Book Genres Archives: Theology

Calvin – Institutes of the Christian Religion


Title: Institutes of the Christian Religion
Published by: John Calvin, Henry Beveridge
Release Date: May 1, 1959
Contributors: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Genre:
Pages: 1310
ISBN13: 978-0802881663

Institutes of the Christian Religion is John Calvin's seminal work on Protestant systematic theology. Highly influential in the Western world and still widely read by theological students today, it was published in Latin in 1536 and in his native French in 1541. The book serves as an introductory textbook on the Protestant faith for those with some previous knowledge of theology and covers a broad range of theological topics from the doctrines of church and sacraments to justification by faith alone and Christian liberty. It vigorously attacks teachings which Calvin considered unorthodox, particularly Roman Catholicism to which Calvin says he had been "strongly devoted" before his conversion to Protestantism. The overarching theme of the book—and Calvin's greatest theological legacy—is the idea of God's total sovereignty, particularly in salvation and election. Institutes of the Christian Religion is highly-regarded as a secondary reference for the system of doctrine adopted by the Reformed churches, which is commonly referred to as Calvinism.

Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms


Title: Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms
Series:
Published by: Baker Academic; 1st edition
Release Date: January 1, 2010
Contributors: Daniel J. Estes
Genre:
Pages: 448
ISBN13: 978-0801038884

"In this handbook Estes takes his readers by the hand to guide them through some of the more difficult books of the Old Testament. The introductory sections provide excellent orientation to their contents and to appropriate reading strategies, while the commentary explains the thought flow of the biblical writers and, importantly, the sometimes apparent breaks in thought flow. Estes writes lucidly and informs his discussion from his acquaintance with a wide range of current biblical scholarship. This is a first-class study aid that anyone could read with profit."--Robert P. Gordon, University of Cambridge

"Estes here provides the advanced student with an overview of the contents and theological message of the poetic books of the Bible and with some of their current interpretation. His insights reflect the best findings of contemporary scholarship. Without resorting to critical technicalities, he decodes many of the secrets of the biblical text and uncovers cultural realities that throw light on otherwise obscure sayings. Though faithful to the ancient biblical message, he always has his modern readers in mind as he plumbs the depths of that message. The bibliographies that follow each chapter will only enhance the study of this often overlooked segment of the biblical tradition."--Dianne Bergant, CSA, Catholic Theological Union in Chicago

"Estes's Handbook represents an enormous amount of time and labor well spent, for which teachers and students will be grateful. The scholarly conversation around many issues is summarized and described, current research well represented, and the biblical materials themselves discussed, so that this work should prove accessible to and useful for beginning students, and especially those already somewhat familiar with the biblical text. . . . Estes's Handbook should prove useful to advanced students who want to explore the literature for potential thesis topics and to pastors who wish to preach these biblical books."--Frederic Clarke PutnamJournal of the Evangelical Theological Society

"A model of balanced and judicious study. While taking advantage of the most recent scholarship on the Psalms and the wisdom writings, Estes is able to distill this information and present it in a form that is accessible to laypersons and helpful to any involved in the serious study of Scripture. He invites readers to an even greater delight in reading the Bible than they have had before."--Daniel I. Block, Wheaton College

The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English


Title: The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English
Series:
Published by: Penguin Classics
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Contributors: Geza Vermes (Translator)
Genre:
Pages: 698
ISBN13: 978-0141197319

Since its publication in 1962, esteemed biblical expert Géza Vermes's translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls has established itself as the authoritative standard. The original manuscripts, discovered in the Judean Desert between 1947 and 1956, completely transformed our understanding of the Hebrew Bible, early Judaism, and the origin of Christianity. Now in its seventh edition, The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English has been updated with a number of previously unpublished texts, as well as extensive new introductory material and notes. Some sixty years after the Scrolls' discovery, this revised and expanded volume crowns a lifetime of research by Vermes.

Geza Vermes’s pioneering work on the Dead Sea Scrolls and the historical Jesus led to his appointment as the first professor of Jewish studies at Oxford University, where he is now professor emeritus. He is the author of several books, including The Authentic Gospel of Jesus.

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth


Title: Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth
Series:
Published by: Crossway; Illustrated edition
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Contributors: John MacArthur (Editor), Richard Mayhue (Editor)
Genre:
Pages: 1024
ISBN13: 978-1433545917

Doctrine isn’t just for theologians―it’s important for every Christian because it shows us who God is and how we should live. Systematizing the robust theology that has undergirded John MacArthur’s well-known preaching ministry for decades, this overview of basic Christian doctrine covers topics such as God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, salvation, and more. Comprehensive in scope yet written to be accessible to the average reader―with non-technical vocabulary, minimal footnotes, and a helpful bibliography―this volume offers Christians a solid foundation for what they believe and why.

Review
“The ministry of John MacArthur has had a worldwide impact. MacArthur and Mayhue clearly unfold the doctrines that are at the heart of this ministry, which has touched so many. Here we see a ministry built on truth, the truth of God’s Word and the truth of the gospel. A wonderful resource for students, pastors, and professors.”
―Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“This book comes from a lifetime of studying and from the garnered wisdom of centuries. In combining devotion to Scripture with commitment to biblical doctrine, it addresses a great contemporary need. Strong beliefs make strong churches. One does not have to agree with the esteemed authors on every subject to be thankful for a volume of rich and enduring importance.”
―Iain H. Murray, author, Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography and Evangelical Holiness; Founding Trustee, Banner of Truth Trust

“This new resource is a rich and compelling presentation of Christianity’s theological foundations, providing readers with an accessible but compelling systematization of biblical truth. As the last vestiges of Christian influence erode in the West, rich theological resources like Biblical Doctrine will edify and strengthen the church as it faces stiff opposition from the world.”
―R. Albert Mohler Jr., President and Centennial Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“It is a delight to wholeheartedly recommend John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue’s Biblical Doctrine. It will be celebrated for the clarity of its outline and description of the Bible’s doctrines. It is just too good to miss.”
―Walter C. Kaiser Jr., President Emeritus and Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

“The emphasis of John MacArthur’s ministry has always been preaching―unleashing God’s truth by preaching God’s Word. All the while, his ministry has been undergirded by doctrine―doctrine drawn carefully, consistently from the Bible. His thousands of expository sermons stand as proof of his faithfulness to the work of the preacher; Biblical Doctrine stands as proof of faithfulness to the work of the theologian. May both be used to encourage a new generation of preacher-theologians to commit their lives to the high calling of teaching and equipping Christ’s church.”
―Tim Challies, author, Seasons of Sorrow

“Clarity ought to be an essential requirement of books on systematic theology. And this one offers just that! A comprehensive summary of all that a Christian needs to know―sounds like something every Christian should have available, doesn’t it? And written by a name that epitomizes orthodoxy and truth―John MacArthur. Enough said. It speaks for itself.”
―Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries; Chancellor’s Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary

“This volume is the life achievement of almost fifty years of preaching in one pulpit by this world-class expositor, John MacArthur. He has stood, week after week, even decade after decade, plumbing the depths of the biblical text and connecting its truths together, leading to this well-constructed body of divinity. Here is the crown jewel from this brilliant pastor and author that will cause the truth of Scripture to shine even brighter before our eyes.”
―Steven J. Lawson, President, OnePassion Ministries; Professor of Preaching, The Master’s Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“For decades John MacArthur has exemplified expository preaching, putting on full display the Word of God for the people of God. Now MacArthur, teaming up with Richard Mayhue and the Master’s Seminary faculty, has written a systematic theology, demonstrating how his verse-by-verse exposition naturally blossoms into a robust, colorful theological mosaic. This book is the theological dessert at the end of an expository meal. Regardless of your theological heritage, I encourage every Christian to sit under the doctrinal teaching of MacArthur and Mayhue. Certainly, you will walk away saturated in Scripture, left in total awe after relishing the majesty and glory of our gracious God.”
―Matthew Barrett, Associate Professor of Christian Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Executive Editor, Credo Magazine; author, Simply Trinity

“In addition to presenting orthodox theology common to historic Protestants, MacArthur and Mayhue defend an unusual combination of views that evangelicals debate, such as young-earth creationism, Calvinist soteriology, credobaptism, elder-rule polity, complementarianism, cessationism, and traditional dispensationalism (or what they call futuristic premillennialism). They argue in a clear and orderly way that is worth engaging even if you disagree.”
―Andrew David Naselli, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary; Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis

“As a professor of theology, I am able to recommend this single volume on systematic theology by MacArthur and Mayhue to my students and tell them with confidence that this is a book I can endorse from cover to cover. I especially appreciate the dispensational aspects of this work and the way the authors consistently and firmly ground the doctrines in the biblical text.”
―Kevin D. Zuber, Professor of Theology, The Master’s Seminary; contributor, Evidence for the Rapture and The Moody Bible Commentary

Book Description
"Doctrine isn’t just for theologians—it’s important for every Christian because it shows us who God is and how we should live. Systematizing the robust theology that has undergirded Dr. John MacArthur’s well-known preaching ministry for decades, this overview of basic Christian doctrine covers topics such as God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, salvation, and more. Comprehensive in scope yet written to be accessible to the average reader—with non-technical vocabulary, minimal footnotes, and a helpful bibliography—this volume offers Christians a solid foundation for what they believe and why."
About the Author
John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where he has served since 1969. He is known around the world for his verse-by-verse expository preaching and his pulpit ministry via his daily radio program, Grace to You. He has also written or edited nearly four hundred books and study guides. MacArthur is chancellor emeritus of the Master’s Seminary and Master’s University. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four grown children.

Richard Mayhue (ThD, Grace Theological Seminary) served at the Master's Seminary from 1989 to 2016 as the dean of the seminary, research professor of theology, and executive vice president. He has authored or edited more than thirty books, including Biblical Doctrine.

C.S. Lewis – A Grief Observed


Title: A Grief Observed
Series:
Published by: HarperCollins
Release Date: July 28, 2009
Contributors: C.S. Lewis
Genre:
Pages: 96
ISBN13: 978-0060652739

A classic work on grief, A Grief Observed is C.S. Lewis’s honest reflection on the fundamental issues of life, death, and faith in the midst of loss. Written after his wife’s tragic death as a way of surviving the “mad midnight moments,” A Grief Observed an unflinchingly truthful account of how loss can lead even a stalwart believer to lose all sense of meaning in the universe, and the inspirational tale of how he can possibly regain his bearings.

From the Back Cover
Written with love, humility, and faith, this brief but poignant volume was first published in 1961 and concerns the death of C. S. Lewis's wife, the American-born poet Joy Davidman. In her introduction to this new edition, Madeleine L'Engle writes: "I am grateful to Lewis for having the courage to yell, to doubt, to kick at God in angry violence. This is a part of a healthy grief which is not often encouraged. It is helpful indeed that C. S. Lewis, who has been such a successful apologist for Christianity, should have the courage to admit doubt about what he has so superbly proclaimed. It gives us permission to admit our own doubts, our own angers and anguishes, and to know that they are part of the soul's growth."

Written in longhand in notebooks that Lewis found in his home, A Grief Observed probes the "mad midnight moments" of Lewis's mourning and loss, moments in which he questioned what he had previously believed about life and death, marriage, and even God. Indecision and self-pity assailed Lewis. "We are under the harrow and can't escape," he writes. "I know that the thing I want is exactly the thing I can never get. The old life, the jokes, the drinks, the arguments, the lovemaking, the tiny, heartbreaking commonplace." Writing A Grief Observed as "a defense against total collapse, a safety valve," he came to recognize that "bereavement is a universal and integral part of our experience of love."

Lewis writes his statement of faith with precision, humor, and grace. Yet neither is Lewis reluctant to confess his continuing doubts and his awareness of his own human frailty. This is precisely the quality which suggests that A Grief Observed may become "among the great devotional books of our age."

Piper – Providence


Title: Providence
Series:
Published by: Crossway
Release Date: March 2, 2021
Contributors: John Piper
Genre:
Pages: 752
ISBN13: 978-1433568343

From Genesis to Revelation, the providence of God directs the entire course of redemptive history. Providence is “God’s purposeful sovereignty.” Its extent reaches down to the flight of electrons, up to the movements of galaxies, and into the heart of man. Its nature is wise and just and good. And its goal is the Christ-exalting glorification of God through the gladness of a redeemed people in a new world.

Drawing on a lifetime of theological reflection, biblical study, and practical ministry, pastor and author John Piper leads us on a stunning tour of the sightings of God’s providence―from Genesis to Revelation―to discover the all-encompassing reality of God’s purposeful sovereignty over all of creation and all of history. Piper invites us to experience the profound effects of knowing the God of all-pervasive providence: the intensifying of true worship, the solidifying of wavering conviction, the strengthening of embattled faith, the toughening of joyful courage, and the advance of God’s mission in this world.

John Piper is founder and lead teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. He served for thirty-three years as a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the author of more than fifty books, including Desiring God; Don’t Waste Your Life; and Providence.

God’s Indwelling Presence


Title: God's Indwelling Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments
Series:
Published by: B&H Academic; Illustrated edition
Release Date: August 1, 2006
Contributors: James M. Hamilton Jr. (Author), E. Ray Clendenen (Editor)
Genre:
Pages: 256
ISBN13: 978-0805443837

Were ordinary members of the old covenant remnant continually indwelt by the Holy Spirit? The inaugural volume of the NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY STUDIES IN BIBLE AND THEOLOGY seeks an answer to this question. This new series is geared for pastors, advanced Bible students, and other deeply committed laypersons.

God's Indwelling Presence pursues answers to the following questions: Are regeneration and indwelling the same thing? What do the words indwelling and regeneration mean? What does the Old Testament say about where the Spirit dwelt in relationship to God's people? How does the anointing of Jesus with the Spirit affect our understanding of these questions? If old covenant believers were not indwelt by the Spirit, how did they become and remain faithful to God?

Users will find this an excellent extension of the long-respected NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY.

Endorsements
"Hamilton's work represents biblical theology at its best."
--Kevin Vanhoozer

“I was riveted. Never do I sit down and read sixty pages of ANY book that I get in the mail. But I could not stop—could not stop reading and could not stop rejoicing over God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgment. It is the kind of overview of redemptive history Edwards wanted to write. It’s what I hoped would be written.”
--John Piper

About the Author
James M. Hamilton Jr., is assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) on the Houston Park Place Campus in Houston, Texas. He holds degrees from the University of Arkansas (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and SBTS (Ph.D.). He has published articles in Trinity Journal, Westminster Theological Journal, and many others.

Systematic Theology


Title: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
Published by: Zondervan Academic
Release Date: January 3, 1995
Contributors: Wayne Grudem
Genre:
Pages: 1264
ISBN13: 978-0310286707

The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, of studying biblical teaching on centrally important doctrines such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. Wayne Grudem's bestselling Systematic Theology has several distinctive features:

  • A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine
  • Clear writing, with technical terms, kept to a minimum
  • A contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today
  • A friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect
  • Frequent application to life
  • Resources for worship within each chapter

 Bibliographies in each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies.

MacArthur – The Gospel According to Jesus: What Is Authentic Faith


Title: The Gospel According to Jesus: What Is Authentic Faith
Series:
Published by: Zondervan
Release Date: May 1, 2008
Contributors: John MacArthur
Genre:
Pages: 304
ISBN13: 978-0310287292

The first edition of The Gospel According to Jesus won wide acclaim in confronting the “easy-believism” that has characterized some aspects of evangelical Christianity. Over the past 50 years, a handful of books have become true classics, revered world-wide for their crystal-clear presentation of the Gospel and lauded for their contribution to the Christian faith. These extraordinary books are read, re-read, and discussed in churches, Bible study groups, and homes everywhere. John MacArthur’s The Gospel According to Jesus is one of those books. In The Gospel According to Jesus, MacArthur tackles the idea of “easy believism,” challenging Christians to re-evaluate their commitment to Christ by examining their fruits. MacArthur asks, “What does it really mean to be saved?” He urges readers to understand that their conversion was more than a mere point in time, that, by definition, it includes a lifetime of obediently walking with Jesus as Lord. This 20th-anniversary edition of MacArthur’s provocative, Scripture-based book contains one new chapter and is further revised to provide Christians in the 21st century a fresh perspective on the intrinsic relationship between faith and works, clearly revealing Why Jesus is both Savior and Lord to all who believe.

