In Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ, Herman Bavinck continues the project begun in volume 1 and 2, which is to masterfully expound the doctrines of a robust Reformed theology. His broad topics in this work are: The Fallen World; Christ the Redeemer; the Work of Christ, ; and Salvation in Christ. Bavinck writes comprehensively on sin, including its origin, spread, nature and punishment; the covenant of grace and the person of Christ; Christ's humiliation and exaltation; and the order of salvation.

Bavinck is a master of the literature available in his time, including not just his contemporaries but also the Reformers, the Church Fathers, the Scholastics, and the work of other fields, such as classical Greek and Roman thought as well as 18th and 19th century philosophy. As he works his way, methodically and comprehensively, through each subject of dogmatics he starts with a broad survey of the topic, goes through the strengths and weaknesses of various positions, be they historical or current, and then arrives at a Reformed understanding of the topic. For Bavinck, Reformed doesn’t mean a caricature of Calvinism but a theology that is always grounded in God's Word as the final word. He is confessionally Reformed and so his positions are also consistent with the theology of the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt.

While Bavinck's Dogmatics are now about 100 years old I find his writing to be a breath of fresh air, as many of the subjects he addresses continue to be issues of concern, and occasional divisiveness, for many in the church today. As a pastor I found that he describes theology clearly and in ways that are relevant and useful for strengthening the faith of the congregation I care for. Alongside Calvin's Institutes I would recommend Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics as an essential reference for the Reformed pastor, as well as for anyone wanting to dig more deeply into theology and see the glory of God as it comes through a Reformed perspective. ( )