After a quarter century of remarkable usefulness globally, Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, in its second edition, remains 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 thank God for this precious gift to Christ's people worldwide. * John Piper, founder and teacher, Desiring God, chancellor, Bethlehem College and Seminary *
Praise for the first edition: If you were hoping to find a student's 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 *
I know of no other systematic theology that has had such an impact on so many believers. I have personally benefited from it and widely recommended it. Both its accessibility and its thoroughness have served to draw many thousands of believers into serious Bible study. I am delighted to recommend this new edition with its additional material. * Terry Virgo, founder, Newfrontiers family of churches *
I have been thankful to God for Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology for many reasons, but here are the top three. First, it is a means of making theology accessible and clear for every Christian. I have commended this work to many and ensured that our children had it as part of their essential Christian library before leaving home. Second, Wayne Grudem is rightly convinced that theology should be lived and prayed and sung. The study of God and his Word compels holy awe, joyful worship, and willing obedience. Third, this book has an absolute commitment to the authority and infallibility of Scripture, alongside the recognition that believers who submit to the authority of the Word differ on the interpretation of numerous issues. Each section provides a comprehensive listing of alternative works. I am delighted that this updated edition is now available for a new generation. * Dr. Sharon James, social policy analyst, the Christian Institute, UK, author and speaker *
For more years than I can remember, Grudem (as I and most of my friends refer to it now) has been the go-to reference book in my songwriting, as it invariably brings clarity, balance, and profound insight in exploring the central themes of the Christian faith. And I'm delighted that this updated edition includes much-needed discussion on some hot topics of the moment, including penal substitution and the creation debate. This is a must-have addition to the libraries not only of pastors and teachers but also of worship songwriters who take their lyric writing seriously. I highly recommend it. * Stuart Townend, hymn writer of In Christ Alone and How Deep the Father's Love *
I warmly welcome the second edition of Systematic Theology. There is nothing like it. Here is an introduction to biblical doctrine that every believer can read and understand. As we read we are not only informed but edified and led to worship. And when we disagree or simply want to dig deeper, we are pointed to other resources in the Christian tradition. Just as the first edition was widely used, so I trust this new edition will do much good. * Bill James, principal, London Seminary, UK *
Wayne Grudem's second edition of Systematic Theology displays all the virtues of the first. He shows and explains how the doctrines discussed stem from the biblical text. Even if readers disagree here or there, they understand why Grudem argues as he does since he makes his case from the Scriptures. The book stands out for its clarity and accessibility. Academics, immersed in technical study for years, are prone to forget that most people have never read a systematic theology before. The lucidity and simplicity of Grudem makes his work an ideal textbook. This is not to say that scholars cannot profit from his work as well since he lays out arguments cogently. The pastoral tone of the work shines through as well. The hymns and songs concluding the chapters remind us that theology isn't a matter of abstract teaching but should lead us to praise and worship of the Lord. * Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor Of Biblical Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *
Wayne Grudem studied with me in the early 1970s, and both of us have endorsed one another's systematic theologies. That is perhaps unusual. Our two books look at theology from somewhat different perspectives, as I like to say, and so they appeal to somewhat different readers. But Grudem's book has sold a lot more copies, and deservedly so. I couldn't be happier. I wish that all Christian writers could be as thankful for God's ministry through friendly rivals, authors who bless the church through biblical, clear, and winsome teaching. Scripture is so rich that we need to look at it from many angles. We need more systematic theologies, not fewer. But for now, Wayne's work is the best. * John Frame, professor of systematic theology and philosophy emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary *
It is impossible to estimate the benefit that Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology has had for countless individuals, churches, Bible colleges, and seminaries over the past twenty-five-plus years. I've gladly used it as my main text in teaching theology to thousands of students whom I've had the privilege to teach at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Southern Seminary. And oh how my students have loved the clarity, comprehensiveness, worshipfulness, and biblical fidelity of this textbook. But now we have, due to Dr. Grudem's painstaking work, an even better, more complete, updated version of this excellent theology book. Praise be to God, and deep thanks to Wayne Grudem, for extending the life of this work and making it even better for another generation of theological students of God's Word. * Bruce A. Ware, T. Rupert and Lucille Coleman Professor of Christian Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky *
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem stands squarely in the stream of broadly 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. In this second edition he has made further improvements by including new material and by modifying his views on a few difficult issues. * Vern Poythress, distinguished professor of New Testament, biblical interpretation, and systematic theology, Westminster Theological Seminary *
I can neither quantify nor qualify all the ways in which Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology has assisted me over the past twenty-five years. I've turned to it innumerable times and for innumerable reasons, and it has invariably proven a trusted and steady guide. It was there when I was first exploring Christian doctrine and there when I was ready to dive deeper. I can say truly that few books have been more meaningful or had more influence. With the arrival of this long-awaited second edition, it is fitting that the book that has so guided me and my generation can be refreshed in such a way that it can equally impact my children and theirs. I have every confidence that it will. * Tim Challies, author of Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History *
How does one improve on a classic? You can't, say some. But I beg to differ. In this second and expanded edition of Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem has made his classic work even better, more insightful, significantly more detailed, and an even greater resource for the Christian and the local church. When I'm asked to recommend a good and comprehensive volume on Christian doctrine and practice, I never hesitate. My encouragement is precise and to the point: Get Grudem! * Sam Storms, PhD, lead pastor for preaching and vision, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City *
I used to tell people that Grudem's Systematic Theology was the best single volume theology available. After using it for a quarter of a century, I now believe it is the best of all the systematic theologies in print, single or multivolume. It is one of those rare works that can challenge the scholar and instruct the beginner. This new edition addresses the most important changes in the theological landscape since 1994, and it has completely updated bibliographies. It is simply indispensable. * Dr. Jack Deere, author and Old Testament scholar *
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 Grudem's 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, former Beeson Professor of Christian Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary *
Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology can help any Christian who is thinking through the great questions of our faith-the questions we all inevitably ask. The answers offered here are biblical, insightful, and clearly written. I have turned here many times through the years, and I have always been helped and enriched. * Ray Ortlund, Immanuel Church, Nashville *
My favorite systematic theology by my favorite systematic theologian just got even better. Systematic Theology is simple but not simplistic, thorough but not tedious, decided in its positions but not dogmatic on debatable matters, and it provides ready explanations for even the thorniest theological questions. Best of all, Wayne's writing is warm, devotional, and Christ-exalting. There are good reasons to own other systematic theologies, but there is not a good reason to not own this one! * C. J. Mahaney, senior pastor, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville *
