Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology

by Kevin DeYoung

Learn Important Systematic Theology Topics Each Day with This Accessible One-Year Devotional

All thoughtful Christians want to better understand the Bible, its author, and its influence on their beliefs. In short―whether they recognize it or not―they want to understand theology. But many find the subject matter too academic, dense, or difficult to understand, and they lack proper study resources to help expand their knowledge of God and his written word.

Designed to make systematic theology clear and accessible for the everyday Christian, this devotional walks through the most important theological topics over the course of a year. Each month is categorized into broad themes, starting with the study of God and concluding with the end times. Written by bestselling author and associate professor of systematic theology Kevin DeYoung, each concise daily reading contains verses for meditation and application, building upon each other and easing readers into the study of systematic theology. 

Written for Thoughtful  Offers pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday Christians access to a theologically rich yet accessible study One-Year  Daily readings build off one another to help ease readers into systematic theology Covers Important Theological  Each month covers a different broad theological topic, including mankind, salvation, the church, end times, and moreWritten by Kevin  Pastor, bestselling author, and associate professor of systematic theology

Genres: Theology, Christian, Devotional, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith

408 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Kevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, right across the street from Michigan State University.

Reviews

[Kevin Halloran · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the past dozen years since I graduated seminary, I’ve slowly tried to re-read core texts from my education. I’ve read loads on biblical theology, hermeneutics, ministry, preaching, counseling, and more. But one topic I haven’t read much on is Systematic Theology. One reason is my ministry hasn’t focused on Systematic Theology. Another is that most Systematic Theology books are thick—the newest version of Grudem’s Systematic theology is over 1600 pages!

With this background I decided to pick up Kevin DeYoung’s Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology. I figured a shorter book (432 pages) with daily readings should be the easiest way to trek through such a large topic. My instincts proved correct. Daily Doctrine provides 260 readings (one for each weekday in the year) and is designed to be read daily, although I enjoyed trekking through four or five days at a time.

DeYoung writes from a Presbyterian perspective and at an accessible level—he can distill complex truths in an understandable way in about a page and a half. That’s a major strength of the book. As he teaches, he interacts with some of the great theologians from history and also touches on historical theology that shows the development of doctrines and historical debates behind them.

While I don’t think this book is for everyone, those who it is for will treasure it. I don’t recommend this for more casual lay Christians unless you’re willing to stretch yourself to think deeper about doctrine with a seminary professor. (A more introductory recommendation on doctrine is Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem.) For non-Reformed/Presbyterians, the Presbyterian framework about Covenant Theology and Baptism for instance, may not be as helpful as reading someone you align with more fully. (For example, I wouldn’t recommend this book to newer Christians who attend my EFCA church.)

Some may have a hard time discerning how to understand DeYoung’s view on complex topics like the Impassibility of God. (Sam Storms’s review provided good thoughts on that and other theological differences he had with DeYoung.) But overall I agree with Storms’ assessment of the book’s value: “Please don’t let these minor disagreements hinder you from obtaining and reading Kevin’s book. It is excellent, clear, and will prove to be a blessing to all who read it.”

Those who will benefit most from this work are lay people and leaders wanting to dig deeper into theology to understand the foundations and underpinnings of many of the truths we hold dear. I loved the length of each day and the breadth of topics. I also understand Covenant Theology better than I did before (although I hold more to a Progressive Covenantalism as outlined in Kingdom Through Covenant by Gentry and Wellum).

Overall, with aforementioned caveats I recommend Daily Doctrine. DeYoung’s writing is rich, clear, and devotional. For some, it will be a rigorous theological workout that will benefit them from years to come. For the more theologically trained like pastors and missionaries, it will provide a helpful refresher on doctrine much like a continuing education course. For all, it will open up solid theologians and reading recommendations across a variety of theological topics.

[ladydusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me more than a year, but so well done. Really brilliant, well written, comprehensive and comprehensible. DeYoung has done a helpful work for the church.

[Rainer Erani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing a book you’ve been reading for a year is hard. It’s like giving a best man speech for a friend you’ve met with every morning to challenge and encourage each other in the faith—three minutes just can’t do it justice.

