Copyright Page
2018 by Gregg R. Allison
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2018
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1272-3
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011
Scripture quotations labeled NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Portions of this work draw on Gregg R. Allison, The Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms , Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2016. Used by permission.
Portions of part 7, Doctrine of the Church, have been taken from Sojourners and Strangers , 2012 by Gregg R. Allison, pp. 35355, 36065, 37075, 38283, 387, 39095, 403, 40910, 412, 41820, 42830. Published and used by permission of Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.
Endorsements
This is a helpful introduction to theology, especially with its questions and suggestions for further study. Gregg Allison has done yeomans labor helping us to understand why we came to the biblical convictions that we have throughout history. Here, he shows us why it is (and must be) grounded in the Scriptures.
Michael Horton , J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California
One of evangelicalisms finest theologians offers us this clear, handy, faithful, and insightful introduction to the major doctrines of the Christian faith. And he ably guides church leaders in organizing and teaching these truths. This is a wonderful handbook that church leaders will turn to time and time again.
Christopher W. Morgan , dean and professor of theology, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University
This is a much-needed resource for the body of Christ, especially for new believers or those who have not as yet delved into the whole counsel of God. Gregg Allison writes with insight on each issue and does a remarkable job of articulating multiple interpretations of each one. His presentation of the evidence and arguments for differing views is evenhanded and displays both the Christian charity and clarity that we have come to expect of everything he writes. For those who are put off by massive volumes on systematic theology, this is the book for you. And for those who want more than a surface, superficial treatment of critically important biblical and theological doctrines, this is the book for you. There is no one in whom I have more trust to write a book such as this than Gregg Allison. From this day forward, when Im asked, What do Christians believe? How do I sort through the variety of positions? And why should I care? I will send them to Greggs excellent volume.
Sam Storms , lead pastor for preaching and vision, Bridgeway Church
This is a remarkably useful book for anyone who wants to teach biblically based Christian doctrine to Gods people. It is refreshingly clear; it contains insightful questions that will encourage active discussion; it clearly explains and rejects the erroneous teachings that have sprung up to distort each biblical doctrine; and it continually makes application to life. Any church that works through this book will come out much stronger as a result!
Wayne Grudem , research professor of theology and biblical studies, Phoenix Seminary
Systematic theologies are known as door stopper texts. They both instruct the faithful and keep you from getting hit by solid wood. We need the longer books, but we also need shorter versions. Gregg Allisons new volume gives us a strong dose of sound doctrine, but in an easy-to-digest format. This is a great book for small groups, those in discipling relationships, and anyone who is tired of soft words and vague generalities. One of evangelicalisms top theologians has served Christs body well.
Owen Strachan , associate professor of Christian theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; coauthor, The Pastor as Public Theologian
Dedication
I dedicate this book to the leadership, staff, and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through their constant encouragement to write, their valuing of publishing so their faculty can extend its influence throughout the world, and their provision of regular sabbaticals, they foster a creative environment that results in books like 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith .
My particular appreciation goes to the board of trustees; R. Albert Mohler, president; Randy Stinson, provost; Greg Wills and Adam Greenway, deans; Michael Wilder and Jonathan Pennington, directors of the PhD program; the administrative staff; and my faculty colleagues. We labor together to train, educate, and prepare ministers of the gospel for more faithful service to Jesus Christ our Lord and his church expanding throughout the world.
With thankfulness and profound respect, I dedicate this book to you.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction to Christian Doctrine
Part 1: Doctrine of the Word of God
1. The Inspiration of Scripture
2. The Truthfulness (Inerrancy) of Scripture
3. The Authority of Scripture
4. The Sufficiency and Necessity of Scripture
5. The Clarity of Scripture
6. The Transformative Power of Scripture
7. The Canonicity of Scripture
Part 2: Doctrine of God
8. The Knowability and Incomprehensibility of God
9. The Incommunicable Attributes of God
10. The Communicable Attributes of God
11. The Trinity
12. Creation
13. Providence 103
14. Angels, Satan, and Demons
15. Human Beings in the Image of God
16. Human Nature
17. Sin
Part 4: Doctrine of God the Son
18. The Person of the Son of God
19. The Offices of the Son of God
20. The Work of the Son of God
21. Resurrection, Ascension, and Exaltation
Part 5: Doctrine of God the Holy Spirit
22. The Person of the Holy Spirit
23. The Work of the Holy Spirit
24. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Part 6: Doctrine of Salvation
25. Common Grace
26. Election and Reprobation
27. Union with Christ
28. Regeneration
29. Conversion
30. Justification
31. Adoption
32. Baptism with the Holy Spirit
33. Sanctification
34. Perseverance (with Assurance of Salvation)
Part 7: Doctrine of the Church
35. The Church: Nature and Marks
36. Purity and Unity of the Church
37. Church Discipline
39. Church Government
40. Baptism
41. The Lords Supper
42. Worship
43. Mission and Ministry
Part 8: Doctrine of Future Things
44. Death and the Intermediate State
45. The Return of Jesus Christ
46. The Millennium
47. The Resurrection
48. The Final Judgment
49. Eternal Punishment
50. The New Heaven and New Earth