Introduction (Chapter 1)
Wayne Grudem’s “Systematic Theology” is regarded as his magnum opus and is one of the most accessible and influential works in the field of systematic theology. I commend Grudem’s ability to employ theological jargon while maintaining an accessible language for everyday readers, which demonstrates his profound understanding. His clarity in explaining systematic theology in a student-friendly style is particularly impressive. Grudem’s introduction argues that systematic theology’s main task is to answer, “What does the whole Bible teach us today?” on any given subject. He anticipates confusion around the term “systematic” and proactively reassures readers by simplifying the approach and affirming that all study is subordinated to the supreme authority of Scripture. Grudem explains how systematic theology relates to other areas of theological study. This challenged my previous view of these studies as separate. He presents systematic theology as a supplement to other theological methods. A key point in Grudem’s argument is that fulfilling the Great Commission involves both evangelism and teaching, and that systematic theology helps believers understand and teach what the Bible says today. Grudem convincingly frames the purpose of systematic theology as an extension of the Great Commission, offering new insight into its importance. Grudem also outlines the practical steps for engaging in systematic theology: pray, exercise humility, be reasonable, seek help, gather and interpret Scripture, and rejoice in the process. These actions, he suggests, equip the reader to undertake the study with him. Soli Deo Gloria!
The Word of God (Chapter 2)
Wayne Grudem masterfully spells out the idea that whenever the “Word of God” is spoken of, there are actually numerous different ways to define it precisely. I believe that I subconsciously knew this, but Grudem bringing this idea to the fore proved to be a huge encouragement to me. He describes the Word of God with two different broader meanings: the Word of God as a person (Jesus Christ), and the Word of God as speech by God. He dives into several different subcategories for the latter: God’s decrees (that is, God’s powerful and creative proclamations), God’s words of personal address (God communicating with people on earth by directly speaking to them), God’s words as speech through human lips (for example, when God puts his words in Jeremiah’s mouth in Jer. 1:9), and God’s words in written form. I think that Grudem rightly identifies God’s written word as a “more accurate preservation of God’s words for subsequent generations.” Furthermore, Grudem also argues that “the opportunity for repeated inspection of words that are written down permits careful study and discussion, which leads to better understanding and more complete obedience.” Lastly, he argues that “God’s words in writing are accessible to many more people than they are when preserved merely through memory and oral repetition.” Therefore, Grudem will travel through systematic theology using God’s written word. He argues that this is because the other forms of the Word of God are “not suitable as the primary basis for the study of theology.” He beautifully closes with a section from God’s written word itself: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)