Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 2

“In volume 2 of Reformed Systematic Theology, Joel Beeke and his theological Barnabas, Paul Smalley, continue their massive exposition of Christian doctrine. Like the first volume, it is marked by constant use of Scripture coupled with references to the great theologians, and is written for all of the people of God in language that is more pastoral than metaphysical. This second volume covers the vital areas of anthropology and Christology, and continues in the style of a true ‘church dogmatics’ reminiscent of the work of the great pastor-theologians of the church. A model of clarity, it will promote doxology, maturity, and further inquiry. Here is catechesis at its best, instructing the student of theology, providing pastors with a sermon-enriching manual, and giving growing Christians a resource book that will both inform and nourish them, as well as provide endless theological enjoyment!”

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“The scholarship and devotion of this volume are truly impressive and must reflect the result of many years of rigorous study and careful teaching of the themes pursued. I have not read a systematic theology that impressed me to the same extent. This is a work that not only instructs but also speaks to the heart. It is a presentation of orthodox Reformed theology that reflects the Puritan tradition, but also presents that tradition in the context of the flow of Christian theology from the Bible through the church fathers and the medieval expositors, the Reformation challenges, and on to the contemporary scene.”

—Robert W. Oliver, Pastor Emeritus, Old Baptist Chapel, Bradford on Avon, UK; Emeritus Lecturer in Church History and Historical Theology, London Theological Seminary

“Written with great clarity and thoughtful simplicity, this volume can be confidently relied upon for study and teaching. This is how systematic theology should be done—by having in mind both the pastor in the pulpit and the people in the pews. The authors are to be commended for giving us this top-rate, scholarly-yet-accessible, God-honoring volume.”

—Rob Ventura, Pastor, Grace Community Baptist Church, North Providence, Rhode Island; coauthor, A Portrait of Paul and Spiritual Warfare

“This volume continues the heart-warming approach of volume 1. I particularly admire the authors’ insightful and scrupulously fair exposition of positions with which they disagree. Their work offers a pretty comprehensive approach to different readings throughout the history of the subjects dealt with.”

—Jonathan F. Bayes, UK Director, Carey Outreach Ministries; Pastor, Stanton Lees Chapel, Derbyshire, England; author, Systematics for God’s Glory and The Weakness of the Law

“Reformed Systematic Theology not only takes readers into the depths of our triune God, but also shows what these great truths have to do with the Christian life. No contemporary systematic theology will bring the reader to a greater understanding of how theology blossoms into doxology than this one.”

—Matthew Barrett, Associate Professor of Christian Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Executive Editor, Credo Magazine; editor, Reformation Theology

“Reformed Systematic Theology is the ripe fruit of Joel Beeke’s lifelong engagement as a preacher and as a teacher of preachers. This is not a systematic theology written by an ivory-tower theologian, but rather by a seasoned preacher for whom the doctrines he expounds have become, by the grace of God, an experiential reality.”

—Bartel Elshout, Pastor, Heritage Reformed Congregation, Hull, Iowa; translator, The Christian’s Reasonable Service and The Christian’s Only Comfort in Life and Death

“Beeke and Smalley have written a work useful to the church at large that teaches Christians what they should believe and how they should love, but they have not sacrificed academic rigor to achieve these goals.”

—J. V. Fesko, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

“Joel Beeke has continued his decades-long service to Christ and his church by presenting us with his mature reflections on the nature of systematic theology. This work is fully reliable, well written, easily understood, and thoroughly researched.”

—Richard C. Gamble, Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“Joel Beeke is a rare gift to the church, a noted Christian leader who combines the skills of a learned theologian, master teacher, noted historian, and yet also a caring pastor. Reformed Systematic Theology is a virtual gold mine of biblical doctrine that is systematically arranged, carefully analyzed, historically scrutinized, and pastorally applied.”

—Steven J. Lawson, President, OnePassion Ministries; Professor of Preaching, The Master’s Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“‘Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!’ This expression of praise from Paul’s great doxology is a fitting response to reading this wonderful work of doctrine and devotion. Though the Reformed faith is often caricatured as merely intellectual, this work demonstrates that Reformed theology is also profoundly experiential, as no chapter fails to move from theology to doxology.”

—John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California; Chancellor Emeritus, The Master’s University and Seminary

“Here is theology functioning as it ought to function—calling us to worship. You will not need to agree with the authors at every point to believe and to hope that this work will serve Christ’s church well in our generation and for generations to come.”

—Jeremy Walker, Pastor, Maidenbower Baptist Church, Crawley, UK; author, Life in Christ; Anchored in Grace; and A Face Like a Flint