1. Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 1: Revelation and God 2. Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 2: Man and Christ 3. Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 3: Spirit and Salvation
The aim of systematic theology is to engage not only the head but also the heart and hands. Only recently has the church compartmentalized these aspects of life—separating the academic discipline of theology from the spiritual disciplines of faith and obedience. This multivolume work brings together rigorous historical and theological scholarship with spiritual disciplines and practical insights—characterized by a simple, accessible, comprehensive, Reformed, and experiential approach.
ENDORSEMENTS
“‘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. This resource will instruct the mind and inflame the heart.” - John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California; President, The Master’s University and 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. Joined by Paul Smalley, this first volume of Reformed Systematic Theology, focusing upon revelation and God, is a virtual gold mine of biblical doctrine that is systematically arranged, carefully analyzed, historically scrutinized, and pastorally applied. I am not aware of another book quite like this invaluable work. This theological treasury is certain to become a timeless standard for years to come.” - Steven J. Lawson, President, OnePassion Ministries; Professor of Preaching, The Master’s Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries
“Already the most prolific Reformed author of his generation, Joel Beeke (helped by his theological Barnabas, Paul Smalley) now harvests the fruit of a lifetime of study, reflection, teaching, and writing in this impressive magnum opus. Throughout the centuries, theologians have debated whether systematic theology is an intellectual or practical discipline. Reformed Systematic Theology rightly treats it as both, for the Great Theologian of the church underlined that we cannot love the Lord our God with our mind unless we also love him with heart, soul, and strength. Thus, in these pages, doctrine leads to doxology and also to further enquiry. Each locus is expounded biblically, is understood ‘together with all the saints,’ and leads to practical implications and applications, with psalms, hymns of praise, and probing questions for further reflection. This is catechesis at its best, in the great tradition of Augustine, Anselm, and Calvin, where ‘faith seeks understanding’ and leads to worship and obedience. Here is a major contribution to the education of theological students, but also a work for preachers to have close by as a constant go-to resource, and indeed for every Christian family to own and frequently consult. While today it may seem that ‘of the making of systematic theologies there is no end,’ Reformed Systematic Theology makes a distinctive, deeply engaging, and welcome contribution and deserves a place of honor. Many will be grateful to Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley for giving this immensely valuable gift to the twenty-first-century church.” - Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries
Volume 1
The first volume in the Reformed Systematic Theology set of four projected volumes that draws on the historical theology of Reformed tradition, exploring the first two of eight central points of systematic theology—the doctrines of revelation and the character of God—with an accessible and comprehensive approach that is biblical, doctrinal, experiential, and practical.
"We believe that the experiential application of doctrine is paramount for doing good systematic theology. Systematic Theology should minister to the whole person," write Beeke and Smalley. "We hope that this work will help prepare God's servants to nurture spiritual knowledge and saving faith in God's people according to the riches of Christ. We aim not only to educate you as the reader, but also to edify you and to equip you to tell others the wonders of our God"
The aim of systematic theology is to engage not only the head but also the heart and hands. Only recently has the church compartmentalized these aspects of life—separating the academic discipline of theology from the spiritual disciplines of faith and obedience. This multi-volume work brings together rigorous historical and theological scholarship with spiritual disciplines and practical insights—characterized by a simple, accessible, comprehensive, Reformed, and experiential approach.
In this volume, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley shift from the doctrine of God (theology proper) to the doctrine of humanity (anthropology) and the doctrine of Christ (Christology). This extensive reformed theology explores the Bible’s teaching about who we are and why we were created, as well as who Jesus is and why his divinity is essential to the Christian faith.
In this volume, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley unpack the work and role of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology) and salvation (soteriology). The authors examine the Holy Spirit’s role in the history of salvation, the order of salvation, and the believers’ experience of salvation. As readers consider the interrelationship between the Spirit and salvation, they are invited to explore the direct activity of the Lord in their lives for their salvation.
The men of our church just finished volume 1 and Lord willing will begin volume 2 in 2024. We met monthly and using the Chapel Library reading guide (thank you to those friends!) this book was an excellent guide. The conversations were always sharpening thanks to the very good discussion questions at the end of each chapter. We loved the focus on worshipping God that the authors rightly connect (doctrine-discipleship-doxology). The hymns at the end there and the pastoral yet scholarly nature of the book make it an excellent choice for any and every church group but especially a confessionally rooted church group looking to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). Whether someone is new to theology or been walking with the Lord for decades I highly recommend this book (as to do my other fellow elders and the men of our church).Thank you very much brother Beeke and brother Smalley for your faithful labor and may you know your labor in the Lord was not in vain and richly blessed twenty five brothers in Christ of a small confessionally reformed baptist church in the Chicagoland area. Soli Deo Gloria!
5
Scripturally solid
Posted by Michael Shirley on 15th Nov 2023
Because of the greatness of the volumes, I have not finished but I am impressed by the way they are written so that all can understand. There is much to absorb and to guide our Christian walk. I do highly recommend these as a good guide when we read God's word.
5
Romans 11:33
Posted by Santos Cantu III on 22nd Aug 2023
Romans 11:33
5
Reformed Systematic Theology
Posted by Jackson Speakman on 20th Feb 2023
These volumes should be on every bookshelf, both pastor and parishioner alike.
5
Reformed Systematic Theology Vol 1-3
Posted by Pam Church on 30th Jan 2023
I'm really enjoying reading Vol. 1 Reformed Systematic Theology and I'm looking forward to reading the other two volumes. Great addition to my library!