Reformation Theology

Five hundred years ago, the Reformers were defending doctrines such as justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and God's grace in salvation—some to the point of death. Many of these same essential doctrines are still being challenged today, and there has never been a more crucial time to hold fast to the enduring truth of Scripture. In Reformation Theology, Matthew Barrett has brought together a team of expert theologians and historians writing on key doctrines taught and defended by the Reformers centuries ago. With contributions from Michael Horton, Gerald Bray, Michael Reeves, Carl Trueman, Robert Kolb, and many others, this volume stands as a manifesto for the church, exhorting Christians to learn from our spiritual forebears and hold fast to sound doctrine rooted in the Bible and passed on from generation to generation.

What Do the Five Points of Calvinism Really Mean? Many have heard of Reformed theology, but may not be certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and they'd like to know more about it. But they want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one. What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful book, R. C. Sproul walks readers through the foundations of the Reformed doctrine and explains how the Reformed belief is centered on God, based on God's Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Sproul explains the five points of Reformed theology and makes plain the reality of God's amazing grace.

This volume studies Reformation-Era theology by comparing how various denominations formulated and treated topics, thus encouraging ecumenical dialogue. It will remain the definitive place for teachers and students of theology to begin any further study into the origins and formulation of their denomination's teachings during this period.

The church needs good theology that engages the head, heart, and hands. This four-volume work combines rigorous historical and theological scholarship with application and practicality—characterized by an accessible, Reformed, and experiential approach. In this volume, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley explore the first two of eight central themes of theology: revelation and God.

The European Reformation of the sixteenth century was one of the most formative periods in the history of Christian thought and remains one of the most fascinating events in Western history. The Cambridge Companion to Reformation Theology provides a comprehensive guide to the theology and theologians of the Reformation period. Each of the eighteen chapters is written by a leading authority in the field and provides an up-to-date account and analysis of the thought associated with a particular figure or movement. There are chapters focusing on lesser reformers such as Martin Bucer, and on the Catholic and Radical Reformations, as well as the major Protestant reformers. A detailed bibliography and comprehensive index allows comparison of the treatment of specific themes by different figures. This authoritative and accessible guide will appeal to students of history and literature as well as specialist theologians.

This book introduces Reformed theology by surveying the doctrinal concerns that have shaped its historical development. The book sketches the diversity of the Reformed tradition through the past five centuries even as it highlights the continuity with regard to certain theological emphases. In so doing, it accentuates that Reformed theology is marked by both formal ('the always reforming church') and material ('the Reformed church') interests. Furthermore, it attends to both revisionary and conservative trends within the Reformed tradition. The book covers eight major theological themes: Word of God, covenant, God and Christ, sin and grace, faith, worship, confessions and authority, and culture and eschatology. It engages a variety of Reformed confessional writings, as well as a number of individual theologians (including Zwingli, Calvin, Bullinger, Bucer, Beza, Owen, Turretin, Edwards, Schleiermacher, Hodge, Shedd, Heppe, Bavinck, Barth, and Niebuhr).

Table of Contents: BIBLICAL STUDIES 1. The Age of the Spirit and Revival 2. Trust in the Incarnate Word 3. Our Glorious Adoption: Trinitarian-Based and Transformed Relationships 4. Paul and James: Are We Justified by Faith or by Faith and Works? 5. Gethsemane’s King-Lamb: A Sermon on John 18:7–8, 12–13a 6. The Man of Sin: 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 7. Delighting in God: A Guide to Sabbath-Keeping SYSTEMATIC AND HISTORICAL THEOLOGY 8. God-Centered Theology in the Ministry of the Word 9. Calvin on Sovereignty, Providence, and Predestination 10. Reading the Puritans 11. Godefridus Udemans: Life, Influence, and Writings 12. John Bunyan on Justification 13. Reformed Orthodoxy in North America 14. The Perspicuity of Scripture 15. Laurence Chaderton: His Life and Ecclesiology 16. Natural Theology: Some Historical Perspective EXPERIENTIAL THEOLOGY 17. Calvin as an Experiential Preacher 18. The Puritans on Conscience and Casuistry 19. Assurance of Salvation: The Insights of Anthony Burgess 20. Wilhelmus à Brakel’s Biblical Ethics of Spirituality 21. Images of Union and Communion with Christ PRACTICAL THEOLOGY 22. Puritans on the Family: Recent Publications 23. Consider Christ in Affliction: An Open Letter to True Believers 24. Learning from the Puritans on Being Salt and Light 25. Puritans on Marital Love PASTORAL THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS 26. God-Centered Adult Education 27. Plain Preaching Demonstrating the Spirit and His Power 28. How to Evaluate Your Sermons 29. Practical Application in Preaching 30. Authentic Ministry: Servanthood, Tears, and Temptations 31. Children in the Church 32. The Minister’s Helpmeet 33. Unprofessional Puritans and Professional Pastors: What the Puritans Would Say to Modern Pastors 34. Catechism Preaching 35. A Life in the Word 36. Why You and Your Family Should Go to Church: Biblical Answers to “Churchless Christianity” CONTEMPORARY AND CULTURAL ISSUES 37. Interview with Joel Beeke about Reformed Churches and Seminaries 38. Handling Error in the Church: Martin Downes Interviewing Joel R. Beeke 39. Practical Lessons for Today from the Life of Idelette Calvin 40. Rediscovering the Laity: The Reformation in the Pew and in the Classroom 41. In Commemoration of the Heidelberg Catechism’s 450th Anniversary: The Catechism as a Confession of Faith 42. How to Battle Hostility and Secularism 43. Busy but Fruitful: How to Manage Time 44. Nurturing Intimate Communication with Your Spouse