A Baker's Dozen (+1)

The idea was simple: pick what I deem to be the best 10 books out of my small library and say a few words about them. This proved to be more difficult than anticipated, because I quickly realized I have some mighty fine books. Choosing between them necessitated cracking the cover of several volumes, and I quickly became lost in biblical, theological, and historical thought. I also had a hard time narrowing the list to 10. Hence, what follows is a baker's dozen list of the best 13 books in my library (you'll see why the list goes to #14 when you get there). The list is confined to my library, so I'm not pretending to speak authoritatively about the best books of all time. Also, these books are in no particular order, and the list does not include any Confessional documents or Bibles, English or otherwise.

Much of this list is predictable, but hey, it's my list.

1. Richard Muller, Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms. A wealth of theological wisdom, but in a concise and accessible package.

2. Richard Muller, Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics, 2nd edition, 4 volumes. Yes, a set counts as one on my list, and this is a critical work in historical theology.

3. John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes. I know, obvious.

4. Edward Fisher, The Marrow of Modern Divinity. Important, both theologically and historically. The inability to distinguish properly between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace has crippled much of modern Reformed theology. Fisher's dialogue would be helpful in rectifying that problem.

5. Geerhardus Vos, The Pauline Eschatology. Vos, in my opinion, had to be on this list, and it was between this volume and his Biblical Theology. This is less accessible than Biblical Theology, and more specific in scope, but a gem for setting forth the basic structure of Paul's thought. If you aren't familiar with Vos, but you are familiar with the modern milieu of eschatological thought, don't be fooled by the title (and shame on you!). Neither Paul's eschatology nor Vos's conception of it deals exclusively with 'last things' narrowly considered.

6. D. G. Hart and John Muether, With Reverance and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. The most important book on the most important subject.

7. John Brown, Galatians. The Old Perspective on Paul -- and the biblical perspective on Paul. Needs to be read alongside Calvin's commentary and sermons on Galatians.

8. John Owen, The Works of John Owen. No, it isn't cheating to include a massive set like this on a short list; but, if I had to pick one volume, it would either be vol. 4 or vol. 5.

9. Nehemiah Coxe, A Discourse of the Covenants That God Made with Men Before the Law. Recently republished in Covenant Theology from Adam to Christ. The original title is much longer, and gives the reader insight into the book's substance and intent. Not just another book on covenant theology; the most important on the subject. Coxe, a 17th century Particular Baptist, argues for credo-baptism (and against paedobaptism) on the basis of covenant theology. Quite frankly, this is brilliant. I thank God every day for Nehemiah Coxe, and for the man who introduced me to this volume, Dr. James M. Renihan, professor of the Institute for Reformed Baptist Studies (at Westminster Seminary California).

10. Herman Witsius, The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man: A Complete Body of Divinity, 2 volumes. Very fine, especially on the covenant of works with Adam, and the intratrinitarian covenant of redemption.

11. Francis Turretin, The Institutes of Elenctic Theology, 3 volumes. Meaty.

12. J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism. Arguably the most important book written in the 20th century, by arguably the most important confessional Presbyterian of the 20th century.

13. Carl Trueman, The Wages of Spin: Critical Writings on Historic & Contemporary Evangelicalism. I've only had this little book for less than 6 months, but I've read it cover to cover and I find myself returning to it often. Well worth the price of admission.

14. James M. Renihan, Things Most Assuredly Believed Among Us: A Commentary on the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1677/1689). THIS IS NOT A REAL BOOK, BUT IT SHOULD BE. This author has not (yet) written this book, but he is the world's leading expert on the theology and the history of the Confession of Faith. He needs to write this book, and when he does, it will be at the top of this list. I'm simply reserving the space in advance. [By the way, I have no idea what his title would be, or if he is currently working on this project; this is purely hypothetical and fictional on my part -- don't ask Jim if he is working on this, or if he has decided this is his title, he will never forgive me for it.]

I'll probably revise this list several times before I die (or before February, whichever comes first). Nevertheless, enjoy...