Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

I cannot say enough great things about this book! A few weeks ago I got into one of the conversation with a friend regarding the concept of “once saved always saved” vs ability to lose salvation. Growing up in a conservative church we were always under the belief of the latter. I asked a friend at work about his thoughts on it because I was looking for more scriptural back up one way or another rather than just “I believe, or I think”. He brought me this book having marked the chapter that discusses this topic. I was amazed at the information I found. I feel like the writer does a really good job of showing various sides of every topic and backing each up with lots of scripture. I find myself constantly looking up the various versus referenced as I read. Sometimes I agree they defend his points, sometimes I may not necessarily be completely in agreement, but appreciate the opportunity to study why his points were made. Shortly after I had attended a new church that was in the process of electing new elders. There were many things that occured that didn't jive with the beliefs I was raised with. Although I knew the verses that backed up what my beliefs were on it, this book provided a wealth of additional information from years of study on this topic. So far I haven't been able to come up with much of any topics that I typically have interesting discussions with friends on that are not covered with plenty of detail in this book! I glanced thru a bit more of the book (it’s a doozy!) an decided this was something worth an investment to have around. I bought my own copy three days later and have been reading thru it every day now! As someone who has spent quite a bit of time reading thru the scripture, it’s amazing how much I wasn’t taking out of it. This writer has done so much research (and references other’s more in depth research as well!) that I am beginning to read an learn things in a whole new way. Pros: - appears to be very unbiased, covering multiple religions views and justifications on topics - most points are backed up by scriptural references and footnotes as to where to find enough more in depth research on various topics - covers a very wide range of topics that should satisfy a lot of peoples learning needs - Though it is a very large book and full of tons of information, it is written in such a way that you do not need to have a theology degree to follow. Cons: - None so far! This covers so many topics that you have to see the table of contents to appreciate it. After I approached the couple topics I was currently discussing with friends I decided to start at the beginning and work my way thru. Even learning about how the books of the Bible came together, the history behind them being considered the true word of God, etc.. it’s just captivating how much more I am learning! I know I am raving a lot about this book, but it has been so exciting and re-energizing to find something like this to not only build on the knowledge i have, but to make me crave learning so much more! I'm sure it will take me a lot less time than expected to get thru this book. The second time around I will look forward to trying to study it with others and look up even more of the references.

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem is an absolute must-have for anyone looking to dive deep into Christian theology. This book is incredibly comprehensive, covering a wide range of doctrines in a way that’s both accessible and thorough. Grudem breaks down complex topics with clarity, making it easy for readers of all levels to engage with deep theological concepts. What I love most is how well-organized it is, with clear explanations supported by Scripture throughout. It’s perfect for personal study, small groups, or even classroom settings. If you want a solid, biblical understanding of theology, this is the book to get. Highly recommend for students, pastors, and anyone seeking to deepen their faith!

I began reading this systematic theology cover to cover about a year ago, reading a few pages a day (which I highly recommend), along with my other devotional and Scriptural reading. I have to say that, as a conservative Christian, this was truly a faith changing and spiritually maturing book. I love theology, so I could go on and on, but here are some of the positives and negatives of this work: Positives: 1. Understandable/Clear--the book is contemporary, direct, and for the most part understandable; I would suggest the earliest age to read it would be a mature high-schooler, but definitely college age students. 2. Biblically based--doctrines are developed from relevant Scriptures, and these verses are either cited, quoted in the text, or quoted at length. 3. Great Discussions--the doctrines are presented in a straightforward way, but the author does address relevant questions and usually has good discussion on the topic at hand to aid in the students personal theological formulation, whether or not the reader agrees with a particular doctrine. 4. Accessible/well organized--for the most part the book follows a clear outline format with lettered and numbered sections with big bold headings. The reader can usually find answers to specific questions quickly. 5. Devotional--the author clearly wants to aid the reader in theological formulation, but also makes the doctrines practical as well as personally enriching. Every chapter has key Scripture memory passages for the reader on the theological topic covered, as well as a hymn. 6. Helpful Study Resource--this book is also very helpful as a place to start for further research, as every chapter notes other systematic theologies and where to find the same topics covered in those works, as well as a short bibliography on other works specific to the covered theological topics. 7. Great Balance--the book also keeps many important things in balance. This includes direct teaching and letting the reader decide/work through theological ideas for him/herself, discussion and Scripture, and God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Negatives: 1. Long Discussion Length--sometimes the discussion on a given topic can become long and uninteresting. The reader might get bogged down in the large paragraphs, and the font, because of the size of the work, is not very large. I encourage readers to work through this as they can, but I experienced some sections that were hard to work through for these reasons. 2. Limited in Scope--this isn't so much of a strong criticism, but the reader should be aware, just because of the nature of the work, that often history, philosophy, present scholarship (in depth), and linguistic considerations are infrequently mentioned or explored in depth. But that is the nature of the book. 3. Disagree Theologically--I could expound a great deal on this point, but I will attempt to remain brief. There are a number of areas I did not agree with the author theologically, and in all fairness I respect his presentation and am personally still working through these doctrines myself. These include (1) views on creation--I would argue for a synthesis between mature creationism and flood theories, (2) extent of the atonement--I would argue for a general atonement, (3) infant salvation--I would argue that all infants are saved, (4) the church and Israel--I would argue that there is still an ethnic distinction of Israel in the church, especially pertaining to end time events, (5) the rapture--I would argue for a pre-tribulaitonal rapture, (6) and spiritual gifts--I would argue for the cessationist position. (I highly recommend Norman Geisler's Systematic Theology for discussions on these points). Overall, I highly recommend that all Christians work through this theology for their own spiritual maturity when the time is right. It's impact on my faith and theological reasoning has been profound, and I can see God using this work to bring many more to greater spiritual maturity, as it has done for me.

This is a book that I believe each evangelical Christian would do well to own -- whether you are Reformed or not -- whether you like Systematic Theology or not. I have never seen anything like this textbook before. Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology truly "makes theology practical". I have found it so helpful and meaningful in my own personal life. I have learned new things in every chapter I've read, and I have been driven to worship in each chapter, too. The back cover says about it "Wayne Grudem believes that theology is meant to be lived and prayed and sung." That is so true. Each chapter will layout the doctrine in question; the varying (if any) evangelical view points on that doctrine and evidence, pro and con, for each one as well as the author's particular view. This is always followed by a section which shows how we should apply the doctrine in question to our lives as Christians. Then a list of thought provoking questions are given, as well as a memory verse and a hymn that encapsulates that doctrine. Also, Grudem writes so clearly and easy to understand. Even though many points of doctrine are deep, you don't need to read over it again and again (as you do with Owen) or brush up on Latin (as you need to with Hodge), nor does the author put you to sleep (as with Berkhof). I have found this book so meaningful and worshipful. Furthermore, it is the perfect textbook to follow for both the one who wishes to teach Systematic Theology or for the layperson wishing to understand doctrine better. It is extremely biblical as well as practical. Grudem has succeeded in applying these glorious biblical truths to life. I cannot recommend it enough for teacher and student alike. Triston Dyer

I bought this after I was looking for explanations and contrasts with the minority doctrine of "soul sleep." I originally looked at dictionaries of Christianity, from the least expensive $6.00 +/- versions to $30 + versions. In all cases when a term was defined, they did not provide any contrasting terms or doctrines. I took a chance and figured an up to date Systematic Theology book would provide a more complete answer. Indeed, Chapter 41, Death and the Intermediate State, of Grudem's Systematic Theology provided the in depth answers I was looking for. The predominant more orthodox views on this topic were also fully discussed in clear and easily grasped verbiage. This sort of contrast and in depth explanations are missing in the several Christian doctrinal dictionaries I reviewed. The complete Index of this book served the purpose of "Dictdionary" for me. Other topics are similarly discussed with both minority and majority views. A few years ago I owned a copy of Geisler's Systematic Theology but sold it. It also had complete and easily understand explanations of doctrinal topics. As I recall, the paper was a glossy, higher quality stock and the higher price reflected that feature. That is the reason why I chose Grudem's top selling systematic theology book over the Geisler this time around. This book is highly recommended for anyone who comes up with questions about present day predominant and minority doctrines of the Christian Church. Speaking of "present day", the major criticism of this book seems to be that it doesn't provide historical doctrinal understandings as much as some would like. The beginning pages of this book fully explain that this Systematic Theology is NOT a "historical" systematic theology. It's focus and emphasis is on TODAY's principle doctrinal interpretations, not interpretations of 350 AD or 1045 AD, although where appropriate, historical understanding will be briefly contrasted. For a companion book on Historical Systematic Theology that is organized along similar categories as this book, "Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine" by Gregg Allison is recommended.

I would be remiss in writing a review critical of Grudem's magnum opus, especially given the biblical faithfulness and scholarliness of the work. I am impressed that he includes references from scholars who do not share his same viewpoint, including referencing sytematics of Catholic and Arminian protestant theologians. I have really only a couple beefs with Grudem's work, but they are so minor that they are not even worth mentioning (especially considering that I only gave his systematic a cursory reading). Overall, I would recommend this book to laypeople who are unfamiliar with systematic theology, or pastors who need a helpful and handy reference. I would not recommend this to someone who has spent more than a few years seriously studying theology, nor anyone who has read other systematics in the Reformed tradition - they will find almost no new content here. For pastors and church leaders looking for more of a concise brush-up, I would recommend either Grudem's "Christian Beliefs" or (where I started:) John Frame's "Salvation Belongs to the Lord".

Grudem is clear and transparent from his introduction in his book. If yoy wanted understand systematic theology, this book is an excellent resource. Highly recommend it.

If you only ever buy one book besides the Bible, this should be that book. Every Christian home should have a copy. My home has two; some family member invariably has one copy at their bedside because they're studying some subject or other, so we keep another copy on the bookshelf as a reference for the rest of the family. But that one disappears a lot too, so we may need to get a third. Grudem combines thoroughness with readability to produce a volume suitable for both the scholar and the lay person. As a teacher of Bible and doctrine classes in my church, although I've built up a fairly extensive library of resources over the years, I find myself almost always drawing upon Grudem as my primary resource no matter what the subject is. Moreover, I am frequently asked by church members to recommend material for their own further study on particular topics, and almost invariably, I find myself recommending the chapter(s) in Grudem on the subject in question as the best resource available. Like myself, Grudem is both Reformed (we are both graduates of Westminister Theological Seminary) and charismatic (believes in the continuing operation of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit), making his work ideally suited for those who want to ground a rich and vibrant Christian experience in a solid biblical foundation. Although he clearly has opinions of his own, he does an excellent job of laying out various viewpoints on a controversial topic and then explaining why he comes down on the side that he does. The book has both a subject index and a scripture index. I thought of including a list of chapters that I've found particularly useful in my own studies and teaching, but the list would too closely resemble the full table of contents.