Robert N. Wilkin, Grudem Against Grace: A Defense of Free Grace Theology (Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2018), 144 pages.
As Executive Director of Grace Evangelical Society, Dr. Bob Wilkin writes extensively on Free Grace Theology. In Grudem Against Grace, he responds to Wayne Grudem’s book, “Free Grace” Theology: 5 Ways It Diminishes the Gospel (Wheaten, IL: Crossway, 2016); henceforth 5 Ways. Wilkin is at his best when weighing theological doctrines against Scripture; Grudem Against Grace does not disappoint. For those of us who hunger for the biblical perspective on Lordship Theology, this concise defense of Free Grace Theology is a highly recommended addition to our libraries.
Bob Wilkin wrote his doctoral dissertation for Dallas Theological Seminary, Repentance as a Condition for Salvation in the New Testament, in 1985. By 1998 Wilkin penned “Does Your Mind Need Changing? Repentance Reconsidered” JOTES (Spiring 1998), an article openly disavowing his dissertation (Grudem Against Grace, 19). Though many rightly know Bob Wilkin as a Free Grace Theologian, he is first and foremost a brother in Christ fully devoted to God and willing to openly change his theology to conform to Scripture. The Word of God informs Wilkin’s understanding of theology and his service to the Lord and others.
Even a cursory reading of Grudem’s book reveals that his theology informs his understanding of the Bible. He calls it the “ ‘historic Protestant’ position” (5 Ways, 25). Though this approach is commonplace in much of today’s scholarship, as Wilkin notes, “Wayne Grudem is an established scholar of the first rank.” (Grudem Against Grace, 133)—might you and I expect more from him? Sadly, despite glowing book cover reviews from other noted scholars, 5 Waysremains a rehash of Lordship/Reformed Theology and should give all serious students of God’s Word pause to re-evaluate. This is precisely what Wilkin does point by point throughout Grudem Against Grace.
Ironically, Wilkin seemingly bears the sword of God’s Word in a vacuum created by Grudem’s theological assertions and proof texting. Nevertheless this does not hinder him from concisely explaining from context the meaning of important biblical passages. Furthermore, Grudem’s lack of understanding of Free Grace Theology ultimately means Wilkin presents not a defense of Free Grace Theology, but of the Bible itself. This alone makes his work invaluable.
The labels Calvinism, and Arminianism are becoming less popular. When pressed most pastors earnestly wish to avoid the century’s long theological range wars these theologies engender, some go so far as to call themselves “Calminians.” Does Dr. Grudem’s “historic Protestant position” fare any better? He may not wish to be labeled a Lordship Theologian, Calvinist, or Arminian, but “Free Grace” Theology: 5 Ways It Diminishes the Gospel speaks for itself. Those wishing to avoid the quagmire of Calminianism should be greatly relieved by Wilkin’s straightforward biblical answers to the “historic Protestant position.”
The issues addressed in both books demand serious consideration. In John 6:47-48, Jesus makes a promise, Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life . Do you and I believe Jesus is the bread of life? Yes or No. If yes, then do we believe Him when He promises, he who believes in Me has everlasting life ? Yes or No. If yes, then what do you and I have? Perfect assurance of everlasting life. Grudem argues correctly that the “historic Protestant position” is I “have a confident assurance of… salvation in this lifetime” (5 Ways, 95). In marked contrast, Wilkin takes Jesus at His Word for what it truly is the very Word of God and has 100% “certainty now” that he has eternal life. As Wilkin notes, “ Confident assurance is not certainty” (Grudem Against Grace, 66).
Perfect assurance is the very essence of Jesus’ promise of eternal life. Afterall, He is the Christ, the Son of God… who alone is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) on the cross… who alone heralds the Father’s promise of eternal life to a world full of lost whoevers (John 1:12-13, 3:16, 4:10-13; 5:24, 6:40, 6:47-48; 6:51, 11:25-27, 20:30-31). Do you and I wish to abide faithfully in our Lord and share what He so boldly promises and entrusts to us? Like Paul, do we hunger to be a patten to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life (1 Timothy 1:16)? If so, then Dr. Wilkin’s defense of Free Grace Theology is an invitation to remain certain of our salvation and contend earnestly for the truth of God’s Word.For those of us hungry to abide and share the good news, Grudem Against Grace: A Defense of Free Grace Theology is an invaluable addition to our go-to libraries.