A General Study of Systematic Theology

Systematic Theology Study Helps:
Systematic Theology: 101

Here are a few introductory insights into what Systematic Theology is generally all about.

Please note that this introduction is intentionally presented from an Evangelical perspective. Although we realize that this perspective may not represent the convictions of some of our visitors, we strongly believe that this introduction provides a very accurate insight into the types, scope and general characteristics of systematic theology.

I. The Nature of Theology

A. Definition

1. General Definition
   The term theology comes from the combination of theos (Greek for god) and logos (Greek for word or dialogue). Theology is most broadly understood as a “discussion regarding God” (It is often said that theology may be defined as a “discussion of God” which intends the same meaning, though this is all too often misunderstood to mean “discussion by God”) Thus any religion involving a god worthy of dialogue will require some form of theology. (Of course once you step out of western tradition, Greek terminology quickly loses its precision.)
2. Specific Definition
   Christian Theology involves the entire study of God and His relation to man and the universe, while specifically incorporating all biblical doctrines.

B. Difference between Theology and “Bible Doctrine”

1. Bible Doctrine restricts itself to only what is taught in the Bible.
2. Theology goes to other sources of truth.
   1. Example: “Canonicity of the Bible” (Ie, The process through which the books of the Bible were decided upon)
      1. Canonicity involves historical truths (as to how canonicity occurred) not recorded in the Bible.
      2. One’s stance on canonicity involves logical truths (as to what tests were used for canonicity) not recorded in the Bible.
   2. Example: Arguments for the Existence of God
      1. Such arguments involve philosophical truths not expressed in the Bible.
      2. Such arguments involve logical truths not expressed in the Bible.
3. Theology includes Bible Doctrine
   1. Theologians will at times study more than the Bible.
      1. There is much truth not found in the Bible, such as in Science, History and Religion.
      2. All truth is of God, no matter where it is found.
   2. Theologians will raise and try to answer questions about some truth not found in the Bible.
      1. How did God “write” the Bible? (Bibliology)
      2. Is written revelation complete? (Bibliology)
      3. Why cannot God’s mercy over-rule his justice? (Theology Proper)
      4. Why is it fair for God to “elect” only some people for salvation? (Theology Proper)
      5. How is the sin nature passed from parent to child? (Anthropology)
      6. Why is man guilty for Adam’s first sin? (Anthropology)

II. Areas of Systematic Theology

1. Bibliology (Bible)
2. Theology Proper (God)
3. Anthropology (Man)
4. Christology (Christ)
5. Soteriology (Salvation)
6. Pneumatology (Holy Spirit)
7. Ecclesiology (Church, Christian life)
8. Eschatology (Prophecy, End times)

III. Why do we need Systematic Theology?

1. Because of the character of Scripture.
   1. The Bible is a book of unsystematized truths.
   2. The biblical books were written to meet immediate needs for specific purposes.
   3. Not all truth about any one doctrine is found in any one place or verse.
2. Because of the organizing instincts of the human mind.
   1. What other areas are we satisfied to leave unorganized or unsystematized?
3. Because of the need for the development of a full and balanced Christian faith.
   1. As the world and societal concerns change, theology must seek to provide continually relevant insights into theological and biblical truths.
4. Because of well educated non-believers.

Bibliology

I. Introduction

A. The Nature of the Study:
The term bibliology comes from the combination of biblos (Greek for book) and logos (Greek for word or dialogue). Bibliology is most broadly understood as a collecting, arranging and explaining truths regarding the Bible.

B. The Importance of Bibliology
It is foundational to all other areas of theology. The Bible is the basis and starting point of all other theological studies, and is the fountainhead of all spiritual truth. The Bible serves as the basis of Christian faith and life.

C. Outline of Bibliology

1. The Bible as Revelation. (What is the content of the Bible?)
2. The Inspiration of the Bible. (How was the Bible written?)
3. The Authority of the Bible. (What weight does the Bible have for faith and practice?)
4. The Canonicity of the Bible. (How were the true books of the Bible determined?)
5. The Illumination of the Bible. (How can the Bible be understood?)
6. The Animation of the Bible. (What is the inherent quality of the Bible?)
7. The Interpretation of the Bible. (How is the Bible to be explained?)

II. The Bible as Revelation

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

A. Introduction

1. The Definition of “revelation”
   1. The Occurrence and Meaning of the New Testament (NT) Word: apocalypses
      1. The Greek word apocalypsis derives from the combination of apo (from) and calypsis (covering).
      2. Literally, this word means: a disclosing/uncovering of something previously hidden
      3. apocalypses occurs 18 times in the NT. (See e.g., Galatians 2:2 and Revelation 1:1)
   2. The Theological Meaning of Divine Revelation

An Amplified Definition:
A disclosure from God [Source] to man [Recipient] of that which would otherwise not ne known [content] of God’s person, purpose and works [Specifics] in acts and/or words [Means and Methods].

1. The Distinction of Revelation from Inspiration and Illumination
   1. Revelation (Disclosure)
      1. The basic idea here is a disclosure of spiritual truth
      2. It emphasizes source and content of truth
      3. Revelation is both past and present
   2. Inspiration (Recording)
      1. The basic idea is a recording of spiritual truth
      2. It emphasizes source and composition of truth
      3. It guarantees accuracy and inerrancy
      4. Inspiration is past
   3. Illumination (Understanding)
      1. The basic idea is an understanding of spiritual truth
      2. It emphasizes appropriation of truth
      3. Illumination is past and present, with emphasis on the present
2. The Rationale of Revelation
   1. Revelation is Possible
      1. This answers the question: “Can God reveal Himself?”. The answer is presumed “Yes” due to God’s attributes of omniscience (all-knowing(ness)) and omnipotence (all-power(fullness)).
      2. It is possible because God has the ability and knowledge to reveal himself to humanity. (or did you presume that only human are capable of communication?)
   2. Revelation is Probable

1. 1. 1. This answers the question: “Would God reveal Himself?”
      2. This is probable because (1) man communicates with man; and (2) man is made in the image of God (Gen 1-2)
      3. We thus expect God to be commutative as well.
   2. Revelation is Necessary
      1. This answers the question: “Why must/would God reveal Himself if He is to be known?”
      2. Revelation is necessary because of man’s finite knowledge and sinfulness, both gaps which must be bridged if man is to truly know God

” For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)

” There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have altogether become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:11-12)

B. Types of Revelation

1. General Revelation
   1. Introduction
      1. The two main forms of general revelation are the physical universe and the human conscience (and perhaps a third is providential history)
      2. It is called “general” because this revelation is accessible to all at any time or era.
   2. Forms of General Revelation
      1. The Physical Universe
         1. Key verses:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world.
– Psalm 19:1-4

…What may be known about God is plain to [sinful humanity], because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that humanity is without excuse.
– Romans 1:19-20

1. 1. 1. 1. General revelation is “universal”. (See Psalm 19:4 above)
         2. What can humanity understand about God through general revelation?
            1. God’s existence
            2. God’s power
            3. God’s order/rightness
            4. God’s wisdom/knowledge
            5. God’s greatness/supremacy
            6. God’s goodness (see Acts 14:16-17)
         3. What are the limitations of general revelation?
            1. Nature contains enough truth to bring responsibility to humanity to honor God as creator and give him thanks (Romans 1:20-21)
            2. General revelation contains enough truth to bring guilt if not acted upon properly. (Romans 1:18)
            3. General revelation does not provide enough truth to result in spiritual salvation since it contains no information/revelation regarding Christ and his death for sin (John 14:6; Romans 10:14; Acts 4:6)
      2. The Conscience of Man
         1. Key Verses:

… [Even pagans] show that the requirements of the law are on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing or defending them.
– Romans 2:15

We [Christians] have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
– 2 Corinthians 4:2

1. 1. 1. 1. The Universality of Conscience (see 2 Cor 4:2)
         2. The Definition of “Conscience”

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The NT word literally means “a seeing together”
            2. It refers to an innate discernment
            3. It is an inborn ability within humanity to judge right from wrong
         2. The Action of “Conscience”
            1. It judges the rightness of one’s own actions, thoughts and attitudes in light of a known law or standard.
            2. “It bears witness” (Romans 2:15; 9:1) in effect saying, “I have been obeyed or disregarded”
            3. It does not make an individual’s decisions.
         3. The Contents of “Conscience” (and thus General Revelation)
            1. The seemingly universal reality of conscience within a person implies the existence of God or at the least a Supreme Law Giver.
            2. The mechanism of the conscience implies that this God/Divine Being is “Righteous” since the conscience is [always] designed to discern the right from the wrong.
            3. The Limitations of “Conscience”
               1. In itself, it offers enough truth to bring responsibility and guilt when violated (CF. Romans 2:15)
               2. It does not provide enough truth to believe to bring about spiritual salvation since there is no revelation through it of Christ and redemption.
      2. Providential History
   2. The Purpose and Results of General Revelation
      1. It is meant to persuade mankind to seek God. (See Acts 14:17; 17:24 – 27)
      2. It helps to meet a natural need of humanity for some knowledge of its Creator.
2. Special Revelation
   1. Definition
      The acts of God whereby He makes Himself and His truth known at specific times and to specific people
   2. Forms of Special Revelation
      1. Personal Experience (cf. Galatians 2:2)
         1. Hearing an audible voice (like Samuel in 1 Samuel 3)
         2. Having a dream (like Joseph in Genesis 37)
         3. Seeing a vision (like Paul in Acts 16)
         4. Being spoken to by an angel (like Mary in Luke 1)
      2. Some Miracles (dunamis)
         1. Definition (of dunamis):

An unusual event, not solely the product of natural laws, accomplishing some useful work for God and revealing the presence and power of God.

1. 1. 1. 1. The Conceptual Content of dunamis
            1. the Existence of God
            2. the Power of God
            3. the Goodness of God (through healings and provisions)
            4. the Righteousness / Judgment of God
            5. the Supremacy of God (e.g. toward Nebuchanezzar)
            6. the Immanence of God
         2. Three Historical Periods of Miraculous Prominence in Biblical History
            1. In the time of Moses
            2. In the time of Elijah and Elisha
            3. In the time of Christ and his Apostles
         3. The Limitations of dunamis
            1. They usually (if ever) do not contain sufficient truth to save

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The Plagues in Egypt through Moses (Exodus 7-12) showed God’s supremacy and righteousness, but did not save the Egyptians.
               2. The unending supply of oil and flour through Elijah (1 Kings 17) showed God’s power and mercy, but did not speak toward spiritual salvation (though physical preservation/salvation is present).
               3. The feeding of the 5000 by Christ (John 6) showed God’s power and mercy, but had no impact of the crowd’s leanings toward spiritual salvation (see Jesus’ own comments in John 20:31).
            2. The Historical and Contemporary Continuance of dunamis

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. They still occur today
                  1. There is still regeneration of those who trust Christ (which can indeed entail the miraculous)
                  2. There are healings in answer to prayer
               2. They do not usually seem revelatory to us today, but may in fact be quite revelatory in countries not having ample access to the Bible, where the need for this type of special revelation exists.
      2. Prophecy
         1. Definition:

The giving forth of instruction and teaching (forth telling) or the foretelling of events through a direct communication from God.

1. 1. 1. 1. Background of Prophecy
            1. The primary function of an Old Testament prophet was as an reformer or revivalist, not a predictor.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. They were raised up by God in times of crisis to instruct, rebuke, warn, and comfort, etc.. (Hosea 6:1; 9:1; 14:1; cf Micah 2:1)
               2. Interwoven in this ethical preaching were predictions (Micah 5:2)
            2. The primary function of a New Testament prophet was also as an informer and instructor, not a predictor (1 Corinthians 14:3; edification, exhortation, consolation)
            3. The prophet spoke directly from God with an immediate revelation, like a repeater or quoter (cf Deuteronomy 18:18; Exodus 4:15-16; 7:1)
            4. The Effects and Limitations of Prophecy

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Foretelling usually did not contain truth sufficient for salvation (Cf Daniel 8, 9; Micah 5:2; Malachi 3:1)
                  1. For salvation, predictive prophecy must have contained the true object of saving faith, which it seems it did not.
                  2. Probably a person in the Old testament period was not saved by looking forward to the Messiah who was predicted to come.
               2. Forth telling may have contained truth sufficient to save
                  1. For salvation, didactive prophecy (forthtelling) must have included the proper object of saving faith
                  2. “Repent and return to Jehovah”, which was a major theme of the Minor Prophets, would be an example of this.
            2. The Historical and Contemporary Continuation of Prophecy
               1. We would not expect this form to usually occur today.
               2. There is no need for prophecy in cultures which have the Bible (2 Peter 1:19; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10)
      2. The Earthly Life of Jesus Christ

1. Statements of Scripture suggesting the life of Jesus constitutes “special” revelation

Hebrews 1:1-3
In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, and through whom he has made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word…

a. God spoke through his Son like he did through the prophets.
b. Christ is the “radiance of God’s glory”.

John 1:14, 18
The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth… No man has ever seen God, but God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.

a. The glory of God was seen in Christ (cf. Psalm 19:1)
b. Christ explained what the Father was like.

2. Methods through which Jesus manifested special revelation

a. Through what he said. (cf John 7:16-17)
b. Through what he did. (cf John 5:17,19)

However, not all that Jesus did or said was revelatory. (E.g., John 4:6-7)

3. The Contents of special revelation through Jesus

a. The existence of God
b. Plurality within the Godhead (Ie, Trinity)
c. The Nature and Character of God
d. The Will and Purposes of God (Eg, Matthew 13:24-25)
e. The Works of God

4. The Need and Purpose of this form of special revelation

a. Christ’s main area of revelation was (probably) the Will and Purposes of God
b. At this particular time Israel needed:

- a message of repentance
- instruction about the kingdom
- a new object of saving faith

5. The Sufficiency and Effects of Jesus’ special revelation

a. Christ revealed enough Truth to save a person, if believed. (see John 1:11-12; 3:16; 8:24)
b. He revealed enough Truth to condemn a person as well. (Eg, John 3:18, 36)

1. 1. 1. The Scriptures (as a source of special revelation)

1. Their Claims to be revelation

a. Over 3800 times in the Old Testament are statements made claiming what is written is divine revelation (Eg, Leviticus 1:1-2; Isaiah 1:2; Hosea 1:1-2; Joel 1:1)
New Testament claims are far (far) fewer. (1 Corinthians 14:37; Revelation 1:1)

2. Their Content

a. They contain statements about all other forms of revelation.

1. Each form might have been a revelation to a person at the time it occurred.
2. Some forms are also revelation for us as we read about them.
3. Some matters in the Bible are not technically revelatory, such as:

- historical and geographical facts
- genealogies
4. Each book of the Bible as a whole was special revelation because of the way known and unknown truth was put together within it.

b. They interpret the other forms for us and therefore are not coordinate (in the same class) with them.

c. They are the broadest in scope of content than all other forms of revelation (even than Christ).

3. Arguments for their validation as revelation (From Thiessen, pp. 43-49)

a. Their own self-claims

1. Many Old testament books claim to be God’s Word.
2. If the Bible proves true in areas of science, history, geography, math, etc., we would tend to accept its witness to itself.

b. Their indestructibility

1. They have survived accusation against their truthfulness, authenticity and genuineness.
2. They have survived attacks against their physical existence.

c. Their fulfilled prophecy

1. About 20% of the Bible was predictive prophecy when written, and much has already been fulfilled.
2. Over 300 prophecies on the life and ministry of Christ alone have been fulfilled.

d. Their scientific and historical accuracy

1. No science or history book is without error.
2. Although not a science or history book, all of the biblical statements in these areas are proving true.

e. Their influence for goodness and justice

1. They have helped promote social, cultural, civil and humanitarian good as no other book has.
2. They have helped change countless lives morally.

f. Their contents (“The Bible is not a book that man would write if he could, nor could write if he would”- Chafer)

1. He would not write about:

a. the origin, fact and extent of human sin
b. the plan of salvation by grace, not works
c. the high ethical standards
d. the Person of God: his holiness and oneness

2. He could not write about:

a. the account of Creation
b. predictive prophecy that always comes to pass
c. the scope of contents from eternity past to eternity future
d. the harmony of diverse biblical themes

4. Some Concluding facts

a. Written revelation is not exhaustive

1. Although the Bible is the embodiment of all other forms of revelation, it still is limited in what ot contains.
2. God has not revealed all spiritual truth and undoubtedly has withheld much more knowledge than he has disclosed. (Deuteronomy 29:29)
3. God has revealed all that he had intended for us to know and we should be satisfied with this.

b. Written revelation is progressive

1. The Bible’s books generally build a knowledge presented in those that have preceded chronologically.
2. The book of Revelation is like the terminal of many railroad lines, making it more difficult to understand.

c. Written revelation is primarily intended for the edification of believers. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11)

d. Written revelation is secondarily unto salvation of unbelievers. (See 2 Timothy 3:15; John 20:31)

e. Written revelation has been completed

1. This really only relates to canonicity. (Is the canon closed? yes.)
2. Reasons for this are:

a. Theological: We would expect God who is perfect to give man as complete a revelation as needed and intended.
b. Logical: The early church was in the best position to judge and they judged it complete in 397 A.D.
c. Factual: There has been no attempt by orthodox Protestantism to insert any other books.
d. Experiential: Only the Bible books have proven by their effect (on human lives) to be divine revelation while other books have not.

III. The Inspiration of the Bible (This deals with the recording of revelation)

A. The Occurrence and Meaning of the term “inspiration”

1. Only occurrence in the New Testament and key verse: 2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…

2. Meaning

a. The phrase “inspired by God” is a translation of one Greek word meaning “God-breathed”.

b. The English word “inspired” is a transliteration of the Latin which translates this Greek word with “inspirata” meaning “to breathe into”.

c. However, the idea is not that God breathed into Scripture his breath, but that he breathed out his Word (through men).

d. The doctrine probably should be termed the doctrine of “inspiration” not “inspiration”.

B. A Statement and Explanation of the doctrine

1. Statements

a. This is “that inexplicable power which the divine Spirit put forth of old on the authors of Holy Scripture, in order to their guidance even in the employment of the words they used and to preserve them alike from all error and from all omission.” (L. Gaussen)

b. This is that work of the Holy Spirit in guiding human authors to compose and record through their personalities God’s selected message without error in the words of the original documents.

2. Explanation (Process and product)

a. The process or mode (how God did it) – dual authorship (Acts 1:16; 4:25)

1. the use of terms

a. When the process of inspiration is emphasized, you will see terms like “mechanical dictation”, “conceptual” or “organic” used by various schools of thought.
b. When the product is emphasized you will see terms like “plenary” and “verbal”.

2. by the “guidance” of the Holy Spirit

a. The key verse on the process is 2 Peter 1:21

For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along (“moved”) by the Holy Spirit.

1. the word “moved” literally means “to carry”.
2. the same word is translated “driven along” in Acts 27:15.
3. 2 Peter 1:21 is the only reference explaining how God did this, but this too is very limited.
4. It should be noted that 2 Peter 1:21 relates only to the Old Testament.

b. Some other related verses are John 14:26 and John 16:13

1. These verses only imply help for writing Scripture
2. Only three of these spoken to here went on to write Scripture.

3. by the work of human authors

a. They were not passive instruments

1. They were not like “pens in the hand of God”
2. They were not like “blank tape in a tape recorder”

b. The Spirit used their personalities, individualities and backgrounds:

1. because the writing styles are different
2. because grammar and vocabulary are different
3. because the thought patterns and sentence structures are different

c. Some used an amanuensis (ie, secretary)

1. The example of Paul (Romans 16:22; compare Galatians 6:11)

2. Historical background on the use of secretaries

a. They were needed because of illiteracy and because a lack of writing materials.
b. An experienced secretary was counted on to fill out the contents of a letter and then the “writer” signed it.

3. A possible problem: Did Paul give this freedom to his secretary?

a. If so, Paul’s style is usually still seen throughout his letters. (ie, “Pauline” style)
b. If so, Paul still signed his letters (cf 1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17) and probably proof-read them.
c. If so, God (still) controlled the whole process.

d. sources of information (in such writings)

1. Direct revelation (cf 1 Corinthians 11:23)
2. Personal experience (Acts 16:20; 20:5 – “we”)
3. Eye-witness accounts (Luke 1:2,3)
4. Oral tradition (1 Timothy 3:16)
5. Other written sources:

a. Genealogies (1 Chronicles 1-9; Matthew 1)
b. Old Testament Scriptures (eg, Matthew 1:23)
c. Synoptic Gospels (evidence written sources)
d. Histories (cf 1 Chronicles 29:29; Luke 1:1, 3)
e. Apocryphal literature (Jude 14, 15 – Jude’s references the “Book of Enoch”)
f. The writings of unbelievers (Titus 1:12 – Paul quotes the poet Emimenades’ “Hymn to Zeus by Calimacus”)

4. Conclusions (regarding Guidance)

a. The best word to describe the process of inspiration or how God did this is “guidance”.

1. The Spirit probably reminded them of things (eg, John 14:26)
2. The Spirit undoubtedly guided in the selection of information and words (Luke 1:3)
3. The Spirit revealed new things (John 16:13)
4. The Spirit did not put the writers into a trance, for the writings indicate that they were fully conscious as they wrote.

b. Some words and portions were dictated. (cf Exodus 21:1; 34:27)

c. Differences in writing style is against the mechanical dictation theory as a whole, since that would result in only one style.

d. The use of research and written sources is not contrary to divine inspiration.

e. The Bible is both the word and work of man and the word and work of God. (compare Matthew 15:4 with Mark 7:10 and John 12:39-41 with Acts 28:25-27)

f. The illumination (understanding) of the writers was not guaranteed. (cf Daniel 12:8-9; 1 Peter 1:10-12)

C. The Product or Result of Inspiration (Were the writers inspired? Or were the writings inspired? Or were they both inspired?)

1. Its Extent

a. Inspiration extends only to Scripture (and not other writings) – 2 Timothy 3:16

1. Occurrence and meaning of the term “scripture”

a. The word “scripture” literally means “a writing” [greek: graphai]
b. Paul is referring to the Old testament in 2 Timothy 3:16 (compare v.15)
c. The word “scripture” in the New testament is always a reference to Old Testament writings.

1. the word occurs at least 51 times in the New Testament
2. By New testament times, the Old Testament was canonized.
3. The word “scripture” was a technical term in Jesus’ day for the 22 books of the Old Testament.

2. Certain portions of the New testament were also classified as “scripture”.

a. Paul’s Epistles in 2 Peter 3:15-16
b. Luke 10:7 and Matthew 10:10 in Timothy 5:18

1. Paul seems to term Luke or Matthew as “scripture” along with Deuteronomy.
2. A possible problem would be whether Matthew or Luke are written yet
c. Since we don’t have a verse calling the New testament “scripture”, we argue from its similarity and unity with the Old Testament, as well as from its inspiration.

b. Inspiration extends to All Scripture (Plenary Inspiration)

1. The word “plenary” means “full” or “entire”.

2. This indicates that inspiration extends to every portion or part, not just certain portions.

3. The “all scripture” of 2 Timothy 3:16 could be translated “every scripture”. (greek pas without the article)

4. The Scriptures are a unit/whole (John 10:35)

a. Jesus is arguing here (John 10:35) for the unity as well as the authority of Scripture.
b. This verse helps support plenary inspiration because if one verse is inspired, all are due to their being a unit.

5. The translation problem of 2 Timothy 3:16:

a. There is no verb here in the Greek.
b. The problem is where to put the “is”.
c. The possibilities are:

1. after “scripture” ["All scripture is inspired..."]
- (as in the AV, RSV, NASB, NIV, Confraternity, Jerusalem, Berkeley, and New King James Bibles)
2. after “God” ["All scripture inspired by God is profitable..."]
- (as in the Douay, ASV, NEB) -
Note: reading #2 allows that not all scripture is inspired, but only that which is “inspired by God”.

c. Inspiration extends to Every Word of Scripture (Verbal Inspiration)

1. Key verses: Matthew 5:18 and Galatians 3:16

a. Even the smallest letters are important (Matthew 5:18)

1. a “jot” or “smallest letter” is an iota (or smallest letter) in the Greek alphabet.
2. a “title” or “stroke” means “little horn”

a. This might refer to a Hebrew yodh, the smallest letter in Hebrew.
b. This might refer to the difference between a Hebrew “D” and an “R” (the former has an additional, small stroke)
3. Although Jesus is not teaching on inspiration here, still for his reference to be meaningful, there would have had to have been exact words (with these meanings) to begin with.
b. Even plurals are important (Galatians 3:16)

2. Inspiration of concepts without inspiration of words leaves us in uncertainty, since we would never be sure whether such concepts were expressed correctly/accurately.

3. Some ramifications (Why verbal inspiration is important)

a. Jesus stated that we should live by the very words of Scripture (Matthew 4:14)
b. Our daily decisions and actions constantly depend upon the meaning and application of individual words in Scripture

1. Like the “not(s)” (1 John 2:1,15; Romans 12:2)
2. Like the “everything(s)” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Like the “all(s)” (1 Peter 5:7; Romans 3:23)
Like the word “daily” (Luke 29:7)
c. For Bible study, we should use a translation that is as literally accurate as possible.

