32 PAGE BOOKLET                      Arminians and Calvinists are not one bit closer to resolving their differences even after 400 years of debate.  Why? Probably because both schools of thought held to the “exclusive” assumption that: All persons will be finally lost except those who the Bible declares will be saved.                 Today most professors at evangelical colleges and seminaries accept the “inclusive” view that; All persons will be finally saved except those who the Bible declares will be finally lost. Drs. F. F. Bruce, Lewis Smedes, Clark Pinnock, Lester DeKoster, Henry Stob, Edward Fudge, Richard Mouw (Pres. of Fuller Theol. Sem.) and many other evangelical theologians have embraced such an “inclusive” perspective.                 An easily understood essay of the biblical evidence for this “inclusive” view of the plan of salvation is now available at less than cost of shipping!.  Testamentum Imperium (You can “google” it.) selected this material (See 32 page booklet, below.) for publication in the “International Theological Journal.” Every seminary student and every one interested in the future of evangelical theology should become acquainted with the proffered evidence for Inclusivism.                 Should this major change in evangelical theology go unchallenged?  A package of ten booklets (Group Rate) will enable you, and others with you, to knowledgeably asses this new movement.   One booklet to US $1.00; 10 copies for $4.00. One booklet to Canada $2.00; 10 copies $8.00 (AIR). Cash or Check ONLY US FUNDS  To: Northland Books, Box 63, Allendale, MI 49401     [The following books can be ordered from Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Nothland Books, Box 63, Allendale, MI 49401.  For bulk rates request information at: whenindoubt3@charter.net .  Tel. (616) 847-9403.] Thinking Christian 'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.' (Galatians 5:1) Book Review: A Theology of Inclusivism 263 Pages       In 1987, I came across an article in Christianity Today written by Neal Punt that radically altered my understanding of salvation. Neal's article, “All Are Saved Except” introduced his understanding of what he then called biblical universalism . Twenty years later, after much dialogue, development, and a heresy trial, Neal Punt has written a definitive explanation of what he now calls Evangelical Inclusivism . I have travelled with him on this 20 journey -- not directly, but in reading all his published books on the topic and his online material. It has been worth the journey! Punt's starting point is to ask which of the following options is biblical: A. All persons will be finally lost except those who the Bible declares will be saved. B. All persons will be saved except those who the Bible declares ill be finally lost. Traditionally, the first of these has been the answer to the question of who is saved. Punt presents a compelling and persuasive argument that the Bible teaches the second. On the surface, this shift may seem trivial. It is not. There are profound practical implications for our theology and the truly Christian life. The best way of summarising Punt's argument is to reproduce his statement of the argument in the introduction of his book:        "EVANGELICAL INCLUSIVISM is the teaching that all persons are elect in      Christ except those who the Bible declares will be finally lost, namely,       those who ultimately reject or remain indifferent to whatever revelation       God has given of himself to them, whether in nature/conscience (Rom.       1 & 2) or in gospel presentation."       [Punt’s complete “Introduction” can be found at Posting # 1 at this       website.  This “Introduction” includes the four biblical facts on which       the perspective of “Evangelical Inclusivism” is based. The FOREWORD       to this book by Dr. Richard Mouw (President of Fuller Theological       Seminary) can also be found at Posting #1).  Each of the 27 POSTINGS       at this site is one of the chapters from this book. The titles of these       Postings reveal the content of this book.] When Punt's perspective is adopted (and I believe it is absolutely biblical) then we immediately have answers to some very profound questions that people ask. For example: What happens to children who die at birth? Will they be saved? What about people who never explicitly hear about Jesus Christ and don't have the opportunity to become Christians? Are we saved by grace alone? Are we saved by grace plus works? These and other questions come to a clear biblical resolution by adopting Punt's approach. Personally, I don't like any of the terms for this view that Punt has come up with so far. The latest one is Evangelical Inclusivism . The problem with the word evangelical is that it has connotations associated with a particular group of Christians. That might be fine for some, but it does come with considerable baggage in my opinion. My preference would be for biblical inclusivism . Whatever the term, Punt's book is essential reading for anyone and everyone who has an interest in who will be saved and lost -- and isn't that all of us? If you want to develop a theology of salvation which is truly based on grace, then A Theology of Inclusivism is an essential book.   Steve Parker, Thinking Christian, Australia Retail Price —  $14.95 plus $3.50 S & H, total $18:45 US Funds.   Discount if ordered directly from Northland Books:   Single copy $9.00 plus $3.00 S & H — Total $12.00 to US Single Copy $9.00 plus $5.50 S & H — Total $14.50 to CANADA (air) Send Cash, Check, Money Order or PayPal (ONLY US FUNDS) to:   Northland Books         whenindoubt3@charter.com Box 63 Allendale, M   So Also in Christ  (See Endorsemen

Available at Amazon.com View Order-by-Mail Form

"NOTABLE NEW BOOK -- Neal Punt, a retired Christian Reformed pastor and theologian, has just released his latest book entitled "So Also In Christ---Re-Viewing the Plan of Salvation." In this 86-page work, Punt sets out the meat of his two larger earlier works on what he calls "biblical universalism." His conclusions are: (1) that Jesus actually saved those for whom he died; he did not merely make their salvation possible; (2) that the "elect" for whom Jesus died includes all people -- except those who throughout life reject or remain indifferent to the whatever revelation God has given of himself to them. This book is ideally suited for individual or small group study. Each of the ten chapters has a set of discussion questions. This ten-week study course stimulates discussion about important subjects. Are people lost unless saved, or saved unless lost? Neal Punt here offers compelling scriptural evidence for the second statement. This simple (but profound) shift in vision magnifies God's grace, highlights Christ's atonement, encourages evangelism, helps bridge the gap between Calvinists and Arminians and generates an authentic welcoming spirit toward those who do not yet know Christ." --Dr. Edward W. Fudge "I admire what you are doing and am thankful for it. You are rescuing us from dogmatic determinism and saving us from presumptuous universalism. Your mission is needed and can only do us much good." --Dr. Lewis Smedes In this new book Punt draws upon his earlier publications and from his ongoing study and dialogue. In condensed form--for ease of reading and quick reference—he offers his exciting thesis to a broader, popular audience. He provides a biblical basis for straight-forward answers to such questions as . . . In light of the fact that some persons will be finally lost, what does one do with the so-called "universalistic" texts that refer salvation to all men? Is there a biblical hope that all who die in infancy will be saved? Will all of the millions of persons who never hear the gospel during their lifetime be eternally lost? If not, what motivation is there to carry on missionary enterprise? Is there a proper Self-Esteem Theology? Is there a biblical basis for bridging the gap between Arminians and Calvinists or must this 400 year verbal battle continue until death unites us? Retail Price $7.95 + 3.50 S & H Total $11.45 If ordered directly from Northland Books: $3.95 + 3.50 S & H to US Total $.7.45 $6.95 + 3.50 S & H to CANADA (AIR) Total $10.45 US FUNDS ONLY  to: Northland Books Box 63 Alllendale, MI 49401

 

What's Good About the Good News?

