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J Edwards asks:

Many have posted that they do not read systematics from cover to cover. However, one of the strengths of a systematic is to make one consistent in their beliefs across the board....(whole counsel of God). Why not read one or many all the way through?

My reason for not reading a concise full blown systematic all the way through, cover to cover? Well I suppose it's because of time. As a layperson with a full time job and a family, I don't have allot of time to read. So far I haven't made a conscious commitment to read through a systematic. But I think I will start to do that.

There are two books that I would recommend to anyone who is just starting out. These books are pretty good also to carry around for quick reference because they're paper back and smaller.

1. Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul.
2. Concise Theology by J.I. Packer

These are two great books to get someone started down the systematic path.

Dave.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16