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Bible Doctrine : Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith
How do we know the Bible is God's Word? What is sin and where did it come from? How is Jesus fully God and fully man? What are spiritual gifts? When and how will Christ return? If you've asked questions like these, then 'systematic theology' is no abstract term. It's an approach to finding answers every Christian needs to know. Bible Doctrine takes a highly commended upper-level textbook on systematic theology and makes it accessible to the average reader. Abridged from Wayne Grudem's award-winning Systematic Theology, Bible Doctrine covers the same essentials of the faith, giving you a firm grasp on seven key The Doctrine of the Word of God The Doctrine of God The Doctrine of Man The Doctrine of Christ The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption The Doctrine of the Church The Doctrine of the Future Like Systematic Theology, this book is marked by its clarity, its strong scriptural emphasis, its thoroughness in scope and detail, and its treatment of such timely topics as spiritual warfare and the gifts of the Spirit. But you don't need to have had several years of Bible school to reap the full benefits of Bible Doctrine. It's easy to understand--and it's packed with solid, biblical answers to your most important questions.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 1999
548 people are currently reading
1372 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Grudem
123 books332 followersWayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge; DD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is research professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary, having previously taught for 20 years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Grudem earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, as well as an MDiv from Westminster Seminary. He is the former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, a cofounder and past president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, a member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, the general editor of the ESV Study Bible, and has published over 20 books, including Systematic Theology, Evangelical Feminism, Politics—According to the Bible, and Business for the Glory of God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 21, 2010
In Bible Doctrine, a condensed version of his longer Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem provides an excellent resource for study groups, Sunday School classes or individual study. When I first purchased this book to use in teaching a youth Sunday School class, I was a little hesitant as most Bible doctrine books I had seen either oversimplified things or was so difficult to understand it made teaching from it almost impossible. However, Grudem's writing style here was simple and quite easy to understand, yet at the same time did not sacrifice key elements of doctrine in order to obtain that simplicity.
Grudem covers what he views as seven key topics of Christianity: The Doctrines of the Word of God, God, Man, Christ and the Holy Spirit, Application of Redemption, the Church, and the Future. Each is divided up into several chapters that read very much like a class outline. There are review questions, application questions, special terms and Scripture memory passages at the end of each chapter.
What I especially appreciate about Grudem is the way in which he presents varying viewpoints on issues that have presented some disagreement. Because this book seems designed for classroom use, space does not allow him to dive into all the nuances of each argument, yet he still manages to present most, if not all sides quite fairly, presenting Scriptural arguments used to support each. While he divulges which view he holds to, he does it in such a way as to encourage the reader to further study the issue and decide for himself.
For example, while discussing the topic of Creation under the Doctrine of God, he briefly touches on the fact that many evangelicals disagree on the age of the earth. He presents arguments for both an old and a young earth, with Scriptural support and interpretation for each. His conclusion was that while "Scripture seems to be more easily understood to suggest (but not to require) a young earth view.... It should be said at this point that, with the information we now have, it is not at all easy to decide this question with certainty. The possibility must be left open that God has chosen not to give us enough information to come to a clear decision on this question and the real test of faithfulness to him may be the degree to which we can act charitably toward those who in good conscience and full belief in God's Word hold to a different position on this matter." (p.139)
It is with this wisdom that Grudem approaches many of the topics and one of the main reasons I would highly recommend this book, especially for beginners of theological study. It's ease of use and understandability make it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.
Grudem covers what he views as seven key topics of Christianity: The Doctrines of the Word of God, God, Man, Christ and the Holy Spirit, Application of Redemption, the Church, and the Future. Each is divided up into several chapters that read very much like a class outline. There are review questions, application questions, special terms and Scripture memory passages at the end of each chapter.
What I especially appreciate about Grudem is the way in which he presents varying viewpoints on issues that have presented some disagreement. Because this book seems designed for classroom use, space does not allow him to dive into all the nuances of each argument, yet he still manages to present most, if not all sides quite fairly, presenting Scriptural arguments used to support each. While he divulges which view he holds to, he does it in such a way as to encourage the reader to further study the issue and decide for himself.
For example, while discussing the topic of Creation under the Doctrine of God, he briefly touches on the fact that many evangelicals disagree on the age of the earth. He presents arguments for both an old and a young earth, with Scriptural support and interpretation for each. His conclusion was that while "Scripture seems to be more easily understood to suggest (but not to require) a young earth view.... It should be said at this point that, with the information we now have, it is not at all easy to decide this question with certainty. The possibility must be left open that God has chosen not to give us enough information to come to a clear decision on this question and the real test of faithfulness to him may be the degree to which we can act charitably toward those who in good conscience and full belief in God's Word hold to a different position on this matter." (p.139)
It is with this wisdom that Grudem approaches many of the topics and one of the main reasons I would highly recommend this book, especially for beginners of theological study. It's ease of use and understandability make it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.
December 12, 2011
Probably something I would grab if I had 10 minutes to grab my belongings and escape my house that was on fire. Essential.
May 9, 2025
This has been an incredible resource during a 10-month course at my church. I would highly recommend it as a good place to start for a comprehensive evangelical systematic theology.
August 1, 2020
i did it! i'm done!
May 31, 2023
Wow, what a ride. This has to be the most easy-to-understand book on systematic theology bc a novice like myself found it incredibly clear and useful.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to dive deeper and organize the jumbled theological thoughts in their brains.
My one complaint would be that the author omitted the section on covenants from his original systematic theology book but hey, it is what it is.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to dive deeper and organize the jumbled theological thoughts in their brains.
My one complaint would be that the author omitted the section on covenants from his original systematic theology book but hey, it is what it is.
June 12, 2025
Did a 9 month book club with my church going through this! A chapter a week, with lots of good discussion.
January 27, 2025
Read this book with our Community Group at our Church. Highly recommend if you want to dig in to solid biblical doctrine.
April 18, 2019
Grudem misses the forest for the trees in his systematic. I was unimpressed with his exposition of soteriology and God's providence, which relied entirely on a 5-point Calvinistic framework that is rife with inconsistencies. Too much attention is placed on orders and mechanisms, and not enough is placed on the big picture of God and His self-sacrificial covenant love. Grudem relies on straw-man arguments to dismiss opposing viewpoints, shutting down meaningful discussions before they happen. What is most worrisome for me is the lack of context Grudem gives for his support texts. There is little discussion of the Biblical narrative as a whole and the covenant promises to Israel, which are an integral part of our understanding of Jesus as Messiah and what God's faithfulness and our hope is actually all about.
This book was useful to me in that it helped me to identify ideas that are taken for granted in 21st century American Christianity, but that are really not entirely biblical or else are not entirely relevant. It spurred some great conversation, hours of study, and got me interested in exploring other systematics.
I would only recommend this book if this is NOT your first introduction to the Christian faith and if you are ready to read it with a critical eye and alongside a mentor or conversation partner. If you approach it this way it will not be a complete waste of time. Better yet, compare it with another systematic like Garrett's and be reading things that challenge your mind in another direction like Lewis, NT Wright, and Tozer at the same time. I can say that without authors like these and if I only had Grudem's perspective, I would be pretty lost with regards to the bigger picture of God's character and His redemptive purposes in the world.
This book was useful to me in that it helped me to identify ideas that are taken for granted in 21st century American Christianity, but that are really not entirely biblical or else are not entirely relevant. It spurred some great conversation, hours of study, and got me interested in exploring other systematics.
I would only recommend this book if this is NOT your first introduction to the Christian faith and if you are ready to read it with a critical eye and alongside a mentor or conversation partner. If you approach it this way it will not be a complete waste of time. Better yet, compare it with another systematic like Garrett's and be reading things that challenge your mind in another direction like Lewis, NT Wright, and Tozer at the same time. I can say that without authors like these and if I only had Grudem's perspective, I would be pretty lost with regards to the bigger picture of God's character and His redemptive purposes in the world.
April 6, 2020
This book is most useful in provoking deeper understanding. Not because Grudem does a good job explaining, but because his tone begs to be argued against. I learned a lot by researching the alternate views he attempts to disprove. Sometimes I ended up agreeing, but often I found his explanations over-simplified and stated in a patronizing tone. Worth reading if you have the time to dig and disagree. Do not read and swallow whole.
June 19, 2019
Finally, after about five years and three classes, I have read all of Grudem! This is a must read for every believer. He breaks down theology simply and logically and I have learned so much over the years. Definitely an amazing resource.
January 12, 2023
Great practical book on Systematic Theology written for the layman to grasp. From mostly reformed perspective, though I don’t agree with every point.
“ The doctrine of the clarity of Scripture has a very important, and ultimately very encouraging, practical implication. It tells us that where there are areas of doctrinal or ethical disagreement ( for example, over baptism, or church government), there are only two causes for these disagreements: (1) On the one hand, it may be that we are seeking to make affirmations where Scripture itself is silent. In such cases, we should be more ready to admit that God has not given us the answer to our quest, and to allow for differences of viewpoint within the church. (This will often be the case with very practical questions, such as methods of evangelism or styles of Bible teaching or appropriate church size.) (2) On the other hand, it is possible we have made mistakes in our interpretation of Scripture. This could have happened because….”
“ The doctrine of the clarity of Scripture has a very important, and ultimately very encouraging, practical implication. It tells us that where there are areas of doctrinal or ethical disagreement ( for example, over baptism, or church government), there are only two causes for these disagreements: (1) On the one hand, it may be that we are seeking to make affirmations where Scripture itself is silent. In such cases, we should be more ready to admit that God has not given us the answer to our quest, and to allow for differences of viewpoint within the church. (This will often be the case with very practical questions, such as methods of evangelism or styles of Bible teaching or appropriate church size.) (2) On the other hand, it is possible we have made mistakes in our interpretation of Scripture. This could have happened because….”
March 21, 2023
Very informative book. I enjoyed how he tacked all or most views on all the doctrine, and shared the way those views are seen. I personally don’t agree with all his interpretations of passages but the way he clearly explains and reviews them with scripture was very helpful. Definitely would recommend reading this and getting an understanding on all different types of doctrines in the church, if you agree with them or not.
June 22, 2021
I would definitely recommend to get together with other Christian friends and discuss this book in a group. It was my first time studying about biblical doctrines and I really enjoyed it. Some topics are hard to understand so it was helpful to discuss in the group.
Read
April 26, 2024A classic I will be coming back to for years! Learned heaps, everything was presented clearly and systematically (hehe), and I am thankful to have my head a bit more fully around key Christian doctrines. Thank you uni for excellent assigned reading ;)
January 29, 2025
Our community group read this together covering one chapter per week. Amazing book that helps you learn good Biblical doctrine. Covers many topics and explains what the Bible says about each one. I am so glad we read this and definitely recommend it.
April 1, 2021
This makes for a great reference material and aid to relatively new believers, but I would not recommend just reading straight through it.
August 15, 2023
This is an amazing, concise systematic theology. There’s great explanation of differing arguments over doctrines, which makes it easier to converse with people with opposing stances.
December 11, 2024
I’ve learned soooo much, and I can’t believe it’s over!
January 26, 2025
Finally.
February 13, 2015
I utilized the book as a textbook for GATEWAY, an alternative to seminary for pastors and ministry leaders.
http://www.efca.org/reachnational/efc...
This book is an abridgment of Grudem's "Systematic Theology." For the person who wants something less comprehensive and detailed than a full-blown systematic, this is a good choice. Grudem is reformed, complementarian, charismatic, a historic premillennialist. He presents a variety of views on a given doctrine, but then argues (respectfully) for his own position showing the weaknesses of opposing viewpoints. His training in logic/philosophy is evident throughout.
His language is clear and this book avoids complicated and unnecessary theological jargon.
This is a reference work that probably most people would not read cover-to-cover.
