Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth

Excellent! I like Editors John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue way of structuring this Systematic Summary of Bible Truth - biblical Doctrine better than the structure of Editor Wayne Grudem An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine Systematic Theology 2nd Edition . Also the MacArthur book print is easier to read and Gruden that maybe because MacArthur book is slightly taller and slimmer, where as Grudem is shorter and thicker. More important however, is that I disagree with a few of Gruden's theology verses that of MacArthur. Those few areas of disagreement is, I believe, why Masters Seminary graduates worked get the MacArthur/Mayhue book and stopped using Gruden's book.

John F. MacArthur, Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2017, 1,024 pp. $41.43A theological tour de force. A magnum opus. A breath-taking panorama that leaves the reader in awe. These are only a few descriptions of Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth. by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue.The book is arranged as one might expect, according to the various branches of systematic theology:ProlegomenaGod’s Word: BibliologyGod the Father: Theology ProperGod the Son: ChristologyGod the Holy Spirit: PneumatologyMan and Sin: Anthropology and HamartiologySalvation: SoteriologyAngels: AngelologyThe Church: EcclesiologyThe Future: EschatologyA comprehensive glossary is included which helps beginning students with cumbersome theological language. Also included is an excellent topical and Scriptural index for instant access to this treasure trove.Each branch of theology is carefully explained and biblically defended. Opposing views are highlighted and refuted with grace and tact. MacArthur and Mayhue never leave the reader guessing. As such, there is never a hint of ambiguity here.Several terms characterize Biblical Doctrine. These terms will either attract or repel readers, but will nonetheless provide a helpful template for evaluating the prospect of plopping down almost $50.00 for a book!Biblical – This book is literally drowning in Scripture. Anyone familiar with MacArthur’s writing, in particular, will not be surprised to find a dogmatic edge. But dogmatism undergirded by humility and informed by Scripture is surely a path worth tracing out.Evangelical – This book is guided by a commitment to the gospel. Look elsewhere for a pragmatic approach. Readers will be blessed by the relentless pursuit of Jesus and his resplendent glory.Orthodox – This book is committed to historic orthodoxy, which is grounded by a literal, grammatical hermeneutic. Liberalism is soundly defeated and relegated to the ash heap.Reformed– This book is informed by the infrastructure of the Reformers of the sixteenth century. Weaving throughout this volume is a commitment to grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, and to God alone be the glory.John MacArthur helpfully sums up the essence of the Reformed faith:“It is the marvel of marvels that the King of kings, whose glory is exalted above the heavens, should lift a finger to rescue even one of such vile traitors as the sons of Adam. Then to learn that this infinitely worthy King has purposed to redeem not one but countless multitudes at the cost of the life of his own dear Son bows the sinner’s heart in humble wonder.”I cannot recommend Biblical Doctrine highly enough. It is an outstanding addition to the growing number of books committed to teaching systematic theology. Students will be challenged and stretched; spiritual growth will no doubt occur as they pour over the many pages of this tome. But most significantly, their hearts and minds will be drawn to worship and glorify the Triune God. Soli Deo Gloria!I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Why didn’t I find this earlier?! Excellent book and clearly written and explained for non-clergy individuals. Every topic you can think of and so many of my questions being answered. The language of the Bible can be mysterious and this book really gives clear explanations and references. So happy I found and ordered this book!!

The Church today is lost in terms of ‘knowing God.’ Recently, Ligonier ministries conducted a national survey called the “state of Theology.” In this survey, they questioned professed Christians regarding what could be called Essential Christian Doctrine. This essential doctrine is the basic building blocks of the faith of any evangelical denomination in history past and today. Yet, based off the survey, the vast majority of professing American Christians are completely wrong in answering basic Christian faith-based questions. The concern from this survey is just sad, it’s alarming. If you do not have right belief then how do you have right salvation? The answer is; you don’t!The right belief/faith comes from the right revelation/the Bible and Dr. MacArthur’s work outlines this clearly so that the reader can come to the right understanding.I have been a Teaching Pastor for three years and I would claim this book as a must have for anyone that is teaching in a Christian church. It is the most cogent expression of biblical truth that I have personally read among comparisons of Systematic Theology. Systematic theology in its simplest understanding is merely the comprehensive answer that God reveals in Scripture regarding any specific topic. Though this book isn’t considered a Systematic Theology writing, it simply, directly, and clearly addresses the Essential Doctrines of the Christian faith. If you are a Christian you need to read this book. Our flock in American is weak because they are confused. In the NT, it says that the Apostle Paul ‘went from church to church strengthening the disciples.’ The secret elixir that Paul strengthened the disciples with is no secret, it was Biblical truth!Biblical Doctrine should be read and taught by church leaders nation-wide. We have to stop teaching and placating toward social niceties and the culture. American culture and being socially nice does nothing, absolutely nothing, to instruct how God has revealed Himself to humanity. It is Scripture alone that teaches the believer what to believe about God. This book helps collate that teaching in an organized and pristine fashion.

I am a John MacArthur fan, so this review may be a little biased but I believe and agree with most of his views and teaching. I also have his study Bible. This book is a very good All in one theology book. A must have for anyone wanting to understand biblically why they believe what they believe.

Books arrived quickly and in excellent shape! Thank you for great service!!!

This is by far the best systematic theology out there. It is comprehensive without being exhaustive. Would highly recommend.