With this post I am recommending books for those readers who might wish to study the Doctrine of God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. In the way of systematic theologies, there are many good theologians when considering this doctrine. But, for the new learner, I recommend Michael Horton’s Bible College version entitled Pilgrim Theology. In my Sunday night theology class I will be using Gregg Allison, Wayne Grudem, Michael Horton, Stanley Grenz, and Millard Erickson. I will share with you that in addition to the systematic theologies, I have found these book titles most helpful in my study/prep time. As always, know your authors! I am also including a link to a series on the Trinity which can be helpful when studying 2/3 of the Trinity.
Michael Horton’s Pilgrim Theology – helpful to beginners (this is his Bible college version). The discussion guide is found as a free PDF and can be found online by Zondervan. Horton is the J. Gresham Machen Professor of Theology and Apologetics at Westminister Seminary, California.
Paul Tripp’s Do You Believe? – helpful in providing illustration and application of the core doctrines. Tripp attended Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University) and majored in Bible and Christian Education. He went on to receive his M.Div from the Reformed Episcopal Seminary and his D.Min in Biblical Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary.
Life’s Biggest Questions – This book gives solid answers for questions even believers often ask regarding the foundation of faith. Thoennes presents answers as he helps readers think through the implications for their own lives. Erik Thoennes is professor of biblical and theological studies at Talbot School of Theology/Biola University and pastors Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada, CA.
Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper – shows us the intricate continuity between the Christian faith and intellectual development. Focusing on the life of the mind helps us to know God better, love him more, and care for the world around us in thoughtful ways. While we must value the experiential an emotional elements of our faith, the intellectual aspects are far too often neglected and as Piper says in this book, we also need to practice careful thinking about God. Piper contends that “thinking is indispensable on the path to passion for God.” So how are we to maintain a healthy balance of mind and heart, thinking and feeling? Piper urges us to think for the glory of God. He demonstrates from Scripture that glorifying God with our minds and hearts is not either-or, but both-and. Thinking carefully about God fuels passion and affections for God. Likewise, Christ-exalting emotion leads to disciplined thinking.
Rejoicing in Christ by Michael Reeves – If we want to know who God is, the best thing we can do is look at Christ. If we want to live the life to which God calls us, we look to Christ. In Jesus we see the true meaning of the love, power, wisdom, justice, peace, care and majesty of God. Michael Reeves opens to readers the glory and wonder of Christ, offering a bigger and more exciting picture than many have imagined. Jesus didn’t just bring us the good news. He is the good news. Reeves helps us celebrate who Christ is, his work on earth, his death and resurrection, his anticipated return and how we share in his life. This book, then, aims for something deeper than a new technique or a call to action. In an age that virtually compels us to look at ourselves, Michael Reeves calls us to look at Christ. As we focus our hearts on him, we see how he is our life, our righteousness, our holiness and our hope.
God the Son Incarnate by Stephen Wellum – a systematic summary of Christology from a biblical and historical perspective. This book is a contribution to the Foundations of Evangelical Theology series, explains the epistemological, biblical, and ecclesiological warrants for faith in Jesus Christ, building to the ultimate conclusion that Christ is God the Son incarnate and the most important figure in the fullness of God’s work. Wellum’s treatment of the development of the doctrine of Christ offers the church a brilliant introduction and survey of the crucial components of robust evangelical Christology. He not only lays out the biblical data that grounds the church’s Christology, but also leads readers—seminarians, pastors, scholars, and lay readers alike—to discover afresh how to know Jesus Christ and to proclaim him as he truly is, the Lord of Glory who is life eternal.
Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett – In this groundbreaking and award-winning book, Matthew Barrett reveals a shocking discovery: we have manipulated the Trinity, recreating the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our own image. With clarity and creativity, Barrett mines the Scriptures as well as the creeds and confessions of the faith to help you rediscover the beauty, simplicity, and majesty of our Triune God. You will be surprised to learn that what you believe about the Trinity has untold consequences for salvation and the Christian life. To truly know God, you must meet the One who is simply Trinity.
Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves – In this lively book, we find an introduction to Christianity and the Christian life that is from start to finish rooted in our triune God–Father, Son and Spirit. Not only do we understand the person and work of Christ through the Trinity, but also prayer, the church and every aspect of our faith. With wit and clarity, Reeves draws from church history down to the present referencing a wide range of notable teachers and preachers. Here is a rich and enjoyable portrayal of the basic beliefs of Christianity that opens up the profound and life-changing truths of our faith.
The Deep Things of God by Fred Sanders – Though widely taught and believed by evangelicals, the doctrine of the Trinity is rarely fully understood or celebrated. Systematic theologian Fred Sanders offers an accesible guide to this fundamental doctrine, demonstrating why it ought to be embraced—wholeheartedly and without reserve—as a central concern of evangelical theology. Sanders demonstrates, with passion and conviction, that the doctrine of the Trinity is grounded in the gospel itself. This book includes a study guide and examines the centrality of the Trinity in our salvation and the Trinity’s presence in the reading of the Bible and prayer. Readers will understand that a robust doctrine of the Trinity has massive implications for their lives. Indeed, recognizing the work of the Trinity in the gospel changes everything, restoring depth to prayer, worship, Bible study, missions, tradition, and our understanding of Christianity’s fundamental doctrines.
If you are not attending the January women’s theology class, I invite you to study alongside us. Reading the above books will aid your understanding of what is Christian theology in respect to the Doctrines of God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Note: a good part of my descriptions were taken from retailers or book covers. Here’s the link I mentioned above: https://www.monergism.com/trinity-9-part-video-series-michael-reeves
An Everyday Theologian 