At the end of each chapter he includes key terms, review questions, questions for personal application, and verses to memorize. This is helpful for classroom settings.
The other book we used, "Evangelical Convictions" is not listed through Goodreads but can be found here:
http://www.nsresources.com/browse.cfm...
http://www.efca.org/reachnational/efc...
This book is an abridgment of Grudem's "Systematic Theology." For the person who wants something less comprehensive and detailed than a full-blown systematic, this is a good choice. Grudem is reformed, complementarian, charismatic, a historic premillennialist. He presents a variety of views on a given doctrine, but then argues (respectfully) for his own position showing the weaknesses of opposing viewpoints. His training in logic/philosophy is evident throughout.
His language is clear and this book avoids complicated and unnecessary theological jargon.
This is a reference work that probably most people would not read cover-to-cover.
At the end of each chapter he includes key terms, review questions, questions for personal application, and verses to memorize. This is helpful for classroom settings.
The other book we used, "Evangelical Convictions" is not listed through Goodreads but can be found here:
http://www.nsresources.com/browse.cfm...
November 30, 2018
471 pages of, well, Bible Doctrine. A distillation of Grudem’s Systematic Theology, the book contains heavy concepts made accessible for someone not willing to brave 1,200 pages of theology. It’s still a book of theology, but it’s easy to read. Grudem writes simply and clearly. He treats opposing views respectfully and fairly without misrepresentation.
Some in the reformed or more fundamentally conservative tribes of Christianity avoid Grudem for his views on Spiritual Gifts. However, I found his explanation of the Gifts refreshing and clear. He points out many unfair treatments of the Spiritual Gifts from the aforementioned reformed/fundamentalists within Christianity.
If you’re looking for an accessible work of theology, this is a great option well worth the time it takes to read it.
Some in the reformed or more fundamentally conservative tribes of Christianity avoid Grudem for his views on Spiritual Gifts. However, I found his explanation of the Gifts refreshing and clear. He points out many unfair treatments of the Spiritual Gifts from the aforementioned reformed/fundamentalists within Christianity.
If you’re looking for an accessible work of theology, this is a great option well worth the time it takes to read it.
February 3, 2009
Abridged version of Grudem's awesome Systematic Theology. If you've never read a systematic theology, you will probably be blown away by what you learn about how awesome our God is.
November 30, 2019
This is a helpful 'textbook' for Christians in their journey to know God more. It is a heavy read and I found myself reading paragraphs over and over until I absorbed the gist of what is being interpreted and taught. In reading it one must remember that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God (not any book on or about the Bible); clear understanding on many topics can be found in scripture. These topics then can be classified as absolutes - topics that we can commit to our understanding and apply fully to our lives. For many topics covered or not covered in scripture, we need to categorize our own understanding of them as to whether it is to be a conviction, opinion or remain a question for us. This includes such things as baptism methodology. Having said all of that, I found this book by Grudem very helpful. Some topics (like the Holy Spirit) are not well covered so you will need to meditate on scripture and consult other sources in helping to confirm your own convictions there (and of course the work of the Holy Spirit in you). I purchased this book as required reading for a course I am taking in Bible Doctrine - I know that I will be coming back to this book again and again to refresh my memory and to continue my learning.
Note that this is NOT a book for seekers and/or young Christians - there are many more helpful resources, Bible translations and paraphrases that can help you work through the meaning of scripture. This is a book for emerging Bible scholars. Prayer is essential and you should not just accept what one writer or another says. This is however a helpful resource (among many good resources). There are a few parts of Grudem's book that I didn't quite agree with - some that I could go either way, etc. I also felt there were many topics left undiscussed that many long-time Christians have questions about. I'll say it one more time ... read, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you - consult the Bible (the Word of God - II Timothy 3:16) more than any other source. May God give each one joy in discovering the truths of God in his Word.
Note that this is NOT a book for seekers and/or young Christians - there are many more helpful resources, Bible translations and paraphrases that can help you work through the meaning of scripture. This is a book for emerging Bible scholars. Prayer is essential and you should not just accept what one writer or another says. This is however a helpful resource (among many good resources). There are a few parts of Grudem's book that I didn't quite agree with - some that I could go either way, etc. I also felt there were many topics left undiscussed that many long-time Christians have questions about. I'll say it one more time ... read, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you - consult the Bible (the Word of God - II Timothy 3:16) more than any other source. May God give each one joy in discovering the truths of God in his Word.
August 24, 2017
Used to teach an introduction to theology within a Sunday School setting.
I like this version a little better than Grudem's full Systematic, as I think he was helped by the brevity and edits. This is a great resource to wade yourself or guide others into the sea of theology. Grudem's strengths are in his ability to be concise without losing clarity, and in his fair summaries and engagement of alternative positions (himself a premillennialist, Grudem actually solidified my amillennial leanings in his survey of eschatology!). This isn't my favorite systematic, but it is probably the one I would hand someone who asked me for an introduction to theology. Another plus: it's very easy to outline for the purpose of teaching from it.
I like this version a little better than Grudem's full Systematic, as I think he was helped by the brevity and edits. This is a great resource to wade yourself or guide others into the sea of theology. Grudem's strengths are in his ability to be concise without losing clarity, and in his fair summaries and engagement of alternative positions (himself a premillennialist, Grudem actually solidified my amillennial leanings in his survey of eschatology!). This isn't my favorite systematic, but it is probably the one I would hand someone who asked me for an introduction to theology. Another plus: it's very easy to outline for the purpose of teaching from it.
July 22, 2020
Excellent introduction to the major doctrines of the Christian faith. I appreciate that the author shares his personnel views and presuppositions on certain doctrines that are debated by Christians in the introduction. It is a sign of intellectual honesty and that was why I bought the book as the first book I read on systematic theology. Throughout the text the author weighs differing views on the doctrines (eschatology, election, etc.) fairly considering the Biblical evidence for each and offering his assessment in a way that seems appropriately humble and un-dogmatic.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
April 27, 2021
A slightly abridged version of Grudem’s earlier edition, “Systematic Theology,” readers of this copy should receive no less credit for their endeavors than those who read the unabridged edition. Held side by side to its larger version, the differences between “Bible Doctrine” and “Systematic Theology” seem to be minimal and superficial. This book is a reference for those desiring to know what the Bible has to say topically. The author compiles passages into categories so that readers can easily find answers to their questions. This makes the information shared in this book highly accurate and reliable, though not infallible.
June 20, 2018
Solid study of the essential teachings of the Christian Faith. While the author is coming at these teachings from the Reformed point of view, it isn’t required for the reader to hold to or agree with the authors viewpoint in order to benefit from the wealth of topics covered in this book. The Biblical verses when referenced are used appropriately and with the correct context in view. This was used in a study group, and it spurred many good discussions to help us learn the essential doctrines of Christianity. Recommended for group study.
May 20, 2025
This book had good info in it, but personally, I don’t care for Grudem’s writing style all that much. I just finished it for school, and we did it over the course of two quarters, so maybe if we had gone through it slower, it would have been more enjoyable. Also it seems that Grudem is very wordy; he could say things in A LOT less words, and therefore make the book easier to read for everyone. It’s a book which I will likely refer back to in the future. The two stars are for just given for the information.
May 10, 2018
Just finished reading through Grudem and discussing it month by month with a group of young guys from my church. I don't agree with Grudem on all points eg the continuance of revelatory gifts or his premillenial view. And I'm surprised to see so much prominence given to the gifts of the spirit and so little given to the fruit of the Spirit and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. However I have found it very accessible and readable as a basic systematic theology. It was helpful.
November 18, 2024
4.5 stars. In this condensed volume, Grudem’s insights in his larger Systematic Theology are distilled into its core, essential elements. This is not to say that the other concepts in the larger volume are extraneous but that this smaller volume is a great summary for those who need a quick overview or want to understand a concept quickly.
A great volume to have alongside other systematic theology resources.
A great volume to have alongside other systematic theology resources.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews