A Short Systematic Theology Book

Paul Zahl encapsulates in a short and readable book everything that attracted me to, and later repelled me from, Reformed theology. His theology is explicitly centered on Christ and the atonement. Often quoting Luther, he emphasizes the liberty of free grace without disconnecting it from Christ's substitutionary work (as many modern authors are wont to do). This is quite excellent.

However, PZ does not stick with Luther when it comes to means of grace, denying that Christ is in Word and Sacrament. As he is an Episcopalian, I don't expect that he would completely accept Lutheran sacramental teaching, but he seems to dismiss the subject without Biblical or historical examination.

The combination of these two points leads to a great message of atonement that has no way of objectively reaching me. For Zahl, Christ is present only in "works of love," so any assurance becomes inward-looking. PZ is great at making the reader think, with quotes from pop culture and theologians from every strain and sect. His soteriology is solid, and this book can bring comfort to those new to Reformation theology, although I find Lutheran writers much better.