
In His book “Putting Amazing Back Into Grace”, Michael Horton reminds his readers of a time when God’s Grace was really considered amazing. It was amazing because it is through His Word that He has revealed Himself to us. It is through knowing Him He brings us to an understanding of His saving grace and that we can be free of all that is anything but the truth- that He came to live a perfect life that only He could live and that He came to die the death that only He could die, a death we deserved to die.
The early reformers were passionate when it came to preaching God’s Word, of presenting the Gospel of a truly amazing grace.
The words of the beautiful, powerful hymn that has been used as a reminder to me to describe God’s Word for what it is doesn’t seem to have lost what it once represented to so many. It’s often heartbreaking to see how the world we live in today has ceased to see the Gospel through the lens that present it with as it once was. The Gospel has been given a back seat to the things of this world. Instead it has been common to see man’s interpretation of the Word God has given us to reveal Himself to us. God’s Truth has been replaced with variations of man’s truth. It has become commonplace to hear variations of The Word that have replaced its original intent.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1. The Bible is as amazing today as it’s always been because its very author is.
Michael Horton does a supreme example of reminding his readers that God’s grace is and always will be as amazing as it always has been because God is and He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend (and pastors wife) suggested I read this as a starting point with my teens. WOW. Incredible! Micheal Horton really clarified a lot of things I never understood. I cannot tell you how many times he straightened out some of my heretical beliefs.

I like it so much, I am re-reading.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putting Amazing Back Into Grace is a rare treat in the realm of Christian reading. So many books in this genre which seek to expound upon the Christian faith are filled with paltry ideology -- lacking substance of any kind. Horton usually writes at a very high level because he is a systematic theology professor at WSCAL. (For instance, The Christian Faith -- which is excellent.) In this book, however, Horton steps down to reach the masses and shows his heart as a Reformed theologian. He mixes his heart with sound theology and the combination is a winner. For anyone seeking to truly understand the core of the gospel, this is the book to read. It gives real answers. It also comes with audio lectures and can be used in small groups. I highly recommend this book.

[T H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to this book in my Sophmore year in college and it changed my perspective on Christian theology and doctrine. As a result, I finally understood what grace meant and appreciation of God's work within my salvation. Since, I have used this book's material to sharpen my own faith while using the key topics for membership teaching and conversation with others.

I spent time to summarize key highlights and takeaways from each chapter so that I can easily reference them for future needs. Hopefully it will be helpful for others as well.

Definitely a book I will read again as a whole or for reference purposes.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Reformed Theology, Horton clearly and passionately explains the basics of the five-points of Calvinism, sanctification, sacraments, eschatology, covenant theology and more. More than anything, however, this work will be remembered for Horton's eloquently emphasize of God's sovereign grace in the process of salvation, making God the center, the source, and the purpose of His redemptive work. A great read and perhaps the best introduction to Reformed Theology that I've read. A-

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horton writes a good, basic overview of the doctrines of grace. But I must say, I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half since the first half was more doctrinal than the second half. Towards the end he briefly touches on other topics like Gnosticism, dispensationalism, certain sacraments, eschatology, etc... While it was interesting to read, I rather he stayed on the doctrinal side of things. Overall, the book is a good intro to the reformed view of the Christian faith.

[George Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good entry-level layman’s introduction to Reformed theology. Horton’s book is very ‘reader friendly’. Horton examines such basic Reformed positions as the 5-points of Calvinism, the effect of the fall upon man, and free will. Horton also explains the Reformed views of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. One drawback is that Horton does not really examine covenant theology in this book.

[Jessica Piccola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content was good and somewhat eye-opening. A few things I disagreed with made it hard to want to keep going. And there were so many quotes and references it was distracting....and made it like reading a research paper. If it wasn't required reading I wouldn't have made it through chapter one! Thank goodness it is over!

[Braley Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t imagine a better introduction to reformed soteriology. Unlike most of Horton’s other books, this book was written for the layperson and it shows. It’s very readable and remarkably encouraging.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to Reformed Theology

[Philipp Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Das Buch ist eine hervorragende Verteidigung der Calvinistischen Lehre (TULIP), ohne dabei zu sehr auf die calvinistische Terminologie einzugehen.

Horton versteht es, auf Gottes Gnade und seine Allmacht zu fokussieren und erreicht damit genau das, was der Buchtitel verspricht: Gottes Gnade wird wieder amazing. Obwohl mir die calvinistische Lehre nicht neu ist (bin schon ca. 12 Jahre davon überzeugt und kenne die meisten Argumente wie auch Gegenargumente) staunte ich durch dieses Buch über Gottes Heilsplan. Besonders bewegt hat mich das Zusammenspiel der Dreieinigkeit: Wie der Vater auserwählt, der Sohn errettet und der Heilige Geist mich heiligt. Das hatte ich so noch nie gehört und mich tief beeindruckt.

Etwas gestört hat mich die abgeschwächte Haltung bezüglich "Perceverance of the saints" (da hatte es für mich zu viele Aber), und die Sakramente (Verteidigung der Kindstaufe). Im Allgemeinen verliert sich das Buch etwas bei dem Kapitel der Sakramente und wirkt dabei eher als Versuch, alle Aspekte abzuhandeln (und daher in diesen Teilen nicht mehr amazing).

Im Appendix wird zu jedem der 5 Points of Calvinism Bibelstellen aufgeführt was ich bereichernd empfand.

Bottom line: Gottes Gnade Amazing erklärt, am Schluss aber zu langfädig.

[Carol Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved a lot of this book. While Mr. Horton articulates reformed theology well and gives copious footnotes and quotes on major doctrines, he drops the ball on the topic of infant baptism. The teaching is based on the, to him obvious, replacement of circumcision by baptism. This view assumes that infants were baptized in some of the passages referring to households (Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Cor. 1:16,) and ignores other sections that indicate that believers were baptized (Acts 16:34; Acts 18:8). Which infant can repent or believe? He also states that the "postapostolic documents demonstrate an unchallenged practice of infant baptism." No footnote or quote. Believers are to be baptized; Mark 16:16 and Acts 8:12. Children at that time were under guardians until they were of the age to receive their inheritance; Gal. 4:1-3.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my early days in my conversion to reformed theology, Michael Horton and the cast of The White Horse Inn had a sizable impact on my thinking and theology. I’m grateful for Horton’s sharp mind. Returning to this early Horton boon had me giving thanks to God for his impact and also seeing the ways I’ve changed over the years.
Horton’s “What’s So Amazing About Grace” is an apologetic for the reformed doctrines of Grace. At times, the book soars. I appreciate the way Horton shapes the argument in the book that goes beyond the five points. On the other hand, I felt Horton’s tone to be off-putting at times. He can be condescending and patronizing and overstate his case and take on far too much. At other times the book shows its age. It feels very much like a book from the 90s, before the young restless and reformed resurgence.

In short, it’s a helpful book with warts.

[Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the best introduction to Reformed Theology I've ever read. Horton does a magnificent job of contrasting the shallowness of our modern "Americanized" theology with that of the Reformers and, ultimately, of the Bible itself. While I don't agree with everything he writes (particularly his chapter on the sacraments), his overall portrayal of God's sovereign grace from creation to the Second Coming is both powerful and practical for everyday life. If you're wanting to learn more about what is often termed the "Calvinistic" understanding of the gospel, this would be a great place to start.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several introductions to Reformed theology, and this one is the best by far. Horton offers a vibrant, personable presentation of the Doctrines of Grace. He's as much of a gifted writer as he is an insightful theologian. After an engaging explanation of the five points of TULIP (though I don't recall him using that acronym), he proceeds to address sanctification. He concludes with a brief discussion of the Kingdom of God and his particular view of eschatology. This title is the second I've read by Horton, and it won't be the last. I highly recommend it as a primer on Reformed soteriology and sanctification.

[Simon Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an important reminder of how fallen we are and how gracious God is, recapturing the spirit of the Reformation that has been lost today. Horton masterfully walks through many tough theological topics in explaining our relationship with God, from how He sovereignly elects us to the grace shown each time we sin. I highly recommend this book to all looking for a deeper understanding of God's grace!

[Jordan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read covering the basics of reformed theology.

Favorite quote
“And yet it is not by a raw power forcing us against our will. Instead, the Holy Spirit persuades the enemy of God to become his friend by awakening him to his misery apart from God through the law, and overwhelming him with a sense of the absolute freeness of God’s gracious provision in the Gospel”

[Alexandru Croitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is, honestly, the greatest presentation of the Gospel and the Doctrines of Grace (and not only). The emphasis on God's Sovreign Grace highlights the Goodness of God and His redemptive plan for the fallen world.

A refreshing view of actual, genuine Christianity and of the way the Gospel shapes our lives. Soli Deo Gloria!

[Mark Bennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read but far from shallow waters. Horton is an expert at critical analysis and he spends this book dismantling common unbiblical positions on reformed doctrine while also making a strong case for the orthodox understanding. Though I think the book's title is as cheesy as can be, the content is far from it.

[Emma Kovack · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute doozy of an intro to Reformed theology. But extremely well done!

The only reason for holding back the fifth star is because it was dense...like really, really dense, to where I couldn't soak in all of the goodness because there was just so much densely layered info. Guess I'll just have to read it a second time!

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the Christian faith and reformed faith.
This would be great for anyone looking to dig deeper into the Bible or who wants a solid foundation into core doctrines. It's a fairly easy read and not much fluff. You will get a lot out of this medium sized book.

[Ethan Moehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable and insightful book for anyone interested in the basics of Reformed soteriology. Horton has a gift for communicating deep truths in a worshipful and helpful way. Will come back to this book. Just the additional resources at the back of the Baker copy are worth the cost of purchase.

[Wyatt Broshous · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Scripture in hand and the heart of the Reformation in mind, Micheal Horton delivers blows to the noetic effects of sin with clear doctrinal exposition while simultaneously stirring up actionable affections by setting the whole character of God before the reader.

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong defense of Calvinism. Written initially when Michael Horton was a teenager and then added to later.

Although I can't agree with all the points Mr. Horton makes, I think he does a strong job of defending his views. Recommend.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, readable, and thorough book on the 5 points of Calvinism, without so much defining it as such. Horton does a fantastic job articulating why grace must belong at the center of the Christian faith. Every Christian ought to read this book!!

[Annie Jeshrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has been a wonderful read. Though I felt like his argument for infant baptism was a little confusing, it was nonetheless an amazing book into the doctrines of Grace. Left with nothing but praise to our great God. Salvation belongs to the Lord, truly!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, practical, and simple introduction to Reformed soteriology.

[Reginald Detabali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to Reformed Theology. However, couldn't agree less to his exhortation of Baptism.

[Jake Ruefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful intro to reformed theology. Which you don’t necessarily get from the title.