Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology

FORTHCOMING TITLE, ETA JANUARY 2026

You Don’t Have to Be a Full-Time Theologian to Understand and Love Theology

Theology is not just an academic subject. It’s a spiritual practice for every believer, even those who feel too busy for rigorous study or aren’t advanced readers. To make theology accessible to a wider audience, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley have combined content from Reformed Systematic Theology into one abridged book. Richly biblical, warmly experiential, faithfully doctrinal, and consistently practical, Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology ministers to the whole person―head, heart, and hands.

Featuring shorter chapters, less technical language, and chapter summaries, this guide includes material from all 4 volumes of Reformed Systematic Theology: Revelation and God (volume 1); Man and Christ (volume 2); Spirit and Salvation (volume 3); and Church and Last Things (volume 4). Drawing on the historical theology of the Reformed tradition, Essentials of Reformed Theology helps readers of various ages and educational levels grow in their understanding and application of the truth presented in God’s word.

• Abridged Version of Reformed Systematic Theology: Includes shorter chapters, light footnotes, chapter summaries that highlight key words, simplified language, a guide to theologians from history, a glossary of theological terms, and more
• Explores 8 Essential Spiritual Themes: Revelation, God, man, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things
• Accessible: Ideal for a variety of ages and education levels, as well as for people with limited time to study

1088 pages

View an excerpt here

“Every Christian should own a handbook of Christian doctrine. But not everyone is likely to begin with the four massive volumes of Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley’s Reformed Systematic Theology—despite all their value. Thankfully, we now have ‘Beeke and Smalley Junior’ in one volume at a simpler level. Still comprehensive and substantial, it is never ‘dumbed down.’ Wonderfully accessible and readable, it provides an ideal go-to volume for Christians of all ages and stages who want to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’ (2 Pet. 3:18).”
Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries