Part 1 - A2 - Reformed Systematic Theology Vol. 1

What Is Theology?

What is the central spiritual danger of academic theology?

Studying theology for academic achievement or intellectual pride rather than for the purpose of pleasing God, knowing Christ, and living to God's glory.

Why is theology more than an intellectual enterprise?

Because true theology requires faith in Christ, submission to God's will, and the pursuit of God's glory.

What is the central purpose of theology?

To know God through Christ so that we may joyfully live to God and glorify him.

What is William Ames's definition of theology?

"The doctrine of living to God."

What does it mean to live to God?

To live according to God's will, for God's glory, with God working in us.

What is a fuller definition of Christian theology?

The doctrine of living to God by Christ.

Why is Christ central to theology?

Christ is the mediator through whom God reveals himself and through whom sinners are reconciled to God.

Why do sinners need God's revelation in order to do theology?

Sin has alienated humanity from God, so we cannot know God rightly through human reasoning alone; we need God's gracious revelation.

What is the chapter's comprehensive definition of theology?

The authoritative knowledge and wisdom revealed in God's Word concerning God so that we may joyfully live unto him through Jesus Christ.

Why is theology called authoritative?

Because its authority rests upon the Word of God.

Why is theology both knowledge and wisdom?

It gives accurate understanding of divine truth and teaches us how to live skillfully and joyfully for God's glory.

What does it mean that theology is "concerning God"?

It concerns God's nature, will, and works—not merely the narrow doctrine of God.

What is the ultimate aim of theology?

A God-centered life that knows, worships, obeys, and enjoys God through Jesus Christ.

Is theology best understood as science or wisdom?

Both, but with a greater emphasis on wisdom.

What does "science" mean in the theological classification of theology?

Disciplined knowledge or understanding of what is true and real, rather than merely the modern study of laboratory-measurable natural phenomena.

What is biblical wisdom?

The skill or competency to live skillfully and joyfully for the glory of God.

What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?

Knowledge is accurate understanding of reality; wisdom includes knowledge but also the ability to live rightly and skillfully according to that truth.

Why is theology especially a form of wisdom?

It deals with the highest truths—God and eternal salvation—and uses those truths to guide the whole of life.

What is the proper relationship between theology and human reasoning?

Theology uses reasoning to understand and organize God's revelation, but its foundational truths come from divine revelation rather than autonomous human speculation.

What does it mean to say that theology is both theoretical and practical?

Theology involves knowing and contemplating God and his works, but that knowledge must lead to worship, obedience, and godly living.

Why must theology not be merely theoretical?

Knowledge that never leads to worship and obedience is incomplete and spiritually barren.

Why must theology not be merely practical?

Christian practice must be directed by truth, and abstract doctrines such as the Trinity are essential for rightly understanding and living for God.

What is the relationship between knowing God and practicing godliness?

True knowledge of God produces worship and obedience, while genuine practice must be directed by true knowledge of God.

What is the central idea of the phrase "Theology is taught by God, teaches of God, and leads to God"?

Theology originates in God's revelation, concerns God as its subject, and aims to bring people into a right relationship with God.

Why did the early church begin developing systematic theology?

The church sought to understand the fullness of God's revelation in Christ and needed to define and defend truth against false teaching.

What was the earliest major crystallization of the church's basic theology?

The rule of faith, summarized in the Apostles' Creed.

What is a locus in systematic theology?

A major topic or category under which related theological teachings are organized.

What is prolegomena?

Preliminary questions about theology and the doctrine of God's Word.

What is theology proper?

The doctrine of God, including his decree and providence, as well as angels and demons.

What is anthropology?

The doctrine of humanity, including creation in God's image, the covenant with Adam, and the fall into sin.

What is Christology?

The doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

What is pneumatology?

The doctrine of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

What is soteriology?

The doctrine of salvation and the application of redemption to God's people.

What is ecclesiology?

The doctrine of the church and the means by which God applies grace to his people.

What is eschatology?

The doctrine of the last things, including death, Christ's return, judgment, heaven, and hell.

What is the basic order of the eight loci of systematic theology?

Revelation → God → Man → Christ → Spirit → Salvation → Church → Last Things.

Why should the loci of systematic theology not be treated as isolated subjects?

All doctrines are organically related, so understanding one doctrine often requires reference to others, and all ultimately point to the glory of Christ.