Lawson, Steven J. Foundations of Grace. Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2006. 577 pages | $28.00 
Some months ago I reviewed a book called Pillars of Grace by Steven Lawson. That book was the second book in a series called “A Long Line of Godly Men” and this one I present today is the first. I actually read the second book before the first and in this series that is totally appropriate. The books have common themes, however, they don’t build off one another allowing the reader to read them out of order.
Foundations of Grace is all about a “great divide.” Lawson says:
Geography is not the only place we find a great divide. There is a high ground that runs through church history as well—a Continental Divide of theology. This great divide of doctrine separates two distinctly different streams of thought that flow in opposite directions. To be specific, this determinative high ground is one’s theology of God, man, and salvation. This is the highest of all thought, and it divides all doctrine into two schools. Historically, these two ways of thinking about God and His saving grace have been called by various names. Some have identified them as Augustinianism and Pelagianism. Others have named them Calvinism and Arminianism. Still others have defined them as Reformed and Catholic, while others have used the terms predestination and free will. But by whatever name, these streams are determined by the Continental Divide of theology. (21)
Lawson very capably takes these two contrary ideas of theology and looks at each book of the Bible and the long line of godly men represented within. Lawson is wonderful to read and his understanding of church history bleeds through the pages as he explains the sovereignty of God in peoples lives.
Because the scope of this volume covers the entire Bible this volume is quite large (580 pages). However, each chapter stands alone as a very helpful unit and addition to the conversation. Where many people might be intimidated by large books, this one is helpful because of the clearly defined chapters and objectives of each chapter. I heartily recommend this work to anyone with an interest in church history and those who want to see how the Bible does in fact teach the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism.
FTC Rhetoric: I do not receive payment for my book reviews. I do sometimes receive free review and giveaway copies from authors, publishers, and publicists. My first responsibility is to my readers, therefore, I am committed to honest reviews.
