What do you think?
Rate this book
Salvation Belongs to the Lord, An Introduction to Systematic Theology by John M. Frame (23-Jun-2012) Paperback
Beginning students of theology and church leaders looking for a theological refresher or teaching tool will welcome this remarkably clear introduction to the doctrines of Scripture. In an almost conversational style, Salvation Belongs to the Lord explores all the major biblical truths, explains key terms of systematic theology, and reflects on their implications and connections under the lordship of Christ.
Paperback
First published May 22, 2006
88 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
John M. Frame
91 books219 followersFor his education, Frame received degrees from Princeton University (A.B.), Westminster Theological Seminary (B.D.), Yale University (A.M. and M.Phil., though he was working on a doctorate and admits his own failure to complete his dissertation), and Belhaven College (D.D.). He has served on the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary and was a founding faculty member of their California campus. He currently (as of 2022) teaches Apologetics and The History of Philosophy and Christian thought at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 10, 2022
I've read parts of systematic theologies by Calvin, Bavinck, Berkhof, Grudem, and Horton, but this is the first introduction to systematic theology I've read. I recommend it unreservedly to anyone who is interested in a systematic review of what the Bible teaches us about God, man, what we are to believe, and how we are to live. This book is truly excellent!
Frame writes in a very understandable and approachable way. He does his best to make difficult concepts clear, and he freely acknowledges that there is a limit to what we can know and understand about God. His overall frame is the lordship of God, expressed in and through his power, authority, and presence. He also uses the device of showing three perspectives: situational, normative, and existential. It is very interesting to see how he uses these as "hooks" on which to hang our understanding. I can't do justice to this in a brief review, but as you go through the book you begin to understand and appreciate Frame's approach.
Perhaps the aspect of Frame's writing that I most appreciate is his humility. The book is written in a soft-spoken tone, and Frame is not at all ashamed to several times admit that there is only so much that the Bible says about certain subjects, and to urge us to intellectual humility. He also speaks in a pastoral tone; his object in this book is not to promote heads on sticks, but to urge us to see how the knowledge we gain of these subjects should affect the way that we live, not just the way that we think. I had the impression of sitting under the tutelage of a very wise and kind instructor.
The book follows the structure that Wayne Grudem uses in his systematic theology (and Frame several times mentions his debt to Grudem): the doctrines of the Word of God, of God, of man, of Christ and the Holy Spirit, of the application of redemption, of the church, and of the future. We're using this in our church to train potential officeholders, but we have invited everyone in the congregation who is interested to join in the class.
Even if you are not a deep reader of theology (although I would certainly encourage every Christian who wants to grow in his or her faith to become such), I would urge, urge you to get and read this book. And highlight it! I'm confident you will find yourself referring back to it time and time again.
Frame writes in a very understandable and approachable way. He does his best to make difficult concepts clear, and he freely acknowledges that there is a limit to what we can know and understand about God. His overall frame is the lordship of God, expressed in and through his power, authority, and presence. He also uses the device of showing three perspectives: situational, normative, and existential. It is very interesting to see how he uses these as "hooks" on which to hang our understanding. I can't do justice to this in a brief review, but as you go through the book you begin to understand and appreciate Frame's approach.
Perhaps the aspect of Frame's writing that I most appreciate is his humility. The book is written in a soft-spoken tone, and Frame is not at all ashamed to several times admit that there is only so much that the Bible says about certain subjects, and to urge us to intellectual humility. He also speaks in a pastoral tone; his object in this book is not to promote heads on sticks, but to urge us to see how the knowledge we gain of these subjects should affect the way that we live, not just the way that we think. I had the impression of sitting under the tutelage of a very wise and kind instructor.
The book follows the structure that Wayne Grudem uses in his systematic theology (and Frame several times mentions his debt to Grudem): the doctrines of the Word of God, of God, of man, of Christ and the Holy Spirit, of the application of redemption, of the church, and of the future. We're using this in our church to train potential officeholders, but we have invited everyone in the congregation who is interested to join in the class.
Even if you are not a deep reader of theology (although I would certainly encourage every Christian who wants to grow in his or her faith to become such), I would urge, urge you to get and read this book. And highlight it! I'm confident you will find yourself referring back to it time and time again.
May 27, 2023
The strength of this is in Frame's refusal to do theology out of proportion.
March 10, 2024
(4.5) If you’re a Christian, but have not yet dipped into theological study, start your journey here!
November 9, 2014
This is an very good, concise guide to the basics of systematic theology. The explanations and details of the major issues of theology are clearly explained, but the reader will need to read this book slowly and digest it. That is not to say it is a difficult book, just that the ideas and concepts of theology explained here will take the reader to "think through" the concepts carefully. It is not a "quick read" by any means, but, if the reader works through it, they will find many of the dots connected and interconnected in systematic theology.
June 14, 2021
Pretty basic, but balanced, biblical, and very practical. Looking forward to reading some more Frame at a later date.
October 23, 2009
Salvation Belongs to the Lord is a clear, readable, Biblically sound introduction to the major points of Christian theology. The book reflects decades of high level study, in the academy in the church, which should push the reader to reflect more on theology, and especially how the various parts are integrated, amongst themselves and in the lives of people. A hallmark of Frame’s writing and teaching is an emphasis on the Lordship of God, his personal ruling power and influence over his creation. Frame’s work is thoroughly Reformed, yet balanced enough to attempt to understand other points of view, and what they can add to the understanding of Christian theology.
With any study of Systematic Theology, even an introductory study such as this, the author will select points to emphasis more than others, or in this case of this book, how to order the teaching of systematics. The book is divided into two sections: an objective and non repeatable study of the points of theology and a subjective and repeatable study. The first section of the book deals with a lot of who’s and what’s: who God is, what the nature of the Trinity and his Lordship is, who is Jesus and the Holy Spirit, what is the nature of man, etc. The second section concerns how theology influences more subjective things. The nature of the church, last things, the order of salvation, faith and repentance, even ethics.
Frame, a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, originally developed this book out of a series of academic lectures, so it has a bit of conversational tone. He uses a teaching device, which he has developed more fully his multi volume work on Lordship Theology, what he calls trispectivalism, or really a way at looking at life and Biblical thought from three different perspectives: the normative, situational and existential. His teaching device mostly fits all the traditional sections of theology, and it can help the reader to apply and come to a better understanding of the subject.
What is genuinely refreshing about this book is just how Frame combines sound teaching of the theology of the Bible with a heart for individuals and a humble attitude towards his subject. I think this is largely because he is so driven by a theology that focuses on God as Lord, it makes it much easier for him to say that the Bible is not clear on a subject, or that he can give a best guess on something, but be willing that some others may see something a different way. This work interacts with, and is influenced by, such Reformed theologians as Grudem, Murray, Warfield, and Piper. So there this work comes out of some sound thinking and meditation on the Bible, but it achieves its goal of being accessible.
Many books of this sort are about unreadable as much other than a reference tool, but Frame writes well enough, that even beginning students of the complexity and richness of the Bible should find this useful. I can heartily recommend this work for individual or group study, as a great guide for teachers and pastors, and for anyone who wants to grasp, grapple with, and learn more of the great doctrines of the Bible.
With any study of Systematic Theology, even an introductory study such as this, the author will select points to emphasis more than others, or in this case of this book, how to order the teaching of systematics. The book is divided into two sections: an objective and non repeatable study of the points of theology and a subjective and repeatable study. The first section of the book deals with a lot of who’s and what’s: who God is, what the nature of the Trinity and his Lordship is, who is Jesus and the Holy Spirit, what is the nature of man, etc. The second section concerns how theology influences more subjective things. The nature of the church, last things, the order of salvation, faith and repentance, even ethics.
Frame, a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, originally developed this book out of a series of academic lectures, so it has a bit of conversational tone. He uses a teaching device, which he has developed more fully his multi volume work on Lordship Theology, what he calls trispectivalism, or really a way at looking at life and Biblical thought from three different perspectives: the normative, situational and existential. His teaching device mostly fits all the traditional sections of theology, and it can help the reader to apply and come to a better understanding of the subject.
What is genuinely refreshing about this book is just how Frame combines sound teaching of the theology of the Bible with a heart for individuals and a humble attitude towards his subject. I think this is largely because he is so driven by a theology that focuses on God as Lord, it makes it much easier for him to say that the Bible is not clear on a subject, or that he can give a best guess on something, but be willing that some others may see something a different way. This work interacts with, and is influenced by, such Reformed theologians as Grudem, Murray, Warfield, and Piper. So there this work comes out of some sound thinking and meditation on the Bible, but it achieves its goal of being accessible.
Many books of this sort are about unreadable as much other than a reference tool, but Frame writes well enough, that even beginning students of the complexity and richness of the Bible should find this useful. I can heartily recommend this work for individual or group study, as a great guide for teachers and pastors, and for anyone who wants to grasp, grapple with, and learn more of the great doctrines of the Bible.
January 25, 2012
I once heard Elliot Grudem say that John Frame is so smart that Chuck Norris wears John Frame underwear. It is true: Frame is to systematic theology what Chuck Norris is to catching drug smugglers in Texas - namely, badass.
Salvation Belongs to the Lord began as a series of introductory lectures Frame recorded for the Institute of Theological Studies. Much briefer (and broader) than Frame's multi-volume Lordship series, this book is meant as a short introduction to the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Frame has a sharp mind, is extremely succinct in his treatment of ideas, and roots everything in his understanding of Scripture.
Dr. Frame is unashamedly reformed in his understanding, but because all his arguments are rooted in Scriptural exegesis, the book is valuable even for those who don't share his reformed leanings. Frame is also extremely irenic, and clearly confesses which points of doctrine he sees as crucial, and others that he is not willing to fight about. His temperament and tone should give him an audience with those who disagree with him.
Those who know Frame's work will recognize his "tri-perspectival" categories working their way into every chapter. Frame looks at every topic or issue through three lenses: normative, situational, and existential. “When you ask directly what God’s revelation says, you are using the normative perspective… When you ask about God’s world, trying to understand situations we get into, I call that the situational perspective… Then when you ask about yourself, when you seek to know yourself, you are seeking to know from what I call the existential perspective.” (77) This is a helpful pedagogical tool, especially as he invites us to think through the life and work of Jesus with the lens of prophet (normative), priest (existential) and king (situational).
Dr. Frame suggests this book is written for the layman but with enough academic rigor to be treated as a college or seminary text. It's a tough line to tread. For those who don't read a lot of theology, it may seem a little difficult at first, but still worth your time and reflection. For seminarians and others studying theology, it will be a nice refresher, and helpful in pushing you to boil concepts down in order to better explain them to others. A great application for this book would be for the training of elders and deacons in the local church.
I highly recommend it.
Salvation Belongs to the Lord began as a series of introductory lectures Frame recorded for the Institute of Theological Studies. Much briefer (and broader) than Frame's multi-volume Lordship series, this book is meant as a short introduction to the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Frame has a sharp mind, is extremely succinct in his treatment of ideas, and roots everything in his understanding of Scripture.
Dr. Frame is unashamedly reformed in his understanding, but because all his arguments are rooted in Scriptural exegesis, the book is valuable even for those who don't share his reformed leanings. Frame is also extremely irenic, and clearly confesses which points of doctrine he sees as crucial, and others that he is not willing to fight about. His temperament and tone should give him an audience with those who disagree with him.
