Description
A comprehensive systematic theology—written from within the dispensational Baptist framework.
For decades, Rolland McCune’s systematic theology served pastors, professors, and students seeking rigorous, Scripture-first doctrine rooted in the dispensational Baptist tradition. Now, for the first time, his complete three-volume work is available in a single, comprehensive volume—making it more accessible for classroom use and theological study.
About the Book
A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity presents the full scope of Christian doctrine—from prolegomena through eschatology—in a single volume of over 1,000 pages. McCune’s method is clear and consistent:
Scripture alone is the source for theology. His work is carefully structured, well-documented, and written with both academic and ministry use in view.
Key Distinctives
- Scripture as the sole source for theology
- Presuppositional apologetics
- Dispensational framework of progressive revelation
- Pretribulational premillennialism
- Calvinistic soteriology
- Baptist ecclesiology
Why Consider This as a Course Text
- Comprehensive treatment of all major loci of systematic theology
- Consistent theological framework throughout
- Accessible to students without sacrificing rigor
- Suitable as a primary text or supplementary reference
What Scholars Are Saying
“For several years, I have used McCune’s Systematic Theology as a principal text in my seminary courses… it is the best theology I know combining Baptist distinctives, dispensationalism, and careful doctrinal development.”
—
Kevin Bauder, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Central Baptist Theological Seminary
“McCune’s Systematic Theology has long been a treasure trove of biblical insight… a theology that is as rigorously biblical as it is practically applicable.”
—Scott Aniol, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Grace Bible Theological Seminary
“This work is exegetically based and practical for the local church… a premier resource for theological clarity.”
—Neal Cushman, Dean, BJU Seminary
About the Author
Rolland D. McCune (1934–2019) served as Professor of Systematic Theology at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary from 1981–2009, and previously as President and Dean of the Faculty. He devoted more than forty years to teaching theology at the seminary level.
Reviews
"I enthusiastically endorse Dr. McCune’s theology text, not only for the strength of its theological positions but also for its rare blend of hermeneutically sound exegesis, systematic coherence, and depth expressed concisely. For over a decade, it has served as the primary theology text for my students, who will now be even better served by this beautifully presented single-volume edition."
—Jonathan A. Rinker, Chair of the Bible/Theology Department, Appalachian Bible College, Mt. Hope, West Virginia
"It is a joy to see a proven theological standard refined for a new generation. Rolland McCune’s Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity has been a formative text, brilliantly marrying academic rigor with a God-centered doxology. From his unwavering defense of biblical inerrancy to his gloriously high view of the local assembly, he anchors every conclusion firmly in the text of Scripture. This new, single-volume edition is a spectacular upgrade. The expanded indexing and improved typesetting transform what was already a trusted three-volume text into an incredibly user-friendly, unified masterwork. For those laboring in theological instruction or shepherding a local congregation, I cannot commend this beautiful new edition highly enough."
—Kevin P. Oberlin, Dean and Professor, School of Theology and Global Leadership, Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina
"Readers will be grateful for this new presentation of a worthy standard, representing a robust baptistic, dispensational theology. This commendable work reflects a lifetime of scholarship and personal reflection upon the Scriptures, written in a scholarly yet accessible manner, now published in a professional and readable format."
—Paul Hartog, Professor of Theology, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, Ankeny, Iowa
"Dr. Rolland McCune’s A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity is my premier ‘go-to’ resource for theological clarity. As the fruit of decades spent teaching theology and apologetics, this work is exegetically based and practical for the use of the local church. It masterfully presents a moderately Calvinist, dispensational, and presuppositional approach to theology. I am thankful that I have such a resource in my study of Scripture."
—Neal Cushman, Dean, BJU Seminary, Greenville, South Carolina
"I never had the privilege of sitting in one of Dr. Rolland D. McCune’s theology classes, but I count his Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity the next best thing. As a pastor entrusted with preaching God’s Word and shepherding His flock, I return to this treatise regularly and find it consistently clear, reliable, and deeply edifying.
Writing from a conservative, evangelical, and dispensational premillennial framework, McCune grounds his theology in careful exegesis and sustained engagement with the biblical text. His extensive, helpful footnotes reflect impressive breadth and depth of research, yet he states his conclusions with clarity, precision, and pastoral sensitivity. He is concise without being superficial and thorough without becoming tedious.
What sets this work apart is its practical value for pastoral ministry. This is not theology for speculation’s sake but theology that clarifies doctrine, strengthens preaching, and serves the life of the church. For pastors, seminarians, and serious students of Scripture, this theology deserves not only a place on the shelf but also frequent use at the desk. I gladly and enthusiastically recommend it."
—T. Scott Christmas , Senior Pastor, Northwest Community Church, Phoenix, Arizona; Faculty, The Expositors Seminary
"Christianity has needed a conservative presentation of systematic theology from a biblical, dispensational, Baptist perspective. Rolland McCune’s A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity meets that need. McCune’s theology is anchored in the revelation of Scripture, and his presentation is clear and understandable. Pastors, professors, and students will all find great benefit in reading this work. I highly recommend it and will use it in my classes."
—Alan Cole, Senior Professor and Chair, Division of Bible and Theology, Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny, Iowa
"A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity displays a consistent commitment to the sound and rich view of God’s Word that emerges from a grammatical-historical hermeneutic. McCune’s work is impressive in both breadth and depth. To have this work in a single volume is a treasure, and I pray our God continues to spread its influence."
—Richard Caldwell, Pastor-Teacher, Founders Baptist Church, Spring, Texas
"It is rare for a theologian to articulate the depths of biblical doctrine in a way that is both profound and accessible. But that is precisely what Rolland McCune has done in A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity. I have been reading and recommending Dr. McCune’s work for years and was thrilled to hear of its rerelease as a single volume. His writing is clear and biblical and will continue to serve the Body of Christ for decades to come. Whether you are a pastor, a seminary student, or simply an average Christian in the pew, this book will help you understand what the Bible teaches about the various areas of systematic theology. I couldn’t recommend it more highly!"
—Matt Waymeyer, Associate Pastor, Grace Immanuel Bible Church, Jupiter, Florida; Academic Dean, The Expositors Seminary
"Rolland McCune’s A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity is a detailed attempt to present a systematic theology thoroughly grounded in biblical theology. The work represents the more Calvinistic wing of dispensationalism. Even those who find disagreement over major or minor theological themes will recognize the erudition provided in over a thousand pages of material. McCune shows, above all, that serious dispensational theology has not died."
—Mike Stallard, Executive Director, Council on Dispensational Hermeneutics; Vice President of International Ministries, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry
"Into every life God providentially places mentors to shape who we are, what we know, and what we do. Rarely does one mentor do all three. Dr. McCune was that mentor to me. And while a man cannot be reduced to a book, his Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity is a glimpse into his soul. Seated in a robustly originalist hermeneutic, this fine volume offers a sturdy blend of Baptist, dispensational, and historically fundamentalist extraction, with a strong emphasis on the doctrines of grace and a perpetual eye to the greatness of the kingdom of our Lord Christ. I embrace and endorse it wholeheartedly to all believers who seek to understand. Tolle lege."
—Mark A. Snoeberger , Professor of Systematic Theology, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, Allen Park, Michigan
"Among dispensational systematic theologies, Rolland McCune’s is definitely the best. Drawing on the teaching of his teacher, Alva J. McClain, McCune bases his theology on the biblical text and provides clear and cogent explanations for each of the positions he embraces. I am thrilled that RBP has decided to publish this work in a hardcover edition along with expanded indexes. This new volume ought to grace the shelves of every serious student of theology, and it will provide abundant riches for any who mine its depths."
—Jonathan Pratt, Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Plymouth, Minnesota
"Rolland McCune’s A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity is a monumental achievement in the arrangement of Christian doctrine. Drawing on over 40 years of classroom instruction, this new single-volume edition provides a comprehensive and meticulously organized study rooted in the great ‘solas’ of the Protestant tradition. Being both Calvinistic and dispensational, this work sets itself apart by following a framework that emphasizes the progressive self-revelation of God and his governing rule, along with the resulting human stewardship. Beginning with his original volumes in 2009, McCune’s work has been my primary go-to source for systematics and has informed countless lectures in my classrooms and group studies at my church. His unwavering commitment to Scripture as the sole legitimate source for doing theology ensures this work is both rigorous and faithful. I am so pleased to see his original three-volume set compiled into this one-volume masterpiece—here is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand Christian theology in all its beauty and sophistication."
—Cory Marsh, Professor of New Testament, Southern California Seminary, El Cajon, California; Scholar in Residence, Revolve Bible Church, San Juan Capistrano, California
"Dr. McCune impresses upon his readers the glory of God’s triune character, the sufficiency of God’s written Word, and the significance of God’s promised plan for Israel and the Church. McCune’s God-centered commitment is not unique, but the clarity and consistency with which he applies it to theology is. This republication of McCune’s Systematic Theology provides a new generation of readers a remarkably coherent, balanced, and readable expression of Biblical doctrine written from a dispensational perspective."
