Book Review: Reformed Systematic Theology Vol. 1 by Joel Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

In the world of Reformed Theology works on systematic theology abound. Many are simply outstanding and without equal. However, Joel Beeke and Paul M. Smalley have produced an outstanding work with Reformed Systematic Theology Vol. 1 which doesn’t fit the standard mold. Besides exploring deep theological doctrines, theology can and should speak to the heart.

"Today’s churches need theology that engages the head, heart, and hands. Too often, we have compartmentalized these aspects of life (as if we could cut ourselves into pieces). The result has been academics for the sake of academics, spiritual experience without roots deep in God’s Word, and superficial pragmatism that chases after the will-o’-the-wisp of short term results." (Pg. 18)

And this they have achieved. This was not written exclusively for the seminary student or scholar in mind, although both would benefit, but rather the common person who sits in the pew every week hungering for more. Our study of theology should never remain stagnate but should always produce doxology.

Academically this is a sound work. It delves deep into theological subjects without weighing the reader down with over-the-top language. "While we discuss very deep subjects, our treatment is not technical but accessible." Even a cursory reading will demonstrate this to the reader.

"Since we firmly believe that systematic theology must be grounded in Scripture, not only will you find thousands of proof texts here, but you often will find us exegeting, expounding, and applying key portions of Scripture that lie at the heart of each doctrine. For example, in chapter 51, we walk through Romans 9, showing what it teaches concerning the doctrines of election and reprobation. We trust that you will see by our example how important it is that systematic theology is grounded in exegetical and biblical theology." 

Additionally, and unlike other systematic works, study questions for the average Joe and also the advanced student are found at the end of each chapter. A psalm or hymn is also provided that can be sung in response to the lessons in learned in each chapter.

This is a vast work at 1000 pages plus, far too much to explore in this brief review, but perhaps a look at the contents will give you an idea of the depth of this work:

PART 1: PROLEGOMENA: INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY AND THE DOCTRINE OF REVELATION

Analytical Outline: Prolegomena

Section A: Introduction to Theology

1 What Is Theology? Part 1: An Academic Discipline

2 What Is Theology? Part 2: A Spiritual Discipline

3 Who Does Theology? Where? When?

4 Which Theology Do We Do? Part 1: Christian, Catholic, Evangelical

5 Which Theology Do We Do? Part 2: Reformed: Historical, Confessional, Theological, and Hermeneutical Perspectives

6 Which Theology Do We Do?

Part 3: Reformed: Polemical and Experiential Perspectives

7 Why Do We Do Theology?

8 How Do We Do Theology? Part 1: Spiritual Dynamics

9 How Do We Do Theology? Part 2: Academic Methods

Section B: The Doctrine of Revelation

10 Theological Fundamentals of Divine Revelation

11 General Revelation, Part 1: Biblical Teaching

12 General Revelation, Part 2: Philosophy and Science

13 General Revelation, Part 3: Natural Theology and Theistic Arguments

Excursus: Some Historical Perspective on Natural Theology and Theistic Proofs

14 Special Revelation: Biblical Teaching

15 Errors Regarding Special Revelation, Part 1: Romanism and Liberalism

16 Errors Regarding Special Revelation, Part 2: Liberalism’s Offspring

17 The Bible as the Word of God

18 The Properties of the Written Word, Part 1: Authority and Clarity

19 The Properties of the Written Word, Part 2: Necessity, Unity, and Efficacy

20 The Properties of the Written Word, Part 3: Inerrant Veracity

21 The Properties of the Written Word, Part 4: Objections to Inerrancy

22 The Properties of the Written Word, Part 5: Sufficiency 

23 The Cessation of Special Revelation, Part 1: Charismatic Continuationism

24 The Cessation of Special Revelation, Part 2: Prophecy Today

25 Applied Revelation for Practical Fruit

PART 2: THEOLOGY PROPER: THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

Analytical Outline: Theology Proper

Section A: The Doctrine of God’s Triune Glory

26 Introduction: The True Knowledge of God

27 Introduction to God’s Nature and Attributes, Part 1: Biblical Teaching

28 Introduction to God’s Nature and Attributes, Part 2: Theological Issues

29 The Name of “the Lord” (YHWH)

30 The Holiness of the Lord

31 Gods That Are Not God

32 God’s Spirituality

33 God’s Simplicity: “The Lord Our God Is One Lord”

34 God’s Infinity, Part 1: Incomprehensibility, Aseity, and Immensity

35 God’s Infinity, Part 2: Eternity: Infinity with Respect to Time

Excursus: Problems of Time and Eternity

36 God’s Immutability, Part 1: Biblical Teaching

37 God’s Immutability, Part 2: Theological Issues

38 God’s Knowledge, Part 1: Omniscience and Wisdom

39 God’s Knowledge, Part 2: Foreknowledge

40 God’s Sovereignty: An Introduction to Omnipotence

41 God’s Moral Excellence, Part 1: Goodness and Love

42 God’s Moral Excellence, Part 2: Truth and Righteousness

43 God’s Moral Excellence, Part 3: Jealousy, Impassibility, and Joy

44 God’s Moral Excellence, Part 4: Wrath and Compassion

45 The Trinity, Part 1: Biblical Teaching

46 The Trinity, Part 2: Historical Development

47 The Trinity, Part 3: Theological and Practical Considerations

Section B: The Doctrine of God’s Sovereign Purpose

48 The Decree of God: General Considerations

49 Predestination, Part 1: Election and Reprobation

50 Predestination, Part 2: Historical Development through Reformed Orthodoxy

51 Predestination, Part 3: Questions and Uses

52 God’s Providence, Part 1: Biblical Teaching

53 God’s Providence, Part 2: Problems and Applications

Section C: The Doctrine of Angels and Demons

54 The Holy Angels of God

55 Satan and the Demons

Bibliography

General Index

Scripture Index

And, dear reader, remember this is only volume 1!

As children of God with the desire placed within us by the Spirit, we can never learn enough about our Lord.  We spend our lifetimes seeking Him out and enjoying Him. Reformed Systematic Theology Vol. 1 is a wonderful place to start.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page. Thoughts and opinions are my own.