Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 3: Spirit and Salvation (Beeke & Smalley)

“I tell my students that I am not interested in theology that can’t be preached. I sense the same when reading this third volume. What we have here is a systematic theology that covers all bases—scholarly and pastoral, Reformed and worshipful. No topic is left unaddressed. A monumental achievement.” - Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries; Chancellor’s Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary

“One of Joel Beeke’s most prized contributions to the field of systematic theology is his understanding that Christian theology is for living. A hallmark of Beeke's preaching and writing is that it follows Martin Bucer's dictum: ‘True theology is not theoretical, but practical. The end of it is living, that is to live a godly life.’ This present volume is no exception. Here is theology for the church of God and not just for the academy. It is a privilege to commend this latest volume, with the prayer that it will find its way into the bloodstream of the church.” - Ian Hamilton, Professor, Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Newcastle, UK

“The third volume of Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley’s Reformed Systematic Theology gives attention to the doctrines of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology) and salvation (soteriology). We are treated to, among many other significant features, a knowledgeable defense of the ordo salutis, which sincerely engages the main objections to this important formulation of classic Protestant soteriology. We meet a beautiful exposition of the Holy Spirit and the historia salutis, which nicely complements the treatment of the ordo. The volume concludes, as you might have expected in a book coauthored by Joel Beeke, with a rich summary of the Holy Spirit’s work in the Christian experience of salvation (experientia salutis). I must confess that I turned immediately to peek at the section on preparatory grace and also that on assurance, knowing Beeke’s interest and expertise in those areas. I will be utilizing this volume as I teach systematic theology, and will be commending it to others. I’ve already learned and benefited from it greatly. This is a welcome addition to the current flourishing of Reformed systematics.” - Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary

“‘Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!’ This expression of praise from Paul’s great doxology is a fitting response to reading this wonderful work of doctrine and devotion. Though the Reformed faith is often caricatured as merely intellectual, this work demonstrates that Reformed theology is also profoundly experiential, as no chapter fails to move from theology to doxology.” - John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California; Chancellor, The Master’s University and Seminary

“Reformed Systematic Theology not only takes readers into the depths of our triune God, but also shows what these great truths have to do with the Christian life. No contemporary systematic theology will bring the reader to a greater understanding of how theology blossoms into doxology than this one.” - Matthew Barrett, Associate Professor of Christian Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Executive Editor, Credo Magazine; editor, Reformation Theology

“This volume continues the heart-warming approach of volumes 1 and 2. I particularly admire the authors’ insightful and scrupulously fair exposition of positions with which they disagree. Their work offers a pretty comprehensive approach to different readings throughout the history of the subjects dealt with.” - Jonathan F. Bayes, UK Director, Carey Outreach Ministries; Pastor, Stanton Lees Chapel, Derbyshire, England; author, Systematics for God’s Glory and The Weakness of the Law

“Reformed Systematic Theology is the ripe fruit of Joel Beeke’s lifelong engagement as a preacher and as a teacher of preachers. This is not a systematic theology written by an ivory-tower theologian, but rather by a seasoned preacher for whom the doctrines he expounds have become, by the grace of God, an experiential reality.” - Bartel Elshout, Pastor, Heritage Reformed Congregation, Hull, Iowa; translator, The Christian’s Reasonable Service and The Christian’s Only Comfort in Life and Death

“Beeke and Smalley have written a work useful to the church at large that teaches Christians what they should believe and how they should love, but they have not sacrificed academic rigor to achieve these goals.” - J. V. Fesko, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

“Joel Beeke has continued his decades-long service to Christ and his church by presenting us with his mature reflections on the nature of systematic theology. This work is fully reliable, well written, easily understood, and thoroughly researched.” - Richard C. Gamble, Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“Joel Beeke is a rare gift to the church, a noted Christian leader who combines the skills of a learned theologian, master teacher, noted historian, and yet also a caring pastor. Reformed Systematic Theology is a virtual gold mine of biblical doctrine that is systematically arranged, carefully analyzed, historically scrutinized, and pastorally applied.” - Steven J. Lawson, President, OnePassion Ministries; Professor of Preaching, The Master’s Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“Here is theology functioning as it ought to function—calling us to worship. You will not need to agree with the authors at every point to believe and to hope that this work will serve Christ’s church well in our generation and for generations to come.” - Jeremy Walker, Pastor, Maidenbower Baptist Church, Crawley, UK; author, Life in Christ; Anchored in Grace; and A Face Like a Flint

About the Authors

Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) has written or coauthored one hundred books, and edited another one hundred titles. He is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as the editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, the editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.