Joseph,

Great question - to some extent almost any SysTheo is a good place to start, but I have a few favorites for early usage:

Foundations of the Christian Faith by Boice is a great entry into Sys Theo.  I also greatly enjoy Millard Ericksons Christian Theology, 2nd ed.

Concise Theology by J. I. Packer is a very good introduction.

http://www.logos.com/ebooks/details/concise

http://www.amazon.com/Concise-Theology-Historic-Christian-Beliefs/dp/0842339604/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282572259&sr=8-1

I find Reymond very useful.  But, don't overlook Calvin's Institutes.  He wrote it as a teaching tool for young believers--"Seeing, then, how necessary it was in this manner to aid those who desire to be instructed in the doctrine of salvation, I have endeavoured, according to the ability which God has given me, to employ myself in so doing, and with this view have composed the present book."

Joseph Newell said:

Can any of you recommend a good Systematic Theology for a relatively new Christian?

 In seminary, I grew to appreciate Oden's works and love them in Logos.  I think Oden does a good job of giving background, pointing out the different theological traditions on each topic and then giving a summary of his own theological conclusions.

Thomas C. Oden’s Systematic Theology (3 Vols.) http://www.logos.com/products/details/3682

 

Well, my first choice for a new Christian is always Grudem - he is so devotional, as well as clear, and a lot of the time actually quotes the Bible rather than just references it (if I remember correctly). Not only that, but as a Calvinistic Baptist non-cessationist ... Grudem agrees with me!!

However, the first one I read as a "relatively new Christian" was Louis Berkhof's, and I still like to go back to Berkhof. He is wonderfully concise ... using his words almost forensically ... a real joy if you like careful writing and thinking. He is Reformed Presbyterian. Although less verbose than Grudem, he covers a lot of ground - and actually ties up a lot of the relationships between doctrines (something that Grudem fails to do.) Berkhof, for example, makes clear what a Reformed doctrine of paedo-baptism will mean for your understanding of God's decrees.

If I remember correctly, Grudem is pre-mill, and Berkhof, amill - so they complement each other nicely on that topic.

I know lots of people say Raymond has replaced Berkhof, and to some extent I agree. Although personally I prefer Berkhof's infralapsarian position, to Raymond's supralapsarian position. Berkhof ... for me ... is still ... sharper and clearer.

Joseph Newell said:

Can any of you recommend a good Systematic Theology for a relatively new Christian?

I noticed that a great many replies presented superb authors and resources for you, and I use them all from time-to-time as the situation warrants.Someone even recommended Kevin J. Conner's "Foundations of Christian Doctrine." That book is one of the primary texts in our doctrines class. What's too bad is that Conner's material is no where in electronic form! However, most mentioned in these replies are not aimed at a new Christian as such.

For a basic, bottom-line (IMHO) systematic theology text is the mis-named Foundations of Pentecostal Theology ( http://www.logos.com/products/details/2473 ). Duffield and VanCleave wrote this textbook some years back for the Four-Square related Bible College. I'm not a Four-Square member/follower, but I do have great respect for Jack Hayford who, up until recently, was the head honcho of the Four-Square denomination. Again, this book could not have presented the material in a more simpler form.

A random selection from Chapter 1 to indicate its simplicity: (there are other sample pages at the Logos link)

A.      The Two Testaments.
The Bible is divided into two sections known as the Old and the New Testaments. The word “testament” was originally translated “covenant,” and signifies the thought that each is a covenant which God made with His people. There are thirty-nine (39) books in the Old Testament and twenty-seven (27) in the New Testament. An easy way to remember these numbers is to take the number of letters in either “Old Testament” or “New Testament.” In either case you have three and nine letters. Three placed beside nine gives the number of books—39—in the Old Testament, while three multiplied by nine—27—gives the number of books in the New Testament.

Duffield, G. P., & Van Cleave, N. M. (1983). Foundations of Pentecostal theology (6). Los Angeles, Calif.: L.I.F.E. Bible College.

Below is the Table of Contents for your consideration. Unfortunately, the pasting didn't keep the outline format.... Enjoy!

God bless

{charley}

Chapter One
THE DOCTRINE OF THE SCRIPTURES
Bibliology
I.      The names of the Scriptures
A.      The Bible
B.      Other names
II.      The divisions of the Scriptures
A.      The two Testaments
B.      Divisions in the Old Testament
C.      Divisions in the New Testament
D.      Chapters and verses
III.      The writers of the Scriptures
IV.      The canon of the Scriptures
A.      The canon of the Old Testament
B.      The Apocrypha
C.      The canon of the New Testament
D.      Tests used to determine canonicity
V.      The inerrancy of the Scriptures
A.      Definition of inerrancy
B.      The testimony to inerrancy
VI.      The inspiration of the Scriptures
A.      Definition of inspiration
B.      Revelation, inspiration and illumination distinguished
C.      Meaning of inspiration
VII.      The symbols of the Scriptures
A.      Mirror
B.      Critic
C.      Seed
D.      Laver and water
E.      Lamp and light
F.      Fire
G.      Hammer
H.      Sword
I.      Food
VIII.      The Holy Spirit and the Scriptures
IX.      How the Scriptures came to us
A.      Ancient writing materials
B.      A Codex
C.      Ancient writing instruments
D.      Languages used
E.      Manuscripts
F.      Versions
G.      Biblical criticism
H.      Evidences for the Biblical text
X.      The Scriptures in English
A.      The earliest beginnings
B.      John Wycliffe
C.      William Tyndale
D.      Other Sixteenth Century translations
E.      Recent Translations of the English Bible

Chapter Two
THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
Theology
Introduction: The importance of the study of Theology
I.      The knowability of God
A.      Incomprehensible
B.      But knowable
II.      The existence of God
A.      The value of argument for God’s existence
B.      Arguments for God’s existence
III.      The Nature of God (Theism)
A.      God is Spirit (Jn. 4:24)
B.      God is Perfect (Mt. 5:48)
C.      God is Personal
D.      God is ONE (unity) (Dt. 4:35; 6:4)
E.      Erroneous theories about God
IV.      The names of God (Dt. 32)
A.      Elohim, (plural, Gn. 1:1), Eloah, (singular)
B.      Adonai, (plural); Adon (singular)
C.      Jehovah (Ex. 3:13, 14; 6:2, 3)
D.      Ha Tsur, The Rock (Dt. 32:4; Is. 17:10, 26:4, 32:1, 51:1; Ps. 19:14; Mt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 10:1, 3, 4)
E.      Compound names of Jehovah
F.      New Testament names of God
V.      The Attributes of God
A.      Absolute Attributes
B.      Moral Attributes
VI.      The works of God
A.      Divine purpose (Is. 14:26, 27; Eph. 1:11)
B.      Creation (Gn. 1:1)
C.      Providence (Ps. 37:1–3; 1 Cor. 10:13; Acts 4:27–31; Col. 1:15–18)
VII.      The Trinity of God (the doctrine)
A.      Its definition: The Athanasian Creed (Mt. 3:16, 17)
B.      Its scriptural presentation
VIII.      The Persons of the Trinity
A.      God the Father (see above)
B.      God the Son
C.      God the Holy Spirit

Chapter Three
THE DOCTRINE OF MAN
Anthropology
I.      Introduction
A.      Importance of the doctrine
B.      Definitions
C.      Scriptural perspective
II.      Man created by God
A.      Not evolved from lower life forms
B.      Exists by special creation
III.      Man the result of Divine purpose
A.      The council of the Trinity (Gn. 1:26)
B.      The work of God’s creative purpose
IV.      Man created in God’s image
A.      Not a physical image (Is. 6:1; Phil. 2:6; Jn. 5:37)
B.      A personal image (Gn. 1:26–31)
C.      A moral image (Gn. 2:14–17)
D.      A social image (Gn. 1:27, 28)
V.      Man created a living soul (being)
A.      Given a body (earth)
B.      Given an immaterial self (God breathed) (Nm. 16:22)
C.      Becomes a living soul (being) (Gn. 2:7)
VI.      Man’s primitive state or condition
A.      The state of knowledge (Gn. 1:28; 2:19, 20)
B.      The moral state (Gn. 1:31)
C.      The psychological state
D.      The social state (Gn. 2:18, 23, 24)
E.      The occupational state (Gn. 2:15)
F.      The state of life expectancy (Gn. 2:16, 17)
VII.      The Fall of Man
A.      His probation (Gn. 2:16, 17)
B.      His temptation (Gn. 3; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tm. 2:13, 14; 1 Jn. 2:16)
C.      His fallen state (Gn. 3:6; Rom. 5:12; 1 Tm. 2:14)
VIII.      Man’s potential in the state of grace
A.      Christ’s Incarnation and the believer’s new position in Christ (Col. 3:9, 10; 1 Cor. 15:21, 22, 45–49)
B.      The believer a new man in Christ Jesus (Jn. 1:11–13, 2 Cor. 5:17, Eph. 4:24)
C.      The believer’s new nature in Christ (2 Pt. 1:4)
D.      The believer’s new life in Christ (Jn. 5:24; Rom. 6:11, Eph. 2:1–6)
E.      The believer’s constant renewal (2 Cor. 4:16, Rom. 12:1, 2)
F.      The believer’s hope of a heavenly home (2 Tm. 4:18, 1 Pt. 1:4)
G.      The believer’s victory over the old nature (Rom. 6:6–13)
H.      The believer’s authority in Christ’s kingdom (Mt. 16:19, 18:18; Lk. 9:1, 2)

Chapter Four
THE DOCTRINE OF SIN
Hamartiology
Introduction
I.      The problem of sin
A.      The source of sin
B.      The permitting of sin
II.      The origin of sin
A.      In the universe
B.      In the human race
III.      The first human sin
A.      The necessity of probation
B.      The process of temptation, Gn. 3:1–6
C.      The results of Man’s first sin
D.      The curse which the first sin brought
IV.      The nature of sin
A.      The definition of sin
B.      Sin and God’s Law
C.      Scriptural expressions for sin
D.      Sin is evil
E.      The sinful nature of sin
F.      Important considerations regarding sin
V.      The universality of sin
VI.      The imputation of sin
VII.      The relation of original sin and depravity
A.      The meaning of depravity
B.      The results of depravity
VIII.      The guilt from sin
A.      Sin in relation to God
B.      Degrees of guilt
IX.      The penalty of sin
A.      The significance of penalty
B.      The nature of penalty

Chapter Five
THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
Soteriology
Introduction
I.      Provisions that have been made
A.      Death of Christ
B.      Resurrection of Jesus Christ
C.      Ascension and Exaltation of Jesus Christ
II.      The application of the provisions
A.      Election
B.      Repentance
C.      Faith
D.      Justification
E.      Regeneration
F.      Adoption
G.      Sanctification
H.      Assurance
I.      The security of the believer

Chapter Six
THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Pneumatology
I.      The Work of the Holy Spirit
A.      In relation to the world in general
B.      In relation to Jesus Christ
C.      In relation to the Christian believer
II.      The Ministry of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter
A.      He is our Teacher—“The Spirit of truth”
B.      He is our Reminder
C.      He is the Revealer of Jesus
D.      He is the Reprover and Convicter of the world
III.      The Fruit of the Spirit
A.      The contrast between the works of the flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit
B.      The secrets of fruitbearing
C.      What does it mean to abide in Christ?
D.      The difference between the Gifts of the Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit
E.      The relationship between the Gifts of the Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit
F.      Detailed characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit
IV.      The Baptism with the Holy Spirit
A.      The name of the experience
B.      What the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is
C.      The purpose and necessity of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit
D.      For whom is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit?
E.      Conditions for obtaining the Baptism with the Holy Spirit
F.      How to receive the Baptism with the Holy Spirit
G.      The manner in which the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is received
H.      The evidence and results of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit
I.      Additional fillings with the Holy Spirit
V.      Offences against the Holy Spirit
A.      Offences committed by the unbeliever
B.      Offences committed by a believer
VI.      The Gifts of the Spirit
A.      The background for spiritual gifts
B.      The vocabulary of spiritual gifts
C.      The purpose of spiritual gifts
D.      The gifts enumerated in 1 Corinthians chapter twelve
E.      Special instructions on the gifts of tongues and prophecy
F.      The gifts listed in Romans chapter twelve
G.      The ministry gifts inscribed in Ephesians chapter four
H.      Other probable spiritual gifts
I.      Gifts for special abilities
J.      The relationship between the Gifts and the Fruit of the Spirit

Chapter Seven
THE DOCTRINE OF DIVINE HEALING
I.      The reasonableness of Divine Healing
A.      God is definitely interested in the human body
B.      There is a vital relationship between the soul and spirit of man and his physical body
C.      Man’s needs are twofold
II.      The origin of sickness
A.      Historically
B.      Physiologically
C.      Correctively
III.      The spiritual nature of sickness
A.      Sickness is in the world because of sin
B.      Certain sickness is the result of specific sin
C.      Sickness as a discipline
IV.      Healing and the Will of God
V.      The Scripturalness of Divine Healing
A.      Divine Healing in the Old Testament
B.      Healing in the ministry of Jesus
C.      Healing in the ministry of the disciples
D.      Healing in the Early Church
VI.      Healing through the Church age
VII.      Healing and the Atonement
A.      Atonement was made for healing in the Old Testament
B.      Forgiveness of sins and healing of diseases go hand in hand in the Bible
C.      Redemption from the curse of the Law
D.      Isaiah chapter fifty-three
E.      The Passover and The Lord’s Supper
VIII.      Why Jesus healed the sick
A.      Because of the promises of His Word
B.      In order to reveal His Will
C.      To manifest the Works of God
D.      Because of compassion
E.      Because of faith—not only in His ability, but also His willingness
IX.      Why Christians should seek Divine Healing
A.      Because it is a solemn command
B.      Because of the spiritual blessing it will bring
C.      Because it is glorifying to God
X.      Methods of administering Divine Healing
A.      Pray for yourself
B.      Ask someone else to pray for you
C.      Call for the elders of the church
D.      By laying on of hands
E.      Special miracles through handkerchiefs and aprons
F.      Spiritual gifts of healing
XI.      Why are not all healed?
A.      Some seek healing before salvation
B.      Some seek healing for wrong purposes
C.      Some look to the minister rather than to Christ
D.      Disobedience
E.      Because of some unconfessed sin in the life
F.      Because of unbelief
G.      Failure to stand in faith until the answer comes
XII.      How to retain Divine Healing
A.      Keep in an atmosphere of faith
B.      Keep praising the Lord for what He has done
C.      Keep testifying of what God has done
D.      Feed your faith on the Word of God
E.      Contend in faith for your healing
F.      Walk in obedience to God’s Will—His Word
G.      Start, and continue, service to the Lord
XIII.      Divine Life for the body
XIV.      Answers to objections
A.      The day of miracles is past
B.      Why are many Christians not healed?
C.      Why not also believe in raising the dead, and other miracles promised in Mark 16
D.      Now that medical science is perfected, God expects His people to use medicine for healing
E.      If Divine Healing always worked, no Christian would ever die
F.      There are cases of failure in the New Testament
G.      Divine Healing is taught only by false cults
H.      Divine Healing puts more emphasis upon the body than upon the soul
I.      If God created herbs and drugs, does He not expect man to use them for healing?
J.      The miracles recorded in Matthew 8:16, 17 completely fulfilled the prophecy of physical healing in Isaiah 53:4–5
K.      If healing is in the Atonement, Christians who are sick must conclude that they are sinners
L.      Failure by many to receive healing weakens the faith of the whole Church

Chapter Eight
THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
Ecclesiology
I.      “Church”—its meanings
A.      Kuriakon
B.      Ekklesia
II.      Uses of the term “church” in the New Testament
A.      The universal Church
B.      The local church
C.      House churches
D.      The collective Church
E.      The churches acting in concert
III.      Uses of the term “church” not found in the New Testament
A.      Not used of a building
B.      Not used for a denomination
IV.      The officers, ministers & leaders of the Church
A.      Apostles
B.      Prophets
C.      Evangelists
D.      Pastors
E.      Teachers
F.      Elders, presbyters
G.      Bishops, overseers
H.      Deacons
I.      Ministers
J.      Leaders, rulers
V.      The mission of the Church
A.      Preaching and teaching
B.      Discipleship
C.      Fellowship
D.      Worship
E.      Missions and Evangelism
F.      Maturity of the believer
G.      Ministry in the home
H.      Ministry to material needs
VI.      The ordinances of the Church
A.      Water Baptism
B.      The Lord’s Supper
VII.      The Church as the Body of Christ
A.      Vital relationship to the Head
B.      Unity of the Body
C.      Importance of each member in the Body
D.      Submission in the Body
E.      The Body of Christ and the local church
F.      Body ministry
VIII.      The Church and the kingdom of God
A.      The meaning of the word “kingdom”
B.      Is the kingdom of God present or future?
C.      Is the kingdom inward and spiritual, or outwardly visible?
D.      Are the Church and the kingdom of God identical?
E.      Is the kingdom of heaven different from the kingdom of God?
IX.      Other metaphors of the Church
A.      The Church as the Lord’s family
B.      The Church as a fellowship of believers
C.      The Church as a team of athletes
D.      The Church as the Lord’s army
E.      The Church as the Lord’s flock
F.      The Church as the Lord’s school
G.      The Church as a servant or steward
H.      The Church as a building
I.      The Church as a mystery
J.      The Church as the Lord’s field
K.      The Church as a royal priesthood
L.      The Church as the bride of Christ
M.      The Church as the Lord’s embassy
N.      The Church as the pillar and ground of truth
O.      The Church as the Lord’s sanctuary
P.      The Church as pilgrims
Q.      The Church as the way
R.      The Church as the Lord’s inheritance
S.      The Church as the Lord’s masterpiece
T.      The Church as the light of the world
U.      The Church as the salt of the earth
V.      The Church as the Lord’s fishery
W.      The Church as a crucible
X.      The Church as the wild olive branch

Chapter Nine
THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS
Angelology
I.      Angelology
A.      Definition
B.      The origin of angels
C.      The nature of angels
D.      The classifications and organization of angels
II.      Demonology
A.      The reality of demons
B.      The origin of demons
C.      The nature of demons
D.      The purpose of demons
E.      The activities of demons
F.      Demon possession
III.      Satanology
A.      Importance of this doctrine
B.      The reality of his existence
C.      His personality
D.      His origin
E.      His character
F.      His names and titles
G.      His Defeat
H.      His Destiny
I.      The believer’s course of action regarding Satan

Chapter Ten
THE DOCTRINE OF LAST THINGS
Eschatology
Introduction
I.      Death
A.      Physical death
B.      Spiritual death
C.      Eternal death
II.      The Intermediate State
A.      Of the wicked
B.      Of the righteous
C.      False views of the intermediate state
III.      The Second Coming of Christ
A.      The importance of His Coming
B.      The nature of His Coming
C.      The time of His Coming
D.      The signs of His Coming
E.      The Rapture of the Church
F.      The Revelation
IV.      The Tribulation
A.      The word “tribulation” in Scripture
B.      Daniel’s dream and vision
C.      Principal events of the Tribulation
V.      The Antichrist
A.      The word “antichrist” in Scripture
B.      The identity of the Antichrist
C.      The titles of the Antichrist
D.      The works of the Antichrist
VI.      The Resurrection
A.      The fact of the Resurrection
B.      The nature of the Resurrection
C.      The time of the Resurrection
VII.      The Millennium
A.      Its relation to the Second Coming
B.      Its relation to Israel
C.      Its relation to the nations
D.      Its relation to the Church
E.      Life and conditions on earth
VIII.      The Judgments
A.      Of the believers
B.      Of the Gentile nations
C.      Of national Israel
D.      Of the wicked dead
E.      Of Satan and the fallen angels
IX.      The Final Destinies
A.      The future destiny of the unrighteous
B.      The final destiny of Satan, the fallen angels, and the Antichrist
C.      The future state of the righteous


Duffield, G. P., & Van Cleave, N. M. (1983). Foundations of Pentecostal theology (xvi–xxviii). Los Angeles, Calif.: L.I.F.E. Bible College.

A non-cessationist is a believer (?) who explains away why what was normal (and necessary) for the first century is abnormal and unnecessary for everyone else. They have a doctrinal infastructure that explains why the plain meaning of Scripture isn't applicable to modern believers. A non-believing believer? :-)

jwsheets said:

A non-cessationist is a believer (?) who explains away why what was normal (and necessary) for the first century is abnormal and unnecessary for everyone else. They have a doctrinal infastructure that explains why the plain meaning of Scripture isn't applicable to modern believers. A non-believing believer? :-)

Er ... not sure I recognise myself from this description. Are  you sure you are not talking about cessationists? Even if you were, it doesn't read to me as being as generous as I would wish to be to their position - but I may have mis-understood what you are saying.