Grace Evangelical Society

P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202
  • About
    • Home
    • Beliefs
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
  • Resources
    • Grace in Focus Blog
    • Grace in Focus International Blogs
    • Grace in Focus Radio
    • Grace in Focus Magazine
    • Free eBooks
    • Journal of the GES
    • Book Reviews
    • Partners in Grace Newsletter
    • Audio Messages
    • Videos
    • Email Subscription
    • Bookstore
    • Online Tracts
  • Store
    • Main Page
    • On Sale
    • Return Policy
    • Your Cart
    • Your Account
  • Events
  • Seminary
    • Seminary Info
    • Fall 2023 Classes
    • GES Seminary Curriculum
    • GES Seminary Faculty
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Free Grace Church and Bible Study Tracker
    • Free Grace Jobs
    • Ministry Links
  • Donate
    • One Time Donation
    • Monthly Donation
    • Your Account
  • Search
Home
→
Journal Articles
→
Book Reviews
→
Basic Theology

Basic Theology

Posted in Book Reviews

Basic Theology. By Charles C. Ryrie. Wheaton Illinois: Victor Books, 1986. 544 pp. Hardcover, $14.95.

In Basic Theology there are no surprises. For some this is unwelcome. For those who have enjoyed Ryrie’s other works and are committed to a theology that is straightforward and readable, and to wholesome doctrine, Basic Theology will seem like an old friend. Some of this book includes a compilation of many of the author’s other works (see p. 4).

According to the author this book is for everyone. It is for everyone because all are theologians whether they call themselves that or not. Some are armchair theologians and others are card-carrying theologians, all of whom need a recognized systematic approach. Those who wish to study theology have a hard time finding a text that studies all the major systems of theology, is clear, and approaches the Bible with a consistent hermeneutical system.

Of particular interest for those who are concerned for the clarity of the Gospel is Ryrie’s chapter on the Gospel. In that chapter he exposes many errors in evangelism: in adding baptism, in misunderstanding repentance, and in making surrender of one’s life a part of the Gospel. Ryrie specifically defines repentance as changing one’s mind about Jesus Christ. Whatever one thought before, he changes his mind and trusts Christ as his Savior.

Those with a background in theology can appreciate the author’s theology, structure, and organization of material. Though this reviewer has a background in theology, his greatest appreciation was the book’s effectiveness as a basic text for Bible college students. Because of the author’s strong and basic stand on grace, security, and the Gospel, this work makes an outstanding textbook.

Dr. Ryrie is a well-known champion of the Gospel of grace. However, some could see a bit of confusion when he discusses “proof of justification” (p. 300). The author says that “justification is proved by purity.” He uses an analogy of a two-coupon ticket. “Faith and works are like a two-coupon ticket to heaven. The coupon of works is not for passage, and the coupon of faith is not valid if detached from works.” Works may demonstrate faith to men but lack of works is not a proof of the opposite. Otherwise one would fall into works-salvation, which the author earlier calls a “teaching of demons” (p. 165). Ryrie’s statement that works are a proof to men should also be considered. As far as God is concerned the proof is in the heart of those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Substitute.

This reviewer and all who strive for a clear stand on the doctrine of salvation find a trustworthy standard reference work in Basic Theology.

Alejandro Mandes
Dean of Students/Professor of Greek and Theology
Texas Bible College
San Antonio, TX

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Cart

Recently Added

September 26, 2023

Is It Possible that Charles Templeton Is With the Lord Even Though He Died an Atheist?

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Bob Wilkin and Ken Yates are answering a question about eternal security and especially the extent of eternal...
September 26, 2023

You Can Believe the Small Things Too (Luke 1:18) 

When Gabriel told Zacharias that he and his wife would have a son, and that the son would be John the Baptist, I find Zacharias’...
September 25, 2023

Were Old Testament Saints and Will Tribulation Saints Be Sealed by the Holy Spirit? Are Roman Catholics Saved?

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Bob Wilkin and Ken Yates are answering a question about the ministries of the Holy Spirit toward redeemed...

Grace in Focus Radio

All Episodes

Listen on Google Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Grace In Focus Magazine

Grace In Focus is sent to subscribers in the United States free of charge.

Subscribe for Free

The primary source of Grace Evangelical Society's funding is through charitable contributions. GES uses all contributions and proceeds from the sales of our resources to further the gospel of grace in the United States and abroad.

Donate

Bookstore Specials

  • Here Walks My Enemy: The Story of Luis (Paperback) $6.95 $3.00
  • Elisabeth: Christ's Medal of Honor Recipient $11.95 $10.00
  • Six Secrets of the Christian Life (Second Edition, Includes Study Questions) $6.00 $4.00
  • Faith Alone in One Hundred Verses $15.00 $10.00
  • Tough Texts: Did Jesus Teach Salvation by Works? $15.00 $10.00
Grace Evangelical Society

(940) 270-8827 / ges@faithalone.org

4851 S I-35E Suite 203, Corinth, TX 76210
P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube