Theology is important, that point cannot be stressed enough. Too many Christians go through life thinking that they don’t need to invest time in learning theology and digging into doctrines that are in the Bible. That is simply naive. To study theology, whether at an academic level or at home on the couch with a cup of coffee, is an immense privilege and an important endeavour for every Christian. I’ve studied theology in an academic setting for 8 years, I’ve been a Christian for a bit longer than that and I’m still just getting to grips with how fast and amazing theology is. Everyone is a theologian, I’ve written about that here, but the key question is; do you want to be a good or a bad theologian? Here are a few resources to help…
Adam and the Covenant of Works by J. V. Fesko
The covenant of works, outside reformed circles is a bit of a tricky subject (sometimes even within certain reformed circles). In this short book (440 pages is very short for such a massive theological topic), Fesko gives a summary of the covenant of works. This is part of the ‘mentor’ imprint from Christian Focus which is designed for Bible College students and pastors. However, if you have an interest in the build on of covenants and how Adam and everything before the Law fits together, this is definitely the book I would recommend. the book is split into three parts;
Part one covers terminology, covenant vs contract, grace, the connection between the Adamic and Mosaic covenants and more. This section lays the ground work
Part two examines 8 passages that Fesko uses to explain his understanding of the Adamic covenant. Fesko brings years of biblical exegesis to the table and helps the reader understand his perspective really well. His arguments and examples are helpful.
Part three brings all of the threads together to see the significance of the covenant of works in relation to Christ, salvation and other topics.
This book, whilst it might not be a book that everyone would ‘enjoy’ it is a good book that will help the reader dig deeper into the Bible and see the importance of understanding the whole narrative of Scripture. Check it out here and let me know your thoughts.
Systematic Theology (Volume 3) by Douglas Kelly
No idea how this happened, but I am only reading volume 3 of 3. I must be slipping up.
I thought that this volume was helpful, it contained good insights into what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit, however, it is difficult to give a review of a book that is in a series whilst only reading one. Kelly is a well trained theologian and Bible enthusiast with a desire to make much of Jesus and God’s Word. This approach is evident in the book. But, the book does have limitations, one cannot do justice to the Holy Spirit in a mere 353 pages. However, this could be a good introduction to the third person of the trinity. There will be parts where you disagree with Kelly, that’s normal, but there will also be parts where you are challenged to grow and encouraged to consider further questions about your beliefs. You can buy the book here and let me know what you think of it.
Primer; In The Flesh
I’ve been a Christian for a good number of years now, and yet I still cannot fully comprehend the incarnation. The incarnation is not merely a lovely thing that we think about at Christmas, it is the essence of the gospel. Without the incarnation there is no gospel. In this short theological journal, David Shaw and others, point the reader to the significance, the magnitude and the splendour of the incarnation. Each chapter is packed of biblical references that will point you to Jesus and fix your eyes on Him. I highly recommend you buy this and, if you haven’t already, the entire set.
*** I received these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This does not change the way I rate the books. My views are my own. ***
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