The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. This introductory textbook on systematic theology has several distinctive features:

• A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching
• Clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum
• A contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today
• A friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect
• Frequent application to life
• Resources for worship with each chapter
• Bibliographies with each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies