Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 2, Vol. 2: Man and Christ

Reformed Systematic Theology #2

by Joel R. Beeke, Paul M. Smalley

The aim of systematic theology is to engage not only the head but also the heart and hands. Only recently has the church compartmentalized these aspects of life--separating the academic discipline of theology from the spiritual disciplines of faith and obedience. This multivolume work brings together rigorous historical and theological scholarship with spiritual disciplines and practical insights--characterized by a simple, accessible, comprehensive, Reformed, and experiential approach. In this volume, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley shift from the doctrine of God (theology proper) to the doctrine of humanity (anthropology) and the doctrine of Christ (Christology). This extensive reformed theology explores the Bible's teaching about who we are and why we were created, as well as who Jesus is and why his divinity is essential to the Christian faith.

Genres: Theology, Reference, Christian, Religion, Christianity

1895 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2020

About the author

Dr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the past several years I have maintained the discipline of reading at least one work of systematic theology. This year, I have the privilege of reading and reviewing Reformed Systematic Theology: Man and Christ - Volume 2 by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

I referred to the first volume in this series as engaging, educational, and enthralling. Beeke and Smalley pick up where they left off and continue to help readers magnify the great worthiness of Christ and his gospel.

Volume 2 begins with a study of anthropology and offers an exhaustive treatment of the subject through a Reformed lens. The author unpacks the essentials of this important branch of theology and provides the necessary exegesis, evidence in Scripture, and church history. Each chapter concludes with practical application that draws readers to the throne of grace.

Next, the authors carefully teach the doctrine of Christ. Readers are introduced to the person and work of Christ and are acquainted with his threefold offices of prophet, priest, and king.

Many will be intimidated by this behemoth of a book. Yet, a disciplined student will be rewarded by a careful reading of this important text. It not only educates and encourages - it challenges each person to come face to face with our Savior and meditate on his life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Read this book prayerfully and anticipate a blessing beyond belief.

Highly recommended!

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I was able to complete one of Beeke's massive volumes (this time volume 2 on creation, the doctrine of sin and Christology) by simply committing to reading three pages a day, and once again I am able to say it was totally worth the effort. Beeke (and Smalley) strike a wonderful balance among theological rigor, Biblical reference, contemporary application and worshipful praise. All bases are covered and the writing is clear and pastoral. Highly recommended even for the beginner to theology and for the seasoned pastor too.

[Alan Rennê · Rating 5 out of 5]

A exemplo do primeiro volume, muito bom!

Em breve será publicado pela editora Cultura Cristã.

[Colby Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepped into a study of this halfway in, but every chapter is deep, sincere, "full-orbed", and truly stirs my conviction and soul. This book would strengthen anyone's view of Christ and his thoroughness in completing, maintaining, and sanctifying our salvation.

[Alejandro Guillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume is a good introduction to reformed anthropology, hamartiology, and Christology. Something I appreciate of these volumes is their historical-theological perspective; the authors zoom into different stages of church history (early, medieval, reformation, Puritan, and modern) concerning each systematic loci.

I found the anthropology section weak to be a 2020 treatment on the subject, but it covers the basics. The section on sin was good, but I think the best section is the one on Christology for the way is organized and presented. Looking forward to finishing the other volumes.

[Grant Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic volume in Beeke and Smalley’s systematic. Pastoral, practical, and challenging, this volume discusses in depth about the person of Jesus Christ.

[curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly superb in every way. Deftly combines rigorous theological depth and precision with warm pastoral encouragement. The section on Christ's work as Mediator alone is worth the price of the volume, but really it's hard to choose. It's looking more and more as though when this set is complete it'll be the gold standard in systematics texts for decades to come.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SECOND VOLUME OF A VERY HELPFUL CONTEMPORARY THEOLOGY

Author (as well as professor and pastor) Joel R. Beeke and teaching assistant Paul Smalley wrote in the Preface to this 2020 book, “The work of a systematic theologian is to gather the truth from the Holy Scriptures and present it in a way that… both illuminates the mind and ignites the heart to direct the whole life to the glory of God. The publication of this second volume marks the halfway point in our attempt to produce a systematic theology that is biblical, doctrinal, experiential, and practical. Here we address the topics of creation, human nature, sin , God’s covenants, and the person and work of Christ.”

They reject the Gap Theory: “The gap view suffers from a lack of biblical evidence. There is nothing in Genesis 1:21 that indicates an unspoken interval of billions of years, the fall of angels, or a catastrophic judgment… The ages postulated before man’s existence also seem contrary to our Lord’s assertions that God created man ‘from the beginning of creation (Mk 10:6) and that the blood of martyrs such as Abel was shed ‘from the foundation of the world’ )(Lk 11:50).” (Pg. 94)

They assert, “we believe that… the text of Genesis is still best interpreted as a historical narrative about a sequence of six days followed by the seventh. In reply to the [counter-) arguments…: ,1. The absence of the sun prior to the fourth day does not hinder a cycle of day and night; all that is needed is a light source from a particular direction (created on the first day) and the rotation of the earth… 2. … We simply do not know how specific [Adam’] naming [of the animals] was or how long it took… 3. Genesis 2:1-3 does not state or imply that the seventh day continues to the present… 4. The expression ‘in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens’ (Gen 2:4) uses a Hebrew idiom that means ‘when, at the time’…In the end, we find the plain and simple reading of Genesis 1 as a historical narrative to be the most compelling.” (Pg. 101-103)

They interpret the Flood as a global flood: “Genesis 6-9 teaches that God destroyed all living creatures on the surface of the earth in the flood (7:4)… The text says six times that this judgment would some on ‘all flesh’… the narrative does not make sense if it describes only a local flood. Why did Noah need to save representatives of all the animals if only a region were to be flooded?... the text indicates that the flood was an unusual catastrophe involving a geological disturbance, not just a large flood produced by rain… the presence of flood stories in other documents of the ancient Near East does not prove that Genesis 6-9 is legendary. In fact, it can be argued the other way around… the theology of the flood is not merely a message of judgment and grace, but of TOTAL judgment and EXCLUSIVE grace… interpreting the flood as a local event raises serious doubts about … God’s covenants [Gen 9:11]. If the flood refers to a local inundation, then God did not keep his promise, for many such floods have taken place…” (Pg. 119-120)

They explain, “A contradiction is alleged to exist between Genesis 1:24 and 2:19. In the former, the animals were clearly created BEFORE man. However, the latter verse… can be translated as ‘had formed,’ which is consistent with 1:24 and resolves the difficulty. Alternatively, the second account could be interpreted to mean that while God had already created the kinds of animals, he specially created some individual animals out of the earth and brought them to the man.” (Pg. 139)

They clarify, “Some people are born with a mixture of male and female anatomy or genetics (‘intersex’ people). We acknowledge people in these conditions as truly human beings who should be treated with dignity, justice, and compassion. However, these are rare physical abnormalities resulting from the fall, and most intersex individuals identify as a man or woman. Intersex is not transgenderism.” (Pg. 210)

They state about Paul and homosexuality, “[He] was aware of the lofty views of homosexual relationships, but simply condemned homosexuality without qualification. Paul warns that people engaged in homosexual sex will not ‘inherit the kingdom of God’ if they do not repent of their sin…Therefore, to pronounce God’s blessing on the union of two men or two women is to endanger their souls… True homophobia is believing that people can never turn back to the Lord and his ways.”
(Pg. 224)

They say, “Two notable features of the Reformed doctrine of original sin are total depravity and total inability… Total inability does not mean that fallen men can do nothing useful for society, but rather that they can do nothing pleasing to God or take the first step of willing the good that God requires, without regenerating grace… The doctrine of total inability contradicts the teaching that unsaved have the ability to choose God when assisted by his grace.” (Pg. 379, 409)

They assert, “the Scriptures do not focus on the will as the center of human self-direction and do not use the language of ‘freedom’ to describe the power of the will to choose good or evil… We must be careful not to read concepts of the liberty of the will into biblical statements about will or freedom… talking of free will easily leads to misunderstanding. If we affirm it without qualification, then we may lead people … [to] undermine the truth of salvation by grace alone…” (Pg. 420)

They state, “The eternal punishment of sense consists of the infliction of horrible pan upon the wicked by the wrath of God… The wicked will experience the unmixed wrath of God… It will not be a case of might makes right. God will not simply overpower them like a cosmic bully… God will make his justice pain and manifest in every case… Sin will then be demonstrated to be the ugliest corruption, darkest treason, and foulest ingratitude against God.” (Pg. 463)

They acknowledge, “One of the most humbling aspect of trials is that we often do not understand the specific reasons why they come upon us. Yet it is precisely when we do not comprehend the Father’s ways that we can learn submissive trust in his will… We learn in trials to trust God to do what is right and not to allow our finite outlook on life to challenge God’s holiness.” (Pg. 485)

They explain, “Since God’s revelation has unfolded progressively over history, we look to the New Testament to teach us how to properly interpret the covenants of the Bible… [In] Paul’s epistle to the Galatians… Paul gives extensive attention… to the relationship between God’s promises to Abraham, his laws given to Israel through Moses, and his saving grace to those in Christ today… Covenant theology upholds the principle that there is one Mediator between God and man. Whatever else we may say about God’s covenants, we must be clear that there is only one gospel, the gospel of justification by grace through faith, not by works.” (Pg. 525-526)

They say, “Many Christians have made distinctions within the Mosaic law between the moral, ceremonial, and judicial law. ‘Moral’ refers to unchanging principles of righteousness that apply to all mankind. ‘Ceremonial’ pertains to ordinances of external worship that foreshadowed Christ. ‘Judicial’ laws are directions for criminal and civil justice in Israel’s ancient theocratic society. The doctrine of threefold law has ancient roots… The Mosaic law does not come neatly packaged in separate bodies of text labeled ‘moral,’ ‘ceremonial,’ and ‘judicial.’ Often these laws are mingled together. For example… Leviticus 19 contains instructions for the peace offering (vv. 5-8), a command to leave a portion of the harvest in the field so that the poor of the land may glean it (vv. 9-10), and prohibitions against stealing, lying, false oaths, and fraud (vv. 11-13). However, this threefold distinction in the law is not a theological imposition upon the biblical text, but a truth that arises out of the Scriptures… God distinguished between the Decalogue and the book of the law [Ex 20:1-17, Deut 29-31].” (Pg. 683-684)

They admit, “Theologians refer to the unity of Christ’s constitution as the ‘hypostatic union,’ for God the Son took a human nature into union with his person… We may understand that this union exists in Christ, but we cannot fully comprehend it or explain it. That should not surprise us, for the incarnation is unique, without parallel in history.” (Pg. 795)

Of Christ’s ‘descent into hell’ stated in the Apostles’ Creed, they suggest, “the Holy Scriptures give us no divinely revealed basis to believe in a literal descent of Jesus Christ into hell between his death and resurrection… Christ’s descent into hell consists of his extreme humiliation in both soul and body, climaxing for his soul in the suffering of God’s wrath on the cross and for his body in death under God’s curse, burial, and continuation in death for a time… Christians can confess, with god conscience, that Christ ‘descended into hell’ and bless God for it. At the very least, Christians should affirm the biblical teachings of Christ’s utter humiliation in his soul’s spiritual anguish prior to death and in his body’s death, burial, and continuance in the grave until the third day.” (Pg. 923-924)

They argue, “According to the doctrine of propitiation, Christ offered himself as a sacrifice to appease the anger of God against sinners by bearing that wrath himself… The root word of ‘propitiate’ had the common meaning in Greek of appeasing anger and was often used of appeasing angry gods… It might be objected that God is not angry with sinners but loves them, for God is love… In reply, we answer that the Bible pervasively testifies to God’s anger against sin, not as a sinful passion or emotional perturbation, but as an expression of his perfect justice…. Furthermore, the biblical doctrine of propitiation does not hold that God’s wrath was appeased by someone outside of himself, but that God himself satisfied the righteous demands of his wrath by sending his Son to be the sacrifice for sin.” (Pg. 995-996)

They note, “The opponents of the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement argue that it was neither necessary nor right for God to place our sins on Christ… some object that God can simply forgive your sins. If a mere human being can choose not to take revenge, much more the sovereign Lord…we answer that… our sins place us in a criminal debt. While a financial creditor may choose to release a debtor without doing anything ethically wrong, a judge may not do so with a debt of justice from criminal activity.” (Pg. 1025)

They explain, “Let us now consider the texts that assert Christ’s redemption for the ‘world’ and ‘all.’ Sometimes ‘world’ is an indefinite term for sinners, without specifying who or how many… ‘World’ and ‘all’ can also reveal the expansiveness of Christ’s work to redeem people from all nations and groups… Often ‘all’ is used of Christ’s redemption to refer to the whole people saved by union with him… but ‘all men’ must be understood to refer not to everyone without exception but to all ‘in Christ,’ just as the ‘all’ who die because of Adam are all people ‘in Adam’… The word ‘all’ may emphasize the comprehensiveness of the new humanity … and serve to repel any notion that salvation is limited to the Jews.” (Pg. 1072-1073)

They assert, “we acknowledge that particular redemption, or ‘limited atonement’ is open to misunderstanding… Unbelievers hearing the gospel do not know yet whether they are the objects of God’s redeeming love, but the gospel reveals to them the goodness of God in the free offer of Christ. We also note that other views of redemption face similar theological tensions… Since Christ accomplished propitiation, redemption, and reconciliation for those for whom he died, and only some will be saved from divine wrath, redeemed, and reconciled, therefore Christ dies as the substitute only for some people. The doctrine that Christ died for everyone, but everyone will not be saved, is inconsistent with the doctrine of penal substitution for the satisfaction of God’s justice.” (Pg. 1079-1082)

They state, “One of the aspects of Christianity that the world finds most offensive is its singularity: the Bible insists that there is only one man in all of human history who can reconcile us to God… The uniqueness of Christ runs contrary to the popular perspectives of relativism, religious pluralism, and postmodernism… The claim of the uniqueness of Christ… arises inevitably from the worldview revealed by God’s Word… The Bible indicates that Christ alone is … uniquely qualified to reveal the Father… Therefore, the faithful preacher of God’s Word … must not flinch on this crucial point, but state it boldly. The eternal destiny of precious human beings hinges upon the true doctrine of Jesus Christ.” (Pg. 1170-1172)

This book will be of great interest to those studying Reformed theology.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beeke's RST is the best Systematic Theology on my shelf, by some distance (and I have a long ST shelf). Warm, pastoral, accessible, thorough, deep, inspiring, memorable, and extremely well written.

