Recommended Reading

Article 20 of the RCUS Constitution requires that a candidate for the licensure be examined in “English Bible, theology, ecclesiastical history, hermeneutics, the original languages of the Scriptures, historical philosophy, apologetics, all matters relevant to our standards and his personal ability to serve the Church as a pastor.… He is also required to preach a sermon before Classis, present theological papers and present a written sermon.”

Article 24 adds that the examination for ordination, after the licentiate has received a call, shall include “(1) the evaluation of written and oral testimonials as to the candidate’s satisfactory exercise of the gifts for the Gospel ministry; (2) an examination of any areas of weakness as evidenced in the candidate’s licensure examination; (3) an examination, as the Classis may require, in the Confession and Constitution of the Church and the presentation of written discourses.”

With these articles in mind, I recommend the following reading list.

English Bible

PRIMARY — the English Bible (preferably the KJV or NKJV).

SECONDARY — Israel and the Nations, F.F. Bruce; The Literature and History of the New Testament, J. Gresham Machen.

Theology

PRIMARY — Systematic Theology, L. Berkhof. The same author’s Manual of Christian Doctrine can be used as a refresher.

SECONDARY

      • Prolegomena — Theopneustia: the Plenary Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, L. Gaussen; Inspiration and Authority of the Bible, B.B. Warfield.
      • Theology Proper — The Existence and Attributes of God, S. Charnock; Knowing God, J.I. Packer.
      • Anthropology — The Bible Doctrine of Man, J. Laidlaw; The Christian View of Man, J. Gresham Machen.
      • Christology — The Person and Work of Christ, B.B. Warfield; The Atonement, J. Murray.
      • Soteriology — Redemption: Accomplished and Applied, J. Murray; A Theology of the Holy Spirit, F.D. Bruner; Covenant Theology: Sovereign and Gracious, F. Walker.
      • Ecclesiology — The Glorious Body of Christ, R.B. Kuiper; Biblical Church Government, F. Walker.
      • Eschatology — An Eschatology of Victory, J.M. Kik; The Puritan Hope, I. Murray.

Ecclesiastical History

PRIMARY — Church History (2 Volumes), J.D. Woodbridge and F.A. James III.

SECONDARY — History of the Christian Church, P. Schaff (watch for Lutheran and dialectical tendencies); A History of the Christian Church, W. Walker; A History of Christianity, K.S. Latourrette (emphasis on missionary activity); and The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine (5 Volumes), J. Pelikan (emphasis on the development of theology).

Hermeneutics

PRIMARY — Principles of Biblical Interpretation, L. Berkhof; Knowing Scripture, R.C. Sproul (easier and more thorough);

SECONDARY — Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics: Foundations and Principles of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation, G. Goldsworthy; How to Understand Your Bible. T.N. Sterrett.

Historical Philosophy

PRIMARY — Thales to Dewey, G. Clark.

Apologetics

PRIMARY — Apologetics, C. Van Til; Religion, Reason and Revelation, G. Clark.

SECONDARY — Every Thought Captive, R. Pratt, Jr.

RCUS Standards

PRIMARY — The Directory of Worship. See also Reformed Confessions and Constitution of the RCUS (below).

Pastoral Theology

PRIMARY — Taking Heed to the Flock, P.Y. DeJong.

SECONDARY

      • Counseling: Competent to Counsel, J. Adams.
      • Evangelism: The Gospel and Personal Evangelism, M. Dever; Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, J.I. Packer.

Reformed Confessions

PRIMARY — The Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession and Canons of Dort).

SECONDARY — Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, Z. Ursinus; The Church’s Witness to the World, P.Y. DeJong; The Articles of the Synod of Dort, T. Scott.

Constitution of the RCUS

PRIMARY — The Constitution of the Reformed Church in the United States