As we celebrate the 506th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, we look back on the legacy of the movement he started. One of those legacies is the Reformed system of theology that was distilled by another reformer John Calvin in his classic work Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin’s work has been used for a few hundred years by pastors, theologians, seminarians, and laity alike. It can be difficult, almost impossible to improve on such a classic and trusted resource. One such series of systematic theology, published in recent years has not so much improved on Calvin but has continued the tradition of Reformed systematic theology for a new generation. The series, published by Crossway, is written in four volumes by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley titled Reformed Systematic Theology.
In each volume Beeke and Smalley stand firmly in historic, credal, and apostolic Christianity, drawing from original sources from throughout church history. This fact is important to note because it provides validity to the arguments made in each volume. The authors are not attempting to be cutting edge or provide new information, but desire to communicate the “faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Being from the Reformed tradition, Beeke and Smalley draw heavily on the writings of the sixteenth-century reformers, but also draw from Reformed writings of subsequent generations. The series is described succinctly on the Crossway website, “The result is a comprehensive yet accessible systematic theology of the Reformed Christian faith that ministers to the whole person—head, heart, and hands.” This aim is well accomplished.
- Volume One: Revelation and God (Crossway, 2019) – In this first volume Beeke and Smalley explore the first two fundamental doctrines of historic Christian theology: who God is and how he has revealed himself in His Word. Most all systematic theologies begin here, and rightly so, for all other doctrines are laid on this foundation.
- Volume Two: Man and Christ (Crossway, 2020) – In the second volume Beeke and Smalley unpack two crucial doctrines that are central to our understanding who we are as fallen, sinful human beings and what God has done through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Issues discussed are : the Fall of man and his plight, the virgin birth and deity of Christ, as well as his public ministry and Passion.
- Volume Three: Spirit and Salvation (Crossway, 2021) – In the third volume Beeke and Smalley discuss the interconnection between the work of the Spirit and salvation. Too often we neglect to see the role of the Spirit in salvation. This volume helps to provide a biblical foundation for deeper understanding of how salvation is dependent on the Spirit of God.
- Volume Four: Church and Last Things (Crossway, 2024) – In the final volume (expected May 2024), Beeke and Smalley discuss topics such as church membership, church polity, and Jesus’ model for the church. Additionally, they discuss the study of eschatology and seven practical lessons from the book of Revelation.
Features found in each of the four volumes include discussion questions at the end of each chapter, as well as suggested hymns to read or sing to reflect on the doctrines discussed. Theology is not intended to be merely an intellectual exercise, it is meant to drive us to worship. Providing discussion questions at the end of each chapter aids the student in thinking deeper about the material. The questions also encourage discussion among colleagues to sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron. Including hymns in the book reveals the heart behind the work of the two authors. If theology does not drive us to sing to our God and Savior then it is dead. Unfortunately, hymns that are gripped with deep truths is becoming a lost art. (For a deeper discussion on the role of hymns in the Church click here).
Reformed Systematic Theology is an excellent resource to deepen one’s understanding of the Christian faith as expressed in the Reformed tradition. A word of warning, however, the task should not undertaken by the faint of heart. Each volume consists of well over one thousand pages bringing the tally of all four volumes to between four and five thousand pages. This work would be most appreciated by pastors, teachers, seminary students and professors. They would make an excellent required reading for graduate level systematic theology courses. The work also makes for a great reference resource for lay persons. The subject and scripture indices prove helpful in locating certain topics of interest without reading the volume in its entirety. Subsequently, however, Joel Beeke has expressed that he and Dr. Smalley are working on a condensed version of the series to be published by Crossway at a future date. When/if this condensed edition is available it will be more suitable to personal study. In the meantime, this resource is highly recommended and proves to be a value to those who desire further study in systematic theology.
Editor’s Note: This title was received by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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