Essential Christian Doctrine: A Handbook on Biblical Truth by John MacArthur
Essential Christian Doctrine: A Handbook on Biblical Truth by John MacArthur
A Concise Summary of Biblical Truth by John MacArthur
Doctrine not only equips you with more knowledge about God, it also shapes your affections toward him and directs your actions for him―but it can be difficult to know where to begin.
This concise handbook, developed from John MacArthur’s larger work Biblical Doctrine, is an entry point for studying theological topics such as the Bible, the Holy Spirit, the church, and more. As MacArthur walks through the essentials of the Christian faith doctrine by doctrine, he’ll not only encourage your heart and mind, but also empower you to proclaim the faith that was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
About the Author
John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where he has served since 1969. He is known around the world for his verse-by-verse expository preaching and his pulpit ministry via his daily radio program, Grace to You. He has also written or edited nearly four hundred books and study guides. MacArthur is chancellor emeritus of the Master’s Seminary and Master’s University. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four grown children.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The ministry of John MacArthur has had a worldwide impact. The book clearly unfolds the doctrines that are at the heart of this ministry, which has touched so many. Here we see a ministry built on truth―the truth of God’s Word and the truth of the gospel. A wonderful resource for students, pastors, and professors.”
―Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“This book comes from a lifetime of studying and from the garnered wisdom of centuries. In combining devotion to Scripture with commitment to biblical doctrine, it addresses a great contemporary need. Strong beliefs make strong churches. One does not have to agree with the esteemed author on every subject to be thankful for a volume of rich and enduring importance.”
―Iain H. Murray, author, Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography and Evangelical Holiness; Founding Trustee, Banner of Truth Trust
“It is a delight to wholeheartedly recommend Essential Christian Doctrine. It will be celebrated for the clarity of its outline and description of the Bible’s doctrines. It is just too good to miss.”
―Walter C. Kaiser Jr., President Emeritus and Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
“The emphasis of John MacArthur’s ministry has always been preaching―unleashing God’s truth by preaching God’s Word. All the while, his ministry has been undergirded by doctrine―doctrine drawn carefully, consistently from the Bible. His thousands of expository sermons stand as proof of his faithfulness to the work of the preacher; Essential Christian Doctrine stands as proof of faithfulness to the work of the theologian. May both be used to encourage a new generation of preacher-theologians to commit their lives to the high calling of teaching and equipping Christ’s church.”
―Tim Challies, blogger, Challies.com
“Clarity ought to be an essential requirement of books on systematic theology. And this one offers just that! A comprehensive summary of all that a Christian needs to know―sounds like something every Christian should have available, doesn’t it? And written by a name that epitomizes orthodoxy and truth―John MacArthur. Enough said. It speaks for itself.”
―Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries; Chancellor’s Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary
“This volume is the life achievement of almost fifty years of preaching in one pulpit by this world-class expositor, John MacArthur. He has stood, week after week, even decade after decade, plumbing the depths of the biblical text and connecting its truths together, leading to this well-constructed body of divinity. Here is the crown jewel from this brilliant pastor and author that will cause the truth of Scripture to shine even brighter before our eyes.”
―Steven J. Lawson, President, OnePassion Ministries; Professor of Preaching, The Master’s Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries
“For decades John MacArthur has exemplified expository preaching, putting on full display the Word of God for the people of God. This systematic theology demonstrates how his verse-by-verse exposition naturally blossoms into a robust, colorful theological mosaic. This book is the theological dessert at the end of an expository meal. Regardless of your theological heritage, I encourage every Christian to sit under the doctrinal teaching of MacArthur. Certainly, you will walk away saturated in Scripture, left in total awe after relishing the majesty and glory of our gracious God.”
―Matthew Barrett, Associate Professor of Christian Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Executive Editor, Credo Magazine; editor, Reformation Theology
“In addition to presenting orthodox theology common to historic Protestants, MacArthur defends an unusual combination of views that evangelicals debate, such as young-earth creationism, Calvinist soteriology, credobaptism, elder-rule polity, complementarianism, cessationism, and traditional dispensationalism (or what he calls futuristic premillennialism). He argues in a clear and orderly way that is worth engaging even if you disagree.”
―Andrew David Naselli, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary; Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis
“As a professor of theology, I am able to recommend this single volume on systematic theology to my students and tell them with confidence that this is a book I can endorse from cover to cover. I especially appreciate the dispensational aspects of this work and the way it consistently and firmly grounds the doctrines in the biblical text.”
―Kevin D. Zuber, Professor of Theology, The Master’s Seminary; contributor, Evidence for the Rapture and The Moody Bible Commentary
