Reformed Systematic Theology, Vol. 4: Church and Last Things

Imagine sitting in an adult Sunday school class. You soon realise that the joint teachers really mean you to understand theology: they are going slowly enough for you to follow. You discover that this theology not only aids your understanding but stirs your heart and challenges your conscience by searching application. At the end, some listeners raise objections and your teachers respond kindly but directly, ‘In reply we would argue that…’ If only they could put this in a book – but it would be a long one!

Ironically then, the intimidating size of this volume makes its content accessible. It provides 26 very readable lessons on the church and 17 lessons on the last things. The thinking is rigorous but the presentation not overly academic. It is practical and engages directly with current issues. Sometimes there is a chapter of uninterrupted teaching followed by another dealing with other views. This makes the book more accessible.

The larger section on the church is deeply practical. Highlights include chapters on membership, church officers, and civil government. There are also personally challenging chapters on the Lord’s Supper, prayer and praises, and fellowship, along with a pointed call for reformation in specific areas.