Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary

Five hundred years ago, the Reformers were defending doctrines such as justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and God's grace in salvation—some to the point of death. Many of these same essential doctrines are still being challenged today, and there has never been a more crucial time to hold fast to the enduring truth of Scripture. 

In Reformation Theology, Matthew Barrett has brought together a team of expert theologians and historians writing on key doctrines taught and defended by the Reformers centuries ago. With contributions from Michael Horton, Gerald Bray, Michael Reeves, Carl Trueman, Robert Kolb, and many others, this volume stands as a manifesto for the church, exhorting Christians to learn from our spiritual forebears and hold fast to sound doctrine rooted in the Bible and passed on from generation to generation.

• Features a prologue by Michael Horton, professor of systematic theology and apologetics at Westminster Seminary California and editor of Modern Reformation magazine
• Systematic and robust enough to be used as a textbook
• Provides an accessible, broad, and fresh overview of the theology of the Reformers
• Features contributions from some of the best theologians and historians today, including Michael Reeves, Gerald Bray, Graham A. Cole, Carl R. Trueman, and many others

Endorsements

“Dr. Barrett has gathered a full stable of blue-ribbon theologians for this winning volume. All the essays are carefully contextualized, the Reformers judiciously selected, and the bibliographies thoughtfully assembled. Some chapters are especially notable for the breadth and depth of the author’s research, others for their adroit summaries of complex themes. There is little doubt that Reformation Theology will ably serve the church and academy as a textbook for students and a reference work for scholars. It is already reshaping my own teaching on late-medieval and early-modern theology, and I commend it heartily.”
—Chad Van Dixhoorn, Chancellor’s Professor of Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary–Washington, DC

“This delightful volume is a breath of fresh air in Reformation studies, putting theology back at the center. It shows with crystal clarity how the Reformers expounded the heart of the Christian faith, and why these evangelical doctrines still matter so much.”
—Andrew Atherstone, Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford

“This rich book takes up the challenge to think beyond 2017 and does so in a very stimulating manner. Each of the contributors is an expert in his field and knows that the Reformation is a highly relevant treasure for both the church and theology. They convincingly encourage the readers to think through this treasure and adopt it. Everyone eager not just to look back at five hundred years of reformation but also to look forward finds here the perfect material.” —Herman Selderhuis, Director, Refo500; Professor and Director of the Institute for Reformation Research, Theological University Apeldoorn, the Netherlands; author, Calvin’s Theology of the Psalms

Contents

Prologue: What Are We Celebrating? Taking Stock after Five Centuries
               Michael Horton
Abbreviations

Introduction

1. The Crux of Genuine Reform
   Matthew Barrett

Part 1: Historical Background to the Reformation

2. Late-Medieval Theology
   Gerald Bray
3. The Reformers and Their Reformations
   Carl R. Trueman and Eunjin Kim

Part 2: Reformation Theology

4. Sola Scriptura
   Mark D. Thompson
5. The Holy Trinity
   Michael Reeves
6. The Being and Attributes of God
   Scott R. Swain
7. Predestination and Election
   Cornelis P. Venema
8. Creation, Mankind, and the Image of God
   Douglas F. Kelly 
9. The Person of Christ
   Robert Letham
10. The Work of Christ
    Donald Macleod
11. The Holy Spirit
    Graham A. Cole
12. Union with Christ
    J. V. Fesko
13. The Bondage and Liberation of the Will
    Matthew Barrett
14. Justification by Faith Alone
    Korey D. Maas   
15. Sanctification, Perseverance, and Assurance
    Michael Allen
16. The Church
    Robert Kolb
17. Baptism
    Aaron Clay Denlinger
18. The Lord's Supper
    Keith A. Mathison
19. The Relationship of Church and State
    Peter A. Lillback
20. Eschatology
    Kim Riddlebarger

Contributors
Name Index
Subject Index
Scripture Index