Concise Theology

A compass is a useful tool for reaching a destination—without one it is easy to get lost. When studying theology it is easy to become lost in the complex terms and doctrines; its varying perspectives and thousands of years of material require a compass to navigate—Concise Theology by J. I. Packer is just that for students of theology, as it distills foundational theological concepts into 4 easy categories, inviting readers to learn about God as creator, redeemer, giver of grace, and Lord of destiny. This important resource walks readers through the pillars of the Christian faith and helps them grow in understanding of the unchanging truth about God as presented in the Scriptures.

288 pages

“J. I. Packer’s Concise Theology is the best simple guide to Christian doctrine that I know. Because it is systematic, precise, and saturated with Scripture, I often use this book to introduce young people and new believers to the basics of their faith.”

-- Philip Graham Ryken, President, Wheaton College

“J. I. Packer has the gift to write theology that is simple without being superficial. Concise Theology puts the food on the bottom shelf where we can reach it, but to our delight, it is not sugar cookies but steak and potatoes for the soul.”

-- Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; author, Reformed Preaching; coauthor, Reformed Systematic Theology

Table of Contents

Preface

Part 1: God Revealed as Creator
1. Revelation: Scripture Is the Word of God
2. Interpretation: Christians Can Understand the Word of God
3. General Revelation: God’s Reality Is Known to All
4. Guilt: The Effect of General Revelation
5. Inward Witness: Scripture Is Authenticated by the Holy Spirit
6. Authority: God Governs His People through Scripture
7. Knowledge: True Knowledge of God Comes through Faith
8. Creation: God Is the Creator
9. Self-Disclosure: This Is My Name
10. Self-Existence: God Has Always Been
11. Transcendence: God’s Nature Is Spiritual
12. Omniscience: God Sees and Knows
13. Sovereignty: God Reigns
14. Almightiness: God Is Omnipresent and Omnipotent
15. Predestination: God Has a Purpose
16. Trinity: God Is One and Three
17. Holiness: God Is Light
18. Goodness: God Is Love
19. Wisdom: God’s Twofold Will Is One
20. Mystery: God Is Surpassingly Great
21. Providence: God Governs This World
22. Miracles: God Shows His Presence and Power
23. Glory: God’s Glory-Showing Requires Glory-Giving
24. Idolatry: God Demands Total Allegiance
25. Angels: God Employs Supernatural Agents
26. Demons: God Has Supernatural Opponents
27. Satan: Fallen Angels Have a Leader
28. Humanness: God Made Human Beings in His Image
29. Humankind: Humans Are Body and Soul, in Two Genders

Part 2: God Revealed as Redeemer
30. The Fall: The First Human Couple Sinned
31. Original Sin: Depravity Infects Everyone
32. Inability: Fallen Human Beings Are Both Free and Enslaved
33. Covenant: God Takes Sinful Humans into a Covenant of Grace
34. Law: God Legislates, and Demands Obedience
35. Law in Action: God’s Moral Law Has Three Purposes
36. Conscience: God Teaches and Cleanses the Heart
37. Worship: God Gives a Liturgical Pattern
38. Prophets: God Sent Messengers to Declare His Will
39. Incarnation: God Sent His Son to Save Us
40. Two Natures: Jesus Christ Is Fully Human
41. Virgin Birth: Jesus Christ Was Born by Miracle
42. Teacher: Jesus Christ Proclaimed God’s Kingdom and Family
43. Sinlessness: Jesus Christ Was Entirely Free from Sin
44. Obedience: Jesus Christ Fulfilled His Father’s Redemptive Will
45. Vocation: Jesus Christ’s Mission Was Revealed at His Baptism
46. Transfiguration: How Jesus Christ’s Glory Was Revealed
47. Resurrection: Jesus Christ Was Raised from the Dead
48. Ascension: Jesus Christ Was Taken Up into Heaven
49. Session: Jesus Reigns in Heaven
50. Mediation: Jesus Christ Is the Mediator between God and Man
51. Sacrifice: Jesus Christ Made Atonement for Sin
52. Definite Redemption: Jesus Christ Died for God’s Elect

Part 3: God Revealed as Lord of Grace
53. Paraclete: The Holy Spirit
54. Salvation
55. Election
56. Effectual Calling
57. Illumination
58. Regeneration
59. Works
60. Repentance
61. Justification
62. Adoption
63. Sanctification
64. Liberty
65. Legalism
66. Antinomianism
67. Love
68. Hope
69. Enterprise
70. Prayer
71. Oaths and Vows
72. The Kingdom of God
73. Apostles
74. Church
75. Word and Sacrament
76. Elders
77. Sacraments
78. Baptism
79. The Lord’s Supper
80. Discipline
81. Mission
82. Spiritual Gifts
83. Marriage
84. The Family
85. The World
86. The State

Part 4: God Revealed as Lord of Destiny
87. Perseverance
88. Unpardonable Sin
89. Mortality
90. Second Coming
91. General Resurrection
92. Judgment Seat
93. Hell
94. Heaven

General Index
Scripture Index