Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 2nd ed.

by Wayne Grudem

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2020

Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology

The most widely used text of the last twenty-five years in its discipline, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem has been thoroughly revised and expanded (all fifty-seven chapters) for the first time while retaining the features that have made it the standard in its field: clear explanations, an emphasis on each doctrine’s scriptural basis, and practical applications to daily life.

Part of the brilliance of Systematic Theology over the years has been its simplicity and ease of use. Each chapter follows the same structure.

1. A discussion of the doctrine being considered, such as justification or the Trinity or the deity of Christ
2. An explanation of where that doctrine is supported in the Bible and possible objections follow
3. Personal application and key terms to know for personal growth are then provided
4. Chapters also include a Scripture memory passage, references to other literature on the topic, and suggested hymns and worship songs

If you are someone who thinks theology is hard to understand or boring, then this new edition of Systematic Theology will likely change your mind.

Read: Why You Should Use Wayne Grudem’s New Edition of His Systematic Theology in Your Bible Study

 

Key Contents of Systematic Theology

• Part 1: The Doctrine of the Word of God
• Part 2: The Doctrine of God
• Part 3: The Doctrine of Man in the Image of God
• Part 4: The Doctrines of Christ and the Holy Spirit
• Part 5: The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption
• Part 6: The Doctrine of the Church
• Part 7: The Doctrine of the Future

 

What’s New in the 2nd Edition of Systematic Theology?

With several hundred pages of new content, this new edition now includes the following distinctive features.

• Updated, fuller analysis of several recent controversies within evangelicalism, including: the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son in the Trinity, the question of God’s atemporal eternity, the role of women in the church, “Seeker-sensitive” churches, miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, and contemporary worship music
• New, thoughtful critiques of: open theism, the New Perspective on Paul, Molinism (or “middle knowledge”), “Free Grace” theology, and the preterist view of Christ’s second coming
• Completely revised, stronger chapter on the clarity of Scripture
• Completely revised, stronger chapter on creation and evolution (including a longer critique of theistic evolution)
• New discussion of how biblical inerrancy applies to some specific “problem verses” in the Gospels
• Additional material respectfully explaining evangelical Protestant differences with Roman Catholicism, Protestant liberalism, and Mormonism
• Completely updated bibliographies
• All Scripture quotations updated from RSV to ESV
• An explanation of why monogenes in John 3:16 and elsewhere should be translated as “only begotten” rather than merely “only” (this is a change from the first edition)
• A contemporary worship song added at the end of each chapter (while retaining the traditional hymns as well)
• Numerous other updates and corrections

 

Articles you may find of interest on systematic theology:

• Theology: The Definitive Guide to Getting Started
• What Is Systematic Theology and Why Does It Matter?
• Writing a Systematic Theology? Top 100 Bible References to Cover
• Include Systematic Theology in Your Bible Exposition 
• Quickly Find a Topic in Systematic Theologies

Top Highlights

“The emphasis of systematic theology is on what God wants us to believe and to know, while the emphasis in Christian ethics is on what God wants us to do and what attitudes he wants us to have. Such a distinction is reflected in the following definition: Christian ethics is any study that answers the question, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us about which acts, attitudes, and personal character traits receive God’s approval, and which do not?’⁸ Thus theology tells us what we should believe while ethics tells us how we should live.” (Page 7)

“ the canon of Scripture is the list of all the books that belong in the Bible.” (Page 39)

“The authority of Scripture means that all the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.” (Page 62)

“Our choice of topics need not be restricted to the main concerns of the biblical authors, for our goal is to find out what God requires of us in all areas of concern to us today.” (Page 13)

“With evidence such as this we are now in a position to define biblical inerrancy: the inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.” (Page 85)

Praise for the Print Edition

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

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

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

Product Details

• Title: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition)
• Author: Wayne Grudem
• Edition: Second Edition
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 2020
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Pages: 1586
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Religion › Christian ministry--Pastoral resources; Religion › Biblical reference--Handbooks; Religion › Christian living--Devotional
• ISBNs: 9780310518020, 9780310517993, 9780310120025, 9780310120100, 9781789742084, 9780310517979, 0310518024, 0310517990, 0310120020, 0310120101, 1789742080, 0310517974
• Resource ID: LLS:GRUDEMST2ED
• Resource Type: Systematic Theology
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:23:40Z

About Wayne Grudem

Wayne Grudem is a New Testament scholar turned theologian, author, and research professor of Bible and theology at Phoenix Seminary, Arizona. He earned a BA from Harvard University, an MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary, and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. In 2001 Grudem moved to Phoenix Seminary after having taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School for more than twenty years where he was also the chairman of the Department of Biblical and Systematic Theology.