But alas, I will try. Daily Doctrine by Kevin DeYoung does at least five things exceptionally well: external presentation, internal presentation, systematic categorization, theological articulation, and personal transformation.

External presentation: The book is simply beautiful. It deserves a place of honor on your shelf—it’s that stunning.
Internal presentation: The inside matches the outside. The fonts, colors, and layout are captivating and thoughtfully designed.
Systematic categorization: DeYoung offers an easy-to-follow and easy-to-navigate reference guide. It’s structured in a way that makes finding what you need both quick and satisfying.
Theological articulation: Concepts are clear, concise, well-cited, and well-expressed. Theology isn’t easy to do, but DeYoung gives readers the tools they need to engage deeply and faithfully.
Personal transformation: Doing theology with DeYoung changes you. It reshapes what you love and how you think. Spending time with Daily Doctrine makes you more like Jesus.

The only thing I’d change would be having my copy signed by Pastor Kevin.

[Derek Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed and greatly valued everything I’ve read by DeYoung, this one being another on that list. I highly recommend someone working their way through this. DeYoung is clear and concise, biblically grounded, historically driven, and delights in knowing God. I am grateful for this one.

[Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't quite read everything from cover to cover yet, but we've been working through this for most of the year as part of our family worship time, and it is excellent. Both my wife and I have learned much from DeYoung's short-but-rich treatments of each topic. Great as both a systematic theology and a daily devotional.

[Jack Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, devotional, and classical/historical systematic theology that everyone should read.

[Ben Moser]

I read through this as a daily devotional this year, really enjoyed it

I will continue to use it often as a quick reference for systematic theology

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Took me 2 months to read it but I learned a lot. Learned so much about being Presbyterian, about religion as a whole, learned about what the Church does and does not believe, and which topics are hills to die on and which are not. Overall would recommend to anyone, it’s a great resource and also feels like I was in seminary classes for 2 months, but a great way to get a little bit of theology under your belt without going to seminary. Great for the layperson, not just pastors or those in ministry, and honestly a lot of these topics come up in conversations with students (specifically the Trinity, predestination & baby baptism) so I’m happy to have a resource for myself as I have the conversations and for them so I can point them somewhere!

[Cale Fauver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin DeYoung is one of my favorite pastors to listen to and read. Always encouraging, deeply exegetical, and has rightly placed humor.

That being said, this is an excellent systematic book. And I can heartily say that as a Reformed Baptist to my Presbyterian brothers!

[Joshua Bremerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five-star review of this book does not indicate complete endorsement (I am a Baptist, and happily so, so my disagreements are extensive not only with baptism—but also the new covenant, polity, etc.), but I cannot think of another book written in this style with such a level of both depth and clarity!

I would *highly* recommend this book as a companion for daily readings in the Bible for anyone wanting to take deeper steps into theology.

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This can be read through or taken as a daily devotional. I did the former but recommend the latter as it would have probably helped me take it in more. Helpful overview of lots of theology although worth noting Kevin DeYoung is Presbyterian so it’s in favour of paedo-baptism etc - but quite helpful to understand the arguments!

[Lainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. It centered around the Bible and strong theological books to show the reader God and the truth of the Bible. It was an amazing way to learn about theology as a whole and gain a better understanding of the theology of the Bible.

[Jordan Winsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I don't align 100% with DeYoung's views, but man, he's a master of condensing big doctrines into a single page. His writing is thoughtful, God-magnifying, and full of humility. It was a pleasurable read and I learned a lot from it.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good devotional book that I read with my wife for family worship. I didn’t agree with everything said since DeYoung is writing from a Presbyterian perspective, but he also in so many chapters showed the different views of different doctrines.

I think there is a need for a similar book from a Reformed Baptist perspective.