Those who know Frame's work will recognize his "tri-perspectival" categories working their way into every chapter. Frame looks at every topic or issue through three lenses: normative, situational, and existential. “When you ask directly what God’s revelation says, you are using the normative perspective… When you ask about God’s world, trying to understand situations we get into, I call that the situational perspective… Then when you ask about yourself, when you seek to know yourself, you are seeking to know from what I call the existential perspective.” (77) This is a helpful pedagogical tool, especially as he invites us to think through the life and work of Jesus with the lens of prophet (normative), priest (existential) and king (situational).
Dr. Frame suggests this book is written for the layman but with enough academic rigor to be treated as a college or seminary text. It's a tough line to tread. For those who don't read a lot of theology, it may seem a little difficult at first, but still worth your time and reflection. For seminarians and others studying theology, it will be a nice refresher, and helpful in pushing you to boil concepts down in order to better explain them to others. A great application for this book would be for the training of elders and deacons in the local church.
I highly recommend it.
September 12, 2010
one of the best systematics that I've read.
November 24, 2023
John Frame begins “Salvation Belongs to the Lord” by defining who God is, emphasizing His lordship over everything else. What is lordship according to Frame? It is God’s control, authority, and covenant presence. Though Frame immediately explains those three defining characteristics of lordship, he really spends the rest of the book unpacking them.
“Salvation Belongs to the Lord” is meant to be an introduction to systematic theology. As such, it takes the different topics of the Bible (justification, covenants, eschatology, etc.) and organizes them systematically. Many authors begin by explaining what theology is, what revelation is, what the Bible is, and so-on; Frame uses a different format though, like the Bible, Frame begins with God. Though he does hit on theology in the first chapter, he really doesn’t focus on it until chapter six, after he talks about who God is, the Trinity, and the Bible. This makes more sense in many ways. He sets up the standard and then talks about the importance of studying it. After chapter six, Frame goes on to the other main systematic topics such as men as the image of God, a more in depth look at Christ and the Holy Spirit, covenants, salvation, and the means of grace. Though it is in two parts, it flows really well as if the division weren’t really there.
Overall as an introduction to Systematic Theology, is actually done very well. Most books of the books of this nature are not nearly as organized, understandable, or introductory as Frame’s. However, there is another thing that gives this book the advantage over the others like it, and that is its conversational tone. You can almost hear Frame speak the words and explain them to you personally as you read. This is a quality of writing that surpasses even the most excellent of theologians, and yet Frame keeps the information at a basic level. It is not intended to be an in depth, whole systematic theology. For the average lay person, I would say this book would do much more for them anyway. It is deep enough, without being overbearing. Even if I disagree with Frame in some parts, or don’t like how he words something every now and then, this is a wonderful book and one of the best theology books I have read.
My Rating: 8.75/ 10 Stars.
“Salvation Belongs to the Lord” is meant to be an introduction to systematic theology. As such, it takes the different topics of the Bible (justification, covenants, eschatology, etc.) and organizes them systematically. Many authors begin by explaining what theology is, what revelation is, what the Bible is, and so-on; Frame uses a different format though, like the Bible, Frame begins with God. Though he does hit on theology in the first chapter, he really doesn’t focus on it until chapter six, after he talks about who God is, the Trinity, and the Bible. This makes more sense in many ways. He sets up the standard and then talks about the importance of studying it. After chapter six, Frame goes on to the other main systematic topics such as men as the image of God, a more in depth look at Christ and the Holy Spirit, covenants, salvation, and the means of grace. Though it is in two parts, it flows really well as if the division weren’t really there.
Overall as an introduction to Systematic Theology, is actually done very well. Most books of the books of this nature are not nearly as organized, understandable, or introductory as Frame’s. However, there is another thing that gives this book the advantage over the others like it, and that is its conversational tone. You can almost hear Frame speak the words and explain them to you personally as you read. This is a quality of writing that surpasses even the most excellent of theologians, and yet Frame keeps the information at a basic level. It is not intended to be an in depth, whole systematic theology. For the average lay person, I would say this book would do much more for them anyway. It is deep enough, without being overbearing. Even if I disagree with Frame in some parts, or don’t like how he words something every now and then, this is a wonderful book and one of the best theology books I have read.
My Rating: 8.75/ 10 Stars.
February 25, 2020
This is an excellent overview of systematic theology according to a Reformed theologian. He presents the information really clearly and this is really easy to read and understand. I liked learning some new concepts (regeneration, justification, adoption, assurance) and learning how other concepts were viewed in the Reformed tradition (sanctification, election, glorification, plus more basic concepts like faith and repentance, sin, sacraments, and eschatology). He does a good job explaining the Trinity. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend!
One of my favorite quotes, “God wants his Word written in your heart. That is the heart of the new covenant of Jeremiah 31, that God will write his Word not on tables of stone but on the flashy tables of our hearts. That means the Word of God is so intimately fixed in our inmost being that we deeply want to be what he wants us to be.”
One of my favorite quotes, “God wants his Word written in your heart. That is the heart of the new covenant of Jeremiah 31, that God will write his Word not on tables of stone but on the flashy tables of our hearts. That means the Word of God is so intimately fixed in our inmost being that we deeply want to be what he wants us to be.”
July 15, 2022
Excellent survey of Systemic Theology from a Reformed and Presbyterian perspective. His writing style is engaging and human. The material is very organized, but I never felt like I was reading a textbook. Dr. Frame uses the Lordship of Christ as a focal point. And, when he can, he organizes and explains the doctrines of faith using three major headings: Normative, Situational, and Existential. The system is explained very well. I found it helpful in understanding some doctrines but not all. Recommended. This is an introduction to systematic theology. For basically the same material but presented in more depth Frame has written Systematic Theology, An Introduction to Christian Belief.
July 30, 2017
In just under 350 pages, Frame gives a very simple overview of Reformed systematic theology. The book is written in an almost conversational manner, which keeps it from getting bogged down. Especially helpful are the frequent calls for application, referring back to the title of the book and the premise that theology is the outworking of God and His Lordship. The only annoying part was the use of his triperspectivalism throughout the book. Sometimes this was helpful, but oftentimes it seemed a bit forced. This book would helpful to a high schoole or anyone new to the reformed faith.
May 3, 2025
If you have read Frame’s Systematic Theology text, you have read this. Almost all of it was included in the giant tome that became Frame’s magnum opus. But for this particular text, it is more condensed and not as fleshed out as in his other work. It has both the same pros and cons of the full text, which is that it excels in making difficult concepts easier to understand but glides over some really important stuff or fails to nuance particular positions. Some of Frame’s theology is wonky, but it is worth visiting.
July 26, 2024
Read for the second time. Generally appreciate Frame’s perspective. Although sometimes he just seems to state other views on some topics, pokes holes in their logic, then doesn’t really telling us what HE thinks or of a more helpful way to think about them. Overall, enjoyed reading this again and it sparked some good conversation with my mentee.
January 17, 2018
One does not need to agree with Frame on all theological points in order to appreciate how incredibly clear he writes and frames his arguments. Also, his honesty with the things he finds unclear is refreshing.
November 15, 2021
We used Frame's book as part of the curriculum for our Core Doctrine classes at Gospel City Church. It's excellent. Though there are small doctrines that we might disagree on (ex: baptism), he's made this systematic theology very readable and approachable to a very broad audience.
March 2, 2023
Probably the best overview of systematic theology that I have ever read. This book is clear, concise, challenging, and above all holds up in plain view, the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I would recommend it to everyone.
Read
December 31, 2023I enjoyed working my way through this condensed systematic theology. Frame is a clear writer and it was easy to see his approach throughout this work. I thought he did a nice job summarizing differing views on issues and was generous in his assessments.