[Andres Glz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beeke and Smalley have the ability to explain Christian doctrine under two essential aspects: depth and simplicity. Far from presenting "novel" or "relevant" ways about man, creation, sin and Christ, these teachers explain the pillars of the Christian faith with Scripture in hand and surrounded by the best voices of the past.
Both present God's model for marriage and society. Thus, far from being simply a compendium of "academic" doctrine, this volume, as well as the previous one, responds to current issues of our generation. Far from appealing to human standards or principles, the arguments are simply evidence that the Scriptures themselves present. In addition, the reflection questions at the end of each chapter are excellent as they invite us to put into practice what we learn in the day-to-day life of every believer.
It is amazing that two scholars of such great reputation are able to synthesize and explain Christian doctrine in depth. This requires that we pay attention to the methodology, terms, style and Christ-centered emphasis of this work. Not only because this volume deals with the doctrine of Christ. On the contrary, from the first volume we can see that each doctrine is developed in the light of the work of Christ. And not only that, but we can also see an element that distinguishes Beeke's theology, it is a recovery of Trinitarian thought that we do not usually observe in other works.
On many occasions I am asked about theological works to read. My recommendation is almost always this work. Besides the certainty that it deals with sound theology, the doxological, pastoral element and depth of the writings make it unique. We can see the reflection of the Puritan influence in the devotion, the confessional depth, the attachment to historical doctrine and a love for the contemporary Christian to give him a book in simple terms. From beginning to end, this second volume reflects the seriousness and solidity that we were able to read in the first volume. We now look forward to the third volume of this fascinating series.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never forget walking into my first seminary theology classroom at Reformed Theological Seminary. It was taught my Dr. Ligon Duncan himself and I will never forget something he said. “There is the God that is and the God that we want and the two are not the same.” That is why when I got the chance to review Crossway’s second volume of Reformed Systematic Theology on Man and Christ authored by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley I was thrilled. In this book of theology we drill deep on the God who is.
Joel R. Beeke is President and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He is also the pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan as well as the editor of Puritan Reformed Journal and Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, the editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He is a busy guy.
Paul M. Smalley is the faculty teaching assistant to Joel Beeke at he seminary and also served as a pastor for twelve years in the Baptist General Conference.
In their first volume they dealt with the doctrine of revelation and God and continue on in this second volume with the doctrines of man and Christ. What you find in this second volume is much like what you find in the first. It is full of Scripture references and quotes from the giants of theology from the past. It is easy to read and will be a great use from anyone from the pew to the pulpit.
This is something that can be used in a seminary classroom and also in a small group study at a church. The results will certainly be spiritual growth and worship. You will certainly see the God that is. I highly recommend it.

[Austin Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol. 2 of Beeke’s Reformed Systematic Theology treats the subjects of anthropology and christology. Beeke unpacks the covenant of grace under the loci of christology, grounding it in Christ’s role in the pactum salutis (the best part of the book). The two volumes that I have read so far of this series serve not only as a good systematic but also a good work of historical theology. Beeke weaves in copious amounts of quotations from historic reformed authors. My only criticism is that I wish Beeke would have explained how his treatment of covenant theology squares with his views on paedobaptism. However, I’m sure he will write on this in the fourth volume.

[Daniel Arter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me almost two months to read this book because of its length (I didn’t read it exclusively), but the content is phenomenal. Beeke and Smalley expertly weave historical theology with systematic theology in a way that not just reflects the beauty of reformed theology, but also shows how RT has been thought through in church history.

My only complaint is its length. It’s clearly a labor of love for Beeke and Smalley, but I’m afraid for most people, the multiple volumes with about a thousand pages per volume would be enough to cause them to never pick the books up.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the most accessible and enjoyable Systematic Theology I have ever read! Dr. Beeke has given us a wonderful gift that should be on the shelf of every pastor who loves theology and desires to share that love with others. You will not go wrong with this systematic! It would be a perfect resource for any Sunday school or home group, and offers years of great material that is both biblically and theologically sound. I can't wait for Volume 3 to be released!

[Taylor Bradbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a handful of pages most days for 7ish months (sometimes more on the weekends). Beeke and Smalley have become my favorite systematic theology. They write with clarity, and combine biblical accuracy, historical developments, and theological depth. Whatever your current sys theo of choice presently is, consider putting it down and enjoying this four-volume masterpiece.

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t find this one as interesting overall as the first volume but the first part about creation was great.

[Andreas Jongeneel]

Met leesrooster van Chapel Library. Wel ergens begonnen met twee dagen per keer zodat het beter beklijft.

[Allen Haynie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this Systematic took me many months to read and take notes. It examines the doctrine of humanity, covering creation, the image of God, sin, and free will, and the doctrine of Christ, focusing on His person, natures, offices, and work as mediator. I enjoyed the section on "Free Will" where we are told "that yes we have a free will" but it's limited by the effects of the fall and original sin. Humanity is incapable of choosing God apart from divine grace. Drawing on Scripture it is emphasized that true freedom is found in the Spirit’s work of regeneration, enabling believers to choose and follow God. As a layman I consider the book to be scholarly yet accessible to all who put in the time to read the material insights and is perfect for believers seeking a deeper understanding of these doctrines presented.