Systematic Theology Scripture Defines Scripture Volume 4

What is man? What has sin done to him? And why is Christ the only sufficient answer to his condition?Systematic Theology: Scripture Defines Scripture - Volume 4: The Doctrine of Man and Sin is a Scripture-driven study of anthropology and hamartiology: man made in the image of God and fallen in Adam.Before man can understand himself, Scripture must define him. Man is not self-created, self-owned, or self-explaining. He was made by God, formed from the dust, given life by the breath of God, created male and female, entrusted with dominion, called to worship, and placed under divine command. Human dignity begins there.But Scripture does not flatter man. It also reveals the ruin brought by sin. Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, and death by sin. Shame, fear, guilt, corruption, bondage, idolatry, disordered desire, pride, unbelief, and judgment all follow from the fall. Man remains an image-bearer, but he is a fallen image-bearer. He is still accountable before God, yet unable to redeem himself.This volume examines major biblical themes including:The image and likeness of God The sanctity of human life Male and female created by God Body, soul, spirit, conscience, worship, and moral accountability The serpent, temptation, and the fall of man Shame, fear, curse, death, guilt, and judgment Original sin and Adam’s headship The corruption of human nature Sin as bondage The flesh, the world, and the devil Common grace and the restraint of evil The image of God after the fall Christ as the last Adam New creation and restoration in Christ Written from the conviction that Scripture defines Scripture, this book develops doctrine from the whole counsel of God rather than forcing the Bible into a man-made system. It is designed for readers who want serious biblical theology, careful doctrinal study, and a text-governed approach to Christian truth.This volume can be read on its own as a complete study of the doctrine of man and sin, making it useful for personal study, Bible teachers, pastors, small groups, and readers seeking a deeper understanding of human nature, guilt, depravity, accountability, and redemption.It also serves as Volume 4 in the larger 24-volume Systematic Theology: Scripture Defines Scripture series, following the volumes on Scripture, God, and creation, and preparing the way for the next volume on the doctrine of Christ.Man is made in God’s image, fallen in Adam, and restored only in Christ.