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BOOK REVIEW: Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology

By James Jeffery

Author: Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

Publisher: Crossway

Year: 2025

Christians of all ages and stages must be well-acquainted with the key doctrines of God’s Word. Only when we properly understand who God is and we can begin to comprehend who we are, and how we ought to live. As R.C. Sproul often said: “Everyone is a theologian.” Thus, far from being impractical, our doctrine inevitably shapes the way we live and worship.

Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology, Beeke and Smalley offer a condensed version of their larger four-volume Reformed Systematic Theology (2024). Beeke and Smalley have blessed the church by making profound theology accessible to the everyday Christian seeking to learn and grow.

At 911 pages, Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology follows a similar format to John Calvin’s Institutes.

            Part 1: The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God.

            Part 2: The Doctrine of God

            Part 3: The Doctrine of Man

            Part 4: The Doctrine of Christ

            Part 5: The Doctrines of the Holy Spirit and Salvation

            Part 6: The Doctrine of the Church

            Part 7: The Doctrine of the Last Things

For those serving in pastoral ministry, I would recommend the larger four-volume set. Having not yet read the extended-set, I cannot compare or comment on its quality. What I can say is that there were times when I was left wanting more as I read the condensed version. Those who choose to purchase both editions will be helped by the ‘Guide to Further Reading in Reformed Systematic Theology.’ This guide helped readers locate the corresponding sections in the four-set edition, making for easier reading.

Accessible and Applicable

Each chapter begins with a ‘Chapter Summary,’ explanation of the doctrine, and practical applications. Rarely did chapters exceed ten pages long, making it accessible even for those on a busy schedule. Personally, I found it most profitable to read two-three chapters each day to provide room for meditation and digestion of the truths within.

In addition to explaining doctrine, Beeke and Smalley defend orthodox Christian theology against heterodox interpretations. For instance, Chapter 25 addresses ‘Questions about Creation,’ in which they counter claims that ‘Genesis 1 is a myth,’ that the world is ‘billions of years old,’ and that evolution was the mechanism God used to create humanity. In doing so, they train believers to develop a theological worldview that is capable of understanding the need for a philosophy of science. Moreover, they demonstrate that it is important to be Christians who critically engage with other believers, whilst standing on the authority of the Word of God.

Confessional and Reformed

A great strength of this systematic theology is the way Beeke and Smalley engage with the writings of key figures and confessions throughout church history. By doing so, they show that our theology has been developed and matured over thousands of years, all the while finding its origin in God’s Word. Puritans, Church Fathers, and Reformed Theologians are all referenced throughout, with a ‘Select List of Theologians’ presented at the end of the volume.

Something I greatly appreciated was the way Beeke and Smalley ended each chapter with doxology. The final page of each chapter suggests a relevant Christian hymn to sing in response to the doctrine contained within. Most of the songs are drawn from the Psalteror The Trinity Hymnal, providing a rich canon of music to sing from. Following this, around ten questions for meditation or discussion are offered. These questions ensure that readers not only comprehend what we have read, but also understand how it transforms our daily lives.

Contemporary and Relevant

For better or for worse, all systematic theology books are products of their time. A benefit of reading older theological works is studying pastoral and doctrinal issues that may not have faced us in our lifetime. On the contrary, the blessing of reading those published in the contemporary age is that they address matters of current significance. For instance, the primary debates of the 21st century church do not primarily concern Christology, but rather anthropology.

Speaking prophetically into the present age, Beeke and Smalley do not shy away from addressing the errors of the LGBTQI+ ideology, including the way it has perverted our understanding of male-female relationships. Moreover, they counter the claims of cults like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism, showing how their doctrines are contrary to orthodox Christianity. In doing so, Beeke and Smalley equip the modern-day church to think Biblically and theologically about doctrines that have immense practical significance.

The Bottom Line

Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology is rich, relevant, and rewarding for Christians from all walks of life. Its accessibility and format make it perfectly suited for family worship or small-group study. I am convinced that if a generation of modern believers immersed themselves in this work, the current church would be granted a greater measure of doctrinal unity, theological clarity, and practical joy in the gospel.