ST 501 · Systematic Theology · Fall 2026

Introduction to Reformed Theology

Explore the doctrines of grace, Calvinism, systematics, and more.

2 Credit Hours Online & In Person Thursdays 8:00–9:50 PM ET
Why Reformed Theology?

The Doctrines of Grace, Systematized

What do we believe, and why? This course introduces theology proper and its many derivatives — Christology, eschatology, and more — helping you form a cohesive framework around the doctrines of grace.

You'll see how systematics organizes biblical truth into a consistent whole, giving you a fuller grasp of Scripture — and you'll be equipped to articulate and defend your faith with clarity, resting on the absolute authority of God's Word.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV)
In This Course

What You'll Study

You'll come away able to see how systematic theology gathers the whole of Scripture into one coherent framework centered on the doctrines of grace, and to articulate and defend your faith with clarity, resting on the final authority of God's Word — beginning with three foundations:

Historical Calvinism

Walk through the "Five Points" to see how salvation is entirely a work of God's sovereign grace, from beginning to end.

Sola Scriptura

Explore why the Bible is the final, supreme authority for what we believe — free from the shifting winds of human tradition.

Covenant Theology

See the Bible as one unified, redemptive story, tracing God's gracious promises from Genesis all the way through Revelation.

Your Instructor

Taught by Dr. Christopher Sterling

Dr. Christopher Sterling
Dr. Christopher Sterling, D.Min.
Adjunct Professor of Systematic & Pastoral Theology

Dr. Sterling is a retired Army chaplain who planted and pastored Westminster Fellowship in Falcon, Colorado (now High Plains Fellowship, PCA), from 2008 to 2013. He has served as an interim pastor for churches in the PCA's Rocky Mountain Presbytery and sits on the Presbytery's Credentials committee.

Course Details

Logistics

CourseST 501 · Systematic Theology
InstructorDr. Christopher Sterling
FormatOnline & In Person
TermFall 2026 · Aug 31 – Dec 18
MeetsThursdays 8:00–9:50 PM ET
Credit2 hours · first audit free
Related Reading

Texts

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Introduction to Reformed Theology is a foundational course with no prerequisites — open to anyone who wants to understand the doctrines of grace, whether you're pursuing a degree, auditing for enrichment, or exploring seminary study.

Yes. Your first New Geneva course is free to audit, so you can sit in on ST 501 Introduction to Reformed Theology at no cost. Auditors attend every live session and join the discussion, with no assignments, exams, or academic credit. Additional courses are $100 each — the full audit policy is on the courses page.

Classes meet live on Thursday evenings from 8:00 to 9:50 PM Eastern across the fall semester (August 31 – December 18, 2026), offered online via Zoom and in person.

One book is required: Robert Reymond's A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, 2nd edition — all the reading assignments are chapters in it, so get that edition. Louis Berkhof's Systematic Theology and John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion are recommended, not required. Full details are in the syllabus.

Two Ways to Join

Audit or Take for Credit

Join the class this term — audit along for enrichment, or enroll for credit toward your degree.

For Everyone

Audit the Course

First Course Free

Your first New Geneva course is free to audit. Additional courses are $100 each.

  • Attend every live class and join the discussion
  • No assignments, papers, or exams
  • Learn from the same lectures as credit students
  • No application, transcripts, or references needed
  • No formal academic credit awarded
Toward Your Degree

Take for Credit

$300 / credit hour · 2 credit hours
  • Earn 2 credit hours toward a New Geneva degree
  • Assignments, readings & graded feedback
  • Full participation in the live weekly class
  • No prerequisites required
Apply to New Geneva