February 23, 2020
A recommended, easy-to-read systematic theology for those new to the faith or for those needing a refresher on the basics of Christianity.
March 19, 2020
Great book for an introduction to systematic theology. It is written for the layman, and is relatable for those of us who are not seminary trained.
August 23, 2020
Mostly classic scholastic reformed theology with some minor updates here and there. Don't expect new insights.
February 22, 2022
Outstanding foundation for reformed theology! Recommended for all Christians to more fully appreciate God’s glory
March 16, 2017
Excellent theology. This was my introduction to tri-perspectivalism, and at times I was thinking, “Wait. Is he forcing this?” But, as he unfolded each new thought, I didn’t feel like he was necessarily forcing it. There were times where I guess dividing things into threes felt a bit unnecessary (or, slightly unnatural). But, my still-not-being-totally-convinced-on-the-whole-tri-perspectivalism-thing aside, the theology is excellent and I loved how his overarching theme was the lordship of God. Salvation belongs to the Lord is an excellent title for an introductory systematic theology. I’m very grateful to have spent time working through this book.
May 4, 2019
This is a really helpful and accessible introduction to doing theology systematically. Not every reader might be completely sold on Frame's pedagogical technique of arranging everything in groups of three (I'm not completely sold on it myself) - but it does have its uses, and overall Frame's writing is clear, lucid, and easy to follow. Much like R.C. Sproul, he clearly and concisely lays out Reformed teaching and introduces many terms and concepts in an easy-to-read manner. This would be a good book for anybody and could even be considered for use in grade-school curricula (perhaps at a high school level).
Frame's tone is irenic and avoids biting polemic. He is very moderate on some issues - at some points he frankly acknowledges his own lack of expertise or conclusiveness, while at others he simply states that he doesn't think some issues should be delved into or argued beyond a certain point. He has come under criticism for not being completely orthodox here and elsewhere in his corpus of writing; this may be true, and I certainly took issue with a handful of things in this book; but in no way did I find that to detract from the overall usefulness of this book, which I highly recommend; nor does this book detract from Dr. Frame's reputation as a theologian solidly within the Reformed camp.
Frame's tone is irenic and avoids biting polemic. He is very moderate on some issues - at some points he frankly acknowledges his own lack of expertise or conclusiveness, while at others he simply states that he doesn't think some issues should be delved into or argued beyond a certain point. He has come under criticism for not being completely orthodox here and elsewhere in his corpus of writing; this may be true, and I certainly took issue with a handful of things in this book; but in no way did I find that to detract from the overall usefulness of this book, which I highly recommend; nor does this book detract from Dr. Frame's reputation as a theologian solidly within the Reformed camp.
May 20, 2010
This was a really good introduction to systematic theology. It was good for me particularly to get some Reformed perspective on the subject (Reformed vs. Dispensational, not Reformed vs. Arminian - at this point I'm a 4 1/2 point Calvinist).
John Frame always writes very clearly, and particularly in this book he also writes very personally. It's like sitting down and having a chat with him even though he's going over the really deep things of God. He gives the reader a very thoughtful way of learning systematic theology from three perspectives related to God's Lordship: His control, His authority, and His presence. Control deals with God's power, His authority deals with His right to command, and His presence (obviously) deals with His presence. Frame names these perspectives 'situational,' 'normative,' and 'existential,' each according with God's three attributes of Lordship: control, authority, and presence (respectively). It looks a bit muggy at first, but when reading through the book, these perspectives really help one understand theology as a whole.
He touches on all the major aspects of systematic theology and addresses it toward a layman audience. The contents are as follows [To show the difference between what he lists as the chapter title and what is typically found in systematic theology books, I've put the typical theological terms in brackets:]:
PART ONE
1. God the Lord....................................[Theology Proper:]
2. Who God is and What He Does..........[Theology Proper:]
3. God, Three in One............................[Theology Proper:]
4. The Word of God...............................[Bibliology:]
5. The Authority of the Bible.................[Bibliology:]
6. What is Theology?............................[Prolegomena:]
7. Man, the Image of God.....................[Anthropology:]
8. Sin and Evil.......................................[Hamartiology:]
9. God's Covenants...............................[Theology Proper:]
10. Who Is Jesus Christ?........................[Christology:]
11. What Did Jesus Do?.........................[Christology:]
12. The Holy Spirit................................[Pneumatology:]
PART TWO
13. Election, Calling, Regeneration........[Soteriology:]
14. Faith and Repentance......................[Soteriology:]
15. Justification and Adoption...............[Soteriology:]
16. Sanctification and Assurance...........[Soteriology:]
17. Perseverance and Glorification........[Soteriology/Eschatology:]
18. The Nature of the Church................[Ecclesiology:]
19. The Task of the Church...................[Ecclesiology:]
20. The Means of Grace.........................[Ecclesiology:]
21. The Sacraments...............................[Ecclesiology:]
22. Heaven and Hell..............................[Eschatology:]
23. The Events of the Last Days.............[Eschatology:]
24. How Then Shall We Live..................[Peripatology (?):]
25. Summary and Conclusion
While I can't say I agree with everything he wrote in this book, I do think he treated every subject fairly, honestly, and Biblically. I don't know what more we could want from an author. While I still hold to a premillennial view toward the end times, a distinction between Israel and the church, and have other minor disagreements with him, I really enjoyed this book by Dr. Frame. Thought provoking and encouraging, I can say without hesitation that it helped me grow in the grace and truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless you in your studies!
John Frame always writes very clearly, and particularly in this book he also writes very personally. It's like sitting down and having a chat with him even though he's going over the really deep things of God. He gives the reader a very thoughtful way of learning systematic theology from three perspectives related to God's Lordship: His control, His authority, and His presence. Control deals with God's power, His authority deals with His right to command, and His presence (obviously) deals with His presence. Frame names these perspectives 'situational,' 'normative,' and 'existential,' each according with God's three attributes of Lordship: control, authority, and presence (respectively). It looks a bit muggy at first, but when reading through the book, these perspectives really help one understand theology as a whole.
He touches on all the major aspects of systematic theology and addresses it toward a layman audience. The contents are as follows [To show the difference between what he lists as the chapter title and what is typically found in systematic theology books, I've put the typical theological terms in brackets:]:
PART ONE
1. God the Lord....................................[Theology Proper:]
2. Who God is and What He Does..........[Theology Proper:]
3. God, Three in One............................[Theology Proper:]
4. The Word of God...............................[Bibliology:]
5. The Authority of the Bible.................[Bibliology:]
6. What is Theology?............................[Prolegomena:]
7. Man, the Image of God.....................[Anthropology:]
8. Sin and Evil.......................................[Hamartiology:]
9. God's Covenants...............................[Theology Proper:]
10. Who Is Jesus Christ?........................[Christology:]
11. What Did Jesus Do?.........................[Christology:]
12. The Holy Spirit................................[Pneumatology:]
PART TWO
13. Election, Calling, Regeneration........[Soteriology:]
14. Faith and Repentance......................[Soteriology:]
15. Justification and Adoption...............[Soteriology:]
16. Sanctification and Assurance...........[Soteriology:]
17. Perseverance and Glorification........[Soteriology/Eschatology:]
18. The Nature of the Church................[Ecclesiology:]
19. The Task of the Church...................[Ecclesiology:]
20. The Means of Grace.........................[Ecclesiology:]
21. The Sacraments...............................[Ecclesiology:]
22. Heaven and Hell..............................[Eschatology:]
23. The Events of the Last Days.............[Eschatology:]
24. How Then Shall We Live..................[Peripatology (?):]
25. Summary and Conclusion
While I can't say I agree with everything he wrote in this book, I do think he treated every subject fairly, honestly, and Biblically. I don't know what more we could want from an author. While I still hold to a premillennial view toward the end times, a distinction between Israel and the church, and have other minor disagreements with him, I really enjoyed this book by Dr. Frame. Thought provoking and encouraging, I can say without hesitation that it helped me grow in the grace and truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless you in your studies!
