Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 4: Church and Last Things (Joel R. Beeke, Paul M. Smalley)

Description

Accessible Study of Ecclesiology and Eschatology from a Reformed Perspective

Reformed Systematic Theology explores key Scripture topics from biblical, doctrinal, experiential, and practical perspectives, helping readers grow in their understanding and application of the truth presented in God’s Word. Written by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley, each volume presents a comprehensive yet accessible study of the Reformed Christian faith that ministers to the whole person―head, heart, and hands.

The final volume, Church and Last Things, unpacks important topics around ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church) and eschatology (the doctrine of last things), including the biblical significance of church membership, Jesus’s model for the church, and 7 practical lessons from Revelation. A set of all 4 Reformed Systematic Theology volumes is also available.

Biblical and Theological: Explains key passages of the Holy Scriptures and draws extensively from historic Reformed and Puritan sources

Easy to Understand: Explores central points of ecclesiology and eschatology from a simple, accessible, comprehensive, and experiential approach

Part of the Reformed Systematic Theology Series: Volumes cover the entire scope of systematic theology based on 8 central themes: revelation, God, man, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things

Also Available as Part of the 4-Volume Reformed Systematic Theology Set

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Endorsements

“With volume 4 of Reformed Systematic Theology, Joel Beeke and his faithful theological Barnabas, Paul Smalley, bring to completion their remarkable gift to the church—not only in the United States but also throughout the world. They are to be congratulated for fulfilling the great desideratum of a systematic theology textbook that serves many levels of readership. Balanced in its approach (addressed to both mind and heart), it is rich in its content (both biblical and doctrinal) and comprehensive in its coverage (some five thousand pages of exposition). In addition—to adapt some words of the church fathers from a different context—it is splendidly presented in a style that will enable the theological elephant to swim in it while Christian lambs can happily wade. Following in the footsteps of Paul the theologian, the authors have succeeded in imparting their ‘spiritual gift’ to strengthen us. Their work, too, will surely ‘reap some harvest’ (Rom. 1:11, 13).”

Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley’s fourth and final volume of their Reformed Systematic Theology not only maintains the quality and content of the previous volumes but also covers subject matter (the doctrines of the church and of the last things) that is crucial and controversial among Bible-believing Christians. The product of this co-labor between a Dutch Reformed theologian and a Reformed Baptist serves to highlight our common commitments and to make even our disagreements better. I came away helped by their work of presenting ecclesiology and sacraments together. Consequently, Reformed paedobaptists and credobaptists will both benefit from this volume. There are many useful and unique features to highlight: for instance, the ‘Practical Conclusion to Ecclesiology’ in which a pathway is commended for the pursuit of the church’s reformation. But the whole volume (indeed, the whole set) is like this. Even the ‘Analytical Outlines’ are edifying! The theology is never very far away from application, and the application is always derived from the theology. Doctrine and devotion are everywhere intertwined and rooted in clear and faithful biblical exposition.”

Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Tables

Preface to Volume 4

Part 6: Ecclesiology: The Doctrine of the Church

Analytical Outline: Ecclesiology

Section A: The Doctrine of the Church’s Nature

Chapter 1: Introduction to Ecclesiology

Chapter 2: Biblical Terms and Biblical Theology of the Church

Chapter 3: Biblical Metaphors for the Church

Chapter 4: Systematic Theology of the Church’s Nature

Chapter 5: Christ’s Teaching about the Christian Church

Chapter 6: Attributes and Marks of the Christian Church

Chapter 7: Membership in the Church

Section B: The Doctrine of the Church’s Authority and Work

Chapter 8: Biblical Structures of Church Government

Excursus: Other Forms of Church Government

Chapter 9: Church Officers, Part 1: Introduction and Elders

Chapter 10: Church Officers, Part 2: Ministers of the Word

Chapter 11: Church Officers, Part 3: The Faithfulness of God’s Ministers

Excursus: Theological Professors or Doctors of Theology

Chapter 12: Church Officers, Part 4: Deacons, Women in Office, and Applications

Chapter 13: Churches in Their Broader Relationships

Chapter 14: The Civil Government and the Church

Chapter 15: The Work of the Church, Part 1: The Worship of God

Chapter 16: The Work of the Church, Part 2: Edification and Evangelism

Section C: The Doctrine of the Church’s Means of Grace

Chapter 17: Introduction to the Public Means of Grace

Chapter 18: The Preaching and Teaching of God’s Word

Chapter 19: Baptism, Part 1: Necessity, Meaning, and Practical Directions

Chapter 20: Baptism, Part 2: Subjects and Modes

Chapter 21: The Lord’s Supper, Part 1: Institution and Christ’s Presence

Chapter 22: The Lord’s Supper, Part 2: Administration, Benefits, and Directions for Partaking

Chapter 23: Corporate Prayer and Singing of Praises

Chapter 24: Fellowship and Discipline in the Communion of the Saints

Chapter 25: Practical Conclusion to Ecclesiology: The Reformation of the Church

Part 7: Eschatology: The Doctrine of Last Things

Analytical Outline: Eschatology

Section A: Preliminary and Special Issues in Eschatology

Chapter 26: Introduction to Eschatology

Chapter 27: The Structure of Inaugurated Eschatology

Excursus: The Eschatological Error of Prosperity Theology

Chapter 28: Bodily Death and the Soul after Death, Part 1: Biblical Teaching and Application

Chapter 29: Bodily Death and the Soul after Death, Part 2: Errors and Experiential Guidance

Chapter 30: Signs and the Man of Sin

Chapter 31: The Interpretation of the Book of Revelation

Chapter 32: Dispensationalism and the Future of Ethnic Israel

Chapter 33: The Millennium and Expectations for the Church

Excursus: Variety and Continuity in the History of Millennial Views

Section B: The Doctrine of Hope in Christ Alone

Chapter 34: The Coming of Christ in Glory

Chapter 35: The Resurrection of the Dead

Chapter 36: The Day of Judgment, Part 1: Introduction to the Day of Christ

Chapter 37: The Day of Judgment, Part 2: Proceedings of the Final Judgment

Chapter 38: Eternal Punishment in Hell, Part 1: Biblical Teaching

Chapter 39: Eternal Punishment in Hell, Part 2: Objections and Applications

Chapter 40: Eternal Life with God in Christ, Part 1: Divine Love and Glory

Chapter 41: Eternal Life with God in Christ, Part 2: Friendship, Rest, and Service

Chapter 42: A Brief Practical Conclusion to Eschatology and Systematic Theology

Appendix: A Reformed Baptist Perspective on the Subjects and Mode of Baptism

Bibliography

General Index

Scripture Index

Product Details

Title:  Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 4: Church and Last Things

Author: Joel R. Beeke, Paul M. Smalley

Publisher: Crossway Publishing

Pages: 1360

Binding: Hardcover w/ Jacket

Size: 22.9 x 15.2 cm

ISBN: 9781433559952