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)
Course Objectives

What You'll Learn

  • An introduction to theology proper and its derivatives — Christology, eschatology, and more — forming a framework around the doctrines of grace.
  • How systematics organizes biblical truth into a consistent framework, granting a fuller sense of Scripture as a whole.
  • How to articulate and defend your faith with clarity, relying on the absolute authority of Scripture as the foundation for all truth.
Topics of Study

What We'll Cover

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 · audit welcome
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 seminary class is free to audit; after that a small audit fee applies. Auditors are warmly welcomed to attend every live session and join the discussion, with no assignments, papers, exams, or formal academic credit.

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.

Tuition is $300 per credit hour; this is a 2-credit-hour course. Students age 55+ and other categories may qualify for reduced rates — see the Tuition page for details.

Related texts include R.C. Sproul's What Is Reformed Theology?, John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, and Louis Berkhof's Systematic Theology. 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

Audit Your First Seminary Class For Free
  • Attend every live class and join the discussion
  • No assignments, papers, or exams
  • Learn from the same lectures as credit students
  • 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