Introduction to

Systematic Theology

Louis Berkhof

Published 1932, Reprinted 1979 Baker Book House Company

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Preface to the Revised Edition

It is not necessary to say very much now that the revised edition of my Introduction to the study of Systematic Theology appears on the market. I can only say that I am truly grateful for the reception which this work has enjoyed, and for its use in ever-increasing circles. While the general plan of the work remained the same, it has been re-written and revised from cover to cover. In some cases small changes were brought on, in order to clarify the thought, while in others the modifications were considerable. A great deal of historical material has been added, and more attention has been paid to recent movements in theology. This brings the Introduction more in harmony with the second edition of my Systematic Theology. My only prayer is that the work in this new form may be of even greater usefulness, and may contribute in some small measure to the study of Reformed theology in our Country.

L. Berkhof

The Idea and History of Dogmatic Theology

I. Names Applied to the Systematic Presentation of Theology 

There was little or no attempt in the first two centuries of the Christian era to present the whole body of doctrinal truth, gathered from the Word of God, in a systematic way. Yet the urge of the human mind to see the truth as much as possible as a whole could not long be suppressed. Man is endowed with reason, and the human reason cannot rest satisfied with a mere collection of separate truths, but wants to see them in their mutual relationship, in order that it may have a clearer understanding of them. It involuntarily begins to group