Concise Theology: Perseverance (Packer)

Here's a helpful book for Christians who want a resource that briefly summarizes the main truths of the faith: Concise Theology by J. I. Packer. If you've read anything by Packer, you know he writes very clearly and understandably. Concise Theology is classic Packer in that it is well written, solidly biblical, and easy to …

Thoughts on “Reformed Systematic Theology” by Beeke/Smalley

  I've always enjoyed reading various Systematic Theologies (STs). Whether in the Reformed tradition (e.g. Berkhof or Bavinck) or in the evangelical tradition (e.g. Grudem or Bird), I like to see how various theologians summarize the Bible's various doctrines. I recently took time to read various parts of Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley's new Reformed Systematic …

Theology Derived from Scripture (Berkhof)

 One chief characteristic of Christian doctrines or "dogmas" is that they originate in Scripture.  I appreciate how Louis Berkhof explained this near the opening of his introduction to systematic theology (prolegomena): Their Subject-Matter is derived from Scripture. The Bible is God’s Word, the book which is His continuous revelation of redemption for all successive generations. …

The Relationship between Systematic Theology and Practical Theology (Murray)

John Murray explained the relationship between systematic theology and practical theology so well in his charge to Edmund Clowney when Clowney was installed as professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (1963). Here's what Murray said: Practical theology is principally systematic theology brought to practical expression and application. And this means the whole counsel …

Vos’ Reformed Dogmatics Volume One – A Brief Review

As some of our readers know, Geerhardus Vos was an excellent Dutch Reformed theologian and professor around the turn of the 20th century.  At one point, he wrote out his notes from his systematic theology class and kept them in five volumes, which were transcribed and printed in 1910 (in Dutch).  Lexham Press has done …