THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THEOLOGY

THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THEOLOGY
2003
LESSON SEVEN

I.     Theology and Certainty (p 110, et. seq.)

        A.     Question of how theologian attains subjective certainty (personal assurance of truthfulness) is much discussed.
                1.     The "difficulty" is due to a repudiation of Scripture as God's Word.
                2.     Jn 8:31,32 teaches:
                        a.     There is "Christian certainty".
                        b.     And that this certain knowledge of the truth is identical with continuing in the Word of Christ, believing His Word.
                3.     Faith is certainty.
                        a.     The Word works faith (Ro 10:17).
                        b.     It carries with it the power of the Holy Spirit (1Co 2:5).
        B.     Only by continuing in the Word is the Christian certainty mediated.
                1.     Of great practical value for all Christians.
                2.     Is the trouble with "enthusiasts".
                3.     Even worse for those who take a critical attitude toward Scripture.
        C.     A certainty which in principle rejects the Word of God as the foundation of assurance:
                1.     Is not Christian.
                2.     Is not certain.
                3.     Is not scientific.
                        a.     "Self-certification" is not within requirements of science.
                        b.     Is "subjectivism", i.e. self-deification!

II.     Theology and Doctrinal Development (p 129, et. seq.)

        A.     "Moderns" hold that development in doctrine is essential to a living and dynamic Christianity.
        B.     There can be no development of the Christian doctrine.
                1.     That given by the Apostles is a finished product, complete and perfect, fixed for all times.
                2.     It needs no improvement and allows no alteration.
                3.     Mt. 28:20 extends over entire New Testament era to Judgment Day.
                4.     There is no room for an interim theology.
                        a.     1Ti 6:13-16.
                        b.     Gal 1:6-9
        C.     Must avoid all who teach otherwise.
                1.     Ro 16:17.
                2.     1Ti 6:3-5.
        D.     Advocates of doctrinal development theory appeal to fact that church has found it necessary as new errors arose, to give expression to doctrine in new formulations.
                1.     These did not develop or change the Christian doctrine.
                2.     Only maintained the old doctrine against new errors.
                3.     Reformation did not in any way develop the Christian doctrine; it added nothing!
        E.     Whenever men set out to develop the doctrine, they invariably pervert and destroy the Christian doctrine.
        F.     We will engage in the business of developing the doctrine only so long and in so far as we do not know the Christian doctrine.

III.     Theology and Doctrinal Liberty (p 134, et. seq.)

        A.     Christian liberty is this, that Christians are freed from their own will and are now servants of God. (Ro 6:22).
        B.     Doctrinal liberty is this, that Christian teachers are freed from human opinions and bound only by the Word of God (Jn 8:31,32)
        C.     The monstrosity of universal demand for theological freedom:
                1.     The Christian Church has but one Teacher, Jesus Christ (Mt 23:8,10)
                2.     Christians are commanded to hear only such preachers as speak out of the mouth of the Lord, i.e. out of Holy Scripture (Jer 23:16)
                3.     There are two classes of hearers of His Word:
                        a.     First class knows and willingly accepts His Word as God's Word.
                        b.     Second class refuses to accept His Word as God's Word.
                        c.     Jn 8:47.
        D.     In dealing with an unbeliever:
                1.     Can not begin with an attempt to convince him of the divine authority of Scripture.
                2.     Must first bring him to the knowledge of his sins and to faith in Christ.
                3.     First preach to him on the basis of Scripture - without discussing the authority of Scripture - repentance and remission of sin.
                4.     Then, if comes to faith, he will know that the Word is God's Word - a childlike, willing, glorious submission to God.