Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary (Barrett)

Five hundred years ago, the Reformers were defending doctrines such as justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and God's grace in salvation—some to the point of death. Many of these same essential doctrines are still being challenged today, and there has never been a more crucial time to hold fast to the enduring truth of Scripture. 

In Reformation Theology, Matthew Barrett has brought together a team of expert theologians and historians writing on key doctrines taught and defended by the Reformers centuries ago. With contributions from Michael Horton, Gerald Bray, Michael Reeves, Carl Trueman, Robert Kolb, and many others, this volume stands as a manifesto for the church, exhorting Christians to learn from our spiritual forebears and hold fast to sound doctrine rooted in the Bible and passed on from generation to generation.

Table of Contents:

Prologue: What Are We Celebrating? Taking Stock after Five Centuries - Michael Horton 

1. The Crux of Genuine Reform - Matthew Barrett

Part 1: Historical Background to the Reformation

2. Late-Medieval Theology - Gerald Bray

3. The Reformers and Their Reformations - Carl R. Trueman and Eunjin Kim

Part 2: Reformation Theology

4. Sola Scriptura - Mark D. Thompson

5. The Holy Trinity - Michael Reeves

6. The Being and Attributes of God - Scott R. Swain

7. Predestination and Election - Cornelis P. Venema

8. Creation, Mankind, and the Image of God - Douglas F. Kelly 

9. The Person of Christ - Robert Letham

10. The Work of Christ - Donald Macleod

11. The Holy Spirit - Graham A. Cole

12. Union with Christ - J. V. Fesko

13. The Bondage and Liberation of the Will - Matthew Barrett

14. Justification by Faith Alone - Korey D. Maas   

15. Sanctification, Perseverance, and Assurance - Michael Allen

16. The Church - Robert Kolb

17. Baptism - Aaron Clay Denlinger

18. The Lord's Supper - Keith A. Mathison

19. The Relationship of Church and State - Peter A. Lillback

20. Eschatology - Kim Riddlebarger

Editor

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of Christian studies at California Baptist University and executive editor of Credo magazine.

Endorsements

“Dr. Barrett has gathered a full stable of blue-ribbon theologians for this winning volume. All the essays are carefully contextualized, the Reformers judiciously selected, and the bibliographies thoughtfully assembled. Some chapters are especially notable for the breadth and depth of the author’s research, others for their adroit summaries of complex themes. There is little doubt that Reformation Theology will ably serve the church and academy as a textbook for students and a reference work for scholars. It is already reshaping my own teaching on late-medieval and early-modern theology, and I commend it heartily.” - Chad Van Dixhoorn, Chancellor’s Professor of Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary–Washington, DC

“This delightful volume is a breath of fresh air in Reformation studies, putting theology back at the center. It shows with crystal clarity how the Reformers expounded the heart of the Christian faith, and why these evangelical doctrines still matter so much.”  - Andrew Atherstone, Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford

“This rich book takes up the challenge to think beyond 2017 and does so in a very stimulating manner. Each of the contributors is an expert in his field and knows that the Reformation is a highly relevant treasure for both the church and theology. They convincingly encourage the readers to think through this treasure and adopt it. Everyone eager not just to look back at five hundred years of reformation but also to look forward finds here the perfect material.” - Herman Selderhuis, Director, Refo500; Professor and Director of the Institute for Reformation Research, Theological University Apeldoorn, the Netherlands; author, Calvin’s Theology of the Psalms