Wayne Grudem

Daily writing prompt

Describe a man who has positively impacted your life.

I don’t like to describe people that everyone knows, and I don’t like to describe friends and family. I’m not sure that I’d be happy if someone described me on the web. Maybe it depends on what they might say 😄.

Wayne Grudem is one of many authors/speakers that have had a positive impact on my life. Way back in 1995, I discovered his book on Systematic Theology. I had similar books before that, but I just loved his warmth and how he explained everything so well. I read it again and again over the years. I’m planning to go through it again in 2026.

He’s currently 77 years old and in poor health. It’s important to point out that I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says. It’s not a good idea to attach yourself to one particular teacher and trust him totally. But I broadly agree with his outlook on most issues.

And I appreciate the great job that he’s done in popularizing systematic theology.

At one stage, I got a little Bible app for my iPad and I bought an online version of his book, where you could click all the Bible verses referenced to instantly see them pop up. And I got a DVD with a series of lectures based on the book, which was recorded in London some years ago.

And then, when I discovered Audible, I bought the audio version of the book.

For anyone who isn’t on Audible, you generally get the first month free or the first few months at a very low price. His Systematic Theology is split into two long audiobooks – a total of 70 hours.

And you can avail of free resources based on the book too. Here’s a little list:

You also get more condensed versions of his book.

Systematic Theology → the full, scholarly work.
Bible Doctrine → condensed but still detailed, for intermediate readers.
Christian Beliefs → highly simplified, for beginners and group study.

I was pleased to have met him at St Helens Bishopsgate, London, in June 2010. Here’s a recent interview with him.

Here’s an outline of the chapters in his Systematic Theology:

Part 1: The Doctrine of the Word of God

1. Introduction to Systematic Theology
2. The Word of God
3. The Canon of Scripture
4. The Authority of Scripture
5. The Inerrancy of Scripture
6. The Clarity of Scripture
7. The Necessity of Scripture
8. The Sufficiency of Scripture

Part 2: The Doctrine of God

9. The Existence of God
10. The Knowability of God
11. The Character of God
12. The Trinity
13. God’s Providence
14. Prayer
15. Angels
16. Satan and Demons
17. God’s Creation of Man
18. Man as Male and Female
19. The Nature of Sin

Part 3: The Doctrine of Christ

20. The Person of Christ
21. The Atonement
22. Resurrection and Ascension
23. Offices of Christ

Part 4: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

24. The Work of the Holy Spirit
25. Gifts of the Spirit

Part 5: The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption

26. The Order of Salvation
27. Election
28. The Gospel Call
29. Regeneration
30. Conversion
31. Justification
32. Adoption
33. Sanctification
34. Perseverance of the Saints
35. Death and the Intermediate State
36. Glorification

Part 6: The Doctrine of the Church

37. The Church
38. Baptism
39. The Lord’s Supper
40. Worship
41. Gifts of the Spirit in the Church
42. Church Government

Part 7: The Doctrine of the Future

43. The Return of Christ
44. The Millennium
45. The Final Judgment
46. Heaven
47. Hell