Concise Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief

by John M Frame

This concise, practical and devotional introduction to Reformed systematics now features study questions, memory verses, and additional resources to help readers develop a thoroughly biblical framework for understanding and applying Christian doctrine.

Revised and enhanced edition of John Frame's Salvation Belongs to the Lord.

Endorsements“John Frame is the most creative conservative evangelical theologian of his generation, and I am delighted to recommend to another generation this excellent summary of what Christians believe. Here is the perfect combination of biblical fidelity, pedagogical utility, prose clarity, doctrinal profundity, and spiritual fecundity. Five out of five stars!”—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“There’s no one I trust more as a teacher of theology than John Frame. His unwavering commitment to . . . Scripture is coupled with . . . an enviable ability to communicate profound truths in ways that impact both mind and heart. . . . Concise Systematic Theology [is] my first recommendation as an introduction to Christian doctrine.”—James N. Anderson, Carl W. McMurray Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte

“John Frame is that rare theologian who is creative and orthodox, deep and clear. His writing is drenched in Scripture yet well versed in the trends of Christian and secular thought. His work is both erudite and pious, so one can read him for knowledge and for devotion. . . . [Concise Systematic Theology is] deep enough to delight a theologian, clear and warm enough to benefit any willing reader.”—Daniel M. Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary

“This is . . . a very practical and devotional book. . . . Read [it] to grow in wisdom; read it to cut through all the cultural noise about Christianity and get right to the heart of the Bible’s message; and perhaps most importantly of all, read it to cultivate a deeper love for our extraordinary God.”—Christopher Watkin, Senior Lecturer in French Studies, Monash University

Genres: Theology

724 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2023

Reviews

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

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. This updated version restructures the text closer to Packer’s Concise theology work.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are the foundational truths of our faith? In Concise Systematic Theology, John Frame presents an introduction to Christian belief. In 24 chapters and just over 500 tight pages, this book is an extraordinary primer on what the whole Bible teaches.

Devotional and Practical

Systematic theology is topical theology, and Frame explains The Doctrine of God, The Doctrine of the Word of God, Man, the Biblical Story, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Last Things, and The Christian Life. This book is both devotional and practical in nature. Fitting for personal study, to be taught in the classroom, or discussed in a group setting.

When reading this book, you can’t help but think that Frame is speaking directly to you. He is friendly. He is reasonable. He is wise, yet winsome. Frame does not talk down at you. He anticipates your objections, tackles them quickly, or tells you he will address them in a later chapter.

A Brilliant Book

Frame is surprisingly simple and clear. I say surprisingly because this is a book on systematic theology — and he excels at living up to the title of making it concise. You’ll read it and say “of course” and “that makes sense.” Frame really does make it seem easy.

Frame’s Systematic Theology is my favorite, but this Concise Systematic Theology is the one I will recommend first. It is packed with distilled truth that is not at all diluted. Drenched in Scripture and compellingly written, this book is brilliant.

I received a media copy of Concise Systematic Theology and this is my honest review.

[Elliott Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Frame being an amillenial Presbyterian and covenant theologian, I disagree with several of his conclusion. But even where we disagree, I find his attitude and approach to theology helpful. Frame goes about theology in a humble, biblical way. His argumentation is simple and concise. He gives things their proper weight, majoring in clear, major doctrines while leaving room where the Bible is less clear and the church is less unanimous. I also found this a very enjoyable read. Frame’s triperspectivalism (normative/authority, situational/control, and existential/presence) is sometimes helpful, sometimes not, but almost always interesting. I highly recommend as an easy and comprehensive introduction to systematic theology and as one of the best models of the attitude we should have toward Scripture and theology.

[Wynona · Rating 4 out of 5]

“…the goal of human life is to glorify God. Our dignity is to be found not in what we do, but in what God has done for us and in us. Our meaning and significance are to be found in the fact that God has created us in his image and redeemed us by the blood of his Son.” John M. Frame

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to the one on Hoopla.

In John Frame’s Concise Systematic Theology, the author provides exactly as advertised: a systematic theology that covers all of the major loci of theology yet scaled down to bite size pieces. The work is clear, instructive, and edifying. While Frame’s pedagogical system can seemed forced at times, overall the book accomplishes the authors purpose and is an example of faithful Biblical teaching.

[Henry Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really solid summary of Christian doctrine and theology. Great read for concise explanations that aren’t too wordy. Overall 4/5 stars (still not the most exciting read lol).

[Ryan Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best systematic theology books out there. Read it devotionally and your view of God will grow. And that’s what we need most anyway.