Crossway’s Biblical Doctrine Book Review – Rating 9.2

I was happy to get my hands on Crossway’s “Biblical Doctrine: a Systematic Summary of Bible Truth” by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue. This is not  a quick read by any means.  Coming in at over 1,000 pages, there are so many Scripture references in here that it will take a very long time to go through as you look up these references.  Still this is really a good read, but please look at my cautions that are in my Quick Summary section. Crossway generously sent me a PDF of this book for me to do an honest review.

I would give this book a 9.2 out of my normal 10 point rating scale. On a “5 star” scale that some websites use, I would give it a 5 star rating.
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In full disclosure, I was not required or requested by Crossway to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

QUICK SUMMARY:

This really is an excellent book that was written very well.  With that said, I do want to throw a few caveats in here.  First, it is not a quick read as it is over 1,000 pages and very in-depth as it covers a lot of facets of doctrine within the Scriptures.  This is the type of book that will be referenced many times as there are great use of Scripture references for all the points of doctrine that the authors are presenting.  Second, you may or may not agree with each position that the authors present, but this work will give you a great understanding of many of the doctrines that we all can agree upon.  If you are part of the Reformed group and Calvinist (belief that our destination in heaven or hell are predestined for us), cessationist (believing that any miracles and wonders stopped with the last acts of the apostles in the Bible and don’t happen today), then this will fit your belief very well.  If you do not fall into that realm, then you will still find this to be an excellent resource to dive deep into the doctrines of the faith as it covers so much more than just those particular topics.  I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for this review from Crossway and all opinions are my own.

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DESCRIPTION OF THIS BOOK:

Type of Book: Bible – Theology and Doctrine
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
ISBN-13 of Bible Reviewed: 978-1433545917 (I reviewed the electronic version though)
Price: At the time of writing this review, the cheapest place to get this book is at Christianbook.com.  They have it for $32.99– suggested retail from the publisher is $60.00. Please note that these prices do not include any potential shipping charges.

If you would like to purchase this book, please support my blog and purchase by clicking any of the links to Christianbook.com on this page like the one below.

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth By Edited by John MacArthur & Richard Mayhue / CrosswayDoctrine isn’t just for theologians—it’s important for every Christian because it shows us who God is and how we should live. Systematizing the robust theology that has undergirded Dr. John MacArthur’s well-known preaching ministry for decades, Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth offers an overview of basic Christian doctrine covering topics such as Scripture, God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, humanity and sin, salvation, angels, the church, and more.Comprehensive in scope yet written to be accessible to the average reader, Biblical Doctrine includes non-technical vocabulary, minimal footnotes, and a helpful bibliography. For educated laypeople, readers of MacArthur’s previous books, pastors and other church leaders, as well as college and seminary students, this volume offers a solid biblical foundation for what to believe and why.

Physical Characteristics:

Hardcover (my review is the electronic version however)
1024 pages
Dimensions: 7 x 2.3 x 10 inches
Weight: 4.2 pounds

Goal of Book:

This book was written by the authors with the intention to:

1. Help extend one’s Bible knowledge, which will…
2. Enable one’s sound understanding of doctrine, which will…
3. Enrich one’s divine wisdom, which will…
4. Expand one’s Christlike obedience, which will…
5. Elevate one’s holy worship.

The target audience that this book was written to is seminary instructors and students, preachers (local and international), local church teachers and any lay people who wish to understand Scripture in its entirety.

My Favorite Part:

You may or may not agree with each position that the authors present, but I did like how well the authors presented their beliefs in the different doctrines in this book.  Very well written.

Recommendation:

I would recommend this for anyone that wants to get a deeper understanding of the different doctrines that are in Scripture.  As I mentioned before, if you are a Calvinist and cessationist, then this one is right up your alley.  If you are not, then you will have to weed through some portions of this well written book.

Contents

Analytical Outline
List of Hymns
List of Tables
Preface
Abbreviations

1. Introduction: Prolegomena
2. God’s Word: Bibliology
3. God the Father: Theology Proper
4. God the Son: Christology
5. God the Holy Spirit: Pneumatology
6. Man and Sin: Anthropology and Hamartiology
7. Salvation: Soteriology
8. Angels: Angelology
9. The Church: Ecclesiology
10. The Future: Eschatology

Appendix: The Progress of Revelation
Basic Glossary
General Bibliography
About the General Editors
Final Hymn of Reflection
General Index
Scripture Index

Company Summary:

From the publisher’s website: The purpose of Crossway has been, from its founding as a not-for-profit ministry in 1938, to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. We seek to help people understand the massive implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word, for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God.
@crossway @johnmacarthur

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https://thechristianreviewer.wordpress.com