Essential Truths of the Christian Faith (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With the layperson in mind, Dr. Sproul offers a basic understanding of the Christian faith that is interesting, informative, and easy to read. Here are brief explanations of biblical concepts every Christian should know in language everyone can understand. Highlighted with homespun analogies, more than 100 doctrines are categorized under major headings for easy reference. Contains chapter summaries, reading suggestions, diagrams, and more.

Spanish available

About the Author

Dr. R. C. Sproul is chairman and president of Ligonier Ministries, an organization that provides biblical and theological training for laypeople. He is the Minister of Preaching and Teaching at Saint Andrews Chapel in Sanford, Florida and has served as a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, Knox Seminary, Westminster Seminary California, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The author of many books on the Bible and Christian doctrine, including the award-winning The Holiness of God, he also hosts the international radio program "Renewing Your Mind," heard in over 120 countries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842320016
• ISBN-13: 978-0842320016
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,848 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for any Christian library, November 21, 2002

By	Daniel L Edelen (Mt. Orab, OH USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" lives up to its title. As a quick overview of Christian doctrine (from a Reformed Theology perspective) there is no book like it that I have come across. And having once been the book buyer for a Christian bookstore, I've seen a truckload or two of books.

I have always liked R. C. Sproul's works. His "The Holiness of God" is the finest overview of that topic available. Sproul brings the same dedication to "ETotCF", providing the reader with core theological points and the Scriptures to back them. As a quick reference it shines. For anyone starting in the faith or seeking a more broad grounding in doctrine, this is as good a place to start as any.

The very fact that so much is being covered in so few pages means that there is an automatic issue of depth. No topic is covered in its full theological glory. Entire volumes have been written on topics like faith and sin, so one cannot come to this work expecting mind-bending treatises or total analysis. Most of the hundred and two topics are only given two to three pages at most. This makes the "Essential" in the title true: only the essence exists here. But again, for what it seeks to accomplish, this book hits the bullseye.

If you are not familiar with Reformed Theology, it differs slightly from other schools of theological thought, but not in any way as to be questionable. Personally, I find Reformed thought to be the most solid of all the differing viewpoints. But as such, there will be some differences in the issues of grace, eschatology, methodologies of sanctification and justification, and ecclesiology. Charismatics/Pentacostals, for example, will find him at once sympathetic and antagonistic to many cherished doctrines. One must remember, though, as with all books on doctrinal issues, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. And more often than not, Sproul will be waiting for you at the middle ground.

One of those rare books that shoul occupy space in every Christian's bookshelves, I go back to it again and again. And when it comes down to it, what more could you want?

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Title Says It All, November 25, 2002

By	A. Wolverton (Crofton, MD United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

R. C. Sproul's 'Essential Truths' is just that: essential. For anyone new to the Christian faith, or for anyone seeking answers to what Christians believe, this book will be a welcome read.

Sproul tackles all of the major tenets of Christianity from "Who is God" to "What is Heaven like?" What does baptism mean? What is sanctification? Should I obey the government?

The book contains 102 chapters, none of which runs more than three or four pages. The bite-sized chunks are perfect for personal daily reading or for group study. Each chapter also contains Scriptural references dealing with the topic covered.

'Essential Truths' will not answer all your questions, but it is a good place to start for the new Christian, the skeptic, or anyone in between. My only complaint: Sproul gives a list of books for further reading at the back of the book, but doesn't break them down by category. All in all, however, Sproul has given readers a great introduction to the basics of the Christian faith.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Gift For New Christian (and a scholar, too), March 28, 2002

By	"davespn" (Bethlehem, PA United States) - See all my reviews

In short, this is 100+ of the most basic (therefore "Essential" as the book's name implies) topics in the bible, well-organized, discussed in a concise, reader-friendly format.

This is a book for:

1. The Christian that knows "what" they believe but really not "how to prove it." (Most of us)

2. A NEW CHRISTIAN, or someone who is thinking about becoming a christian and/or questioning it. IT HELPS THE NEW CHRISTIAN know what the Bible says so they have a better chance at not getting deceived by false doctrines/Satan's tricks.

3. A strong Christian, to keep on the shelf for debate material or to show/explain to the people listed in #'s 1 and 2.

One thing to note: it is from a reformed perspective (if you don't know what that means, then don't even worry about it.) Even though it is reformed, it leaves for some interpretation and shows respect for slightly different viewpoints on the minor topics.