Using a catechism format, this book contains an overview of basic Christian doctrine and systematic theology presented in a rich and comprehensive way. Profuse with scripture, each page is written with the sharpness of a theologian and the experience of a pastor. Dr. Downing has provided the church with a reference manual that is easy to use for believers of all denominations.

This first volume on the New Testament provides an introductory preparation for studying the Gospel records, the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and the significance of his resurrection and ascension through his inspired Apostles in the early spread of Christianity.

Pastor Downing's circa 1985 discussion, "The Partakers," explores the question: "Who should partake of the Lord's Supper?" Practices vary among churches—some observe "open communion," offering the elements to anyone present, while others limit participation to believers or members in good standing of sister churches. A stricter approach, "close communion," admits only members in good standing of the local assembly.

Introductory and Intermediate New Testament Greek Grammar

Every Christian should strive to become a diligent student of the Scriptures. Apart from a right understanding of God’s Word, one would necessarily lose the objectivity of Divine revelation and often confuse interpretation with application, or be left with error and even heresy due to erroneous presuppositions. History reveals such to be common, even among those who seem to reverence the Word of God. As God Himself is intelligent and self–consistent, so is His Holy Word. Thus, there are principles of interpretation which are consistent with the Scriptures as the very Word of God inscripturated. Proper, self–consistent principles of interpretation will keep the student from natural ignorance, an unscriptural subjectivism and personal bias. The question of Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch is most appropriate for every student of the Bible, “Undertsandest what thou readest?” (Acts 8:30). With a mastery of the principles of interpretation consistent with the Word of God, the student can answer in the affirmative. Can we answer in the affirmative?

Delivered as a series of lectures on the nature, history and tenets of both Calvinsim and Arminianism to the congregation of The Sovereign Grace Baptist Church of Morgan Hill, California, on the Lord’s Day afternoons in the years 1999 and 2000 by Pastor W. R. Downing.

An Introductory and Explanatory

Survey of the Bible

The Old Testament: Volume I

Genesis through Song of Solomon

This is the fourth volume of An Introductory and Explanatory Survey of the English Bible, a project now in its ninth year. God willing, the series will be completed in five volumes, with the final one surveying the General Epistles and Revelation. The Lord has graciously enabled us to continue these studies and provide introductory works for Bible students.

This handbook, compiled from classroom lecture notes, aids Bible students using original languages, Greek and Hebrew textbooks, and critical commentaries. It assumes some background in biblical languages or Hebrew and Greek grammar. It helps comprehend technicalities and terms in textbooks and commentaries. Regular use should improve the user’s skills. Redundancy is present, but efforts were made to minimize it. May this handbook be a useful tool in biblical exegesis.

Christianity is primarily a religion, not just of the Bible but of books.

We learn about the Bible through books that study its original languages and consistent principles of exposition and interpretation. The Scriptures were given in a different era, culture, and language. To understand the Word of God, we must cross these barriers through books.

We learn about biblical Christianity’s truth and belief through books about doctrine and theology. We learn about its history, controversies, creeds, confessions, martyrs, heroes, and victories through books. Books help us understand the Scriptures, their doctrinal truth, their practical application to our lives, and the history of biblical religion.

These “Lectures on Revival” were given, first, to define revival and distinguish it from modern “revivalism”. Second, to trace the history of God’s gracious dealings with His people and with unconverted sinners throughout the history of Christianity – to review for this generation what has been largely hidden or forgotten of the dealings of God with men. Third, to encourage God’s people to pray that God might once again “bare His mighty right arm and make His power known” in sending His Spirit in true revival and spiritual awakening.

A survey of the Old Testament from Isaiah through the Intertestamental Era.

This is the fifth and final volume of An Introductory and Explanatory Survey of the English Bible, a ten-year project. It’s a basic help for church members, beginning English Bible students, and pastors. Used as textbooks in seminary and Bible classes, these volumes have also been distributed in prisons and religious schools worldwide.

Systematic Theology is the central branch of theological science. It covers all the major areas of Divine truth, dealing with the essence and the substance of God’s Word in a logical manner. It becomes a tool to reveal God’s Word set forth in a consistent manner. One should seek to obtain a grasp of systematic theology for a balanced grasp of God’s truth.

Once, I took a private tour of the United States House of Representatives. Our guide, the chief of staff for a congressman, had us sit in the Speaker’s chair and describe what we saw. In front of us was a representation of Moses, whose writings form the basis of our rule of law. Many believers are unclear about the role of biblical law in their personal and public lives.

Law, the influence of the Ten Commandments, and their application to public life are important frameworks for making wise decisions in work and economics. With this framework of uprightness and honesty, Christians and non-Christians can love their neighbor and serve others through their work and business.

A series of lessons prepared for an elementary course in Biblical Hebrew