—Eric J. Lehner , Academic Dean, Virginia Beach Theological Seminary, Virginia Beach, Virginia
"A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity by Dr. Rolland McCune is a rare and precious resource. Culminating decades of devoted service to Baptist churches and seminaries, this work represents an indelible legacy. Readers will be hard-pressed to find another single-volume Baptist theology as readable and thoroughly indexed, or one that remains unparalleled in its depth and perspective."
—Daniel Huffstutler , Deputy Principal, Shepherds Training College, Luweero, Uganda
"In the Fall of 1978, Dr. Rolland McCune began teaching theology full-time at the seminary I attended, and I was providentially blessed to be one of the students in that historic moment. When I compare his weekly class notes from those previous decades (which I still cherish today) with this new one-volume edition of A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity, he begins the same way, answering these substantive questions: What is theology? Why study it? What is its purpose? What is its source? Are there human limitations to this study? And, of course, what are the requisites for a good student of theology? McCune strategically answers these questions and prepares the way for all careful readers to begin an exciting journey through the theological disciplines of the Holy Scripture. Over and over, McCune makes it clear that “the text within its context” will produce proper thoughts about God, and these thoughts will produce holiness and worship. McCune’s emphasis upon the progress of revelation and the consistent historical, grammatical, and theological interpretation of it is the standard to which all of us need to aspire. Thankfully, as McCune stated in class forty-eight years ago, his words remain true: “The student of systematic theology need not be a genius in IQ, but he must bring to the study a disciplined mind . . . [and] intellectual humility.” So, it is a great joy and profound honor that I recommend this book to you—pastors, missionaries, and godly men and women—who love God and His Word and desire to make Him accurately known to the nations."
—Daniel K. Davey, President, Virginia Beach Theological Seminary, Virginia Beach, Virginia
"It would be hard for me to think of classes in seminary that I enjoyed more than Dr. McCune’s systematic theology classes. In them, one encountered an expert (and sometimes intimidating!) teacher, with a bone-dry sense of humor and a deep love for the God who speaks in Holy Scripture. I am so glad to see his lifetime of reflection on the Bible shared with a new generation of Christian readers and students. It was an honor for me to study under Dr. McCune and now an even greater honor for me to commend him to you."
—Jared Compton, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis, Minnesota
"I am grateful for this accessible single volume—thorough but not laborious, balanced for students and pastors alike, with every sentence carrying its theological and pedagogical weight. I found myself in steady agreement, yet I was sharpened in my thinking and often moved to wonder at the glories of Scripture encountered here. I am confident that faithful students, in both academic institutions and local churches, will keep this volume open as they seek deeper understanding—and I plan to do the same."
—Chris Burnett, Director of Content and Curriculum, The Center for Biblical Missions at The Master’s Academy International; Faculty Associate, The Master’s Seminary, Sun Valley, California
"For several years, I have used Rolland McCune’s A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity as a principal text in all my seminary theology courses. It is the best theology I know of that combines the perspectives of Baptist distinctives, dispensationalism, cessationism, fundamentalism, and a sober understanding of progressive sanctification. I welcome the news that Regular Baptist Press is making this work available in a single volume. It’s a big book, but no bigger than the topic deserves. I suggest that every pastor discipline himself to read at least ten pages every working day until he completes the volume."
—Kevin Bauder, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Plymouth, Minnesota
"Rolland McCune’s Systematic Theology fills a critical gap—a thoroughly dispensational and Calvinistic approach that integrates the whole of Scripture into a consistent structure. Having personally sat under Dr. McCune, I can also confirm that his thought was backed by a deep personal love for God and His people. I am delighted to see this resource made available in an improved format that will extend its reach."
—Joel Arnold, President & Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Foundation Baptist College, Edmonton, Alberta
"Rolland McCune’s Systematic Theology has long been a treasure trove of biblical insight for those of us who prize careful, exegetical theology. Having this material available in a single volume makes an indispensable resource even more accessible. It belongs on the desk of every pastor and student who desires a theology that is as rigorously biblical as it is practically applicable."
—Scott Aniol, President, G3 Ministries; Professor of Pastoral Theology, Grace Bible Theological Seminary, Conway, Arkansas