Theology Test 1
What is Theology
Theos-” God”
logos- word or idea (John 1:1)
Theology is the study of God
“The Queen of the Sciences”-The Triune God of scripture is the source of all other truth we learn- economics, philosophy, biology, mathematics, etc
Everyone is a theologian
Those who study or think about God are by definition doing theology.
Christian Theology
This study concentrates on the text of the Old and New Testaments as well as Christian traditions
Christian theologies using biblical exegesis, rational analysis, and argument
The Task of Theology
We should engage in the task of Theology
Biblically-formed and tested by the Bible/ The Word of God (Acts 17:11)
Rationally- Reason is the instrument of faith (Acts 19:9; 24:24; 26:25)
Humbly- dependence on God and with a teachable spirit from those who came before us. We are finite and fallen
Doxologically- We study theology so that we might know, love, and worship GOd with our whole being. He is worthy of all of our devotion (Romans 11:36)
Theology includes all that God has revealed to us in Scripture.
Systematic theology- an orderly, coherent study of the principal doctrines
What is Systematic Theology
Answers the question “What does the whole Bible teach us about a given topic?”
What does the Bible say about ______? God, Man, Sin, Christ, Salvation, The Church
Systematic (organized, orderly, logical) study of the bible that views the Bible (Holy Scripture) as composed revelation
Not taking the Bible and forcing it into a system
Systematic Theology
Assumptions of Systematic Theology
God has revealed himself in nature and through the writing of the prophets and apostles in Scripture
The Bible is the Word of God.
God has revealed himself clearly, orderly, and in a way that is meant to be understood.
There is unity to God’s Word
God’s revelation is consistent
5 Pillars of Reformed Theology
Sola Gratia- Grace Alone
Solus Fide- Faith Alone
Sola Christus- Christ Alone
Sola Scriptura- Scripture Alone
Soli Deo Gloria- The Glory of God Alone
Grace Alone
The only method
Our justification and salvation are both solely by the sovereign grace of God and not dependent on any action or condition man provides
Faith Alone
The only Means
Our justification before God is through Faith in Christ Alone, not by works
Christ Alone
The Only Mediator
Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and man. Salvation is possible only by his death and resurrection
There is no other way to God or Salvation
Scripture Alone
The only foundation
The Bible is the only infallible and sufficient rule of governing issues of life and doctrine
Glory to God Alone
The Only Ambition
All glory and honor are due to God alone
We are saved by grace alone through alone in christ alone according to scripture alone to the glory of God alone
Authority
The problem with Authority, who gets to say so
Confessional Standards
Written statements that are summaries of teachings on what is correct to believe
Creeds, confession, catechisms
Apostles Creed
Nicene Creed
Heidelburg Catechism
Westminister Standards
Westminster Confession of Faith
Shorter catechism
Longer catechism
New City Catechism (modern adaptation)
The Great Creeds and Confession
Rooted in concrete historical situations
A form of worship… “ I believe in God.”
Intended to be a guide to the proper interpretation for Christian and witnesses
Apologetics → defend and clarify Christian truth against attacks and perversion
Creeds and confessions to the church → whole community of Christians
How do we Christians-or anyone else-come to know God?
Revelation
The act of God whereby he discloses to man what would otherwise be unknown.
Two types of Revelation
Natural / General Revelation
Special Revelation
General Revelation – God makes Himself known through nature, conscience, and providence.
General Revelation
God’s self-disclosure to all people of all times through:
Creation – God revealing Himself to men through creation and Romans 1:18–20
Providence – Acts 14:16–17
Conscience – Romans 2:14–15
The purpose of natural / general revelation is to cause men to search for a fuller revelation of God.
Natural revelation gives evidence that God exists; however, it doesn’t reveal how men can be saved from his sinfulness and separation from God. This is why God has also provided special revelation.
Special Revelation – God makes Himself and His redemptive work known through Jesus Christ known to the people in special ways. He did this at different times and in different ways.
Special Revelation
Special revelation is God’s saving self-disclosure through His Word and redemptive acts, ultimately and fully revealed in Jesus Christ and recorded in Holy Scripture.
Hebrews 1:1–2 – God speaks through His Son
2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture is God-breathed
The Sufficiency of Special Revelation
The Bible is sufficient to lead one to salvation, as well as equipping of the saints.
2 Timothy 3:15–17
The Scriptures do not reveal everything to mankind. Some things are kept in the mystery of God.
Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans