My Favorite Gift: The Story of a Life-Changing Book

In a few short days I will once again be reminded that the span of time between the present year and the year I was born is steadily increasing. For whatever reason, this got me thinking about the meaningful gifts that have been given to me over the years. Is there any one gift that someone has given me that really stands out? (Disclaimer: yes, I do consider the gospel to be the best gift I’ve received, but that’s not where this is going).

I was just out of high school when I experienced my first conversion, which was to Christianity. I was just starting college when I experienced my second conversion, which was to the Doctrines of Grace (the reformed people out there who grew up Arminian will know what I mean by “second conversion”).

How did I come to see this truth in the Scriptures? In part through a mentor, but primarily it was through a book. Now look, I’m not the brightest bulb in the box, but when I started college I really didn’t know anything. I don’t think I’d ever heard of Calvin or Luther or any Reformation. So when a mentor of mine recommended that I read The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner, I respond by saying (and I am quite embarrassed to admit this, and mean no disrespect), “Who’s she?”

I checked the 1981 blue hardback edition out of the library, took it back to my dorm and sat down at my desk. I spent the whole day and into the night with the book and the Bible open. And when I got up from that desk, I got up a convinced Calvinist. Make no mistake, it was the word of God that convinced me of God’s sovereignty in grace. But it was that book that God used to direct me to the Scriptures and make that truth plain.

That is why I am so thankful for that book. And that is why I am so thankful for my wife, who in her incredible thoughtfulness, several years ago gave me one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever received. It was my college graduation, and she handed me, that’s right, a book. But it wasn’t just any book. It was a 1981 blue hardback edition of The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Mr. Lorraine Boettner (the same edition I read in college).

But wait! It wasn’t just any copy of that book.

My wife found this book by calling an old used book store about thirty miles away from our home.  When she picked up the book, she opened it only to discover that it was an autographed copy, signed by Mr. Boettner himself. I’m sure she was surprised, but not half as surprised as I was when she gave it to me as a gift.

So in remembering that gift, I’m thankful for a number of things. I am thankful for the unceasing thoughtfulness of my wife. I am thankful for Loraine Boettner, and that he wrote that book. But I guess that where all this really points after all (despite my earlier disclaimer), is that because of that book I can truly say that I am thankful for the gospel.