Not every Christian should go to seminary, but there are certain teachings of the Bible that every Christian must know. Theology is important because what we believe affects how we live. Whether you're a relatively new believer in Jesus or a mature Christian looking for a better understanding of basics of the faith, Christian Beliefs is for you. This readable guide to twenty basic Christian beliefs is a condensation of Wayne Grudem's award-winning book Systematic Theology, prized by pastors and teachers everywhere. He and his son, Elliot, have boiled down the essentials of Christian theology for the layperson and made them both clear and applicable to life. You will learn about the Bible, the characteristics of God, what it means that we are created in the image of God, what God has done for us in Christ, the purpose of the church, and much more. Each chapter includes questions for personal review or group discussion. "These truly are twenty basic beliefs that every Christian should know. Wayne Grudem is a master teacher with the ability to explain profound truths in simple language. He is a man of deep conviction and theological passion--and those who read this book will be both educated and encouraged in the faith." --R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky Based on Systematic Theology, this summary will certainly help beginners with Christ to get the hang of their faith." --J. I. Packer, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia As Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology contracts into a compact book, I do not lose my enthusiasm for the truth he loves and the clarity of his words." --John Piper, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Contents Preface.....9 Abbreviations of Bible Books.....11 1. What Is the Bible?.....13 2. What Is God Like?.....21 3. What Is the Trinity?.....37 4. What Is Creation?.....43 5. What Is Prayer?.....48 6. What Are Angels, Satan, and Demons?.....53 7. What Is Man?.....58 8. What Is Sin?.....62 9. Who Is Christ?.....67 10. What Is the Atonement?.....72 11. What Is the Resurrection?.....76 12. What Is Election?.....79 13. What Does It Mean to Become a Christian?.....90 14. What Are Justification and Adoption?.....95 15. What Are Sanctification and Perseverance?.....99 16. What Is Death?.....108 17. What Is the Church?.....113 18. What Will Happen When Christ Returns?.....120 19. What Is the Final Judgment?.....129 20. What Is Heaven?.....134 Appendix 1: Historic Confessions of Faith.....138 Appendix 2: Books for Further Reading in Systematic Theology.....147 Index.....157