P&R Reformed Theology Collection (9 vols.)

by Mark Jones; Richard B. Gaffin Jr.; Glenn R. Kreider; Jim Scott Orrick

and

4 more

Publisher:

P&R

, 2001–2019

Overview

With a long tradition of theologically-grounded publishing in the Reformed tradition, Presbyterian & Reformed (P&R) Publishers provides an important voice on a wide variety of theological topics central to Christian life and practice. The P&R Collection assembled here presents nine volumes that examine a range of theological issues relevant to contemporary believers.

Key Features

• Examines the function of adoption in Pauline thought
• Explains the basic yet profound ideas and teachings of Calvinism
• Explores God’s active involvement in his creation from the very beginning

Antinomianism: Reformed Theology’s Unwelcome Guest?

• Author: Mark Jones
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 192

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

an·ti·no·mi·an (noun)—

One who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation. —Merriam-Webster’s dictionary

Hotly debated since the sixteenth century in the Reformed theological tradition, and still a burning issue today, antinomianism has a long and complicated story.

This book is the first to examine antinomianism from a historical, exegetical, and systematic perspective. More than that, in it Mark Jones offers a key—a robust Reformed Christology with a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit—and chapter by chapter uses it to unlock nine questions raised by the debates.

The problem of antinomianism is a hardy perennial for the church. A mischievous movement is afoot at the moment—its soaring rhetoric about grace is matched by an equally casual presumption on grace. Mark Jones’s book is thus to be welcomed: it is biblically grounded, historically sensitive, and above all timely.

—Carl R. Trueman, Paul Woolley Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary

Mark Jones (PhD, Leiden University) is senior minister at Faith Vancouver Presbyterian Church (PCA) and research associate at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He has written and edited several books and most recently coauthored A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life.

By Faith, Not by Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation, 2nd ed.

• Author: Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 160

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Proponents of the “New Perspective” on Paul generally reject or minimize the concept of an ordo salutis ("order of salvation") in his writings. Building on the biblical-theological groundwork of the Reformed tradition, Richard B. Gaffin Jr. explores Paul’s understanding of how individuals receive salvation.

Even Peter acknowledged that Paul wrote some things that are hard to understand, yet the central elements of Paul’s teaching are clearly explained by Gaffin as he unfolds Paul’s focus on Christ’s death and resurrection and the essence of his ordo salutis.

No one can read this book without being struck again by the depth and coherence of the apostle’s teaching—and by Gaffin’s skill in expounding it.

—Moisés Silva, Formerly Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Richard B. Gaffin Jr. is professor emeritus of biblical and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

God with Us: Exploring God’s Personal Interactions with His People throughout the Bible

• Author: Glenn R. Kreider
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2014
• Pages: 240

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

The humility of God is a mind-boggling concept. The self-sufficient, transcendent Holy One . . . does he really come down to the level of those he has created?

Yet this is not only true, but a major biblical theme—God’s way of relating to his creatures is by condescending to come to where they are. The ultimate example is Christ’s incarnation—but this is not the only time God has humbled himself for his creation, either before or afterward.

Glenn Kreider explores the whole Bible to show us the full scope of God’s active involvement in his creation from the very beginning. This better understanding of God’s humility will affect our own humility and our attitude toward serving those around us.

This is not a book that shrinks the greatness of the God of Scripture, that cuts him down to our size. On the contrary, it recounts how the biblical story shows this great and awesome God humbling himself again and again to rescue the likes of us! I pray the Lord will use it to promote a passion for generous humility.

—Robert A. Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Glenn R. Kreider (ThM, PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is professor of theological studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. Previously he served a church in Cedar Hill, Texas, as pastor and as director of the Christian Education program.

Hero of Heroes: Seeing Christ in the Beatitudes

• Author: Iain M. Duguid
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 124

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Hero. Someone we admire, someone we want to be like. But does your idea of a hero include someone poor in spirit? Meek? Merciful?

In this fresh look at the Beatitudes, Iain M. Duguid shows how Jesus turns our concept of a hero upside down. The Beatitudes hold out to us a higher form of heroism—the character and attitudes found in the Hero of Heroes.

Iain Duguid again takes us by the hand and leads us to Jesus. This book is so powerfully pastoral and heart-reaching, the language so simple and powerful, that we may not be aware of the biblical scholarship that drives it.

—Edmund P. Clowney

Iain M. Duguid (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has written numerous works of biblical exposition, including Esther & Ruth in the Reformed Expository Commentary series, Ezekiel in the NIV Application Commentary series, and Numbers in the Preaching the Word series.

Mere Calvinism

• Author: Jim Scott Orrick
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 224

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

What do you know about Calvinism?

