As the Bible came to be read in the common language of the people, the great central truths the Bible proclaimed were recovered, often at great cost to those who came to embrace them.

The Reformation recovered and highlighted glorious Scriptural truths which have been expressed in five memorable phrases, now known as the Five Solas. Properly understood, these Five Solas bring us back to the very heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ANNOUNCEMENT: My new book/booklet “The Five Solas – Standing Togther Alone” is now available in EBOOK and AUDIO BOOK at this link. I trust you will find it to be a blessing in these new formats.

ENDORSEMENTS:

Recently wrote the author these words: “You have succinctly and clearly distilled the essence of the ‘Solas.’ May God mightily use your book for His glory. Thank you for the encouragement in the gospel you have brought to me.” – Dr. R.C. Sproul

“Some authors make you read three chapters before getting to the first point in their outline. If you wish to understand the foundation of the solas of the Reformation but would like to do so in under an hour, John Samson provides you with the basics right here.” – Dr. James White

“Get this book! Then get several more to share with your friends and family. John Samson has the remarkable ability to communicate essential truths with an undeniable passion and faithfulness that is winsome, clear, and devastating to the opposition. The people of God in this generation are in need of these old truths: the same truths that transformed the early church and led our heroes (throughout history) into living lives that changed the world. Go sell 100 of your vapid, modern Evangellyfish books and turn that money into getting this book into the hearts and minds of Christians everywhere.” – Jeff Durbin

“Recent years have seen a number of key anniversaries connected with events and people who were vital catalysts in the Protestant Reformation. Thankfully this has resulted in a renewed focus on the ‘five solas’ – a convenient shorthand list of the Reformers’ key convictions. Throughout church history, wherever these principles have been stressed and adhered to, the church has always flourished. So it is a highly encouraging trend. I’m thankful for this excellent booklet by John Samson; a cogent, focused, and accessible study of the solas that not only reminds us what these principles mean, but also shows us why they are important – and why they must stand together.” – Phil Johnson – Executive Director, Grace To You

“This is such a crucial topic; and having read many pieces written on the five solas, this one stands out for not only being theologically sound, but also clear and concise. It is written in a way that just about anyone could pick up and understand. I am thankful that God has raised up his servant John Samson for this deeply needed work; a work we ought to get into the hands of as many people as possible.” – John Hendryx, monergism.com

PAPERBACK VERSION: AVAILABLE HERE

EBOOK & AUDIO BOOK (read by the author): AVAILABLE HERE

“Honestly, I cannot tell you how much I loved your book! As a pastor who is desperately trying to lead my people into a greater understanding of Scripture and how they relate to these glorious truths of the Reformation, this book is such a valuable tool. In New England pews, there is a strong sentiment even among Biblical evangelical churches towards Rome. Many fail to see the damaging effects of their theology, mostly out of ignorance of what separated Rome from true Biblical Christianity during the Reformation, summed up in the five solas. Therefore having a tool like this book that is clear, concise and most importantly, soaked with Scripture’s truth helps tremendously in teaching my people in a way that is not intimidating. I have found that laymen who are not accustomed to reading large, thick, old and difficult works will simply never read them, no matter how highly and passionately you encourage them. Your book however, provides something that a layman will not only be more inclined to read, but also understand. I can tell you purposely left out many of the Reformed “buzz words” that can turn off a layman who may not be as familiar with the terminology. As a pastor, my priority is shepherding and growing my people, but finding materials that are usable in the context of a reforming church is a very tough thing. This is why I am so thankful for your book and I am looking forward to seeing how God will utilize it in the lives of my people! I plan on buying a case of them to give away at my church and would highly recommend that any pastor who is seeking to lead their congregation into a greater understanding of these glorious truths do the same!”

– Pastor Tim Howard, Eastford Baptist Church, Eastford, Connecticut

(available from Solid Ground Christian Books)

THE FIVE SOLAS – Standing Together, Alone

MY BRAND NEW BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER AT THIS LINK. You will not be charged until the books are in print and being shipped.

ENDORSEMENTS:

“The Puritans often made you read three chapters before getting to the first point in their outline. If you wish to understand the foundation of the solas of the Reformation but would like to do so in under an hour, John Samson provides you with the basics right here.” – Dr. James White, Alpha & Omega Ministries, Phoenix, Arizona

“Recent years have seen a number of key anniversaries connected with events and people who were vital catalysts in the Protestant Reformation. Thankfully this has resulted in a renewed focus on the ‘five solas’ – a convenient shorthand list of the Reformers’ key convictions. Throughout church history, wherever these principles have been stressed and adhered to, the church has always flourished. So it is a highly encouraging trend. I’m thankful for this excellent booklet by John Samson; a cogent, focused, and accessible study of the solas that not only reminds us what these principles mean, but also shows us why they are important – and why they must stand together.” – Phil Johnson, Executive Director, Grace to You

“This is such a crucial topic; and having read many pieces written on the five solas, this one stands out for not only being theologically sound, but also clear and concise. It is written in a way that just about anyone could pick up and understand. I am thankful that God has raised up his servant John Samson for this deeply needed work; a work we ought to get into the hands of as many people as possible.” – John Hendryx, monergism.com

“Part celebration and part exposition, Pastor John Samson has provided a brief and readable introduction to the grand framing truths of the Reformation. In this timely little work, Samson particularly emphasizes how the five “Onlies” magnify God’s complete and gracious work of salvation in Jesus Christ — of which we learn in Scripture alone, which we find in Christ alone and enjoy by grace alone, through faith alone, to the glory of God alone! As a bonus, Samson not only concisely shows the radiance of each, but also the interrelationship of the whole. Pastors will find this a very useful introductory work for use in ministry.” – Dan Phillips, Pastor, Copperfield Bible Church, Houston, Texas

“As a lover of the theology of the Reformation, I appreciate this introduction into its key themes. As a pastor who thinks practically, I appreciate the accessibility and brevity of this tool for getting this theology into the hands of the average person in the pew. I hope this resource is used to introduce many to the rich theological heritage of the Reformers and that it leads to them digging deeper into that heritage.” – Steve Weaver, Pastor, Farmdale Baptist Church, Frankfort, Kentucky

“Get this book! Then get several more to share with your friends and family. John Samson has the remarkable ability to communicate essential truths with an undeniable passion and faithfulness that is winsome, clear, and devastating to the opposition. The people of God in this generation are in need of these old truths: the same truths that transformed the early church and led our heroes (throughout history) into living lives that changed the world. Go sell 100 of your vapid, modern Evangellyfish books and turn that money into getting this book into the hearts and minds of Christians everywhere.” – Jeff Durbin, Pastor, Apologia Church, Tempe, Arizona

Now available for Pre-order AT THIS LINK. You will not be charged until the books are in print and being shipped.

An author is always grateful to receive positive feedback concerning something he has written. I wrote the “Twelve What Abouts” book with the hope that those new to the subject of Sovereign Election, would be able to grasp the concepts clearly. If that goal was achieved then I give great thanks to the Lord.

I just received this letter today from a gentleman named William.

Pastor Samson,

I wanted to thank you so much for you latest book ‘Twelve What Abouts.’ I just finished reading it and I was so blessed by it.

I am a Reformed Baptist with an MDiv from Southern Seminary and I found your short book to be one of the best responses to objections to Reformed Theology. Not that you have new information, but that you package it in a small, quick book that is to the point.

There are many books on Reformed theology, but most of them are very technical and are not accessible to the average layperson. I loved that your book is very easy to read and your arguments are very easy to follow.

I especially appreciated your chapters on 2 Pet 3:9 and 1 Tim 4:10. I had always heard the two wills theory and just found it somewhat lacking. Hearing your explanation fits the context so much better than other ones. Your explanation of common grace in 1 Tim 4:10 was good as well.

I really like the way you address traditions throughout the book, challenging the reader to consider whether their tradition matches what the text really says.

While I know your book will be read by many within the Reformed community, I hope that its brevity and style might appeal to those on the “other side”.

Thank you again for your work and I pray that God will continue to bless your ministry.

Grace be with you,

William Sandell

An author writes in hope of being read and that his readership would be helped by the things he has written. I just took a look at the reviews of my book on amazon.com John Samson, is the pastor of King’s Church in Phoenix, Arizona.

The book was published in February 2012 by Solid Ground Publishers. It has endorsements by John Hendryx (monergism.com) and James White (aomin.org). Both men are well known in reformed Christian circles.

The first three chapters of the book explain the theological position of election. Then, the following chapters attempt to answer common objections to election. Topics covered include: God’s love, sovereignty, foreknowledge and explanations of common “gotcha” scriptures that attempt to refute the reformed doctrine of election (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4; Matt. 23:37; 1 Tim. 4:10 and John 12:32). Also included are chapters on reprobation, lost loved ones, prayer, evangelism, faith, doubt, spiritual blindness and church mission.

Book Evaluation

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. John Samson’s writing style is eminently readable. He writes with knowledge, passion and compassion. He understands the difficulty that election can pose for some and he is sensitive to the reader. John explains concepts well, and presents a strong case for the reformed position on election.

The book is brief, which is a plus. Readers will not find exhaustive treatment of all the relevant scriptures in this book. It’s brevity is a strength, but also a weakness. There is not much in the way of footnotes, however there are ample quotations of scripture to back up his points. Readers are given an extensive “for further reading” list to explore topics further.

Again, this book is introductory. It seems that the target audience is Christians who may be investigating the reformed doctrine of election. I believe, along with the author, that it is the biblical position. John exegetes the scripture both thoroughly, concisely and accurately.

At 165 pages, the book is a fairly quick read. Fast readers should be able to complete the book in 2-3 hours. The book flows well, and for a non-fiction title, in my opinion it is a page turner. I have found this to be somewhat unusual for books of this type.

Book Recommendation

I would recommend this book to all Christians. Those who will gain the most benefit are those Christians who may be new to a reformed understanding of election, and want to dig a little deeper. I would recommend approaching this book with an open mind. The author repeatedly warns about our traditions and how they can sometimes blind us to different perspectives. We need to maintain an openness so we can at least understand the perspective presented here.

I am humbled to have contributed a chapter to this new e-book – there’s some outstanding essays from some of the great teachers of the Church in history on a very misunderstood topic: here.

Readers in Australia may be interested to know that the paperback edition of my “Twelve What Abouts” book is now available in many bookstores throughout the country as well as through the Koorong ministry online it is available here.

In the USA, there is currently a 50% discount available at this link.

Someone put together these quotes from the book:

“You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) It is true to say “Mission Save the Elect” becomes “Mission Accomplished.” (Rev 5:9)”

“God’s attributes are not a buffet line of options. We are not invited to choose the attributes of God that we like best and leave the others. We have no right to say, “I’ll give Sovereignty a pass, but I’ll take the love.”

“Unbelievers do not lie awake at night fearful of meeting God because all the Church has told them is “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” They have no concept of the need to flee from the wrath to come.”

“God ordains both the ends and the means. The end is His elect coming to saving faith. The means is: The proclamation of the Gospel.”

“Without election, evangelism would be much like a salesman trying to sell his products in a graveyard.”

“The natural man is so hostile towards God that if he could kill God, he would, even if it meant the end of his own existence. He also hates the fact that God is sovereign. When I speak of God’s sovereignty, I mean that God does what He wants, when He wants, the way He wants, without asking anyone’s permission.”