Introduction to Systematic Theology
Systematic Theology
I. What Is Systematic Theology?
a. A System is “A combination of related elements organized into a complex whole.” Comes from Greek sunistano, which means “to stand together.”
b. Theology comes from theos, meaning God, and logos, meaning word or discourse. Thus, theology is the discussion of God.
c. Systematic Theology is then a discussion of God which puts everything together.
II. Axioms (presuppositions)
a. The Bible, as we have received it, is the complete, inerrant, and divinely inspired word of God. 2 Tim 3:16-17
i. The 66 books of the Bible are the full word of God. While other texts and historical documents can help us interpret what is found in the Bible, they are recognized as neither inspired nor inerrant.
ii. The Bible is inerrant meaning that everything it says is true. It cannot contradict itself.
iii. The Bible has been preserved without meaningful variation for us to study. If this doctrine is abandoned, reason become the source of authority.
iv. The text of the Bible is from God, it is not man’s opinion about God.
b. Interpretation should be done in a plain, exegetical form.
i. In giving us this revelation, God desired to communicate, not obscure, the truth.
ii. When symbols, parables, etc. appear, they should first be interpreted literally unless obviously intended otherwise.
c. The Bible is a progressive revelation. The New Testament supercedes the Old Testament.
III. Why we need Systematic Theology
a. Enables us to have a clear understanding about the fundamental beliefs of our faith.
b. Helps us interpret problematic verses. If you understand the way in which God works, you will be able to understand verses that may be difficult to interpret otherwise.
c. Enables us to better defend our beliefs and compare them with others. False teachings come in all shapes and sizes. If we know how to recognize the truth, falsity will be easily recognized. 1 John 4:1 implores us to “test the spirits.”
d. It allows us to get a deeper understanding of our beliefs. Many have gone to church for decades and don’t really understand what they “believe.” Paul tells the Corinthians that he must give them “milk, not solid food” because they were not mature in their beliefs (1 Corinthians 3:2)
IV. The pitfalls of studying Systematic Theology
a. Systematic theology can be divisive. Many a church has been split by disagreements on things like predestination and election. Many have left our church body because they believed something different. (Others have stayed).
i. “These doctrines a perversion of the Truth of God and the way of Salvation. They have no scriptural foundation.” – William MacLean speaking of Arminianism.
ii. “Calvinism is therefore the greatest ‘Christian’ heresy that has ever plagued the Church.” – Laurence Vance
b. Paul warns the Corinthians not to argue about insignificant belief differences. See 1 Corinthians 1:12-13.
c. Arguing differences in the Gospel is another matter.
i. Paul makes the bar clear in Galatians 1:9 – “If any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he it to be accursed!”
ii. The Gospel is defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
1. Christ died for our sins.
2. Christ was buried.
3. Christ was raised again on the 3rd day.
d. If someone agrees with us on the Gospel, we can have good-hearted debate but should not let it get in the way of our joint service to God.
e. There is obviously one right answer and the rest are incorrect but just as we wouldn’t fail to serve with someone who believed differently about whether women need to wear hats in church, we shouldn’t look derisively at one who differs on the issue of free will.
f. In this class, feel free to ask questions and to voice you opinion. If you have questions, I’ll try to answer them and if I cannot, I’ll research it and come back next week with an answer.
V. A quick overview of common theological systems
a.
|
|
Free to Accept God (yes) |
Free to Accept God (no) |
|
Free to Leave God (yes) |
Arminianism |
|
|
Free to Leave God (no) |
Biblicism |
Calvinism |
b. Calvinism
i. Named after John Calvin whose prolific writings in the 16th Century for the underpinnings of the system.
ii. Major beliefs include:
1. Total Depravity - the inability of man to accept God
2. Unconditional Election - God’s selection of specific individuals to salvation (election) and others to hell (reprobation) before the foundation of the universe
3. Limited Atonement - Christ not dying for the whole world but only those who were to be saved
4. Irresistible Grace – Belief coming from God not the individual. In other words, salvation coming not through belief, but belief through salvation.
5. Perseverance of the Saints – you cannot lose your salvation.
6. Emphasis put on God’s sovereignty so man cannot have free will.
c. Arminianism
i. Named after Jacobus Arminius who was an antagonist of the “Calvinists.” The beliefs of his followers vary substantially from his.
ii. Major beliefs:
1. Humans have free will and the ability to seek after God.
2. Election is conditional upon God’s foreknowledge. He knows who will accept but does not cause salvation.
3. Christ’s death was sufficient for all.
4. The Holy Spirit can be resisted. Man can reject God.
5. Those who believe are truly saved but can lose their salvation by falling from the faith. (Arminius himself didn’t believe this).
iii. Calvinists use this term for anyone who is not a Calvinist.
d. Biblicism
i. Not as widespread a term. Many call themselves “moderate Calvinists” instead. It is my belief that this latter term is incorrect and so I do not subscribe to it.
ii. Major beliefs:
1. Man is fallen but can freely accept God’s offer of salvation.
2. God did not elect nor predestinate who will become saved.
3. Christ died for all. His offer of salvation is to “whosoever will.”
4. God will not force men to accept salvation. He allows men to reject him.
5. Once saved, a Christian is sealed by the Holy Spirit and predestinated to be raised again on the last day.
e. Covenant Theology – God has made 2 covenants man
i. Covenant of Works – Obedience == life. Creation to fall.
ii. Covenant of Grace – God saves elect sinners based solely upon his grace. Fall to return of Christ.
f. Dispensationalism
i. God has created different economies of salvation. The responsibilities of man differ depending on the time in which he lives (Innocence, Conscience, Promise, Law, Grace, etc.)
ii. Consistent with the literal approach to interpreting the Bible.
g. Reformed Theology – Theology of the Reformation. Combination of Calvinism, Covenant Theology, and post/amillennialism.