Wayne Grudem - Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. This introduction to systematic theology has several distinctive features.

• A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching
• 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 with each chapter
• Bibliographies with each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies.

Grudems book... stands squarely in the historical Reformed tradition on the main issues of theology, including the doctrine of Scripture, the doctrine of God, and the doctrine of salvation.... Perhaps the strongest feature of the book is its accessibility. Grudem does not water down the meat of theology. But by minimizing technical terminology and by including hymns, questions, and indications of application, he makes systematic theology much more accessible and life-invigorating for a large range of Christian readers.

Vern S. Poythress, Westminster Theological Seminary

The whole church is indebted to Wayne Grudem for a fresh presentation of evangelical Christianity.... Even those who do not share his... positions on certain issues will be enriched by Grudems clear statement of basic evangelical theology and his helpful cross-references to other major theological positions. Of particular value is his constant eye to the application of doctrine to personal life, ministry, and the church. For Grudem, intellectual understanding cannot be separated from heart experience.

Allan Coppedge, Asbury Theological Seminary

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem is classic theology for todays church.... Beyond most theological works, Grudem addresses doctrine to life, in thought, practice, and worship. Although not everyone will agree with all of Grudems conclusions, he has gifted the church with a wealth of biblical and theological teaching in a solid, conservative, evangelical tradition.

Robert L. Saucy, Talbot School of Theology

Dr. Grudems new work is characterized by exegetical depth, clarity of expression, and contemporary relevance. It deserves wide acceptance as a text in systematic theology.

John Jefferson Davis, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Grudems Systematic Theology is destined to become a classic. He leads his readers through the most controversial and difficult areas of theology with unparalleled clarity.... This work is capable of leading a beginner into the process of mature theological reflection as well as challenging and delighting the seasoned theologian. I have never enjoyed a systematic theology as much as this.

Jack Deere, Author and Lecturer

Grudem builds a wonderfully personal evangelical theology from a deep commitment to the truth and authority of Scripture that honors the best traditions of Protestant orthodoxy.... It will help evangelicals realize the importance of doctrine while encouraging us toward a much-needed theological consensus.

Gerry Breshears, Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon

Written in a clear manner, this is one theological publication that is worthy of serious study by everyone.

Baptist Standard

It will teach you, challenge you, expand your thinking, and warm your heart. Theologian, pastor, and layperson alike will benefit greatly from this finely crafted work. It comes from the heart and mind of one of the churchs finest servants and most careful and able scholars.

James A. Borland, Liberty University

Once in a while one encounters a book in which some statements are so apt that one feels like saying: I wish I had written that. Dr. Grudems Systematic Theology is one such book! It is... not burdened with technicalities that make it difficult to understand, although technical terms... are explained so that the reader may be cognizant of them. It is very well organized and presents a thorough evangelical position. Where evangelicals differ it provides a fair evaluation of diverging views. It has valuable paragraphs on application, significant Scriptures to be memorized, and an appendix with important creeds and confessions of faith.

Roger Nicole, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida

Wayne Grudem understands that every Christian does theology, that doctrine inevitably finds its application in the believers life. Clearly written, this volume demonstrates an appreciation for the rich diversity of traditions within the body of Christ while at the same time reminding us that our faith is rooted in historic Christian truth.

Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship Ministries

If you were hoping to find a students textbook of theology that seeks your spiritual no less than your intellectual formation, rejoice. Wayne Grudem has written exactly what you wanted, and he has done so very competently indeed.

J.I. Packer, Regent College

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem is a fair-minded, thorough text in systematic theologythe best I have seen in recent years in terms of convenient organization, clarity, and a willingness to tackle the most salient issues of the day. This is an admirable blending of the scholarly and devotional elements seldom achieved in academic books.

Paige Patterson, Southeastern Baptist Seminary

Systematic Theology is remarkable for its extraordinary juxtapositions. It is penetrating but not confusing; forthright and unequivocal but not reckless or overstated; readable and clear but not superficial; biblically grounded, even biblically saturated, but not textually careless or glib; devout and reverent but not uncritical or naive; practical but not trendy or sentimental; comprehensive but not majoring on minors; a book for the church but not parochial or sectarian. I expect to turn to it for decades.

John Piper, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis

Altogether a magnificent achievement which deserves to be widely used among evangelicals.

Gerald Bray, Beeson Divinity School

Grudem has opened the windows to let fresh air blow away mustiness and permit the Holy Spirit to infuse soundly biblical, clearheaded evangelical theology with new life and power.

Jack W. Hayford, The Church on the Way, Van Nuys, California

This book is available in computer-readable form from Bits & Bytes Computer Resources, 623 N. Iowa Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937.

Systematic Theology
EPub Reader Format
Copyright 1994 by Wayne Grudem
Appendix 6 and glossary copyright 2000 by Wayne Grudem

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

ISBN-13: 978-0-310-56602-1

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952, 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used by permission. However, the author has, with permission, modernized archaic personal pronouns and has changed the verbs accordingly. Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972 by the Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California. Used by permission. Those marked NIV are from the