“In this impressive systematic theology, Robert Letham sets before us the ripe fruit of a long career of devoted scholarship. He does so with clarity, confidence, and thoughtful judgment. The result is an elixir drawn from Scripture into which he has carefully stirred ingredients from Patristic orthodoxy, medieval theology, and Reformation and post-Reformation confessionalism. These are judiciously mixed by a theologian conscious that he is writing for the twenty-first century. Systematic Theology is Letham’s personal bequest to the church of Jesus Christ. A magnum opus indeed—which students, ministers, and scholars will find to be a real stimulation to their theological taste buds!”
Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries
“This is a first-class volume, impressively erudite, yet eminently readable. Scrupulously biblical, but at the same time recognizing the value of Christian tradition, it draws extensively, but judiciously, on the insights of the early church fathers, the Reformed confessions, and federal theology, while remaining in constant dialogue with the world of contemporary theological scholarship. The overall organization reflects Letham’s independence of judgment, and the end product is not only a Reformed systematic theology of enduring value but also an encyclopedic reference work for both historical and systematic theology. Unsurpassed in its field.”
Donald Macleod, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Edinburgh Theological Seminary; author, A Faith to Live By; The Person of Christ; and Christ Crucified
“Robert Letham has blessed us with a systematic theology that is sure to stimulate reflection, discussion, and deeper understanding of both the Holy Scriptures and the church’s interpretations of them to formulate its theology over the last two millennia. One does not need to agree with every detail of Letham’s magnum opus to realize that here is a treasure house of Christian wisdom on the whole counsel of God that will inform your mind and move your heart and affections to serve your Savior and Lord more single-mindedly and zealously than ever before.”
Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Permissions
Abbreviations
Introduction
Part 1: The Triune God
1. The Revelation of God
2. The Trinity: Biblical Basis
3. The Trinity: Church Formulation
4. The Trinity: Ongoing Questions
5. The Attributes of God
Part 2: The Word of God
6. The Doctrine of Scripture
7. Scripture and Tradition
8. The Interpretation of Scripture
Part 3: The Works of God
9. Creation
10. Providence
Part 4: The Image of God
11. Humanity in Creation
12. Humanity in Covenant
13. Humanity in Sin
Part 5: The Covenant of God
14. Election and the Counsel of Redemption
15. The Covenant of Grace
Part 6: Christ, the Son of God
16. Incarnation: Biblical Teaching
17. Incarnation: Church Formulations
18. Incarnation: Ongoing Questions
19. Christ Our Great High Priest
20. Christ Our King
Part 7: The Spirit of God and the People of God
21. Union with Christ
22. Salvation and the Church
23. The Beginning of the Christian Life: Regeneration and Effectual Calling
24. The Beginning of the Christian Life: Justification
25. The Progress of the Christian Life: Adoption, Assurance, Sanctification
26. The Progress of the Christian Life: The Lord’s Supper and Theōsis
27. The Church and Its Offices
Part 8: The Ultimate Purposes of God
28. The Future
29. The Parousia and the Resurrection
30. The Final Judgment and Hell
31. The Life of the World to Come
Appendix 1:Main Interpretations of Genesis 1
Appendix 2: Historic Creeds
Glossary
Bibliography
Name Index
Subject Index
Scripture Index