The Word of Life and Life in the Spirit are the second and third volumes in Oden’s systematic theology. Like the first volume of the trilogy they use the Apostle’s creed as their frame and expound upon Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

In The Word of Life Oden examines the many aspects of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Like The Living God The Word of Life does not offer any novel ideas, except the one that we should examine the historic beliefs of the church. While Oden does cover all the bases he tends to be somewhat redundant. At times I felt as if I was reading whole sections over again. Some of the major topics covered in this volume include Jesus’ divine Sonship, the Son’s pre-existence, the incarnation (including all the implications thereof as well as the mechanics of it), Christ’s dual nature, Jesus’ ministry, and the exaltation of Christ (which according to Oden occurs in four distinct stages: the descent, the resurrection, the ascent, and the session).

In Life in the Spirit Oden discusses the many aspects and functions of God the Holy Spirit. This is also where Oden discusses the life of the Church. Other major topics include: the personal identity and deity of the Holy Spirit, the work of the Holy Spirit in creation, in the Church, and in the Incarnation, the marks of the church, life after death, and the consummation of God’s Kingdom. This volume is by far the most varied of the three. However, Oden does an excellent job of weaving them under the title of the book, for every issue he discusses is assumed in a life in the Spirit.

For a more detailed examination of several chapters in the whole three volumes you can download my summary HERE

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