THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THEOLOGY

THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THEOLOGY
2003
LESSON EIGHT

I. Theology and System (p 138, et. seq.)

A. Does theology constitute a system? Answer depends on definition of “system”.

B. If “system” means an integrated, organized whole, answer is “yes”.

1 Since taken from Scripture, it forms a complete, unified, homogenous whole in a twofold respect:

a. As to its source [formal principle].

b. As to its material principle.

2. Scripture does not contain varying human types of doctrine (e.g. Petrine, Pauline)

3. Scripture presents the uniform theology of God, since it is divinely inspired and absolutely errorless.

4. Since taken solely from Scripture:

a. Doctrine of justification is the central doctrine.

b. All other doctrines are either antecedents or consequents.

5. Close connection of whole doctrine evident from fact that error of any part will in natural course vitiate the whole.

6. Also shown by fact unless believe article of justification, actually do not believe any of the other articles of faith.

7. We prefer not to call the Christian doctrine a “system” because “moderns” common use of the term means theology definitely is not a “system”.

C. If “system” means the logical arrangement of certain laws which have been derived and deduced from one fundamental principle by pure thought, in disregard of the actual facts (speculative system), then answer is “No!”.

1. Systems of this kind are in place only where one not dealing with things as they actually exist, but only with ideal things, e.g. “pure” vs. “applied” mathematics.

2. Christian theology however, is fixed by Scripture.

a. Not our business to deduce, through a process of thought, the Christian doctrine from one fundamental principle.

b. Nor to construct it from the so-called “whole of Scripture”, which is a logical monstrosity.

c. Work is limited to drawing the doctrine in all its parts directly from those Scripture statements that treat the respective doctrine.

d. Then only arrange all Scriptural statements concerning the various doctrines under the proper heads.

e. We only take the doctrines as Scripture presents them.

f. Under this method, gaps remain in this life for our human understanding.

3. Restated points:

a. Only Bible possesses the quality of perfect unity (2Ti 3:16).

b. Since “moderns” deny that Scripture is a “harmonious whole”; they try to supply it with “pious consciousness”, “religious experience”, “regenerate Ego”. etc. – self delusion!

c. In theology, we deal with given and unalterable facts, which human reason and alleged “needs” cannot change in the least.

d. The subject of theology is God, who is infinite and incomprehensible.

e. Faith must unfold itself into the entire body of Christian doctrine without adding anything from any other source.

f. Holy Spirit can not be divided: denying one article makes Him a liar in all His Words.

g. Every form of subjectivism is self-worship!

II. Scripture passages

A. Ac 20:27.

B. 1Co 2:2.

C. Jos 23:6.

D. Mt 5:17-19.

E. Jn 10:35.

F. Jn 8:31,32.

G. 1Pe 1:10,11.

H. 2Pe 1:21.

I. 1Co 13:9.