Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief

by John Frame

Publisher:

P&R

, 2013

Overview

Systematic Theology is the culmination and creative synthesis of John Frame’s writing on, teaching about, and studying of God’s Word. This magisterial opus—at once biblical, clear, cogent, readable, accessible, and practical—summarizes the mature thought of one of the most important and original Reformed theologians of the last 100 years. From start to finish Frame’s Systematic Theology shows how the Bible explains God’s sweeping plan for mankind. Using clear and practical language accessible for both pastor and layperson, Frame seeks to help readers apply Scripture to life.

Key Features

• Explains Christian doctrine with clarity and thoughtful reflection
• Employs a Scripture-centered approach to theology
• Uses practical language accessible to both pastor and layperson

Contents

• Introduction to Systematic Theology
• The Biblical Story
• The Doctrine of God
• The Doctrine of the Word of God
• The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God
• The Doctrine of Angels and Demons
• The Doctrine of Man
• The Doctrine of Christ
• The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
• The Doctrine of the Church
• The Doctrine of the Last Things
• The Doctrine of the Christian Life

Top Highlights

“In my judgment, the best definition of the word miracle is ‘an extraordinary manifestation of God’s covenant lordship.’” (Page 124)

“Creation is an act of God alone, by which, for his own glory, he brings into existence everything in the universe, things that had no existence prior to his creative word.” (Page 185)

“The angelic fall did not infect all the angels as the human fall infected all human beings” (Page 774)

“‘Miracles are extraordinary manifestations of God’s covenant lordship.’ If I were asked to provide a theologically” (Page 129)

“Notice the frequent emphasis in these passages that teaching has the purpose of building people up in faith and obedience to God. Notice also the phrase sound doctrine, in which sound is hygiainos, ‘health-giving.’ The purpose of teaching is not merely to state the objective truth, but to bring the people to a state of spiritual health.” (Page 7)

Endorsements

Few in our day champion a vision of God as massive, magnificent, and biblical as John Frame’s. For decades, he has given himself to the church, to his students, and to meticulous thinking and the rigorous study of the Bible. He has winsomely, patiently, and persuasively contended for the gospel in the secular philosophical arena, as well as in the thick of the church worship wars and wrestlings with feminism and open theism. He brings together a rare blend of big-picture thinking, level-headed reflection, biblical fidelity, a love for the gospel and the church, and the ability to write with care and clarity.

—John Piper, founder, Desiring God Ministries

John M. Frame’s Systematic Theology is a remarkable achievement. It is simultaneously scholarly yet accessible, sweeping in scope but penetrating in insight, steeped in historic orthodoxy yet fresh in reflection.

—Peter A. Lillback, president, Westminster Theological Seminary

Systematic Theology . . . is a worthy climax to the life’s work of one who has only ever sought to be a faithful servant of Christ, teaching in his church. It is a privilege to celebrate its appearing and to commend it for serious study. I guarantee that the dividends of such study will be uniformly high. Thank you, John Frame, for this superb gift.

—J.I. Packer, Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College

Clear, thorough, intelligent, and fair to opposing views, John Frame’s work will now be the standard within traditional Reformed theology.

—Cornelius Plantinga Jr., president emeritus, Calvin Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief
• Author: John Frame
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 1280
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Theology, doctrinal
• ISBNs: 9781596382176, 9781596388215, 9781596388222, 1596382171, 1596388218, 1596388226
• Resource ID: LLS:JHNFRMSSYSTH
• Resource Type: Systematic Theology
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-28T17:54:29Z

About John Frame

John M. Frame (b. 1939) is an American philosopher and a Calvinist theologian especially noted for his work in epistemology, presuppositional apologetics, systematic theology, and ethics. He is one of the foremost interpreters and critics of the thought of Cornelius Van Til. Dr. Frame formerly taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, and Westminster Theological Seminary.