For not being a systematic theology, the first volume covers a lot of ground albeit very surface level. He looks at the study of the Bible, the infallibility of Scripture, the unity of the Bible, the atonement, and the advent. And that’s just the first 100 pages. If you’re looking for a place to get started with John Murray, I’d say this is probably the best place because how balanced the book is in it’s range. It’s very accessible but you will learn more about where he stands on something with only brief explanations.

Volume Two features select lectures in Systematic Theology. This was the volume I was most eager to read and it did not disappoint. Volume One eases you in, whereas Volume Two jumps straight into the origin and nature of man and Trichotomy. Section two is a single but lengthy chapter on common grace, but sections three and four are Murray’s specialty in the doctrine of Salvation. From there he discusses sanctification, church government and use of the sacraments, and finally two chapters on the last things.

Now, Volumes Three and Four might be tougher for most folks to read. The last half of both volumes are numerous reviews from John Murray of other theological works. Many of them are short, some limited to a single paragraph but to be honest, I couldn’t make my way through most of them because I had not heard or was unfamiliar with many. But there are a lot of names that pop up in those reviews such as Athanasius, Warfield, Calvin, Vos, Berkhof, Barth, and Ridderbos. Volume three has a biography and nine-teen sermons. Volume Four has more works in theology that highly interesting and features four chapters of interaction with Calvin. I disagree with Murray’s covenant theology but I wouldn’t let that discourage anyone from reading these impressive books.

I would be blessed to remember half of what Murray forgot in his lifetime. He was truly a brilliant and godly man and these four magnificent volumes from the Banner showcase that perfectly!

The blessing of encountering John Murray’s thought begins with its presentation. Nobody packs books like Banner. Four attractive, cloth-bound, jacketed volumes fit comfortably in the hand, despite being roughly ½” taller than Banner’s various Puritan sets (Flavel, Owen, etc.) Sewn bindings and quality craftsmanship ensure that the physical books will provide many happy years of use.

The content itself matches the quality of the set. While Murray was unique in some of his views – his reformulations of the covenant of works (I.231-36; IV.216-40) and sanctification (II.47-59), his reluctance to affirm a formal pactum salutis while asserting an ‘inter-trinitarian counsel of salvation,’ (IV.234-40; I.73), and his questions about the distinction between the visible and invisible church (I.231-36) come immediately to mind – these volumes show him to be a Reformed thinker marked by exegetical precision, theological depth, and pastoral earnestness. Indeed, the 1966 General Assembly commended his “exactness in the study of Holy Scripture, and…deep reverence for its doctrine.”

I recommend beginning reading his writings in volume III, which provides a fascinating account of his life. Though given to a life of biblical and theological scholarship, his biography shows Murray a faithful churchman who loved the gospel.

In volume I, ‘The Claims of Truth,’ we meet Murray the teacher; the book consists primarily of brief essays and addresses to various Christian organizations. Of particular interest were his remarks on the Fourth Commandment and treatment of John 3:16.

Volume II, ‘Systematic Theology,’ introduces Murray the dogmatician, and is as close as he came to producing a formal systematic theology. Chapters helpfully and clearly engage the doctrines of man, salvation, grace, sanctification, ecclesiology, and last things. Even where one differs, his clear, compelling logic is appreciated.

Volume III, ‘Life; Sermons; Reviews,’ allows us to glimpse Murray the man and preacher. His fascinating biography, along with nineteen sermon manuscripts, eight Communion addresses, and twenty-eight book reviews comprise this book. Sermons on prayer (#2) and Scripture (#17) were uniquely edifying. The forty-nine book reviews found in volumes III and IV showcase bold biblical conviction and an impressive breadth of theological engagement.

In volume IV, ‘Studies in Theology,’ we encounter Murray the exegete and scholar. The chapters here, many of which originally appeared in theological journals, provide valuable biblical, historical, and doctrinal instruction.

Murray waited until later in life to write much, because he ‘did not want to withdraw what [he] wrote!’ (III.100). The fruit of that patience marks these works aimed at developing ‘intelligent piety.’ The reader who takes these volumes under careful study will be better equipped to progress toward such a goal, in knowledge of the exalted Christ whom John Murray loved.

*Disclosure: I received these books at no charge in exchange for an unbiased review.