Recommended Resources
Recommended Resources:
THEOLOGY

"The Christian life is cross-country travel all the way, with hedges and ditches, ups and downs, rough places and smooth places, deserts and swamps. There are storms and fogs periodically punctuating the sunshine. The purpose of the [theological] map is to enable the walker to find his way at all times, whatever the terrain and whatever the weather. With a good map he will recognize the terrain around him, relate the features he observes to the larger landscape, and see at each stage where he should go. Theology's proper goal is to equip the disciples of Jesus Christ for obedience. The maps theologians draw are meant, not simply to be possessed as so much intellectual wealth, but rather to be used for the believer's route-finding in his personal pilgrimage of following his Lord." - J. I. Packer, God's Plans for You

Note: Links to Christianbook and Amazon are paid links, meaning I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases. - Greg Williamson/AC21DOJ

Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth
Charles Ryrie
Over the years Charles Ryrie's name has become synonymous with dispensational theology. With his clear understanding of the Scriptures and unpretentious writing style, Ryrie has written Basic Theology for every student of God's Word, from the devotional student to the seminary student. (Christianbook) - Contents & Preface (pdf)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: e-Sword | Logos 

A Biblical Theology of the New Testament
(Various)
This fresh look at the New Testament was compiled by the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary, who examine divine revelation as it appears chronologically in the canon, allowing you to witness God's truth as it has unfolded through the centuries. Working progressively through the N.T., you'll gain a precise understanding of each book's contribution to biblical theology as well as a solid foundation for systematic theology. (Christianbook) - Foreword (pdf)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament
(Various)
In this volume, compiled by the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary, you'll trace the progressive revelation of biblical truth book-by-book through the Old Testament. As you work through the chapters, you'll gain a precise understanding of each Bible book's contribution to biblical theology and a sound foundation for systematic theology. (Christianbook) - Foreword & Preface (pdf)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

Christian Theology
Millard J. Erickson
ECPA winner (original edition)
One of the most popular and comprehensive theological works of the last fifty years, Millard Erickson's Christian Theology is now in its third edition. Taking into account the particular debates prominent within evangelicalism today, Erickson incorporates suggestions and arguments from professors and students on issues as diverse as methodology, justification, atonement, and divine foreknowledge. A strong introduction coupled with a solid-biblical underpinning and serious consideration of contemporary, moderate, and classical positions, Erickson's book will continue to inform the lively theological discussions running through all evangelical circles. (Christianbook) - Contents & Preface (pdf)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

Concise Theology
J. I. Packer
This is a guide to historic Christian beliefs. As Packer says, "This book sets out in short compass what seems to me to be the permanent essentials of Christianity, viewed as both a belief system and a way of life. … As I often tell my students, theology is for doxology and devotion—that is, the praise of God and the practice of godliness. It should therefore be presented in a way that brings the awareness of the divine presence. Theology is at its healthiest when it is consciously under the eye of God of whom it speaks, and when it is singing His glory." (Logos) - Contents & Preface (pdf)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

The Cross of Christ
John Stott
ECPA winner (original edition)
More than a study of the atonement, this book brings Scripture into living dialogue with Christian theology and the twentieth century. What emerges is a pattern for Christian life and worship, hope and mission. Destined to be a classic study of the center of our faith, Stott's work is the product of a uniquely gifted pastor, scholar and Christian statesman. His penetrating insight, charitable scholarship and pastoral warmth are guaranteed to feed both heart and mind. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon (Centennial ed.) | Christianbook (Centennial ed.)
Ebook: Logos

Dictionary of Everyday Theology and Culture
(Bruce Demarest and Keith J. Matthews, eds.)
This resource contains an alphabetical listing of 173 theological and cultural terms; each entry includes a definition (explaining the term in easy-to-understand language) and an everyday application (helping readers grasp how to live out the concept). Sound theology isn’t simply the intellectual exercise of reflecting on God’s existence and works. Biblical truths are intended for godly living and Christian service. Therefore, this dictionary goes deeper than other reference texts, helping readers apply truths about God to such issues as abortion, divorce, ecology, bioethics, prayer, worship, evangelism, stewardship, politics, and the media. (Logos)
Book: Amazon 
Ebook: Logos

Essential Truths of the Christian Faith
R. C. Sproul
With the layperson in mind, Dr. Sproul offers a basic understanding of the Christian faith that is interesting, informative, and easy to read. Sproul provides brief explanations of biblical concepts every Christian should know in language everyone can understand. Highlighted with homespun analogies, the more than 100 doctrines treated are categorized under major headings for easy reference. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology (now: Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible)
(Various)
ECPA winner
This major reference volume includes over five hundred articles explaining the theological message and key themes of both Old and New Testaments. It includes articles on abortion, money, altars, pride, promise, the second coming, Jerusalem, and many others. (Logos)
Book: Amazon
Ebook: Logos | Free online version

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology
(Various)
ECPA winner (original edition)
Christianity Today hailed it as "a work of responsible evangelical scholarship." For 15 years it's provided pastors, teachers, and students with a balanced overview of theological trends. Elwell's dictionary is especially noted for the caliber of its many contributors. In this updated edition, some articles have been revised and many new ones added. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon (3rd ed/2017) | Christianbook (3rd ed/2017)
Ebook: Logos (3rd ed/2017)

Everyone's a Theologian: An Introduction to Systematic Theology
R. C. Sproul
Many people react negatively to the word theology, believing that is involves dry, fruitless arguments about minute points of doctrine. They prefer to focus on the basic truths of Scripture and may even declare, "No creed but Christ." But as R.C. Sproul argues, everyone is a theologian. Any time we think about a teaching of the Bible and strive to understand it, we are engaging in theology. Therefore, it is important that we put the Bible's varied teachings together in a systematic fashion using proper, time-tested methods of interpretation so as to arrive at a theology that is founded on truth. This is precisely what Sproul does. (Logos)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos

Integrative Theology
Gordon Russell Lewis and Bruce Demarest
Each chapter on a major doctrine: (1) states a classic issue of ultimate concern; (2) surveys alternative past and present answers; and (3) tests those proposals by their congruence with information on the subject progressively revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Then the chapter (4) formulates a doctrinal conclusion that consistently fits the many lines of biblical data; (5) defends that conviction respectfully; and finally (6) explores the conclusion's relevance to a person's spiritual birth, growth and service to others, all for the glory of God. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos

The Moody Handbook of Theology
Paul Enns
The Moody Handbook of Theology ... introduces the reader to the five dimensions that provide a comprehensive view of theology: biblical, systematic, historical, dogmatic and contemporary. ... Beyond giving basic definitions and general descriptions, author Paul Enns summarizes the substantial features of theology. In this way, he provides a concise doctrinal reference tool for the newcomer as well as the seasoned scholar seeking a refresher. There are fifty-five informative charts located at strategic points throughout the book and it has been updated to include material on evangelical feminism, charismatic theology, and the emerging church. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon (rev. ed./2014) | Christianbook (rev. ed./2014)
Ebook: Logos (rev. ed./2014)

New Dictionary of Biblical Theology
(Various)
Drawing from an extensive list of contributors, this book includes numerous general articles on biblical theology, covering topics like the canon of Scripture, biblical history, the university and diversity of Scripture, and others. It also contains articles looking at the theology and setting of the biblical corpora and individual books (reading them on their own terms). These articles are considered the analysis portion of this book. The synthesis of the various books into a cohesive whole is undertaken in the section on biblical themes, an extensive, alphabetically arranged section covering themes like sin, atonement, redemption, salvation, etc. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

New Dictionary of Theology
(Various)
An authoritative reference for biblical, systematic and historical theology! From over 200 international contributors, here are 630 original articles, each biblically grounded, historically informed, and evangelical in flavor. Covering theologians, movements, terms, and ideas, each article is concise and free from overly technical language and enhanced by numerous cross references and bibliographies. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon (2nd ed.) | Christianbook (2nd ed.)
Ebook: Logos (2nd ed.)  

New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (4 vols)
Colin Brown, gen. ed.
Unlock the significance, meaning, and nuances of words in the New Testament without having to study Hebrew or Greek! The 4-volume New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology examines and discusses the major theological terms of the Bible. (Logos)
Book: Christianbook  (abridged ed./2003)
Ebook: Logos

New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology & Exegesis (5 vols)
Moises Silva, gen. ed.
A standard and widely-used reference work for nearly 40 years, the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis has been thoroughly revised and updated to aid today's pastors, students, scholars, and teachers in their study of the New Testament. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos

New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis (5 vols)
(Various)
This set (abbreviated NIDOTTE) is the Old Testament counterpart to the New International Dictionary of NewTestament Theology (NIDNTT) by Colin Brown, ed. The NIDOTTE contains more than 3,000 entries, written by over 200 scholars from 24 countries and more than 100 academic institutes. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith
Robert L. Reymond
A contemporary, foundational statement of classic reformed faith, now revised and updated.

Book: Amazon (2nd ed./2020) | Christianbook (2nd ed./2020)
Ebook: Logos

A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New
G. K. Beale
In this comprehensive exposition, a leading New Testament scholar explores the unfolding theological unity of the entire Bible from the vantage point of the New Testament. G. K. Beale, coeditor of the award-winning Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, examines how the New Testament storyline relates to and develops the Old Testament storyline. Beale argues that every major concept of the New Testament is a development of a concept from the Old—and is to be understood as a facet of the inauguration of the latter-day new creation and kingdom. Offering extensive interaction between the two testaments, this volume helps readers see the unifying conceptual threads of the Old Testament and how those threads are woven together in Christ. This major work will be valued by students of the New Testament and pastors alike. (Logos)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

New Testament Theology
Donald Guthrie
Rather than progressing book by book, Guthrie demonstrates the New Testament's diversity and unity by surveying it thematically. He examines and discusses the topics of God; man and his world; Christology; the mission of Christ; the Holy Spirit; the Christian life; the church; the future; the New Testament approach to ethics; and Scripture. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon 

An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, and Thematic Approach
Bruce K. Waltke and Charles Yu
ECPA winner
A masterful study of the Old Testament as the inspired revelation of the nature, character, and works of God. Taking a narrative approach to the text, Waltke and Yu employ rhetorical criticism to illuminate how the unifying theme -- the "breaking in of the kingdom of God"-- is revealed in the theologies of the biblical writers. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos

The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition and Reform
Roger E. Olson
ECPA winner
In this panoramic work of historical theology, Roger Olson vividly recounts the deeds and words of the apostolic fathers of the second century, the clash between the theological schools of Alexandria and Antioch, the epochal division between East and West, the revolutionary advent of the Reformation and much more -- right on up to the dazzling, sometimes dismaying fallout that has continued to shake Christians through the twentieth century. Through it all he highlights a common thread: a concern for salvation -- God's redemptive activity in forgiving and transforming sinful human beings. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook

Systematic Theology
Louis Berkhof
Written in a concise style and organized in a manner ideal for detailed study, Systematic Theology covers the full range of systematic loci including the doctrines of God, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. The work also includes an extensive bibliography and full indexes to the authors, subjects, and Scriptures referenced in the text. Revised and enlarged throughout his lifetime until it reached its final form, Systematic Theology not only stands as Berkhof's magnum opus, but also is widely considered to be the most important twentieth-century compendium of Reformed theology. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon (new ed./2018) | Christianbook (new ed./2018)
Ebook: Logos

Systematic Theology
Norman Geisler
Theologian and apologist Norman Geisler has been one of the most prolific and influential leaders in the area of evangelical apologetics. For over forty years he has studied and defended the faith as an author and as an internationally known speaker and debater. He brings vast experience to his magnum opus, the four volumes of Systematic Theology. ... Exhaustive in its approach and erudite in its presentation, Geisler's Systematic Theology formulates a coherent perspective that not only represents the Christian belief system, but also looks to history, philosophy, science, and ethics to create as full a view as possible. (Logos) - Contents (pdf)
Book: Amazon (one vol. ed.)
Ebook: Logos

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
Wayne Grudem
Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology has several distinctive features: a strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching; clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum; a contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today; a friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect; frequent application to life; resources for worship with each chapter; and bibliographies with each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies. (Logos) - Preface & Contents (pdf)
Book: Amazon (2nd ed./2020)
Ebook: Logos (2nd ed./2020)

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume
(Various)
ECPA winner
The monumental 10-volume Kittel's TDNT is considered the best NT dictionary ever compiled. Yet its size and technical nature have put off many Bible students who might otherwise have profited from its essential insights. The one-volume "Little Kittel" overcomes this difficulty, focusing particularly on biblical usage. All other material is greatly reduced or eliminated. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ
Douglas J. Moo
This highly anticipated volume gives pastors, scholars, and all serious students of the New Testament exactly what they need for in-depth study and engagement with one of Christian history's most formative thinkers and writers. A Theology of Paul and His Letters is a landmark study of the apostle's writings by one of the world's leading Pauline scholars, Douglas J. Moo. Engaging, insightful, and wise, this substantive, evangelical treatment of Paul's theology offers extensive engagement with the latest Pauline scholarship without sacrificing its readability. This volume brings insights from over thirty years of experience studying, teaching, and writing about Paul into one comprehensive guide that will serve readers as a go-to resource for decades to come. (Logos)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

A Theology of the New Testament
George Eldon Ladd
Ladd's magisterial work on New Testament theology has well served thousands of seminary students since its publication in 1974. Enhanced and updated here by Donald A Hagner, this comprehensive, standard evangelical text now features augmented bibliographies and two completely new chapters on subjects that Ladd himself wanted to treat in a revised edition -- the theology of each of the Synoptic Evangelists and the issue of unity and diversity in the New Testament -- written, respectively, by R. T. France and David Wenham. (Logos) - Contents & Preface (pdf)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

Topical Analysis of the Bible: A Survey of Essential Christian Doctrines
Walter A. Elwell, editor
ECPA winner
In this handy biblical reference tool, analytical outlines to 35,000 Scripture references touch on thirteen major doctrines of Scripture: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, God's works and providence, revelation and Scripture, supernatural beings, human beings, sin, salvation, sanctification, Christian living, the church, and the last things. A separate chapter an exhaustive analysis of the biblical statements regarding women. Those setting out to preach or teach a certain doctrine will find this book an invaluable resource. It not only provides excellent outlines of each doctrine, but all their supporting biblical references as well. (Logos)
Book: Amazon 
Ebook: Logos

The Ways of Our God: An Approach to Biblical Theology
Charles Scobie
Trained in the theories and techniques of academic biblical scholarship, Dr. Scobie has created a magnum opus on biblical theology. Bridging the gap between Old and New Testament studies and between academia and the Christian community, Scobie offers a unified, scholarly, and relevant approach to Scripture that encompasses the entire sweep of divine revelation, making every effort to let the canonical text of the Bible speak for itself. He uses a four-fold pattern for connecting the two testaments into a comprehensive theology: proclamation/promise (Hebrew Bible) and fulfillment/consummation (New Testament). Within this pattern, he sees several biblical themes -- God's Order, God's Servant, God's People, and God's Way. From his years of study and preaching, Scobie offers his own theological reflections on such subjects as holy war, the divinity of Christ, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and church councils. (Logos)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos