A New Systematic Theology Of The Christian Faith 2nd Edition - Revised And Updated [Hardcover]

Robert L. Reymond (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 9, 1998

A contemporary, foundational statement of classic reformed faith, now revised and updated.

• Comprehensive, coherent, contextual, and conversational
• Scripture-saturated, with more exegesis and more Scripture quotations than other one-volume theologies
• Upholds classic Calvinist positions on baptism, the Trinity, church government, and much more
• Interacts with contemporary issues and the work of other theologians
• Reveals the author's warmth and sensitivity born of more than 25 years as a professor at leading Reformed seminaries
• Numerous appendices covering special topics; abundant resources for further study through footnotes, and a selective bibliography
• A textbook for theology students, a life-long reference for libraries, ministers, teachers, and professional theologians

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1252 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 2 Revised edition (August 9, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849913179
• ISBN-13: 978-0849913174
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #460,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, September 1, 2003

By 

theologicalresearcher "theologicalresearcher" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A New Systematic Theology Of The Christian Faith 2nd Edition - Revised And Updated (Hardcover)

Anyone interested in learning about conservative Presbyterian & Reformed (from now on P & R) theology should consult this book. Coming from a Calvinistic Baptist background there are certainly a number of things that I would disagree with in the book. However, Reymond has done a very good job presenting P & R theology in a clear but scholarly fashion. Though many will complain that the book is not balanced and treats some subjects superficially, Reymond's objective was to articulate what the P & R tradition teaches rather than giving us a comprehensive systematic theology (try Erickson's instead). Some P & R people will find that Reymond is too logical rather than biblical and that he relies on Gordon Clark too heavily for his view on revelation, God's nature, the atonement, election, and theodicy. For example, Reymond is unapologetically supralapsarian in his view of the decrees (pp. 488-502) and insists that whatever comes to pass is good because it is willed by God (see section on theodicy on pp. 376-8). Also, his view of Christ's eternality is also controversial departing from the standard Nicene view (a view which I disagree with Reymond). However, you have to give him good marks for trying to defend his particular position. Besides these questionable positions, Reymond does an excellent job defending a very high-view of the inspiration of Scripture (liberal "Christians" perhaps should read up on this section). He also does a good job defending the typical Calvinist understanding of fallen man (that fallen man is totally depraved and unable to save himself). Another aspect of this book I like is the way he presents the orthodox Reformed understanding of the covenants of the Bible. He follows the traditional Westminsterian scheme of a dual covenant of works/covenant of grace structure (covenant of works=meritorious salvation; covenant of grace=salvation by faith in Christ alone). Though I do not agree with this structure, Reymond has given us a good treatment of the topic from a historic Reformed perspective. His section on soteriology is very well done (following the traditional Reformed schema) and his section on ecclesiology is very informative (expousing the Presbyterian and paedobaptist perspective). His section on eschatology could have been better. He writes from an amillennial perspective, but gives lots of Scripture passages to defend his viewpoint (however, many will find his sections on the divergent views of eschatology very informative [pp. 981-6 and 1067-93]). The appendices are also useful--even giving us a brief treatment on the Calvinistic TULIP (pp. 1125-6). Finally, the bibliography section on other systematic theologies is very handy for theology students (pp. 1133-42). One final note before I close. Someone below was disappointed because Reymond didn't really interact with the so-called New Perspective on Paul. Reymond does this in his book on Paul's theology. This book was not a place for Reymond to interact heavily with this growing movement. However, the New Perspective is a new movement that is trying to influence (I should say infiltrate) the P & R tradition. Reymond defends the orthodox Protestant view of justification (pp. 739-56); the New Perspective is trying to destroy the teachings of the past 500 years. Reymond does briefly discuss Daniel Fuller's and E. P. Sanders' views on pp. 431-3 and p. 1116 (footnote), respectively. Reymond does a convincing job telling the readers that the view of justification and law promoted by these two authors (faith+works = justification) is a departure from Reformed (and Protestant) orthodoxy. Reymond is not trying to put-down "biblical theology" here, but trying to defend the correct view of justification by faith alone (sola fide). Those who have a problem with Reymond on this issue are those people who are trying to legitimize their stay within the Protestant tradition while denying a major tenent of the tradition (perhaps they should find a different home to expouse their works-salvation gospel). Only one perspective is right--both cannot be. This book is a must read for all who are interested in P & R theology.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not every one loves Reymond, October 2, 2002

By 

Jerry Dodson (Melbourne, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A New Systematic Theology Of The Christian Faith 2nd Edition - Revised And Updated (Hardcover)

Having read the longer reviews on this site, I have to agree that there are some serious flaws in this book concerning Dr. Reymond's rejection of Nicene trinitarianism. However, those who can recognize these errors can benefit greatly from this volume.
For instance, his presentation of presuppositional apologetics is one of the clearest in print. Part three--"Our 'So Great Salvation'" is worth the price of the book, especially the section on the unity of the covenant of grace. And his defense of Calvinism, particularly limited atonement, is without peer. While I can't recommend this book without reservation, I can tell you that if you read it with discernment, you won't be sorry you bought it.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-researched, provocative and exhaustive, April 10, 2005

By 

Gontroppo "Music and Theology Lover" (Bathurst, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A New Systematic Theology Of The Christian Faith 2nd Edition - Revised And Updated (Hardcover)

Robert Reymond has produced a magnificent account of Christian theology from a Reformed point of view. His book is easy to read, and mainly concentrates on central issues of the faith.

I especially appreciate his work on the atonement, and all the multi-faceted aspects of Christ's death and the chapters on the trinity. I think he gives an excellent explanation of the trinity, and I found his comparison of Nicaea versus Calvin's views interesting and well thought-out.

My review is based on the first edition, and I eagerly look forward to being able to read his revision of chaper 9 [on The Trinity and the Creeds] in the recently released 2nd edition.

As a so-called "Credobaptist" and sympathiser with New Covenant Theology, I am not advocating his covenant theology or teachings on infant baptism. For those topics, see Wayne Grudem's excellent volume.

But I do heartily recommend study of this book which is a result of his 40 years teaching Christian theology.