d. Inspiration extends to the original manuscripts

1. Only the autographs (originals) were inspired and they no longer exist (cf 2 Peter 1:21)

2. No Greek text or English translation or version is “inspired”.

a. But by applying the laws of textual criticism to the existing Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, we can see that there is a virtual reproduction of the originals.
b. No major doctrine is affected by any uncertain readings.
c. Every Christian should determine which is the best translation or version, and then accept it word for word as the inspired Word of God.

e. Inspiration extends to Inerrancy

1. The meaning of Inerrancy

a. Not contrary to fact but true to fact
b. This means that the Bible is a record of things as they actually were, and a true account of those things about which it speaks.
c. The Bible contains the truths of God but is all true
d. The term “inerrancy” is very close to the term “infallibility”

1. Inerrancy usually relates to the accuracy of its contents
2. Infallibility seems to relate more to the authority or trustworthiness of its contents.

2. The expectation of inerrancy

a. because of the character of God

1. God had the ability to keep the writers from error.
2. God had the knowledge of the facts to prevent error.
3. God is holy in character, demanding perfection.
b. because of the need of man

1. unbelievers need a reliable word about the way to salvation
2. believers need a certain word about how to live godly in this life

3. What inerrancy does not demand

1. Proper grammar

- Eg, in John 16:13,14 the pronoun “he” does not agree with its antecedent in gender
2. identical wording in parallel passages

a. Like the “Good Teacher” passages in Mark 10, Luke 18 and Matthew
b. The superscription on the cross (Compare Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19)
c. Chronological groupings of events (cf Matthew 8-9)

1. Matthew groups 10 miracles together here which have other events between them.
2. Matthew’s purpose was probably to demonstrate Christ’s power and his right to make the statements in Matthew 5-7.
3. Only if Matthew had said that he would give a chronological account, and then didn;t. would there be a problem.
d. Exact quoting of the Old Testament in the New Testament

1. Like Matthew 1:23′s quote of Isaiah 7:14 where he quotes the Septuagint but changes it, probably to meet his purpose.
2. The Holy Spirit has a right to use and interpret the Old testament as he wills because he authored it.
e. Use of scientific language (cf Job 26:11; Revelation 7:1)
f. Use of up-to-date language (cf Isaiah 2:4)

4. Our approach to supposed historical and scientific inaccuracies and contradictions

a. Give time an opportunity to resolve them.
b. Consider them as difficulties or apparent contradictions but not “errors”
c. Realize that all of these could be solved with enough information
d. Realize that the authors were governed by their own purposes, cultures and times.

f. Inspiration extends to Equality

1. There are no degrees of inspiration but all portions of Scripture are equally inspired.

2. No writer was more guided by the Holy Spirit than another

3. No portion of Scripture is more the Word of God than another

4. There are degrees of profit (from reading) but no degrees of inspiration.

2. Its Profit (2 Timothy 3:16)

a. Areas of Profit

1. For “teaching” (this is a general term)
2. For “reproof” (literally to prove wrong)
3. For “correction” (literally to “set straight again”; this is retoration to correct spiritual alignment)
4. For “training” (child training or “discipline”)
b. Action of Profit

1. The action is progressive (continuous and increasing)
2. The action is complete
3. The action is life-changing

3. Its Purpose (2 Timothy 3:16) – The Equipping of Christians for Service

Theology Proper

Introduction
The Definition and Existence of God
Anti-Theistic Arguments
The Essence/Nature of God
The Attributes of God
The Unity and Trinity of God
The Decree of God
The Works of God

Anthropology

The Material Part of Man/Woman (Body)
The Non-Material Part of Man/Woman
The Basic Composition of Man/Woman
The Fall of Man/Woman
The Imputation of Adam/Eve’s First Sin
The Guilt and Penalty of Sin

Christology

Introduction
Preexistence and Deity of the Son
The Pre-incarnate Appearances and Ministry of the Son
The Revelation of Christ in Types and Prophecies
Prophecies about Christ in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)
The Early Life of Jesus
The Public Ministry of Jesus
The Sufferings and Death of Jesus
The Resurrection of Jesus
The Ascension and Present Ministry of Jesus
The Return and Reign of Jesus

Soteriology

Introduction
The Possibility and Need for Salvation
God’s Provision for Salvation
The Person and Work of Christ
The Call and Message of Salvation
The Preparatory Work of the Holy Spirit for Salvation
The Condition/Requirement for Salvation
The Content of Past Salvation
The Content of Present Salvation
The Content of Future Salvation