October 17, 2007
A good introductory book to systematic theology.
Slightly Calvinistic in its approach, one should take some of the theology with a pinch of salt. This is the study text for 1st year theology students at Oak Hill Theological Seminary; if this is what they're reading as introductory text, then I am confident that the core materials will only edify God even more.
Very good and concise summary of mainstream theological views of systematic Christian topics, from Jesus' humanity to the workings of salvation, to the meaning of our 'will/choice', to hell/heaven/angels/demons. Not a good book to look at if you're looking at deeper theology of course, but why are you looking at an introductory book if you want to really study those things in detail?
Slightly Calvinistic in its approach, one should take some of the theology with a pinch of salt. This is the study text for 1st year theology students at Oak Hill Theological Seminary; if this is what they're reading as introductory text, then I am confident that the core materials will only edify God even more.
Very good and concise summary of mainstream theological views of systematic Christian topics, from Jesus' humanity to the workings of salvation, to the meaning of our 'will/choice', to hell/heaven/angels/demons. Not a good book to look at if you're looking at deeper theology of course, but why are you looking at an introductory book if you want to really study those things in detail?
April 30, 2008
This is a great introduction to systematic theology. Frame is a Calvinist, paedobaptist, (tentative) postmillennialist, idealist (as a hermeneutic for interpreting eschatological prophecy), (non-lockstep) Van Tillian, and soundly orthodox on the essentials of the faith, viz., on salvation, the trinity, Christology, the resurrection, Scripture.
This book will also double as a good introduction to Frame's triperspectivalism that he invokes in his more advanced "Doctrine of _____" series. Frame uses his triperspectivalism as a pedagogical device for teaching the doctrines in the various chapters.
Looking to get into systematic theology? Start with this book as well as Berkof's "Manual of Christian Doctrine."
This book will also double as a good introduction to Frame's triperspectivalism that he invokes in his more advanced "Doctrine of _____" series. Frame uses his triperspectivalism as a pedagogical device for teaching the doctrines in the various chapters.
Looking to get into systematic theology? Start with this book as well as Berkof's "Manual of Christian Doctrine."
October 19, 2012
Though written very accessibly, this is a helpful and profound little book. It serves nicely a introduction/supplement to Frame's Lordship Series, but can also stand alone as an independent volume. It is written in a very "casual" style... and while some academicians may find this to be "unprofessional" of a theologian... I found it to reflect his familiarity with the issues as well as a reflection of his "pastoral" heart. Here is sound theology, accessible to the general public... BUT don't be fooled... though accessible and concise, Frame HAS done his spade work, and this volume IS deep. It reflects YEARS of study and reflection. Though not a definitive or landmark book, this introduction to (Western) theology is still a very helpful and noteworthy read that will edify.
December 9, 2017
Just beginning this book for my Foundations of Biblical Doctrine class, and already I'm irritated. I was expecting more objective overview of systematic theology, and instead I receive a book that seems to be concerned with elevating one particular aspect of God's character: His Lordship. I wouldn't be so bothered by that if the author would simply admit his bias. Many authors of books of this type will immediately warn you "this is a book about my opinion" and will not try to peddle it as absolute truth. Others will tell you that their book is an attempt to defend their beliefs. I appreciate those books, they are honest. more to come...
November 4, 2016
A fine and readable overview of Christianity from a classic Presbyterian/Reformed perspective. Occasionally Frame makes use of his own "tri-perspectival" pedagogical method that, in my humble opinion, is more distracting than helpful. Nevertheless, his clear and penetrating writing style - coloured with great conviction and just the right amount of wit - makes this a solid volume, either for reference or for reading straight-through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews