After the preface, the book is comprised of twenty-five chapters covering the broad range of theological topics. These include who God is, who man is, the relationship between God and man, salvation, the church, end times, and how to live. At the back of the book is a list of recommended reading as well as subject and scripture indexes- which are rather important for a book of this nature.

This introduction to systematic theology applies John Frame’s multiple-perspective approach to the wide scope of theology. Specifically, he perceives all things through normative, situational, and existential perspectives. “When you ask directly what God’s revelation says, you are using the normative perspective… When you ask about God’s world, trying to understand situations we get into, I call that the situational perspective… Then when you ask about yourself, when you seek to know yourself, you are seeking to know from what I call the existential perspective.” (77)

Though Mr. Frame claimed the book is seminary level in difficulty, I did not think it was that difficult. He does an outstanding job of explaining complex terms and concepts in a manner that requires no prior introduction to the material. I appreciated that though he quotes from other theologically works and confessions, the vast majority of references are to Scripture as the foundation for good theology.

Most of the book is very well thought out and explained on the basis of Scripture. However, there are a few points that are not. For example, when discussing whether there is still the gift of prophecy today, Mr. Frame explains the view of Wayne Grudem at length. In response he simply states, “I am not convinced of Grudem’s thesis.” (167) An argument or two against the thesis would have been more helpful then simple disagreement. In covering the function of the church, Mr. Frame puts forward that the purpose of the church is evangelism. In all of his discussion of the church, however, he does not really get into discipleship, and because of that the church he puts forward seems rather unbalanced- very outward focused but somewhat hollow inside.

Those points aside, Salvation Belongs to the Lord is a well-done and valuable introduction to systematic theology from which just about anyone can benefit. John Frame’s multiple perspective approach makes the unique enough to earn its place next to the other top systematic theologies in our seminaries and homes.