Theological Doctrines: Introduction and Overview

Opening Prayer

• The speaker begins with a prayer for the study session.
• The focus is on understanding doctrines and using them in ministry to edify the church and its members.

Theological Orientation

• The seminary holds Protestant and evangelical theology.
• Influences from Thomas Aquinas include:
  • Metaphysics
  • Epistemology
  • Natural Theology
  • Anthropological views like holomorphism.
• Emphasis on moderate Calvinism aligned with Dr. Geisler.
• Eschatological views are pre-tribulation and premillennial, holding to a dispensational perspective regarding Israel and the church.
• Rejection of replacement theology, which posits that the church has superseded Israel.

Authority of Scripture

• Strong adherence to the doctrine of inerrancy.
• Familiarity with historical theologians is encouraged:
  • Augustine
  • Anselm
  • Aquinas
  • Luther
  • Calvin
• Value of the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and accountability.
• The Bible holds a special place as a revelation from God.
• It is described as authoritative in teaching and discipleship.

Overview of Doctrines to be Studied

• The primary topics of study:
  • Anthropology: Study of mankind (Greek: anthropos = human, logos = study of).
  • Harmartiology: Doctrine of sin (Greek: hamartia = sin).
  • Soteriology: Doctrine of salvation (Greek: soteria = salvation).
• Intent to explore the implications of humanity’s nature on sin and salvation.

Structure of the Course

• The course consists of the following topics:
  1. Doctrine of Man (Anthropology)
  2. Doctrine of Sin (Harmartiology)
  3. Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)
• Additionally, philosophy will be briefly discussed to provide depth to doctrines.
• The importance of understanding how these doctrines tie together is emphasized, particularly in discussing controversial topics (Calvinism vs. Arminianism, sovereignty vs. free will).
• Emphasis on practical application, encouraging students to share the Gospel based on their study.

Objectives of the Course

• Avoid mere head knowledge; instead, focus on spiritual development and practical application.
• Encouragement to serve as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Course Outline

• Outline includes:
  1. Doctrine of Man (original created conditions, views on the soul’s origin).
  2. Doctrine of Sin (supplemented by the doctrine of hell).
  3. Doctrine of Salvation.
• Notable exclusions from in-depth study:
  • Chapters 13 and 14 (related to universalism and pluralism) but will reference in context later.
• Page references will generally come from a four-volume set used in the course.

Discussion on Doctrine of Man

• Original Created Conditions:
  • God's perfection mandates that creation must also be perfect; referenced by scripture:
  • $\text{Genesis 1:31}$: "God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good."
  • $\text{Deuteronomy 32:4}$, $\text{Second Samuel 22:31}$, $\text{Matthew 5:48}$ affirm God's perfection.
  • Effects of creation are temporal and finite; limited by their existence.
  • Perfection of creation does not imply a capacity for eternal existence.

Original State of Innocence and Righteousness

• Adam and Eve created in moral perfection (original righteousness).
• Synonymous terms: original justice, original innocence.
• Historical views on original righteousness:
  • Supernatural View: Advocated by Aquinas and Edwards; original righteousness was upheld by divine support.
  • Natural View: Proposed by Dr. Shedd; original righteousness was inherent due to God’s perfection.
• Importance of the Fall in understanding loss of original state.

Dominion and Moral Responsibility

• Mankind’s fundamental role includes:
  • Dominion over creation; both moral accountability and freedom of choice dictated by God.
  • $\text{Genesis 1 and 2}$ commands outline responsibilities:
  • “Be fruitful and multiply.”
  • “Have dominion.”
  • Moral Prohibition: Not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
• Freely exercised will necessitated moral accountability before God.
• Contrast in Commands:
  • Difference between natural inclinations vs. explicit commands.

The Nature of Free Will and Sin

• Self-determined actions of Adam and Eve emphasized moral freedom and accountability.
• God’s inquiry post-disobedience reinforced personal responsibility.
• Discussions concerning predestination and free will:
  • Concerns over open theism are noted; God’s omniscient nature ensures His knowledge of human choices.
  • Importance of free will alongside divine sovereignty.
  • Reference to scriptural concepts:
  • $\text{First Peter 1:2}$ regarding election by foreknowledge of God.

Conclusion of Session

• Review of the teaching principles and the importance of maintaining focus on scriptural texts during discussions.
• Break to follow; a reminder to return to the session after a short intermission.