[Peter Krol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, bite-sized chunks to systematics that are never breezy or uninsightful. DeYoung takes a (sometimes unnecessary) stand on quite a few debatable topics, but he's always winsome and transparent in his reasoning. Well worth the time, and easy to digest in a single reading per day.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books I would love to give away to anyone who I ever talk with about it! I genuinely think it is one that every single Believer should have in their library and read through at least once.
Although there are points where I disagree with Mr DeYoung’s positions (all relegated to ‘non-essentials’), overall I feel like the value anyone would get out of exposing themselves to this thorough introduction to Systematic Theology makes it one I would recommend regardless of how much you think you will or won’t agree with his positions as a Presbyterian minister.
Overall, I really don’t think I can recommend this highly enough! A thorough introduction to Systematic Theology, broken into 500 words daily readings, formatted to be completed over the course of a year - what more could you want as a faithful companion to your Bible to help you grow in understanding of the Lord and His word? Do yourself a favor and go get a copy of this today!

Favorite Quote: “The best theologians of the church have always insisted that faith and reason, though operative in Christianity in different ways, are ultimately not in conflict…when used properly, reason is a support and not a threat to genuine faith…Christian truths are received in faith, but not a blind faith. Our beliefs are supported and defended by reason.”

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this little by little throughout this past academic year - sometimes ten entries/chapters at once, sometimes just one at a time. Overall, it is full of solid, foundational writings on anything and everything: Jesus, baptism, elders, communion, etc. Scripture is consistently referenced and explained. The entries can dive quite deep, but are manageable and easy to read even when you might not have prior understanding of a specific topic. I would recommend this book if you are a brand new believer or have been a believer for 60 years - it can truly benefit anyone who desires to learn more about Christ and continue steadfastly in the faith.

[Libbianne · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Several notes:
1. Kevin DeYoung is great at explaining hard concepts in easy to understand language.
2. Bite size theology is exactly what I wanted. It’s enough to help me better understand what’s going on without trying to start with Berkhof. (Also, love that there was 260 days in this because 365 days is overwhelming. This was much more manageable.)
3. I went through at least 3 highlighters through this book.
4. Would’ve been closer to 5 stars, but the chapters on Baptism lost me.

[Donald White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daily Dose of Systematic Theology

This book is well written and full of a deep, rich theology that helps one understand God’s Word better and helps one understand the big picture of God’s redemptive history and plan.

[Douglas Domer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you would like to learn more of Reformed Doctrine, I highly recommend this book. It is loaded with practical aids in the study of Doctrine. I rate books based on content and aids. This book gets my highest rating! DeYoung has included: an Appendix of Works Frequently Cited, a listing of Works Cited, a General Index, and a Scripture Index. I am sure I will return to this book frequently!

[Jonathan Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and engaging systematic theology. DeYoung is exceptionally gifted at taking high-level theological concepts and making them accessible, and the gospel remains at the center throughout this book.

[Aaron C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid

[Claire Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. I enjoyed reading through this and plan on keeping it within reach to use as a resource.

[Caleb Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For what it is, this book is excellent. Surprising that to my knowledge no one had really taken systematic theology and applied it to a daily devotional book (or at least if someone has, not in this type of format and clarity). The strength of this comes in its readability. DeYoung is one of my favorites at making the complex simple. This will be a book I reference for years to come thanks to its layout and chapter titles.

[Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to read devotionally. Structured to run for 52 weeks with 5 days of readings per week, this book is an excellent way to fill your week with an introduction to Reformed doctrine. Built on Scripture and buttressed by creeds and confessions, Daily Doctrine provides detailed yet accessible snapshots of Reformed views, rarely over two pages long, while inspiring you to find the tools to zoom in on these snapshots yourself. I’m not on the exact same page as DeYoung on every point of doctrine, but we are in the same chapter of the same book, and I’m grateful for his love for the richness of truth and the goodness of the Reformed church.

[J. Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real systematic theology, done in bite sized chunks to read with your cereal each morning. Grounded in scripture and history, filled with useful quotes from high strata of Reformed thought, and extremely readable.
A useful gift to the church from the excellent Kevin DeYoung.

[Ian Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of this one is brevity. I have never read a systematic theology with such economy of words. If you are looking to read your first systematic theology, start here. It was a delight to read.

