Fred Sanders

Theologian Fred Sanders looks at what the Bible says about the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, focusing on the many names ascribed to him in Scripture, his relationship with the Father and the Son, and his work in the lives of believers as a witness to Christ.

An Introduction

The Holy Spirit

Robert Wright

Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment

A trinitarian exposition of Christian soteriology The relation of God and salvation is not primarily a problem to be solved. Rather, it is the blazing core of Christian doctrine, where the triune nature of God and the truth of the gospel come together. Accordingly, a healthy Christian theology must confess the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of salvation as closely related, mutually illuminating, and strictly ordered. When the two doctrines are left unconnected, both suffer. The doctrine of the Trinity begins to seem altogether irrelevant to salvation history and Christian experience, while soteriology meanwhile becomes naturalized, losing its transcendent reference. If they are connected too tightly, on the other hand, human salvation seems inherent to the divine reality itself. Deftly navigating this tension, Fountain of Salvation relates them by expounding the doctrine of eternal processions and temporal missions, ultimately showing how they inherently belong together. The theological vision expounded here by Fred Sanders is one in which the holy Trinity is the source of salvation in a direct and personal way, as the Father sends the Son and the Holy Spirit to enact an economy of revelation and redemption. Individual chapters show how this vision informs the doctrines of atonement, ecclesiology, Christology, and pneumatology--all while directly engaging with major modern interpreters of the doctrine of the Trinity. As Sanders affirms throughout this in-depth theological treatise, the triune God is the fountain from which all other doctrine flows--and no understanding of salvation is complete that does not begin there.

Trinity and Soteriology

Fountain of Salvation

Scott R. Swain

Although the doctrine of eternal generation has been affirmed by theologians of nearly every ecclesiastical tradition since the fourth century, it has fallen on hard times among evangelical theologians since the nineteenth century. The doctrine has been a structural element in two larger doctrinal complexes: Christology and the Trinity. The neglect of the doctrine of eternal generation represents a great loss for constructive evangelical Trinitarian theology. Retrieving the doctrine of eternal generation for contemporary evangelical theology calls for a multifaceted approach. Retrieving Eternal Generation addresses (1) the hermeneutical logic and biblical bases of the doctrine of eternal generation; (2) key historical figures and moments in the development of the doctrine of eternal generation; and (3) the broad dogmatic significance of the doctrine of eternal generation for theology. The book addresses both the common modern objections to the doctrine of eternal generation and presents the productive import of the doctrine for twenty-first century evangelical theology. Contributors include Michael Allen, Lewis Ayres, D. A. Carson, Oliver Crisp, and more.

Retrieving Eternal Generation

A specialist on the doctrine of the Trinity explains how the gospel is inherently Trinitarian. Readers will see that recognizing the work of the Trinity in the gospel adds depth to faith and the Christian life.

How the Trinity Changes Everything

The Deep Things of God

The Triune God aims to secure our knowledge of the triune God by rightly ordering the theological language with which we praise him. It reaches its conclusions about how the doctrine should be handled on the basis of the way the Trinity was revealed. As such, it is a study that offers dogmatic principles for trinitarian exegesis.

The Triune God

The doctrine of the Trinity is taught and believed by all evangelicals, but rarely is it fully understood or celebrated. In The Deep Things of God, systematic theologian Fred Sanders shows why we ought to embrace the doctrine of the Trinity wholeheartedly as a central concern of evangelical theology. Sanders demonstrates, engagingly and accessibly, that the doctrine of the Trinity is grounded in the gospel itself. In this book, readers will understand that a robust doctrine of the Trinity has massive implications for their lives, restoring depth to prayer, worship, Bible study, missions, tradition, and understanding of Christianity’s fundamental doctrines. This new edition includes a study guide with discussion questions, action points, recommended reading, and more.

The Deep Things of God (Second Edition)

New Studies in Dogmatics seeks to retrieve the riches of Christian doctrine for the sake of contemporary theological renewal. Following in the tradition of G. C. Berkouwer’s Studies in Dogmatics, this series will provide thoughtful, concise, and readable treatments of major theological topics, expressing the biblical, creedal, and confessional shape of Christian doctrine for a contemporary evangelical audience. The editors and contributors share a common conviction that the way forward in constructive systematic theology lies in building upon the foundations laid in the church’s historic understanding of the Word of God as professed in its creeds, councils, and confessions, and by its most trusted teachers.