C.S. Lewis – The Screwtape Letters


Title: The Screwtape Letters
Series:
Published by: HarperCollins
Release Date: 2001
Contributors: C.S. Lewis
Genre:
Pages: 209
ISBN13: 978-0060652890

This engaging correspondence between two devils is one of Lewis’s most brilliantly imaginative creations and has sold millions of copies worldwide

A TIMELESS CLASSIC ON ‘HELL’S LATEST NOVELTIES AND HEAVEN’S UNANSWERABLE ANSWER’. Screwtape is an experienced devil. His nephew Wormwood is just at the start of his demonic career and has been assigned to secure the damnation of a young man who has just become a Christian. In this humorous exchange, C.S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good v. evil, temptation, repentance and grace. Through this wonderful tale, the reader emerges with a better knowledge of what it means to live a good, honest life.

“If wit and wisdom, style and scholarship are requisites to passage through the pearly gates, Mr. Lewis will be among the angels.”

The New Yorker

From the Back Cover
A milestone in the history of popular theology, The Screwtape Letters is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the dynamics of temptation.

This profound and striking narrative takes the form of a series of letters from Screwtape, a devil high in the Infernal Civil Service, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior colleague engaged in his first mission on earth, trying to secure the damnation of a young man who has just become a Christian. Although the young man initially looks to be a willing victim, he changes his ways and is "lost" to the young devil.

Dedicated to Lewis's friend and colleague J. R. R. Tolkien, The Screwtape Letters is a timeless classic on spiritual conflict and the psychology of temptation which are part of our religious experience.

God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgment: A Biblical Theology


Title: God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment: A Biblical Theology
Series:
Published by: Crossway
Release Date: November 4, 2010
Contributors: James M. Hamilton Jr. (Author)
Genre:
Pages: 640
ISBN13: 978-1581349764

In Exodus 34 Moses asks to see God’s glory, and God reveals himself as a God who is merciful and just. James Hamilton Jr. contends that from this passage comes a biblical theology that unites the meta-narrative of Scripture under one central theme: God’s glory in salvation through judgment.

Hamilton begins in the Old Testament by showing that Israel was saved through God’s judgment on the Egyptians and the Caananites. God was glorified through both his judgment and mercy, accorded in salvation to Israel. The New Testament unfolds the ultimate display of God’s glory in justice and mercy, as it was God’s righteous judgment shown on the cross that brought us salvation. God’s glory in salvation through judgment will be shown at the end of time, when Christ returns to judge his enemies and save all who have called on his name.

Hamilton moves through the Bible book by book, showing that there is one theological center to the whole Bible. The volume’s systematic method and scope make it a unique resource for pastors, professors, and students.

About the Author
James M. Hamilton Jr. (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and preaching pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church.

Systematic Theology


Title: Systematic Theology (Three Volumes in One)
Published by: Judson Pr
Release Date: January 1, 1985
Contributors: Augustus H. Strong (Author)
Genre:
Pages: 1166
ISBN13: 978-0817001773

Systematic Theology by Augustus Hopkins Strong, D. D., LL. D. (president and professor of Biblical Theology in the Rochester Theological Seminary) was originally published in three volumes and divided into Eight Parts:

PART I - PROLEGOMENA

PART II - THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

PART III - THE SCRIPTURES, A REVELATION FROM GOD

PART IV - THE NATURE, DECREES, AND WORKS OF GOD

PART V - ANTHROPOLOGY, OR THE DOCTRINE OF MAN

PART VI - SOTERIOLOGY, OR THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION THROUGH THE WORK OF CHRIST AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

PART VII - ECCLESIOLOGY, OR THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

PART VIII - ESCHATOLOGY, OR THE DOCTRINE OF FINAL THINGS

About the Author
Augustus Hopkins Strong (1836-1921) was one of the most influential theologians and church leaders in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. From 1872 until 1912 Strong served as president and professor of theology at the Rochester Theological Seminary in Rochester, New York. Among Northern Baptists he earned profound respect and exercised wide influence. As the Northern Baptist Convention began to polarize into liberal and fundamentalist factions after 1910, Strong sought to unify them on a platform of traditional doctrinal affirmations and modern scholarship. He persuaded John D. Rockefeller to underwrite a great Baptist university, which resulted in the establishment of the University of Chicago. But Systematic Theology was Strong's most influential legacy. Product Description This book is a replica, produced from digital images of the original. It was scanned at the University of Toronto Libraries and may contain defects, missing pages or blemishes due to the original source content. The UT libraries have worked with various digital partners to provide the best possible customer experience and hope you enjoy the results.