Handbook of Basic Bible Texts [Paperback]

John Jefferson Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 9, 1984

This volume provides the complete text of key Scripture passages that form the basis for theological study. The text used is the highly readable and modern New International Version. The verses listed are grouped by the classical categories of systematic theology (e.g., God, Christ, Salvation); on disputed points, verses from which the major theological views derive are given. Footnotes provide clarification and brief commentary on verses as appropriate. This work is intended to assist the theological student who might not take the time to look up the verses cited in systematic theologies, but it will also be useful to anyone seeking to better understand the major themes of Scripture.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This volume provides the complete text of key Scripture passages that form the basis for theological study. The text used is the highly readable and modern New International Version. The verses listed are grouped by the classical categories of systematic theology (e.g., God, Christ, Salvation); on disputed points, verses from which the major theological views derive are given. Footnotes provide clarification and brief commentary on verses as appropriate. This work is intended to assist the theological student who might not take the time to look up the verses cited in systematic theologies, but it will also be useful to anyone seeking to better understand the major themes of Scripture.

About the Author

John Jefferson Davis, PhD, is Associate Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (May 9, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310437113
• ISBN-13: 978-0310437116
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Jefferson Davis, PhD, is Associate Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars helps you decide for yourself what the text actually says..., May 24, 2000

By 

"shofar" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Basic Bible Texts (Paperback)

This is an excellent book to help you understand the basic theological differences between major doctrinal interpretations. Instead of giving you "unbiased" commentary on each verse which is almost always, by definition, slanted toward one side or another, the author simply gathers together the main texts each side uses to prove their position. This not only helps you decide for yourself if you agree with any of them or not, but it also trains you to recognize a good or bad argument when you hear one.

Since the different views must rely only upon the scriptures to support them in this book, you begin to see which arguments are the strongest biblically and which ones seem to be stretching the truth. All of the comparative doctrinal texts are placed in close proximity for easy comparison. You will learn a lot of theology (hopefully not just your own) by simply reading this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Quick Reference and Great Footnotes!, January 21, 2002

By 

Adam Toy (Kittanning, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Basic Bible Texts (Paperback)

Sometimes, when reading a book, I skip the footnotes in order to save time. I wouldn't dare do that with this book! The footnotes are the best part because they show HOW the verses are understood by those with opposing beliefs. They show why, for example, you can have two or more different theological views each supported by the SAME bible verses! Very interesting reading. This book is a great quick reference and is also good for devotional reading. I assign this book when I teach new members classes in my church! This is a book that should never go out of print!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Resource For Bible Students, March 30, 2011

By 

David P. Craig "Life Coach 4 God" (Tustin, California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Handbook of Basic Bible Texts (Paperback)

John Jefferson Davis, professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, has provided a very practical resource for Bible Students who desire to check out what the Bible has to say on the various aspects of Systematic Theology (what the whole Bible has to say on a given topic/doctrine).

Each chapter in the book includes a major subject of the Bible followed by a brief introduction; all the relevant verses on the topic in sequential order; brief theological comments on most of the verses; and recommended resources for each subject at the end of each chapter.

Here are the Subjects Covered in the Book:

1) Scripture - Verbal inspiration and Inerrancy.
2) God - His existence; Divine attributes - Metaphysical & Moral; The Trinity, and Election (verses supported by both Calvinists and Arminians).
3) Creation.
4) Providence - Nature, World History, and Personal Circumstances.
5) Person of Christ - Humanity and Divinity; Divine Titles; Divine Attributes or Qualities; Divine Actions and Prerogatives; etc.
6) Man - Man's Original State; Aspects of Human Nature (Trichotomy and Dichotomy); Man in the State of Sin (Original Sin; Personal Sin, Manifestations and Consequences of Sin.
7) Work of Christ - Preaching, Teaching, Miracles; Obedience; Death; Resurrection; and Ascension.
8) Salvation and the Christian Life - Calling and Regeneration; Repentance and Faith; Justification; Sanctification (Wesleyan, Reformed, Pentecostal Distinctives); Perseverance (Reformed and Wesleyan/Arminian Views).
9) The Church - Nature of the Church; Government of the Church; Mission of the Church.
10) Sacraments - Baptism (General Texts; Believer's Baptism; Infant Baptism); Lord's Supper (General Texts, Lutheran, Reformed, and Zwinglian Views).
11) Individual Eschatology - Death and the Intermediate State
12) General Eschatology - The Second Coming of Christ; Millenial Views (all four major views); The General Resurrection; The Final Judgment; The Eternal State.

As a teacher, preacher, disciple maker, mentor, counselor, and life coach for Christ - I find myself coming to this book over and over again to provide just the right verse/s for my understanding and instruction on a particular topic. I like the fact that Davis allows you to formulate your doctrine based on the Biblical evidence. It is more helpful than a concordance in that theological truths are taught throughout the Bible without using theological words (e.g. "Trinity;" "pre-millennial"; etc.) I can't recommend this book highly enough.