Predestined for Joy: Finding Comfort in a Controversial Doctrine

“Jonathan Shirk is a pastor, and he has written this book on predestination in a pastoral way. This is seen in the way he directly addresses and engages his reader, in his use of illustrations, and his concern to show the relevance of the doctrine for Christian experience and for everyday life. In a winsome and convincing way, he presents the biblical basis for the teaching that God’s eternal plan governs all that happens, including our salvation. Pastor Shirk’s focus, which sets this book apart from many treatments of the doctrine, is that God has graciously revealed this truth to warm the hearts of believers, and to incite awe, humility, comfort, and joy. The book will be especially helpful for inquirers and new believers.”

“The charge has sometimes been levelled that the doctrine of predestination arises from a cold rationalism and suppresses spiritual life. But Jonathan Shirk demonstrates the true beauty of this often-misunderstood doctrine. Shirk takes us to the Bible, rooting this doctrine in several biblical texts, and answering objections along the way. But most importantly he writes with warmth and fervor, showing us how predestination should produce the highest degree of joy and comfort for the believer. This book will be helpful both for the person wrestling with this doctrine for the first time and for the seasoned saint who needs his affections freshly stirred by the glory of God's electing grace. Highly recommended!”

“Predestined for Joy is a well-written, winsome book for those skeptical or misinformed about God’s sovereignty in salvation. After convincing the reader with irrefutable exegesis from the inspired text of Scripture, Predestined for Joy demonstrates how God graciously revealed these truths in His Word for the sake of our comfort and worship of His free grace in Jesus Christ!”

“Jonathan Shirk has written a pastorally sensitive and theologically heart-warming treatment of the doctrine of Predestination. Through the use of adept question-asking and straightforward prose, Pastor Shirk aims at not merely conforming one’s beliefs to Scripture but winsomely cultivating one’s love for these same truths. He, therefore, accomplishes exactly what he sets out to do: he kindles awe for God’s glorious grace, comforts and humbles us as we consider our salvation, and fosters joy in knowing and belonging to our God. Theologians of old once said that Predestination "is a doctrine of high mystery which is to be handled with special prudence and care”. Pastor Shirk writes in exactly that way, with the heart of a pastor, pleading with his readers to see how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us in this gloriously gracious salvation. Far from a ghastly doctrine of cold logic, Shirk continuously allows the Scriptures to speak for themselves as he holds forth the joyful theology of Predestination. The God of this Small Town Theologian is not the begrudging god who does violence to people's wills, but is the God of the Bible, earnest and compassionate toward sinners, who will stop at nothing in graciously bringing his children all the way to glory. Pastor Shirk has written a helpful book for the average congregant wrestling with this challenging doctrine. Please read it as it will enlarge your vision and beautify our Savior and His gospel.”

“I highly recommend Predestined for Joy. Jonathan Shirk has clearly and concisely summarized the Bible’s teaching on what is often a difficult theological issue, and he has done so in a way every reader can understand. But above all, I am grateful for this book’s tone and focus on the joy that God intends us to find in His predestining love. I found my own soul refreshed chapter by chapter as I reviewed what God has sovereignly done for me and in me through Jesus Christ.”