Vos, Geerhardus Edited by Richard B. Gaffin Jr. Translated by Annemie Godbehere, R. van Ijken, and others. 5 vols. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012–2016 Vos was a Dutch American theologian who focused on the Redemptive-Historical contours of theology. In these volumes he covers the central theological loci using the Socratic method of questions and answers.

Bavinck, Herman Edited by John Bolt. Translated by John Vriend. 4 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003–2008 In these magisterial volumes, the great Dutch theologian, Herman Bavinck, covers all the central loci of theology. He provides a thorough historical background to the various loci.

Brakel, Wilhelmus à. 4 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 1992–1995 This classic work of systematic theology comes out of the Dutch “further reformation” of the 17th century. It exhibits the beauty of Reformed doctrine which is made even more beautiful by Brakel’s warm piety. After grounding each point of doctrine is scripture, he explains what happened with that truth in church history, and then adds outstanding pastoral application.

Horton, Michael S. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016 Michael Horton has written multiple single-volume systematic theologies – as well as a multi-volume dogmatic theology that is not included on this list – that provide entry points for believers from a wide range of backgrounds and levels to engage with theological reflection upon Christian doctrine. Core Christianity is the most basic and introductory, and includes an apologetic aspect that makes it really useful for new be

Horton, Michael S. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011

Horton, Michael S. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011

Berkhof, Louis Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2021 Berkhof’s Systematic is the standard for Presbyterian and Reformed pastors, theologians and laypeople. It covers the accepted categories for study overviewing the central concerns for each. It is thorough yet accessible.

Berkhof, Louis Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1939 This is Berkhof’s cut down version of his Systematic Theology (see below). In this shorter version, Berkhof manages to keep the essentials of each theological category.

Miller, Samuel Greenville, SC: Reformed Academic Press, 1995 Miller highlights the value and significance of doctrinal standards in the church

Hyde, Daniel R., and Shane Lems, eds. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2010 This book defends, probably, the most controversial phrase in the Apostles’ Creed by establishing its Reformed understanding through grammar and history. The reader will no doubt know what we believe about this phrase and why we believe. The reader will be confident that our interpretation is biblical, ecclesiastical, and historical.

DeYoung, Kevin Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019 One will need to go elsewhere for a biblical defense of the five points of Calvinism, but DeYoung has succeeded in giving us a brief, accessible commentary on the historical background of the Synod of Dort and the theology of the Canons. He is particularly helpful when it comes to clarifying the main points of this neglected Reformed confession.

Williamson, G.I. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed, 1993 Treating each Lord’s Day of the Catechism in sequence, Williamson explains the catechism’s gospel-centered structure of guilt, grace, and gratitude, helping readers see how the whole Christian life flows from union with Christ. Written with clarity and pastoral warmth, the study guide equips elders, parents, and teachers to instruct believers in the faith once delivered to the saints. Ideal for one to one discip

Venema, Cornelis P. Grandville, MI: Reformed Fellowship, 1994 Dr. Venema, former president of Mid-America Reformed Seminary offers a clear and pastoral exposition of the Canons of Dort. A short book of nine chapters with study questions following each chapter, it is an excellent resource for study groups. Venema shows that the doctrines of grace are not abstract theology but the church’s joyful confession of God’s saving grace in Christ. A study like this gives believers conf

Ursinus, Zacharias Translated by G. W. Williard. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed, 1985 Ursinus’ commentary on the Heidelberg catechism should be the first volume purchased by any URCNA preacher to assist him in the necessary task of catechism preaching. These published lectures serve as an introductory system of theology, thus presenting in a coherent fashion the doctrine enshrined in our catechism, as taught by one of the primary authors of the catechism. Ursinus a

Trueman, Carl R. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012 This is a great book for helping people overcome the modern allergy to creeds and confessions. Trueman argues clearly and concisely that creeds are an integral part of biblical faith. He demonstrates that Scripture not only contains credal formulations, but also requires us to use them in the life of the church. He walks through the basics of the formation and content of the ecumenical creeds, and also shows how they are helpful in

Packer, J. I., and Gary A. Parrett Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2010 Fulfilling the Great Commission and making disciples (not just converts) entails teaching all that Christ has commanded. The authors call the church to recover catechesis as a vital tool for discipleship and mission. The book argues that churches must move converts toward robust, confessionally rooted formation that shapes both mind and heart. When believers are grounded in the truths of guilt, grace, and

Hyde, Daniel R., and Shane Lems, eds. Grandville, MI: Reformed Fellowship, 2008 This book is written for members of Reformed churches who desire a modern exposition of the Belgic Confession, but is read in its own historical and ecclesiastical terms and with the weight of God’s Word. So it is only modern in that it offers an application for our time. This is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to know, confess, teach, or preach our faith.

Godfrey, W. Robert Sanford, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 2019 This book is perhaps most valuable in providing a modern translation of the Canons of Dort, which very effectively renders its latinate sentence structure into modern English. While this translation has not been adopted by Synod, we strongly recommend using it when teaching the Canons. The book also covers the history and the content of Dort in an engaging and useful manner. Godfrey wrote his doctoral dissertation on t

Fesko, J.V. Ada, MI: Baker Academic, 2020 This is a concise, accessible introduction to Catholic creeds and our Reformed confessions. Fesko emphasizes their importance and vitality in the Christian life.

DeYoung, Kevin Chicago, IL: Moody, 2010 This book may be the best introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism for newly Reformed believers. DeYoung provides brief commentary on each of the 52 Lord’s Days, approximately 2-3 pages, in which he clearly explains the content in contemporary language and provides useful application for modern life. Useful both for pastors who are teaching the catechism (his illustrations and applications are fantastic) and for lay readers.