The Life of Faith: An introduction to Christian doctrine

by Peter F. Jensen

An influential thinker in the evangelical world for the past half century, Peter Jensen has trained a generation of pastors and theologians for gospel ministry and Christian leadership across the globe. Now, for the first time, the essence of Dr Jensen’s theological approach has been distilled into a single volume.

Broken into 27 accessible chapters and punctuated with key concepts, discussion questions, and quotes from great cultural and theological works, this introduction to Christian doctrine is concise and engaging enough to be read in full, while being rich and deep enough to stretch even the most enquiring Christian mind. The Life of Faith is sure to become an indispensable resource for scholars, pastors, lay leaders and theological students alike.

“The chief aim of this book is to summarize what the Bible teaches (its ‘doctrine’) about the great topics it contains. Doctrine seeks to extend our knowledge of the Bible and help us to understand it fully and accurately. It is an essential method of reading and applying the Bible … My prayer for us all is that we will begin and end with the fear of the Lord that leads to wisdom.”—Peter Jensen

Genres: Christian, Theology, Faith

439 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2023

Reviews

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The word of God as the chief means by which God rules over us. … Humanity repudiated his rule through his word, he has reinstituted his rule by his word. ... To believe the gospel is to submit to the authority of God in Christ."

What I liked:
- His link to "faith" throughout, e.g. the context of faith is the church.
- Some memorable quotes (many from old writers)
-- In man’s fight with the devil, he takes with him his flesh, a traitor!
-- It is freeing to believe in the one God, creator who is stronger than all
-- Hope is faith with a forward gaze

But: It did feel very textbook-y, but also surface level ish. Blink and you miss it key sentences (I guess he didn't want it to be too long!) I think reading alongside Horton's "Pilgrim Theology" was a good idea to get a fuller picture for some areas. Also his conclusions to each chapter often included more key info, so shouldn't be called conclusions haha.

And it doesn't really have a "target market" I think. For a bible college student, I'd suggest Pilgrim Theology. For a lay person, I'd suggest Concise Theology.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to, and overview of, Christian belief (doctrine), which Jensen helpfully frames as something to be put into practice and not merely understood as head knowledge (hence the 'life' of faith). I appreciated that he began this overview with the Gospel, even as he breaks up the chapters into 3 broad sections of creation, salvation, and Christian living. I think that he rightly perceives that "We live to know God, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is the means by which we come to know him", which is the theme of the opening chapter. From here, Jensen explores topics of 'revelation and knowing God', 'scripture', 'the nature of God', 'creation', 'anthropology and sin', 'covenants', 'Christology and lordship', 'calling', 'justification', 'Christian living', and 'the end/telos' amongst others. I also valued the inclusion of a key idea, key passage, key terms, quotes, further readings, and helpful reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Included as appendices are the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (although I was amused as to why Athanasius's Creed, the third referred to in Article VIII, was omitted).

Although Jensen provides a great summary, I would have been interested to gain a clearer idea of his method for systematic theology, and why he chose to organise these doctrines in the way and order that he chose. It was also unclear why some topics spread over several chapters, while some had their own headings (e.g. chapters 3-5 are 'Knowing the God who speaks Parts 1-3' which explore the links between scripture and God's character/action; but why break up the topic this way?) Two specific points of confusion for me were not understanding the significance of differentiating between regeneration and conversion (p.245), and imparted and imputed righteousness (p.252). I also think a false dichotomy between a current 'physical' body and resurrection 'spiritual' body (p.363, cf. 1 Cor 15:42-44) could be amended to 'natural' and 'spiritual', as of course the resurrected body is also physical as displayed by Christ's resurrected body.

Despite what really are only small nitpicks, I would recommend this to someone who wants to deeply and thoroughly explore the content of Christian belief and doctrine

[Nate Xing · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to Christian doctrine. It would be in my top 5 books for any new Christian to read. But as it stands in comparison to other ‘systematic theology’ books, I wish there was more depth to stretch the reader in their theological thinking.

[Erinn Hamill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful concise systematic book that keeps our faith at the centre of its approach.

[Jake Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the result of a lifetime of Christian thought and ministry. It's brilliant and such an accessible read for everyone. Peter shows such a great understanding by collecting massive ideas into succinct and understandable chapters!

[Michael King · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book lives up to its title: "The Life of Faith" is an introduction to the major doctrines of the Christian faith from an evangelical perspective.

Two sections I found insightful:
1) (200-201) The resurrection vindicates the work of Christ in defeating death.
2) (211-215) Jensen has five categories to explain what it means to be united with Christ.

I appreciate that Jensen's goal was to write a book that can be read "chapter by chapter" and avoid the label of "textbook" (4). In practice, I am unsure as to how accessible a read it will be to the lay person due to its length. Perhaps one option could be to read it across a year, a chapter a fortnight, to complement someone's personal devotional routine.

[Paul Hallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real masterclass in systematic theology, centred on the gospel and integrated with Christian living.

This is not so much an ‘introduction’ for an absolute beginner but will definitely be helpful for Christians wanting to stretch themselves or for theological students and ministers.

The chapter summaries, key verse, key terms, quote and further reading lists are also very helpful.

[Buddy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gospel-Centered focus on theology. I appreciated his systematic methodology as he expounded major doctrines with a focus on the connections to the gospel. I really enjoyed his conclusion at every chapter that provided a quote along with references to other theological works to go deeper on the doctrine. Highly readable.

[Alasdair Paine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb introduction to the essentials of Christian belief. Readers looking for historical theology will be disappointed, but, far more importantly, Jensen is rigorous in his handling of Scripture, deriving doctrine from a biblical theological framework. I strongly recommend reading this!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with a group from our church and I thought it was written at an excellent level, stretching but very accessible.

[Liam Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be called “slightly less concise theology” (compliment).