Systematic Theology

This comprehensive systematic theology by a respected theologian covers the whole field of Reformed Christian doctrine from biblical, historical, and theological angles. It seeks to provide a clear and concise articulation of the Reformed faith rooted in the historic creeds while addressing current issues such as feminism, charismatic gifts, sexual ethics, environmentalism, other religions, the nature of truth, and civil liberties. Intended to be used as a textbook, this single-volume systematic theology is well-suited for our world today, interacting not only with the biblical text but also with the history of Christian doctrine, current cultural challenges to the Bible’s teaching, and the daily experiences of regular Christians.

“In this impressive systematic theology, Robert Letham sets before us the ripe fruit of a long career of devoted scholarship. He does so with clarity, confidence, and thoughtful judgment. The result is an elixir drawn from Scripture into which he has carefully stirred ingredients from Patristic orthodoxy, medieval theology, and Reformation and post-Reformation confessionalism. These are judiciously mixed by a theologian conscious that he is writing for the twenty-first century. Systematic Theology is Letham’s personal bequest to the church of Jesus Christ. A magnum opus indeed—which students, ministers, and scholars will find to be a real stimulation to their theological taste buds!”
Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“This is a first-class volume, impressively erudite, yet eminently readable. Scrupulously biblical, but at the same time recognizing the value of Christian tradition, it draws extensively, but judiciously, on the insights of the early church fathers, the Reformed confessions, and federal theology, while remaining in constant dialogue with the world of contemporary theological scholarship. The overall organization reflects Letham’s independence of judgment, and the end product is not only a Reformed systematic theology of enduring value but also an encyclopedic reference work for both historical and systematic theology. Unsurpassed in its field.”
Donald Macleod, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Edinburgh Theological Seminary; author, A Faith to Live By; The Person of Christ; and Christ Crucified

“Robert Letham has blessed us with a systematic theology that is sure to stimulate reflection, discussion, and deeper understanding of both the Holy Scriptures and the church’s interpretations of them to formulate its theology over the last two millennia. One does not need to agree with every detail of Letham’s magnum opus to realize that here is a treasure house of Christian wisdom on the whole counsel of God that will inform your mind and move your heart and affections to serve your Savior and Lord more single-mindedly and zealously than ever before.”
Joel R. Beeke, President and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; Pastor, Heritage Reformed Congregation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; author, Reformed Preaching

Acknowledgements
Permissions
Abbreviations
Introduction

Part 1: The Triune God       

1. The Revelation of God    

2. The Trinity: Biblical Basis  

3. The Trinity: Church Formulation            

4. The Trinity: Ongoing Questions           

5. The Attributes of God  

Part 2: The Word of God

6. The Doctrine of Scripture             

7. Scripture and Tradition                      

8. The Interpretation of Scripture        

Part 3: The Works of God

9. Creation    

10. Providence                                        

Part 4: The Image of God

11. Humanity in Creation    

12. Humanity in Covenant    

13. Humanity in Sin   

Part 5: The Covenant of God

14. Election and the Counsel of Redemption    

15. The Covenant of Grace         

Part 6: Christ, the Son of God   

16. Incarnation: Biblical Teaching    

17. Incarnation: Church Formulations     

18. Incarnation: Ongoing Questions   

19. Christ Our Great High Priest   

20. Christ Our King   

Part 7: The Spirit of God and the People of God

21. Union with Christ    

22. Salvation and the Church                        

23. The Beginning of the Christian Life: Regeneration and Effectual Calling  

24. The Beginning of the Christian Life: Justification

25. The Progress of the Christian Life: Adoption, Assurance, Sanctification   

26. The Progress of the Christian Life: The Lord’s Supper and Theōsis

27. The Church and Its Offices       

Part 8: The Ultimate Purposes of God    

28. The Future

29. The Parousia and the Resurrection    

30. The Final Judgment and Hell      

31. The Life of the World to Come   

Appendix 1:Main Interpretations of Genesis 1
Appendix 2: Historic Creeds
Glossary
Bibliography
Name Index
Subject Index
Scripture Index