Systematic Theology Exam #3

Substantive View

-       Every human bears the image of God; not a physical resemblance

-       Humans share certain qualities w/ God. Ex. Spiritual, personal, intellect, emotions, volition, social, and moral

Functional View

-       Humans reflect God’s image when they exercise dominion over creation

-       Cultural mandate: subdue the earth, be fruitful, and multiply

Relational View

-       Humans reflect God’s image to the degree they are in relationship w/Him

-       Those alienated from God do not reflect His image

Monism

View that humans are not composed of various components, but rather as a radical unity

-       Humans are unified

-       No post-death experience until resurrection

Dichotomist

Humans consist of body and spirit or soul (material and immaterial)

-       Spirit is the spiritual dimension of humans

-       Spirit and soul are distinguishable, but inseparable

-       Soul lives after death

-       Believes the soul is united w/resurrected body

-       View of the catholic and protestant denominations

Trichotomist

Humans consist of body, spirit, and soul

-       Spirit is the higher part that worships God

-       Spirit and soul live on after the death of the body

-       View of the Greek orthodox church

What is the primary purpose of human existence?

To glorify God. It’s our duty and delight, and we ascribe worth to God; therefore, we glorify Him.

Complementariansim

Egalitariansim

What is the meaning of the Greek word, hamartia?

sin.

• includes defintion of sin, origin of sin, and consequences of sin.

What are the different defintions for sin?

• Sin is disobedience to God’s moral commands (natural and revealed law)

• When we sin, we usurp God’s rightful position as Lord (our declaration of independence)

• Erikson: sin is the failure to put God

What is Fall?

the entrance of sin into this world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve

What are the consequences of the Fall?

• Theological/Results affecting the relationship with God:

  • divine disfavor, guilt, punishment, death (physical, eternal, spiritual)

• Personal/Effects on the Sinner:

  • Enslavement, flight from reality, denial of sin, self-deceit, insensitivity, self-centeredness, restlessness

• Social/Effects on relationship to humans: competition, inability to empathize, rejection of authority, inability to love

What is the original sin?

Original guilt:

• Legal concept describes one’s relationship to God’s law. Liable to punishment because law has been violated.

Pollution:

• Moral concept describing one’s moral condition. Consists in persuasive depravity and spiritual inability.

what is the chnage in human condition?

Innocent (posse non pecarre): “able not to sin”

Fallen (non posse non pecarre): “not able not to sin”

Redeemed (posse non pecarre): “able not to sin”

Glorified (non posse pecarre): “not able to sin”

Pelagianism

Humans are born innocent; without the original sin

• Only Adam and Eve received the consequneces to their character

• We don’t inherit an inclination toward sin

Arminianism

Humans are born fallen w/ tendency to sin

• Humans are spiritually dead and in bondage to sin

• No longer able to fulfill God’s moral commands

• Offer of salvation

• Sufficient grace for all

Calvinism

Fallen w/ tendency toward sin

• Humans inherit Adam a corrupted nature, inclining towards sin

• Humans can’t contribute to their salvation (predetermined). Can’t choose if they are saved or not saved.

What is the implication of Jesus’ pre existence?

• Unlike human souls, Jesus is eternal. Yet, God alone is eternal.

• Prior to his incarnation, Jesus co-existed within the truine God

• In the O.T. there are examples of Christophanies

what is the incarnation?

• Jesus left hsi place in glory to take on human form

• The second person of the Trinity clothed himself with humanity

• In Jesus, our planet was visted by God in human form

Overall, the Son becomes Human