Systematic Theology Topics

Here is a breakdown of the topics covered in Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology Book. I’ve included some questions that are addressed in each section that might not be obvious by the topic list.

PART 1: THE DOCTRINE OF THE WORD OF GOD

  • The Four Characteristics of Scripture
    • Authority
    • Clarity
    • Necessity
    • Sufficiency  
  • The Cannon of Scripture
  • The Word of God
  • The Inerrancy of Scripture

Non-obvious questions that are addressed: What are the different forms of the Word of God? What belongs in the Bible and what does not belong? How much can people know about God without the Bible? Are there any errors in the Bible? 

PART 2: THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

  • The Existence of God
  • The Knowability of God
  • The Character of God: Incommunicable and Communicable Attributes
  • The Trinity
  • Creation
  • God’s Providence
  • Miracles
  • Prayer
  • Angels
  • Satan and Demons

Non-obvious questions that are addressed:  How is God like us? How is God different than us? How can God be three persons, yet one God? If God controls all things, how can our actions have real meaning? 

PART 3: THE DOCTRINE OF MAN

  • The Creation of Man
  • Man as Male and Female
  • The Essential Nature of Man
  • Sin
  • The Covenants Between God and Man

Non-obvious questions that are addressed: Can men and women be equal and yet have different roles? What does scripture mean by “soul” and “spirit”?

PART 4: THE DOCTRINES OF CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

  • The Person of Christ
  • The Atonement
  • Resurrection and Ascension
  • The Offices of Christ
  • The Work of the Holy Spirit

Non-obvious questions that are addressed: How is Jesus fully God and fully man, yet one person? Was it necessary for Christ to die? Did Christ descend into hell? How is Christ prophet, priest, and King? 

PART 5: THE DOCTRINE OF THE APPLICATION OF REDEMPTION

  • Common Grace
  • Election and Reprobation
  • The Gospel Call and Effective Calling
  • Regeneration
  • Conversion (Faith and Repentance)
  • Justification (Right Legal Standing Before God)
  • Adoption (Membership in God’s Family)
  • Sanctification (Growth in Likeness of Christ)
  • Baptism and Filling with the Holy Spirit
  • The Perseverance of the Saints (Remaining a Christian)
  • Death and the Intermediate State
  • Glorification (Receiving a Resurrection Body)
  • Union with Christ

Non-obvious questions that are addressed: What are the undeserved blessings God gives all people? When and why did God choose us? What does it mean to be born again? What will our resurrection bodies be like? 

PART 6: THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

  • The Church: Its Nature, Its Marks, and Its Purpose
  • The Purity and Unity of the Church
  • The Power of the Church
  • Church Government
  • Means of Grace Within the Church
  • Baptism
  • The Lord’s Supper
  • Worship
  • Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Non-obvious questions that are addressed: How should church officers be chosen? Should women serve as pastors of churches? How should baptism be done? How should we understand, find, and use our spiritual gifts? 

PART 7: THE DOCTRINE OF THE FUTURE

  • The Return of Christ: When and How?
  • The Millennium
  • The Final Judgment and Eternal Punishment
  • The New Heavens and New Earth

Non-obvious questions that are addressed: Will Christians go through the Great Tribulation? Who will be judged? Will the earth be renewed?