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"This book is stimulating, instructive, and true to the gospel.. Neal Punt is to be commended for opening up the Scriptures in a new and exciting way." Dr. Henry Stob, former Professor Calvin Theological Seminary “Pastor Neal Punt has skillfully shifted the focus of a long disputed doctrine in his What's Good About The Good News? He has made what is too often speculative theology into a pastoral admonition applicable to all. "Salvation is validated in obedience to the will of God; this is the fruit of election. Disobedience is the deliberate and willful rejection of God's will. Persistent disobedience finds its ultimate consequence in damnation. “Except for such as persistently defy God's will, the Bible teaches that Christ's atoning sacrifice is for all. Thus in Punt's hands the old election/reprobation tension is resolved into a positive call for the truly Christian life.” Dr. Lester DeKoster, former Director of Calvin College Library and editor of The Banner "I read your book with great interest. Your position is very much my own. Your exposition of the subject is thoroughly in line with the insight, 'Admittedly Christ is much more powerful to save than Adam was to ruin.' I wish your work a wide circulation: it will stimulate much fresh thought on this important subject." Dr. F. F. Bruce   "What's Good About the Good News? Presents a generous and thoughtful perspective on the gospel. More important, it offers a spacious and impressive portrait of God. My impression is that it has already done some good in provoking fresh thinking about the ways and means of salvation--and especially about the character of God." Dr. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., Professor Calvin Theological Seminary "For helpful comments on all of the few-versus-many passages, in support of the idea of divine generosity, see What's Good About the Good News? The Plan of Salvation in a New Light (Allendale: Northland Books, 1988, 87-92)  Dr. Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Theological Seminary "I carefully read your book, What's Good About the Good News? I must confess it has done something for my heart and my attitude toward the whole human race." J. Robert Spangler, former Editor Ministry Magazine (circulation 255,000) "This author has done something that no one else has been able to do for over 1500 years.... He points out that from Augustine to the present most Christians have made a false assumption about mankind in general, an assumption that is not taught in the Bible anywhere. He brings to view the real biblical assumption and contrasts it with the false and draws some significant conclusions about the implications of both the false and the true. "You owe it to yourself to read this book. Punt examines in great detail how the false assumption, in contrast toe the true, has affected the writings of theologians for centuries." Dr. James A. Ayars Retail Price $8.95 + 3.50 S & H Total $12.45 If ordered directly from Northland Books: $4.95 + 3.50 S & H to US Total $ 8.50 $7.95 + 3.50 S & H to CANADA (AIR) Total $ 11.45 US FUNDS ONLY  to: Northland Books Box 63 Alllendale, MI 49401

 

Unconditional Good News - Toward an Understanding of Biblical Universalism

(OUT OF PRINT)

Neal Punt's book "Unconditional Good News, Toward an Understanding of Biblical Universalism" was published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company in 1980. This is the first book in which the premise of Biblical Universalism appears. This is an important study for serious student of the premise, "All persons will be saved except those who the Bible declares will be finally lost." Punt's exegesis of most of the so-called "universalistic" texts of the Bible can be found here. We regret that it is out of print. It can sometimes be found by searching among used books. It is anticipated that Punt's study of the pertinent passages will be published in the near future as one of the Postings at this site.

 

Baker's Textual and Topical Filing System

Available at Amazon.com

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE Blue Edition of the BAKER Textual and Topical FILING SYSTEM Thank you for searching for the Baker Textual and Topical Filing System. We call your attention to the fact that the newest edition, called the Blue Edition, is a three-ring notebook style binder that functions just exactly as the older cloth-bound editions. However the cost of producing a cloth-bound edition would bring the price more than $100.00 at today’s prices. Therefore we have published this more economical but just as durable edition. Even in this computer age the Baker Textual and Topical Filing System is still the premier choice for thousands of Christian workers. Without booting it is instantly available for making entries and for locating references in your personal library and filing cabinet. It is as fast, simple and convenient to use as your little hard copy (paper) telephone number and address book. It can record your favorite websites with a description of them. It will never "crash," wiping out hours of work. It is all set up for you, ready to receive your first entry the moment you place it on your desk. The secret of this filing system is that the tedious work of indexing and filing has already been done for you! The list of 2,200 topics is cross-referenced for synonyms, antonyms and related topics. This permanent list has space for four additional topics between each entry so that you can always add topics of your own choosing in correct alphabetical order. The textual index provides access to material on every text in the Bible. The back of the book has 500 numbered Reference Spaces. Each Reference Space has 20 Reference Lines. These Reference Spaces are assigned to the topic or text material you may wish to record for future reference. The system is designed so that you can never run out of Reference Lines or Reference Spaces throughout a lifetime of use. The Baker Filing Textual and Topical Filing System allows pastors, teachers and every serious student of the Bible to have their own lifetime of biblical and theological treasures at their finger tips. With amazingly little time and effort this handy tool keeps tab on every important thought and reference that crosses your mind. The carefully prepared textual and topical indexes organize all the resource material in your study or library-- whether it is found in books, magazines, or your filing cabinet. Whenever you work with any one of these three sources, the other two are automatically and correspondingly indexed and organized. The Baker System will become the key that unlocks the storehouse of knowledge in your personal library. The time this system saves and the vast amount of information it makes available to you, at precisely the time you need it, is invaluable for preparing sermons, lectures, speeches, presentations of all kinds and even for writing books. In addition to the features found in earlier editions, this new edition (called the Blue Edition) is: Less Bulky (Stand it upright on a bookshelf); More Portable (Take it to the library and meetings); Flat when Open (Important for making entries). Full refund for Filing Systems returned in saleable condition within 30 days. Price: $53.50 plus $4.50 S & H, Total $58.00. If ordered directly from Northland Books you can deduct 40% or $34.80 total that includes shipping. Canada add $8.00 for shipping by air for total of $42.80. US FUNDS ONLY- Only Check or Money Order to: Northland Books Box 63 Allendale, MI 49401 Questions? Contact us at: whenindoubt3@charter.net - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - REVIEWS Baker's Textual and Topical Filing system by Neal Punt (Baker, 1961) "Here is a valuable aid that enables you to immediately begin recording materials that you have wanted to get organized for a long time. With a minimum of complications this volume will reduce your searching, marking and stacking time to an amazing degree. One book does the work of a bulky, complex filing system, saving money, space, time and frustration. Truly a godsend for the harassed preacher." The Herald, May 31, 1961 - - - - - - - - - Baker's Textual and Topical Filing system by Neal Punt Baker Book House, 1961 "A large but easily handled volume which provides both a method and the space for the minister to record material in his library and filing cabinet according to either subject or text. The system is comparatively simple. Young ministers and other Christian workers would do well to start from the beginning with this system." Moody Monthly, July, 1961 - - - - - -- - - - - - - Biblio File Baker's Textual and Topical Filing system, by Neal Punt (Northland Books, 1990 $49.50.) Used and recommended by members of the Ministry staff. Pastors, Bible students and teachers have been using the Baker Filing System since 1960. In 1990 it is still valued for its simplicity, flexibility, portability and convenience in quickly locating information. The textual and topical indexes organize all the resource material in your library and filing cabinets. The system is set up and ready to receive your first entry. Those on the Ministry staff who use it find the system invaluable in preparing various kinds of presentations and even for writing articles and papers. The filing system can also be useful in keeping track of personal items such as insurance policies, correspondence, and valuable papers. We recommend Baker's Textual and Topical Filing System for a well-organized ministry. It also makes an especially nice gift. Ministry Magazine, March, 1990 ENDORSEMENTS: Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe - Former Senior Pastor of Moody Memorial Church of Chicago, Director of the Good News Broadcasting Association, prolific author and public speaker. In November, 1962 Dr. Wiersbe said: "Let me take this opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate the BAKER TEXTUAL AND TOPICAL FILING SYSTEM. I am busier than most pastors, with a church of nearly 1000 and responsibility of preaching or teaching six times a week, plus outside meetings; and yet I've discovered that keeping the Baker System up-to-date is no burden. In fact, it saves me hours of time! I'm sold on it! The Baker System has turned my library into a new tool! Frankly I had never cataloged the material in my library until the Baker System came along. Since then my studying has been helped tremendously. To be able to lay my hands on material I'd forgotten was there is wonderful! I did the hardest thing possible--I took the filing book home with me and spent several hours putting it to work. Believe me, I was amazed! It's so easy to handle without the usual entanglements of code numbers, etc. This is one of the finest things I have ever seen!" In 1990 (29 years later) Warren Wiersbe said: "I have been using the Baker Filing System since it came out, and I would not be without it! It is easy to use, practical and a great time saver. Often in pastors' seminars, I have recommended Baker's Textual and Topical to the men who have asked me how best to organize their library Clarence S. Roddy, Pasadena, CA: "This system is admirable. It is simple, clear, direct, efficient and practical. A deliverer from filing bondage." Robert G. Rayburn, St. Louis, MO: "It seems to me that you have made the whole matter of filing valuable material as painless and easy as possible." John W. Gregson, Jacksonville, TX "I think the Baker Filing System is the best I have ever seen. It is comprehensive yet easily understood. It fills the need that has existed among ministers for several hundred years. Students and faculty members are enthusiastic about the system." Donald Kopecky, Longmont, CO: "The most practical, economical, and useful filing system that I have seen for the Christian worker. I have recommended it to my students and will continue to do so enthusiastically! Thanks for a real boon to Christian service."