[Bill Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin DeYoung is a Presbyterian minister. He writes that his understanding of theology has been shaped by the confessions and catechisms of the Reformed tradition and by Reformed theologians. You can read this book, as I did, as a year-long devotional. Each day is around five hundred words, with five entries each week. You can also use the book as a reference tool, or read it through as a mini systematic theology. The topics are organized around the traditional systematic categories.
The author tells us that in doing systematic theology, we are trying to answer the question, “What does the whole Bible say about this?” Systematic theology organizes doctrine logically around topics and questions. Systematic theology is not the only way Christians can learn about God’s word, but it is one invaluable way.
I used the book as a part of my devotional reading this year, and found it to be very helpful. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Below are twenty helpful quotes from the book:
• To know God and his ways, we need the Bible, the surest and clearest word and the last word concerning every subject on which it means to speak.
• We don’t believe that only part of the Bible is inspired. All Scripture is the breathed-out word of God.
• Inerrancy means the word of God always stands over us, and we never stand over the word of God. When we reject inerrancy, we put ourselves in judgment over God’s word.
• Divine sovereignty is related to divine omnipotence. Only a God possessing absolute power can exercise absolute control over all things.
• Scripture testifies that creation, redemption, and providence are each the work of the whole Trinity.
• The story of the Bible is nothing if not a story of divine providence. On every page, in every promise, behind every prophecy is the sure hand of God.
• Every human being is made in the image of God (imago dei), and as such each of us was made to represent God and be like God.
• There is virtually no doctrine in the Bible taught more forcefully and more frequently than the natural man’s inherited, all-pervasive sinfulness. And there is no doctrine we see more clearly in the world around us.
• Our salvation is nothing less than the fulfillment of covenant theology: the death of our covenant-keeping Christ, through the shed blood of the covenant of grace, is as a substitutionary sacrifice for God’s covenant-breaking people.
• God became man so that as the God-man he could conquer death, defeat the devil, and atone for our sins.
• In penal substitutionary atonement we find hope for sinners, the heart of the gospel, and the good news without which all other news regarding the cross is null and void.
• The central plotline in Scripture is about sinners being saved. Salvation should be the theme of our preaching, the mission of the church, and the priority of our ministry.
• The whole of the Christian life from election to justification to sanctification to final glorification is made possible by and is an expression of our union with Christ.
• The work of God in regeneration is monergistic (by the one working) not synergistic (by a work of cooperation). That is to say, regeneration is God’s work and his alone.
• Repentance is necessary in becoming a Christian, and it is necessary in living as a Christian.
• He got what we deserved, so that we can get what he deserves. And in that way, God and sinners are reconciled. We are justified before God, and God’s justice is satisfied.
• We obey the commandments, therefore, not in order to merit God’s favor, but out of gratitude for his favor.
• The church is not an optional extra but an essential element of what it means to be a Christian and to grow in Christ.
• A sacrament is a sign and seal of the covenant blessings we receive by faith.
• The doctrine of hell needs to be defended in our day, not because we relish the thought of eternal punishment, but because it is such a clear teaching of Scripture and of Jesus himself.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

DeYoung is the master of making the complex simple without being simplistic. He summarizes the profound subjects of systematic theology and other doctrinal topics in less than two pages each. As Joel Beek observes…

"You hold in your hands a smorgasbord of theological delights. Daily Doctrine is at once a daily devotional, a mini systematic theology, and a reference tool. It is deep but delightful, profound but practical, comprehensive but concise, and accurate but accessible."

Of course. Baptists and those who hold to premillennialism or progressive dispensationalism will be unconvinced by DeYoung’s amillennialism, prebyterianism, and infant baptism. But even here DeYoung is helpful since his brevity highlights the lack of scriptural evidence for these views. These sections stand out in strong contrast with his other summaries.

DeYoung’s Daily Doctrine is J. I. Packer’s Concise Theology on steroids! A joy to read and a resource to keep at hand!

Here’s a podcast audio version: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... and https://open.spotify.com/episode/65ji....

[Adam ✝️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m part of a men’s discipleship group at my church, and over the past year we have been going through this book together. All the way through it proved to be a fascinating and well-researched dive into a vast array of theological topics. I was certainly more familiar with some of the concepts than others, but DeYoung does a superb job at making the more perplexing parts very digestible. Even beyond the valuable academic summaries of Reformed beliefs, DeYoung’s teaching on these topics also proved to be encouraging in my own daily walk with the Lord. If you’re looking for a succinct but highly readable guide on historic Christian teachings, this one is most certainly worth your time.