WHY DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK? It’s a handy reference that compiles relevant scripture for each doctrine. Without such a reference, you’d spend a lot of time searching throughout scripture to collate the relevant verses for each doctrine, and you’d be missing valuable insight from these summaries.
From the author’s forward: ”In fulfilling the purpose of its author, Lewis Sperry Chafer, the book has stated in simple and concise terms the major themes of biblical revelation.”
Talk about over-delivering! Such a humble description of a survey of the Bible’s major themes, all packed into a nicely summarized group of chapters — and weighing in at under 375 pages.
A well-considered necessity for beginning and growing Bible students alike, this brief compendium is worth its weight in gold.
Why Major Bible Themes Belongs in Every Believer’s Library
Think of it as a concordance for doctrines and major themes. Doctrines are listed, expounded upon with major and correlating scripture, defined through different angles of analysis, and followup questions greet the reader at the end of each chapter.
Allow me to say that this handy, purposeful reference can serve immediate usefulness without hassle. It’s only 374 pages, not including the super useful scripture index at the end, but you can find anything about major doctrine in its concise pages.
Book's Contents
Foreword by John F. Walvoord
Introduction by Lewis Sperry Chafer
1 The Bible: The Word of God 11
2 The Bible: Inspired of God 16
3 The Bible: Its Subject and Purpose 25
4 The Bible: As a Divine Revelation 3
5 God the Trinity 37
6 God the Father 45
7 God the Son: His Deity and Eternity 52
8 God the Son: His Incarnation 56
9 God the Son: His Substitutionary Death 60
10 God the Son: His Resurrection 65
11 God the Son: His Ascension and Priestly Ministry 70
12 God the Son: His Coming for His Saints 76
13 God the Son: His Coming With His Saints 82
14 God the Holy Spirit: His Personality 87
15 God the Holy Spirit: His Advent 91
16 God the Holy Spirit: His Regeneration 97
17 God the Holy Spirit: His Indwelling and Sealing 102
18 God the Holy Spirit: His Baptism 108
19 God the Holy Spirit: His Filling 114
20 The Dispensations 126
21 The Covenants 139
22 The Angels 151
23 Satan: His Personality and Power 156
24 Satan: His Work and Destiny 161
25 Man: His Creation 165
26 Man: His Fall 171
27 Sin: Its Character and Universality 177
28 Salvation From the Penalty of Sin 181
29 Salvation From the Power of Sin 189
30 Four Aspects of Righteousness 197
31 Sanctification 202
32 Assurance of Salvation 212
33 Security of Salvation 220
34 Divine Election 230
35 The Church: Her Members 236
36 The Church: Her Purpose and Commission 242
37 The Church: Her Service and Stewardship 247
38 The Church: Her Worship in Prayer and Thanksgiving 257
39 The Church: Her Organization and Ordinances 266
40 The Church: The Body and Bride of Christ and Her Reward 274
41 The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day 288
42 The Gentiles in History and Prophecy 297
43 Israel in History and Prophecy 301
44 Events Preceding the Second Coming of Christ 312
45 The Great Tribulation 320
46 The Second Coming of Christ 327
47 The Resurrections 338
48 The Judgment of Israel and the Nations 344
49 The Millennial Kingdom 350
50 The Judgment of Satan and Fallen Angels 361
51 The Judgment of the Great White Throne 366
52 The New Heaven and the New Earth 369
Index of Subjects 375
Scripture Index 377
A Convenient, Scripture-Packed Guide to Bible Doctrine
From a new believer’s viewpoint, the doctrines outlined in this volume form the core of what any good church doctrinal statement should contain. But with an added drill-down showing multi-faceted analysis that’s amazing for such a short volume.
Looking at it from a maturing believer’s angle, there’s enough substance in its brevity to provide adequate definition and demonstration for most Bible doctrine research. I find it difficult to believe that a believer would ever outgrow such a reference, it’s so handy.
I will always plead the case for the plowman. Although Chafer went on to produce a lengthy, 8-volume set, titled Systematic Theology, the text found in Major Bible Themes isn’t academic or something dusted off an old shelf. There’s life here, and it shows in the careful analysis, listing of relevant scripture, and brief yet defining textual portrayal of Bible doctrine. It is Christ throughout.
To find so much relevant, inspiring information in one brief volume is a feat of Christian writing and publishing and a purposeful, handy reference for any believer.
Bonus Scripture Index at end has provided this reader with many benefits.
Related Books on Strong Christian Foundations:
Preparing to give answer as a growing Christian: Why I Believe, by Chip Ingram
The Resurrection: Core belief to Christianity – Who Moved the Stone?
This review was part of my 9 Lifelong Bible Companions Series. See related recommendations.