Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Introductory Systematic Theology, July 4, 2006
I have a good selection of systematic theologies on my bookshelf. They range from the very readable to the almost hopelessly complex. Some of the authors are clearly very knowledgeable but have not been blessed with the ability to easily communicate that wealth of knowledge. Others are great communicators but, unfortunately, do not have as great an understanding of theology. Sometimes, though, these gifts come together in the form of a person who both knows a great deal about theology and is able to communicate his knowledge in a clear, understandable way. The latest addition to these volumes is Salvation Belongs To The Lord, written by John Frame. While smaller than most systematics, at only 360 pages, it is, to borrow the words of William Edgar, both "vigorously orthodox and sweetly pastoral."
Frame is a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida where he teaches Systematic Theology and Philosophy. He previously served several decades on the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary. A number of years ago, Frame began to write a multivolume series of studies that examine major biblical concepts from the perspective of the Lordship of God (The Theology of Lordship series). Since that work had begun, he had often been asked if he would compile this series into a complete systematic theology and had always answered "no." But then, in 2003, he was asked to teach a survey course in systematics for the Institute for Theological Studies in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He delivered the lectures in 2004 and they formed the basis for Salvation Belongs To The Lord. The systematic theology came into being despite his best efforts to the contrary. This book is related to his ongoing Theology of Lordship Series but is not part of it. "This book will not be part of the Theology of the Lordship series, but readers of those books will find here the same approach: exegetical, Reformed, and focused on the lordship of God and of Jesus Christ."
Frame wrote Salvation Belongs To The Lord to be an introduction to systematic theology. And an introduction it is, as evidenced by its small size compared to other systematics. By way of comparison, Grudem's Systematic Theology weighs in at almost 1300 pages and Hodge's is far larger still, extending through three very dense volumes. Frame's book "is not directed primarily to readers of the Lordship series but to beginners in theology, people who are seeking a basic introduction." To target this audience, he has endeavoured to define all technical terms and has adopted a conversational, pastoral tone. He considers this work to be college or seminary level in its difficulty, though I suspect even a high school student who was sufficiently dedicated would be able to benefit from reading it.
One of the hooks Frame employs throughout this book is "a system of threes,...lordship triads, which runs through the whole book. This system is mainly a pedagogical device, but I hope it will show you some important ways in which everything in the Bible is tied together. As you will see, the Bible is not a miscellaneous collection of ideas but a coherent, consistent system of truth in which the major doctrines depend one on another." While I appreciated this pedagogical device, I did not find that it contributed a whole lot to my reading of the book, though it also did not prove burdensome. I can see that it would, for some people, prove a valuable addition and it does accomplish what Frame hopes it will. It points quite clearly to a unity within Scripture.
The book is divided into two sections, the first dealing primarily with objective truths such as: "The nature of God, the Trinity, the person and work of Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit." It deals largely with truths and events that are once-for-all and will never be repeated. The second section discusses events that are more subjective and repeatable, such as justification and sanctification--events that happen in the life of each believer. In this second section, Frame follows closely in the path of John Murray and his book Redemption Accomplished and Applied. After discussing the ordo salutis (or order of salvation) he discusses the nature and task of the church, the means of grace, the sacraments, heaven and hell and the last days. Fittingly, he closes with a chapter asking "how then shall we live?"
Frame quotes liberally from Grudem's Systematic Theology and there is a fair resemblance in much of their theology. He agrees with Grudem in most points, the most notable exception being a differing understanding of the miraculous gifts. The connection between Grudem and Frame is explained in the dedication of Grumdem's book. He writes, "This book is dedicated to eight people." Among these are "Edmund Clowney, John Frame, and Vern Poythress, Westminster Seminary professors and friends, who influenced my theological understanding more than anyone else, and who taught me Reformed theology in humble submission to every word of Scripture." It is little wonder, then, that the two men share so much common ground.
Here is a brief summary of some of the more important positions Frame has adopted: In soteriology, he is Calvinistic. In eschatology he is, when backed into a corner, reluctantly post-millennial. In his understanding of ecclesiology he is Presbyterian (and thus, sacramental and paedo-baptistic) and when considering the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, he is cessationist. I was somewhat surprised to see that, when discussing the task of the church, he teaches that the church must be missional, and he thus places greater emphasis on the Great Commission than would many Reformed and Presbyterian believers. Despite this long list of labels, he is charitable, willing and able to discern between first-order and second-order doctrines. He draws firm lines only where they need to be drawn, affirming his appreciation for all who are committed to the gospel.
Salvation Belongs To The Lord is not an exhaustive systematic theology, for it is, and is intended to be, only an introduction. And as an introduction it succeeds admirably. Clearly the result of much study and much thoughtful meditation, this book is clear and understandable, while at the same time expressing many of the deepest truths of the Christian faith. The reader would be remiss to skip over the lists of recommended reading at the end of this book, for Frame lists many excellent resources in "systematic theology and theological method" as well as many solid "introductions to the Reformed faith." I trust that, for many, this book will prove to be only the beginning of a lifelong, fruitful study of the Christian faith. I eagerly recommend Salvation Belongs To The Lord to anyone who seeks to know more about the great God we serve. This book is sure to edify all who study it, whether they be long-time believers or recent converts. It will prove to be a delight to read.
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Unique Approach to Systematic Theology, July 30, 2006
Salvation Belongs to the Lord is an introduction to systematic theology that grew out of a class John Frame recorded for the Institute of Theological Studies. Mr. Frame wrote it for those who are beginners in theology, though he considers "this work to be college or seminary level in difficulty." (x)
After the preface, the book is comprised of twenty-five chapters covering the broad range of theological topics. These include who God is, who man is, the relationship between God and man, salvation, the church, end times, and how to live. At the back of the book is a list of recommended reading as well as subject and scripture indexes- which are rather important for a book of this nature.
This introduction to systematic theology applies John Frame's multiple-perspective approach to the wide scope of theology. Specifically, he perceives all things through normative, situational, and existential perspectives. "When you ask directly what God's revelation says, you are using the normative perspective... When you ask about God's world, trying to understand situations we get into, I call that the situational perspective... Then when you ask about yourself, when you seek to know yourself, you are seeking to know from what I call the existential perspective." (77)
Though Mr. Frame claimed this was seminary level in difficulty, I did not think it was that difficult. He does an outstanding job of explaining complex terms and concepts in a manner that requires no prior introduction to the material. I appreciated that though he quotes from other theologically works and confessions, the vast majority of references are to Scripture as the foundation for good theology.
Most of the book is very well thought out and explained on the basis of Scripture. However, there are a few points that are not. For example, when discussing whether there is still the gift of prophecy today, Mr. Frame explains the view of Wayne Grudem at length. In response he simply states, "I am not convinced of Grudem's thesis." (167) An argument or two against the thesis would have been more helpful then simple disagreement. In covering the function of the church, Mr. Frame puts forward that the purpose of the church is evangelism. In all of his discussion of the church, however, he does not really get into discipleship, and because of that the church he puts forward seems rather unbalanced- very outward focused but somewhat hollow inside.
Those points aside, Salvation Belongs to the Lord is a well-done and valuable introduction to systematic theology from which just about anyone can benefit. John Frame's multiple perspective approach makes the unique enough to earn its place next to the other top systematic theologies in our seminaries and homes.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beginner's take on theology, October 19, 2006
As someone who is new to the different aspects of Thelogoy, but not new to Christianity I found the book to be quite challenging, but in a good way. I purchased the book for a homework assignment in Bible college and I was not aware of all the different facets to theology, so this book for me was kind of an introduction to theology. I like the fact that I was able to follow his argument because sometimes theology can be thick with terms that are not always easy to comprehend. I struggle sometimes with taking a view on things and I can accept most arguments if backed up by the word of God. And most of what Frame wrote in this book is backed up by the Scripture. For me, that's all I ask.
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