The sovereignty of God and the command to evangelize may seem paradoxical to most people. How can everything be planned before creation and yet be left up to our obedience to effect the outcome of ones belief or disbelief in the Gospel message? The Scriptures tell us that God controls all things; nothing is outside of his influence and permission. And yet we are given a free will to do as we please. The age old Calvinist/Armenian debate rages on, and it is a balance in the fact of God's sovereignty and our responsibility to bring the Gospel to the lost that Packer seeks. Packer reminds us that often we misunderstand and fall into the habit of believing that to be successful evangelists; we have to successfully convert those to whom we witness. However, he points out, this is not the calling of God in scripture. He commands us to bring the Gospel to them, but ultimately it is up to the Spirit to convict and convert. The author is successful in weaving a delicate balance between these truths found in scripture. God is sovereign, but we cannot forget that although God is completely in control, we are held accountable for our actions. Ultimately he concludes that believing in the absolute sovereignty of God does not keep us from knowing and accepting our duty to evangelize, on the contrary, it is this very belief that gives Christians the strength to evangelize as God intended.
   Packer begins by refusing to offer long and drawn-out proofs from scripture of the absolute sovereignty of God. He, instead, appeals to us as Christians that we are ourselves already holds this truth whether we actually realize it or not. He effectively uses a conversation between two highly respected believers, one an Armenian, another Calvinist, to illustrate that we hold not ourselves at all responsible for our own salvation but God solely. He continues illustrating that we hold this common belief in that we pray for the conversion from heathenism those we believe not to have accepted the truth of the Gospel. If we call ourselves Christian, and are truthful, then this is a common ground on which we must stand.
   Urging us to accept the antinomy of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, he validates this action with the modern science parallel, the problem of light. He then offers an invitation to reflect as he explores the consequences of emphasizing one truth over another. We have a responsibility and will be held accountable according to God's judgment. Not to be discouraged, here he reminds us that we are not called to produce converts but rather are only responsible to faithfully deliver the Gospel. Equally the temptation to be exclusively concerned with God's sovereignty is important to avoid. For this thinking results in a wrongful paralyzing of evangelistic efforts.
The third chapter of the book addresses evangelism itself. Evangelism is not the act of successfully converting the lost, but is rather concerned with faithfully delivering the message. We can correct this error, Packer shares, with correct understanding of the sovereignty of God, but we cannot disobey God and be lazy to not evangelize. This, our love for our King should draw us out of this stagnation and accepting the antinomy of these doctrines will make us bold in proclamation of the Gospel.
   The author, in the last chapter explains that God's sovereignty does not affect the necessity of evangelism. Further he explains that it also does not affect its urgency, genuiness, or the responsibility of the sinner. What is wrong with evangelism today? This question everyone wants to know the answer to. Why aren't people getting saved? Packer proposes that it is a result of a "widespread neurosis of disillusionment" of the failure of men. We must expect failure he says. Why? Again he tells us that it is not our persons that are responsible for converting non-believers, but rather the work of the Spirit. This should motivate us to be bold, patient, and prayerful in our evangelism.
   In conclusion, this book was refreshingly simple and to the point. I have always been a fan of concise, simple, and well thought-out arguments, this book is undoubtedly such. In my opinion these are wise words written by a wise man, something everyone can get their mind easily wrapped around. I am impressed with his ability to remain a neutral party amongst so much potential gunfire. This is a must-own for anyone who truly calls themselves Christian and struggles with the question of evangelism. Packer is convincing in his purpose in communicating that believing in the absolute sovereignty of God does not keep us from knowing and accepting our duty to evangelize, on the contrary, it is this very belief that gives Christians the strength to evangelize as God intended.

Packer does an excellent job representing both of these positions which so many believe contradict each other. He proves that they go hand in hand with sound Biblical theology and should not be considered opposite according to scripture.
His directness and forthrightness in stating the scriptural expectations of Christian belief and practice are so refreshing
and reviving to one's spirit. A great source to share with anyone questioning or struggling with these two issues.