The doctrine of the Trinity is widely taught and believed by evangelicals, but rarely is it fully understood or celebrated. Systematic theologian Fred Sanders, in The Deep Things of God, shows why we ought to embrace the doctrine of the Trinity wholeheartedly and without reserve, as a central concern of evangelical theology. Sanders demonstrates, with passion and conviction, that the doctrine of the Trinity is grounded in the gospel itself. Written accessibly, The Deep Things of God examines the centrality of the Trinity in our salvation and the Trinity’s presence in the reading of the Bible and prayer. Readers will understand that a robust doctrine of the Trinity has massive implications for their lives. Indeed, recognizing the work of the Trinity in the gospel changes everything, restoring depth to prayer, worship, Bible study, missions, tradition, and our understanding of Christianity’s fundamental doctrines.

It is hard to overstate the significance of John Wesley’s legacy for the church today. As the founder of Methodism, Wesley’s theology continues to fascinate historians and energize Christians across denominational lines. From his revivalist enthusiasm to his teaching on Christian perfection, Wesley’s writings exude evangelistic zeal and a passion for faithfulness in all areas of life. In addition to providing a brief biographical sketch of this leading revivalist, Sanders spends equal time exploring Wesley’s take on the central truths of the faith and those doctrines that uniquely characterize the Wesleyan approach to spirituality. Combining history with theology, this helpful introduction to Wesley’s life and beliefs stands as an excellent addition to the growing Theologians on the Christian Life series.

The Heart Renewed in Love

Wesley on the Christian Life

Is God a Trio? In this issue of Dr. Doctrine's Christian Comix you can explore the mystery of the Trinity. You'll learn what the church means by calling God a Trinity and how the Trinity helps us understand the life of Jesus Christ. You'll even see how Christians have tried to picture the Trinity through the ages. You'll find clear answers to tough questions and meet some of the church's great thinkers:

Dr. Doctrine's Christian Comix on the Trinity

John Wesley stands as one of the most significant Christian thinkers since the Reformation. From prevenient grace to Christian perfection, Sanders guides readers through key facets of Wesley's theology. Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.

If «the economic Trinity is the immanent Trinity», as Karl Rahner said, then what difference does it make for how we read the Bible? This book takes up the discussion that has dominated the last several decades of Trinitarian theology - that of Rahner's Rule - and brings it into dialogue with the longer history of the doctrine, particularly with the history of interpretation of scripture. The history of Trinitarianism is the history of complex interpretive moves, a long conversation in which the Christian church has sought to learn how to ask the right questions of scripture. Surveying recent theological projects and learning from their successes and failures, The Image of the Immanent Trinity argues that the eternally perfect fellowship of Father, Son, and Spirit is truly present for our salvation in Christ who, as the image of the invisible God, secures God's presence in the economy of salvation as the image of the immanent Trinity.

Rahner's Rule and the Theological Interpretation of Scripture

The Image of the Immanent Trinity

Jason S. Sexton

Exploring California as a theological place, this book renders critical engagement with significant Californian religious and theological phenomena and the inherent theological impulses within major Californian cultural icons. Harnessing conceptual tools inherent to theology, through theological reflection, assessment, and critique, the chapters in this volume begin to ascertain the significance of various empirical data and that no other qualitative methodological Californian study has done. Many universities are picking up on California literature as a theme that highlights a place of hope, wonder, and cultural innovation, but have neglected the significance of theological instincts flowing through the Californian dynamic. Californians Fred Sanders and Jason Sexton assemble leading voices and specialists both from within and without California for engagement with California’s influential culture: including leading theologians and cultural critics such as Richard J. Mouw, Paul Louis Metzger, and Fred Sanders, alongside leading specialists in Film studies and cultural critique, theological anthropology, missiology, sociology, and history.

Theological Refractions on California’s Culture

Theology and California

Klaus Issler

Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective features six highly respected scholars from schools such as Erskine Theological Seminary, Talbot School of Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. These scholars address an issue that has a significant impact on the way Christians should approach everyday evangelism but is often ignored: the fundamental fact that the Savior who died on the cross and rose from the dead is the eternal second person of the Trinity. The Christian church has confessed this truth since the early centuries, but many modern theologies have denied or ignored its implications. To clarify the complex issue, these writers approach “post-Chalcedonian” (451 AD) Christology from a variety of disciplines—historical, philosophical, systematic, and practical—thoroughly examining the importance of keeping Jesus Christ in trinitarian perspective. Major chapters include: “Introduction to Christology: Chalcedonian Categories for the Gospel Narrative,” “The Eternal Son of God in the Social Trinity,” “The One Person who is Jesus Christ: The Patristic Perspective,” “Metaphysical Models of the Incarnation: Person, Nature, Mind, and Will,” “The Atonement: A Work of the Trinity,” and “Jesus’ Example: Prototype of the Dependent, Spirit-Filled Life.” This introductory Christology book is written for advanced undergraduates and entry-level seminary students. Endorsements: Timothy George (Th.D., Harvard), founding Dean and Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, executive editor of Christianity Today, and author of Theology of the Reformers “The doctrine of the Trinity, as expressed in the classic creeds of the early church, was the necessary theological expression of two non-negotiable biblical affirmations—the Old Testament declaration, “God is One” and the New Testament confession, “Jesus is Lord.”~ This superb collection of essays by evangelical scholars unpacks this great truth by giving the lie to the false dichotomy between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith.~ A great primer in historical theology!” Don Thorsen (Ph.D., Drew), Professor of Theology, Haggard Graduate School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University, author of An Invitation to Theology: Exploring the Full Christian Tradition “The study of Jesus Christ is obviously important to all Christians. However, it is not obvious that he must be understood in light of the trinity. We must reflect upon Jesus' life and ministry in relationship to God, the Father, if we are rightly to appreciate and apply what scripture says about him. Likewise, we need to consider the person and work of the Holy Spirit throughout Jesus' life. Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective helps Christians to understand and appreciate the importance of the trinity in considering Jesus--the life he lived, the salvation he provided, and the role model for how we should live and minister. The book provides clear-cut axioms for investigating the dynamics and significance of Jesus' relationship to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Christians will benefit greatly from the variety of ways Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective explores who Jesus is, especially in light of who he is in relationship to God the Father and the Holy Spirit." Darrell Bock, (Ph.D., Aberdeen) Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, author of Jesus According to Scripture, Studying the Historical Jesus, and commentaries on Luke (2 vols) and Acts “For a careful look at how Jesus has been understood theologically in the church, Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective is a solid walk through what is often dense terrain. There is much to ponder here. I am pleased to recommend it.” J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Biola University, author of Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview and Kingdom Triangle “In recent years, intense research has been directed at christological and trinitarian themes with exciting and insightful results. Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective is on the cutting edge of this research because it is the only volume to approach these themes in a multi-disciplinary perspective. Faithful to scripture and Chalcedon yet creative and fresh, Sanders and Issler have given the church a theologically rich and devotionally practical guide to the person and work of Christ. Pastors and informed laypeople will profit greatly from this book. Moreover, it would be my first choice as a text in Christology.”

Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective

Sermons to change you, a life to inspire you. Scholar, expositor, storyteller, and evangelist, R. A. Torrey was a master-of-all-trades minister. Crowds worldwide called his preaching “that famous Torrey thing.” And that famous Torrey thing won souls. Inside are the most famous, influential, and characteristic of his sermons. Though nearly a century old, they challenge us anew from Scripture and are greatly instructive to any who preach. Drawn from various periods of Torrey’s ministry, and prefaced with bibliographic commentary, these sermons paint a portrait of a man gripped by God. But even more they grip the reader. They take us into the great halls where God’s Word bellowed forth from Torrey and left his audiences hushed. It’s no wonder that Torrey caught the attention of the great evangelist D. L. Moody. Be ready to be provoked. Like an archer who strikes with both accuracy and force, Torrey preached with clarity while cutting deep to the heart. Behind the bow you’ll see a man fully sold on the kingdom of God, and you’ll be inspired to follow suit.

Fred Sanders

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