Finally, the author has supplied not just a scripture index but one for the reformational creeds and catechisms sited in this work. This could prove to very helpful for the teacher seeking to cross-reference this systematic theology and the creeds and confessions.

This work by Michael Horton may be the finest systematic theology since Berkhof’s classic which I believe was written in the 1930’s. Clear, insightful and what I would call a page turner. It is so full of theological jewels I often found myself excited to turn the page or anxiously wanting to get back to reading it after a short break.

Written in a style that is easily reachable even for the common layman, Horton weaves historic, biblical and systematic theology in a way that highlights not only the truth of Scripture but why and how the Christian world-view is necessarily antithetical to pagan and atheistic world-views. Horton has written his text in a manner much different than many systematics. He writes in a style almost like telling a story. His writing style definitely holds the reader’s attention and is not the dry technical style found in many systematic theologies.

Dr. Horton writes from a consistently reformed and covenantal perspective. That said, the author understands covenant not as a system forced upon the Bible but one that naturally raises from text itself. The Bible, as a record of the covenant-making-keeping God’s redemptive drama from eternity to eternity, is inherently covenantal. Therefore, covenant becomes the motif for properly understanding God’s redemptive purpose and the biblical doctrines that reveal it. God’s covenants have a goal. Therefore, eschatology is not merely a stand-alone doctrine but the lens through which we read all scripture. Covenant and eschatology become central to our understanding of ontology, epistemology and all of history. The author interacts with past and current philosophies and theologies as he writes, unpacking the doctrines of the Bible in their historical-redemptive setting.

There are three very helpful tools at the end of the hard copy for the new or not highly trained theology reader.

The first is a glossary of terms. The author has given short definitions to key theological terms, Latin phrases and historical events, theological systems and theological movements. This will prove to be very helpful for someone just beginning their dive into serious theological reading.

The second tool is Dr. Horton’s annotated bibliography of recommended reading. This list is broken down by doctrine and each work is listed as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. With this reading list, the student is directed into a lifetime of great theological reading.

Finally, the author has supplied not just a scripture index but one for the reformational creeds and catechisms sited in this work. This could prove to very helpful for the teacher seeking to cross-reference this systematic theology and the creeds and confessions.

It is a rare systematic theology that can prove to be helpful to both the pastor-teacher and the layman. I can’t wait to get this into the hands of our congregation. Dr. Horton’s, “The Christian Faith” is written not just to promote sound theology, but consistent thinking and living pilgrims growing in faith in Christ.

A must have for anyone seriously interested good theology. Makes a great gift for your pastor, Bible school student or anyone interested in mastering the great truths of the Bible

Editor’s Note: This book will be available at 45% off retail for our readers who are signed up for our weekly ‘Top Ten’ email. If you do not receive that email, sign up here.

The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way by Michael Horton, Zondervan, January, 2011.
Michael S. Horton (Ph.D., University of Coventry and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford) is the J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary California. He is the president of White Horse Media, for which he co-hosts the White Horse Inn, a nationally syndicated, weekly radio talk-show exploring issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. The editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine, Horton is the author of more than 20 publications. His most recent book, People and Place: A Covenant Ecclesiology was awarded the 2009 Christianity Today Book Award for Theology and Ethics.

Douglas VanderMeulen is the pastor at Community Baptist Church, a member of the Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America (ARBCA). The worship services at Community Baptist Church are built upon the priorities of Word and Spirit, Law and Gospel, and Word and Sacrament.

http://www.cbcfargo.com/