Concise Theology

Book Description:

A Concise Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

"Theology is for doxology and devotion-that is, the praise of God and the practice of godliness."
   -From the Preface

Theology is important for the Christian life. And though it is marked by many complex terms and doctrines, there is yet what J. I. Packer calls "the permanent essentials of Christianity." This concise introduction to these essential doctrines distills theological truths so both scholar and layperson alike can grow to treasure the unchanging pillars of the Christian faith.

Each of the ninety-four chapters explores a different doctrine in a way that is easy to understand and rooted in historic Reformed teaching. As you learn more about the foundational teachings of the faith, you will grow in the knowledge of God and will worship him as your Creator, Redeemer, and sovereign Lord.

Author:

J. I. Packer (1926-2020) served as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College. He authored numerous books, including the classic best seller Knowing God. Packer served as general editor for the English Standard Version Bible and as theological editor for the ESV Study Bible.

Endorsements:

"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 and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; author, Reformed Preaching; coauthor, Reformed Systematic Theology

"Concise Theology is poetry to Christian ears: the best words in the best order about the best news there is-the gospel of grace poured out in Jesus Christ. Packer here sets forth with lucid brevity everything Christians need to know to become biblically literate and to grow in wisdom and understanding. Doctrine and doxology here walk hand in hand. I am delighted to see this new edition, for Packer's description of the 'permanent essentials' of the Christian faith remains as relevant today as when this book was first published."
--Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; author, Is There a Meaning in This Text?; The Drama of Doctrine; and Biblical Authority after Babel "

J. I. Packer is one of our greatest theologians and he does something remarkable in this classic compendium: he illuminates the deep things of God in lucid language that makes sense. I have had this volume at hand for nearly three decades, and I welcome this new edition."
--Timothy George, Research Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; general editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

"Although this book was published decades ago, its introduction to Christian theology remains focused, clear, and especially valuable for its deep immersion in the biblical record. J. I. Packer's 'concise theology' is, as he states forthrightly, reformational and evangelical, which means that some readers will be Bereans checking the Scriptures to see 'if these things are so.' All, however, should find the book valuable for illumination and understanding but even more for doxology and devotion."
--Mark A. Noll, author, Jesus Christ and the Life of the Mind

Additional Information: