In 1921, Arthur Pink, in the foreword to the second edition of his work, The Sovereignty of God, wrote,

"It is perfectly right to insist on the responsibility of man, but what of God? . . . Which is to be more deplored - an over emphasizing of the human side and an insufficient emphasis on the Divine side, or, an over emphasizing of the Divine side and an insufficient emphasis on the human side? . . . Surely, there is far more danger of making too much of man and too little of God, than there is of making too much of God and too little of man." [Arthur Pink, The Sovereignty of God, Bible Truth Depot, Swengel, PA., 1930, p.10].

I agree with Mr. Pink, and I believe John Roden, the author of the volume you hold in your hands, does too. If there is error in this book, I assure you that it is not because of an insufficient emphasis on the divine side. The Sovereign Grace Of God In Salvation agrees with Jonah that "Salvation is of the Lord" [Jonah 2:9].

Nearly one hundred years after Mr. Pink wrote those words, the reality of the effects of "making too much of man and too little of God" is overwhelmingly evident. This generation has even changed the lyrics of God-honoring hymns for fear of dishonoring fallen men. For example, in the old hymn, At The Cross, the phrase,"Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I," has been changed to "such a one as I." Yet, in the twenty-second Psalm, the Messiah is pictured hanging on the the cruel cross for sinners and crying, "But I am a worm [tola ; maggot, worm], and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people" [Psalm 22:6]. Further, in modern times the Lord God is no longer sovereign and men are no longer helpless sinners. The God of the twenty-first century wants to do many things for the human race, but He is helpless to do them without the approval of the sinner. The Lord of glory must now share His glory, even though He said long ago, "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another" [Isaiah 42:8; 48:11]

In The Sovereign Grace Of God In Salvation, John Roden has not sought to be consistent with modern trends, but with the written Word of God, the Bible. The title says it all. The Lord God is sovereign in the matter of salvation. It is not of man's will, nor of man's works, but of God alone who shows mercy [Romans 9:15-16]. Like Isaiah the prophet, John Roden has seen the Lord. Thus, he is made to cry, "Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" [Isaiah 6:5]. Translation: Unless the Lord stops at my house and deals with my soul, I am undone.The same goes for you, dear reader. We are challenged to make our calling and election sure [II Peter 1:10]. Let us not be satisfied with the assurance of the pastor or personal worker. Let us not rest until the sovereign Lord Himself, by His Spirit, from His Word, speaks peace to our hearts.

"Lord, bless the truths in this book to the souls of all who peruse its pages. Let the reader be careful to consider and examine what the author has said in the light of your holy Word. And may you, the One true God—Father, Son and Spirit—receive glory, honor, worship and praise. Amen."

—Pastor William W. Sasser, Jr.          
Grace Church at Franklin               
Franklin, Tennessee                        

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