There are so many misconceptions about Calvinism that it is safe to say that even most Christians do not truly know what it teaches. You may have grown up in a Reformed church, or you may have heard about Calvinism mostly in arguments. Either way, it may surprise you to know that this belief has huge, and very positive, implications for a believer’s daily life!

Jim Orrick clears up misinformation about Calvinism and explains its basic yet profound ideas and teachings—using the Bible as the basis for everything he says.

Making use of relatable life illustrations, as well as an engaging, clear, and friendly style, he sets out the basics of what Calvinism teaches, explores each of the five points that summarize its positions, and addresses rebuttals and misunderstandings. Learn why the teachings of Calvinism not only matter, but can renew your trust and hope in the gospel!

Some people make it sound as though you need a college degree to understand the Bible. Orrick presents profound theology in a simple, clear, and thoroughly scriptural way.

—Iain M. Duguid, Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

Jim Scott Orrick is professor at Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as the author of A Year with George Herbert: A Guide to Fifty-Two of His Best Loved Poems.

Sons in the Son: The Riches and Reach of Adoption in Christ

• Author: David B. Garner
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 400

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Rarely addressed throughout church history, the doctrine of adoption has seen fresh attention in recent years. Although valuable, contemporary studies have focused primarily on etymological, cultural, and pastoral considerations, giving little to no attention to vital systematic theological concerns.

In this groundbreaking work, Professor David Garner examines the function of adoption in Pauline thought: its relationship to the doctrines of Christ, the Holy Spirit, eschatology, and union with Christ, as well as its primary place among the other benefits of salvation.

Adoption frames Pauline soteriology, Garner argues, and defines the Trinitarian, familial context of redemption in Christ, the Son of God. Properly understood, adoption’s paradigm-shifting implications extend deep and far.

This book is a gem: a precious mind-clearing, heartwarming achievement.

—J. I. Packer

David B. Garner (Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Westminster Theological Seminary) is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary.

The Lord’s Supper: Eternal Word in Broken Bread

• Author: Robert Letham
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 84

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

A call to a renewed hunger and thirst for the Lord’s Supper, this book unfolds a historic Reformed understanding in contrast to other views. Building on careful biblical analysis, Robert Letham explains why we have the Supper, how we partake of Christ in it, who should take communion, and related matters.

In their legitimate interest in preaching and the Word, American Presbyterians have never been known for having a well-developed sacramental theology or for giving the sacraments a central place in worship. Robert Letham begins to remedy this fault in this very effective introduction to the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Accessible for laymen and laywomen, it should also be read by pastors and elders.

—D. G. Hart

Robert Letham (MAR, ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary; PhD, Aberdeen University) is professor of systematic and historical theology at Union School of Theology in Bridgend, Wales, and the author of a number of books, including The Holy Trinity, The Lord’s Supper, and Union with Christ.

Union with Christ: In Scripture, History, and Theology

• Author: Robert Letham
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 176

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Union with Christ is the central truth of the whole biblical teaching about salvation. The entirety of our relationship with God can be summed up in this doctrine.

Yet when people ask what this union actually is, we flounder.

The incarnation shows that God has made us to be united with him, and God has given us his Word to enable us to understand the nature of this union. Explore this doctrine from Scripture with Robert Letham, along with some help from the church fathers up through modern theologians.

This is a stimulating work that all pastors and students should read and absorb into their preaching and teaching ministry.

—Gerald Bray, Research Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Robert Letham (MAR, ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary; PhD, Aberdeen University) is professor of systematic and historical theology at Union School of Theology in Bridgend, Wales, and the author of a number of books, including The Holy Trinity, The Lord’s Supper, and Union with Christ.

What about Free Will? Reconciling Our Choices with God’s Sovereignty

• Author: Scott Christensen
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 304

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Christensen explains two views that acknowledge God’s sovereignty and its relation to human responsibility: compatibilism and libertarianism. Providing cogent, biblical answers, Christensen argues for compatibilism and shows how it makes sense of evil, suffering, prayer, evangelism, and sanctification. You will gain a deeper understanding of both arguments, as well as a greater appreciation for the significant role that choices play in God’s work.

Many think that free will is the silver-bullet answer to some of theology’s most difficult questions. But do we have a free will? Short answer: it depends on what you mean by ‘free.’ Long answer: read this book.

—Andrew Naselli, Bethlehem College and Seminary

Scott Christensen (MDiv, The Master’s Seminary) is the author of What about Free Will? He worked for nine years at the award-winning CCY Architects in Aspen, Colorado: several of his home designs were featured in Architectural Digest magazine. Called out of this work to the ministry, he graduated with honors from seminary and now serves as the associate pastor of Kerrville Bible Church in Kerrville, Texas.