The Doctrine of God (A Theology of Lordship) Hardcover – May 1, 2002

This book is a great resource on a theology of God. Those who have read other works by the author John Frame will find him on top of his game here as well. This is a work that pastors and teachers would turn to as reference even after completing it. I enjoyed reading this book in two separate instances: once when I was in seminary as something I had to read through rather quickly and the second instance being after seminary at a slower pace as part of my morning routine of devotional-theological readings. I would recommend the second approach as the best way to read this volume.
If it isn’t obvious already: I enjoyed this book very much. I appreciated Frame’s desire to be biblical in his approach towards systematic theology and also his openness to admit areas he’s not as certain about or have concerns with. At the same time this book is robust in its presentation of what is clear from Scripture and this gives readers the confidence in the certainty of what God’s Word teaches concerning God’s attributes, actions and the Trinity. There was so many gold in the book. Here are a few:
• John Frame is right to note the Bible’s central theme of God’s covenant lordship. This observation concerning the Lordship of God is also the central theme of this work on the doctrine of God. Readers will be immensely edified with Frame’s discussion of the various aspects of God’s Lordship. A big part of Frame’s theology is his analysis of how these aspects which he call “perspectives” can be distinct from one another and yet are also interdependent.
• Often the perspectives Frame observes are triadic by nature. Many examples abound in the book and Frame even have the book’s first appendix be a list of these theological triads and other triads found in God’s creation. A big triad motif in the book is the paradigm that God’s Lordship is demonstrated in His control, authority and presence.
• Frame’s desire to be biblical enriches the contemporary discussion in theology of God’s imminence and transcendence. Frame critiques the unbiblical definitions and understanding of God’s imminence and transcendence. Often in unbiblical theology and philosophy God’s imminence and transcendence are pitted against one another however a biblical definition of each are actually logically consistent and without tension. Frame argues that biblical transcendence is really God’s control and authority as opposed to the unbiblical notion of transcendence that asserts God is unknowable. Likewise with a biblical view of God’s imminence Christians means God’s presence and the unbiblical notion that assert God is totally and fully knowable. One shouldn’t miss the diagram on page 113.
• There was six parts to the book and my favorite among them is part five that covers the biblical descriptions of God. It was an edifying read to go over God’s attributes. For instance I enjoyed the book’s discussion of the unchangibility of God on pages 566-572.
• While this work is theological and about theology proper I found that it was beautifully more than just another theology book. It is as if this work is also a work on apologetics, Christian philosophy and theological methods. Again this is the beauty of Frame’s Perspectivalism and also the beautiful exploration of how various doctrines and disciplines are inter-related so beautifully. It makes me worship God more profoundly reading this book!

Dr. Frame's book is a well-crafted work of art. He has a clear focus and executes with remarkable precision. He obviously wants his readers to walk away exposed to, acquainted with, and devoted to the God of the Scriptures - the Lord. This work is saturated with Scripture, often quoted in full length. You can follow his progression very easily. For example, he prefers to follow the order of Scripture in addressing the acts of the Lord before, say the Triune nature of the Lord. Also, more than most systematicians I've read, Frame allows the Bible passage itself to guide his theology, rather than attempting to locate proof texts to support his system. For instance, Frame is unwilling to define miracle, as it is commonly defined among Reformed theologians, as a supernatural work effected by the immediate power of God. He is delicate and biblical, seeking to address the controversial issue with strong biblical acumen. That is one of my favorite chapters.

Frame has a unique style among Reformed theologians. Having a preference for Berkhof and old Princeton guys (like Hodge, Murray, and Warfield), I did not immediately take to his style. I still do not have a strong taste for his trademark tri-perspectivalism. But I can say that his arguments are very persuasive. I am driven to doxology and devotion after reading Frame. His writing is clear, biblical, and robustly Reformed. With this book in particular, Dr. Frame demonstrates that he is to be counted among the great Evangelical theologians, like Packer and Berkhof. Wonderful book!

Not a calvinist myself, but there were some good things in this book besides all that.

One of the best books on the subject. John Frame is solid biblical teaching.

Very thorough treatment of the topic. This is not a quick read.

This book is an excellent foundational study in the person and character of God. I cannot say enough good things about John Frame's books. I am a layman, but love to study theology. This book is easy to read for the most part, even though there are parts somewhat theologically technical, it is mostly smooth reading. His approach to this subject is different than other theologians I am familiar with, Dr. Frame starts with God's acts rather than his attributes. This study is great for the feeding of the soul, as one studies the unspeakable greatness and sovereign lordship of God! I just love this guy! I highly recommend this book. If you are hesitating to dive into this kind of book and have never read any of Dr. Frame's material you might consider starting with his book "Salvation belongs to the Lord". Otherwise, go for it and buy this one!

The size of this book can be intimidating - especially if you're like I am: thinking that you have to read it all, and do so right away.

However, the work is arranged so that you can read one chapter at a time, and sometimes even one short section of a chapter, without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

This is well worth the minimal cost of purchasing it. Frame offers great insights and is "refreshingly" honest about things he does not have conclusions for. If you want to read it through, you won't be sorry. If you want it as a resource book to use at various times, you won't be disappointed.