Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology (Beeke and Smalley)

Author:

Beeke, Joel R.

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SKU:

9781433590917

Publisher:

Crossway

Format:

Hardcover

Pages:

1,088

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You Don’t Have to Be a Full-Time Theologian to Understand and Love Theology

Theology is not just an academic subject. It’s a spiritual practice for every believer, even those who feel too busy for rigorous study or aren’t advanced readers. To make theology accessible to a wider audience, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley have combined content from Reformed Systematic Theology into one concise book. Richly biblical, faithfully doctrinal, warmly experiential, and consistently practical, Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology ministers to the whole person―head, heart, and hands.

Featuring shorter chapters, less technical language, and chapter summaries, and drawing on the historical theology of the Reformed tradition, Essentials of Reformed Theology helps readers of various ages and educational levels grow in their understanding and application of the truth presented in God’s word.

Concise Version of Reformed Systematic Theology: Includes shorter chapters, light footnotes, chapter summaries that highlight key words, simplified language, a guide to theologians from history, a glossary of theological terms, and more
Explores 8 Essential Spiritual Themes: Revelation, God, man, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things
Accessible: Ideal for a variety of ages and education levels, as well as for people with limited time to study

Endorsements

“I praise God that the same great biblical truths that are set forth in the exhaustive Reformed Systematic Theology are now made available to all in a more concise and accessible edition. It will be an incalculable blessing and benefit to the laity, our youth, and the global church. This is a remarkable achievement.”
—Paul Washer, Director, HeartCry Missionary Society

Thankfully, we now have ‘Beeke and Smalley Junior’ in one volume at a simpler level. Still comprehensive and substantial, it is never ‘dumbed down.’ Wonderfully accessible and readable, it provides an ideal go-to volume for Christians of all ages and stages who want to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’ (2 Pet. 3:18).”
—Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

About the Authors

Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) has written over one hundred books. He is chancellor and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan; the editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth; the board chairman of Reformation Heritage Books; the president of Inheritance Publishers; and the vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.

Paul M. Smalley (ThM, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is faculty teaching assistant to Joel Beeke at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He previously served for twelve years as a pastor in the Baptist General Conference in the midwestern United States.

3
Excellent Content, poor cover

Posted by Brett on 5th Feb 2026

The content of this book is clear, concise and compelling. I highly recommend it for the content.

However, the gilt lettering on the front, back and spine of the book were all worn off after a month of gentle use. This is Crossway’s fault (the publisher) not Reformed Heritage Press.
5
Family worship

Posted by Blake S on 29th Jan 2026

Great systematic for family worship
3
Very informative

Posted by Jeffrey Shoemaker on 28th Jan 2026

My only issue is i am not a deep reformed person and i don't lean calvinist. Its laid out great, the reasons and intentions it gives to study in this fashion is why I bought the book
5
Theology explained

Posted by Wade DeHaas on 14th Jan 2026

Great resource
5
The best one-volume, modern Systematic Theology

Posted by Gerrit Buddingh on 6th Jan 2026

This is arguably the best one-volume, modern Systematic Theology: Reformed and devotional; but only time will verify my evaluation.
5
Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology

Posted by ANTHONY BIZZELL on 24th Dec 2025

It is exactly the resource I was wanting!
The answers to theological questions with inline references makes easy work of presenting theology.
4
Nice piece of backup source material

Posted by Michael Workman on 22nd Dec 2025

Excellent read. I am keeping is as a backup source for my sermons.
5
Very awesome insight. Helpful to understand reformed thought, being not too familiar with it.

Posted by Jace Buller on 15th Dec 2025

Good buy!
5
Head, Heart, and Hands

Posted by Josh Von Holt on 14th Dec 2025

I am so grateful that they have condensed volumes 1-4 of Reformed Systematic Theology into one volume on the Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology. This systematic theology truly does speak to the head, heart, and hands of the reader, emphasizing the experiential aspect of Reformed theology (following God fully; God's truth impacting every area of our life in the home, church, community, etc). I have always loved the discussion questions at the end of every chapter, and with the condensed version I also love the summaries at the beginning. Reformed Systematic theology has been deeply impactful in my own walk with the Lord and in teaching God's people in my local church. One of the things I am excited to start doing with this condensed version is use it to go through in the course of 2 years with a small group of young men in my church. Praise the Lord for secondary resources like this that He has provided His church to better understand the primary source, His Word.