Evangelical Christian theology needs to be checked against, amplified from and constantly refreshed by the Bible. We will not easily change our fundamental beliefs if these are grounded in study of Scripture, but we will always be open to receive new truth. This will sometimes come from personal study, but we must also be open to what others have found in the Word of God.

In recent times, influential writers have revisited central doctrines and argued that their traditional interpretations within evangelicalism have been in error. In response, Geoffrey Grogan engages with challenges in a selection of key subjects: open theism, penal substitution, the New Perspective on Paul and justification, the doctrine of Scripture, and hermeneutics.

Three convictions undergird Grogan’s responses.

• The Bible is an inexhaustible book and we can never assume we have already learned all the truth it has to convey to us.
• We are called to ‘contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints’ (Jude 3) – this is not always easy, but it must be done.
• When we are in debate with other Christians, this must always be in a spirit of love and without acrimony.

  Grogan’s wise, positive and balanced analyses will be valued by theological students and scholars, ministers, church leaders and all with a serious interest in Christian theology.

Commendations

’When the waters get choppy, as they have recently on the sea of evangelical theology, you need an experienced pilot on the bridge. Veteran theologian Geoffrey Grogan proves just such a pilot as he engages recent evangelical debates. This book reveals his steady hand, informed mind and irenic spirit. All will be informed by it, while those eager to throw older evangelical views overboard must be encouraged to respond to it.’ – Derek Tidball

’I warmly commend this defence, against some of the more potent contemporary alternatives, of the biblical understanding of God, of Christ’s cross, of justification and of authority. What is set forth here is nothing less than historic Christianity, and without its truths the church will be left with nothing to say in our postmodern world.’ – David F. Wells