Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine Hardcover – January 1, 1994

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.

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.

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!