Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary

by Matthew Barrett

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2017

Five hundred years ago, the Reformers were defending doctrines such as justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and God’s grace in salvation—some to the point of death. Many of these same essential doctrines are still being challenged today, and there has never been a more crucial time to hold fast to the enduring truth of Scripture.

In Reformation Theology, Matthew Barrett has brought together a team of expert theologians and historians writing on key doctrines taught and defended by the Reformers centuries ago. With contributions from Michael Horton, Gerald Bray, Michael Reeves, Carl Trueman, Robert Kolb, and many others, this volume stands as a manifesto for the church, exhorting Christians to learn from our spiritual forebears and hold fast to sound doctrine rooted in the Bible and passed on from generation to generation.

Key Features

• Presents a wide variety of viewpoints on the Reformation and Reformation theology
• Includes a historical background to the Reformation and a look at medieval theology

Contents

• Prologue: “What Are We Celebrating? Taking Stock after Five Centuries” by Michael Horton
• Introduction: “The Crux of Genuine Reform” by Matthew Barrett
• Part 1: Historical Background to the Reformation
  • “Late-Medieval Theology” by Gerald Bray
  • “The Reformers and Their Reformations” by Carl R. Trueman and Eunjin Kim
• Part 2: Reformation Theology
  • “Sola Scriptura” by Mark D. Thompson
  • “The Holy Trinity” by Michael Reeves
  • “The Being and Attributes of God” by Scott R. Swain
  • “Predestination and Election” by Cornelis P. Venema
  • “Creation, Mankind, and the Image of God” by Douglas F. Kelly
  • “The Person of Christ” by Robert Letham
  • “The Work of Christ” by Donald Macleod
  • “The Holy Spirit” by Graham A. Cole
  • “Union with Christ” by J.V. Fesko
  • “The Bondage and Liberation of the Will” by Matthew Barrett
  • “Justification by Faith Alone” by Korey D. Maas
  • “Sanctification, Perseverance, and Assurance” by Michael Allen
  • “The Church” by Robert Kolb
  • “Baptism” by Aaron Clay Denlinger
  • “The Lord’s Supper” by Keith A. Mathison
  • “The Relationship of Church and State” by Peter A. Lillback
  • “Eschatology” by Kim Riddlebarger

Top Highlights

“What distinguishes the Reformation, however, is that its deepest theological concern was the gospel itself. In other words, the Reformation was a renewed emphasis on right doctrine, and the doctrine that stood center stage was a proper understanding of the grace of God in the gospel of his Son, Christ Jesus.” (Page 45)

“I am haunted by John Stott’s warning to me years ago that evangelicalism is ‘growing, but superficial.’” (Page 20)

“Sola Scriptura meant for him that all other authorities, as venerable as they may be, stand under the authority of Scripture and are to be tested by what is taught in Scripture. At the point of the final word, Scripture stands alone. Other Reformers would build on Luther’s insights in the light of the challenges that inevitably came.” (Page 161)

“Yet most fundamentally, the Reformation was a theological movement, caused by doctrinal concerns” (Page 44)

“This lengthy introduction thus far is meant to make one pivotal point: at the center of the Reformation was a return to a gospel-centered, Word-centered church.” (Page 60)

Endorsements

Dr. Barrett has gathered a full stable of blue-ribbon theologians for this winning volume. All the essays are carefully contextualized, the Reformers judiciously selected, and the bibliographies thoughtfully assembled. Some chapters are especially notable for the breadth and depth of the author’s research, others for their adroit summaries of complex themes. There is little doubt that Reformation Theology will ably serve the church and academy as a textbook for students and a reference work for scholars. It is already reshaping my own teaching on late-medieval and early-modern theology, and I commend it heartily.

—Chad Van Dixhoorn, Chancellor’s Professor of Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary–Washington, DC

This delightful volume is a breath of fresh air in Reformation studies, putting theology back at the center. It shows with crystal clarity how the Reformers expounded the heart of the Christian faith, and why these evangelical doctrines still matter so much.

—Andrew Atherstone, Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford

This rich book takes up the challenge to think beyond 2017 and does so in a very stimulating manner. Each of the contributors is an expert in his field and knows that the Reformation is a highly relevant treasure for both the church and theology. They convincingly encourage the readers to think through this treasure and adopt it. Everyone eager not just to look back at five hundred years of reformation but also to look forward finds here the perfect material.

—Herman Selderhuis, Director, Refo500; Professor and Director of the Institute for Reformation Research, Theological University Apeldoorn, the Netherlands

Product Details

• Title: Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary
• Author: Matthew Barrett
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 2017
• Logos Release Date: 2017
• Pages: 784
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Reformation; Theology, doctrinal › History--16th century
• ISBNs: 9781433543289, 9781433543319, 9781433543296, 9781433543302, 1433543281, 1433543311, 143354329X, 1433543303
• Resource ID: LLS:REFORMATIONTHEO
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:40:02Z

About Matthew Barrett

Matthew Barrett is Associate Professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine, an evangelical publication making theology accessible to those in the church. He is the host of the Credo podcast, where he has conversations with the best theologians today to discuss the most important issues in theology. Dr. Barrett has been the executive editor of Credo Magazine for over ten years, publishing over 40 issues.