“Puritan Reformed Theology is a title with a subtle double entendre. It certainly delivers what it promises—theology in the Reformed tradition mediated especially through the life and writings of the Puritans. But it also celebrates the quarter centenary of the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by presenting in one volume the wonderful series of essays its founding president, Dr. Joel R. Beeke, has contributed to the seminary journal.  

In these pages Professor Beeke handles a wide variety of subjects and turns them, one by one, into theological and pastoral gold. The range is extraordinary and yet focused on the main things. The ease of readability pleases the ordinary reader and yet there are footnotes in scholar-satisfying abundance. The sheer size of the book may seem intimidating, yet like a great cathedral it can be appreciated one stone at a time. Here then is a thesaurus of theological and spiritual riches, a veritable Aladdin’s cave of intellectual and spiritual pleasures. I feel sure that readers will find themselves frequently returning to Puritan Reformed Theology to find in it both theological treasure and spiritual pleasure.” 
— Sinclair B. Ferguson, chancellor’s professor of systematic theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; teaching fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“Puritan Reformed Theology is a treasure trove of articles and sermons that reflect godly piety and biblical orthodoxy. Dr. Beeke has once again served us with a valuable work which I gladly recommend.” 
— John MacArthur, senior pastor-teacher, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California

Contents

BIBLICAL STUDIES

1. The Age of the Spirit and Revival
2. Trust in the Incarnate Word
3. Our Glorious Adoption: Trinitarian-Based and Transformed Relationships
4. Paul and James: Are We Justified by Faith or by Faith and Works?
5. Gethsemane’s King-Lamb: A Sermon on John 18:7–8, 12–13a
6. The Man of Sin: 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12
7. Delighting in God: A Guide to Sabbath-Keeping

SYSTEMATIC AND HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

8. God-Centered Theology in the Ministry of the Word
9. Calvin on Sovereignty, Providence, and Predestination
10. Reading the Puritans
11. Godefridus Udemans: Life, Influence, and Writings
12. John Bunyan on Justification
13. Reformed Orthodoxy in North America
14. The Perspicuity of Scripture
15. Laurence Chaderton: His Life and Ecclesiology
16. Natural Theology: Some Historical Perspective

EXPERIENTIAL THEOLOGY

17. Calvin as an Experiential Preacher
18. The Puritans on Conscience and Casuistry
19. Assurance of Salvation: The Insights of Anthony Burgess
20. Wilhelmus à Brakel’s Biblical Ethics of Spirituality
21. Images of Union and Communion with Christ

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

22. Puritans on the Family: Recent Publications
23. Consider Christ in Affliction: An Open Letter to True Believers
24. Learning from the Puritans on Being Salt and Light
25. Puritans on Marital Love

PASTORAL THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS

26. God-Centered Adult Education
27. Plain Preaching Demonstrating the Spirit and His Power
28. How to Evaluate Your Sermons
29. Practical Application in Preaching
30. Authentic Ministry: Servanthood, Tears, and Temptations
31. Children in the Church
32. The Minister’s Helpmeet
33. Unprofessional Puritans and Professional Pastors: What the Puritans Would Say to Modern Pastors
34. Catechism Preaching
35. A Life in the Word
36. Why You and Your Family Should Go to Church: Biblical Answers to “Churchless Christianity”

CONTEMPORARY AND CULTURAL ISSUES

37. Interview with Joel Beeke about Reformed Churches and Seminaries
38. Handling Error in the Church: Martin Downes Interviewing Joel R. Beeke
39. Practical Lessons for Today from the Life of Idelette Calvin
40. Rediscovering the Laity: The Reformation in the Pew and in the Classroom
41. In Commemoration of the Heidelberg Catechism’s 450th Anniversary: The Catechism as a Confession of Faith
42. How to Battle Hostility and Secularism
43. Busy but Fruitful: How to Manage Time
44. Nurturing Intimate Communication with Your Spouse

Endorsements

“Dr. Beeke is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Puritanism, and in this volume we have a marvelous collection of chapters covering historical, theological, and practical subjects of substance. I can think of no one I would rather learn from about these matters than Dr. Beeke. This collection contains the highest level of pastoral wisdom and doctrinal reflection through the lens of one of the best theologians and pastors I have ever known.” 
— Derek W.H. Thomas, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; chancellor’s professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; teaching fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“It is all here: Puritan, and therefore magnificently Christ-centered. Reformed, and therefore established on the foundations of the Reformation. Theological, and therefore unashamedly confessional. Historical, therefore rehearsing relevantly timeless truths and freshly exposing old errors. Experiential, therefore conveying pathos, warmth, and conviction. Practical, therefore applicatory on almost every page. And finally, massively comprehensive, and therefore suitable for relaxing reading and mind-stretching awe.” 
— Geoffrey Thomas, emeritus pastor, Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales

“Joel Beeke’s commitment to the principle that doctrine is for life makes this collection of articles, along with its variety, a most profitable and joyous read. I cannot commend too highly this treasure trove of biblical, historical, systematic, and experiential theology. No doubt it is a volume to which the heart yearning for communion with God will return time and again.” 
— David B. McWilliams, senior minister, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, Florida

“What a joy it is to congratulate Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and President Beeke on the achievement of twenty-five years of fruitful ministry. It is certainly the Lord who birthed this seminary, caused her to mature, and has now taken her into full adulthood. This collection of Dr. Beeke’s Puritan Reformed Journal articles is a fitting memorial for this celebration, and the sweep of his topics will provide engaging reading for anyone.” 
— Richard Gamble, professor of systematic theology, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh

“It is a pleasure to commend this wide-ranging compilation of essays explicating the heart of biblical, Reformed Christianity. The range of material is especially impressive, culminating in a section titled ‘Contemporary and Cultural Issues.’ As with all of Dr. Beeke’s writings, a twin pulse beats and predominates throughout: Christ-centeredness and affectional heart religion. Read and be richly nourished in your faith.” 
— Ian Hamilton, minister, Evangelical Presbyterian Church of England and Wales

“Puritan Reformed Theology by Dr. Joel Beeke offers a precious treasure of truth to readers who are hungry for God’s Word. These are edifying articles that open up and apply central biblical doctrines, often as expounded by the great Puritan writers of the past. I recommend this fine new book to all readers who love God’s Word, especially to men who have an eye to the ministry. Give this volume to a hungry soul, and you will train up a dwarf to become a giant.” 
— Maurice Roberts, emeritus minister, Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)

“Puritan Reformed Theology is a resource teeming with exegetical, theological, and pastoral insights. Developed over decades of ministry, Joel Beeke’s collection of essays offers readers a resource to be regularly read and referenced for theological enrichment and edification in the service of Christ’s church.” 
— J. V. Fesko, professor of systematic and historical theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

“Puritan Reformed Theology contains a rich miscellany of informative, fascinating, and edifying articles on a whole range of important subjects, providing the reader with a veritable feast of scholarship and insight. Everything presented in these seven hundred pages of mind-informing, heart-stirring material is well worth reading and will richly repay careful consideration and further study, but I would like to make special mention of ‘The Age of the Spirit and Revival’; ‘Delighting in God: A Guide to Sabbath-Keeping’; ‘Calvin as an Experiential Preacher’; ‘Assurance of Salvation: The Insights of Anthony Burgess’; and ‘Lessons for Today from the Life of Idelette Calvin.’ We are again deeply indebted to Dr. Beeke and his prolific pen. May God bless this excellent material to the good of souls and to the strengthening of His church in this world!” 
— Malcolm H. Watts, minister, Emmanuel Church, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England