Theology

5 Best Systematic Theologies for Evangelical Christians

Here is a list of the best reformed systematic theologies for Christians today. This includes offerings for new believers and seasoned pastors.

What is Systematic Theology?

Louis Berkhof (1873–1957) said that systematic theology “seeks to give a systematic presentation of all the doctrinal truths of the Christian religion.”^[1]

To help you begin to study systematic theology, here are the five top systematic theologies for Christians today.

For a modern, easy to read overview of systematic theology in the Reformed faith, I recommend all Christians to start with R.C. Sproul's Everybody's a Theologian. Contributors to the endorsement page of this book include Joel R. Beeke, Sinclair Ferguson, John MacArthur, and Douglas F. Kelly.
"[R.C. Sproul] tackles every major category of systematic theology in a succint, lucid, evenhanded fashion. This is a tremendously valuable resource for everyone from the newest believer to the most seasoned pastor." (John MacArthur)

Many Bible college and seminary professors, for good reasons, use Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology as their primary textbook for an overview Christian doctrine. For those who want a well organized one-volume systematic theology that is both comprehensive and up to date on the most important modern doctrinal issues, consider Grudem's volume.
25 years after its initial publication, a second revised edition was released. It is updated, well organized, and balanced. The completely updated bibliography is extremely helpful for further study on the various categories presented.

Although Berkhof's Systematic Theology was written nearly 100 years ago, it is still one of the most clear volumes on the most important doctrines of the Christian faith. Berkhof covers just six major categories: Doctrine of God (Theology Proper), Doctrine of Man (Anthrology and Hamartiology), Doctrine of Christ (Christology), Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology), Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology), and the Doctrine of the Last Things (Eschatology).
Like many in the Reformed tradition, Berkhof argues for paedobaptism.
A shorter, abridged version of Berkhof's systematic theology, similar to R.C. Sproul's Everybody's a Theologian, is also excellent. It is called a Manual of Doctrine.

Beeke and Smalley have already released their first three volumes of their Reformed Systematic Theology, and their fourth and final volume is scheduled to be published in 2024. Each volume covers two major categories of systematic theology.
1. Volume One covers Prolegomena (Introduction to Theology and the Doctrine of Revelation) and Theology Proper (Doctrine of God).
2. Volume Two covers Anthropology (Doctrine of Man) and Christology (Doctrine of Christ)
3. Volume Three covers Pneumatology and Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation Applied by the Holy Spirit)
4. Volume Four will cover Ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church) and Eschatology (Doctrine of Last Things)
Like Grudem's second edition, Beeke and Smalley's four-volume systematic theology is comprehesive and up-to-date. Given the greater space allowed by having four volumes instead of one, this systematic theology can have a greater depth of discussion and give explanation on the practical implications to the Christian life.
"[Reformed Systematic Theology] is a virtual gold mine of biblical doctrine that is systematically arranged, carefully analyzed, historically scrutinized, and partorally applied. I am not aware of another book quite like this invaluable work." (Steven Lawson)

John Calvin wrote several editions of his Institutes of the Christine Religion both in Latin and in French (for the common people). Calvin's Institutes can be read devotionally or studied systematically.
Most refer to the definitive English edition as the edition published by Westminter John Knox Press in 1960.
My personal recommendation and the most readable version that can be enjoyed cover-to-cover by everyday Christians is his 1541 version translated by Robert White published by Banner of Truth.