Systematic Theology

 

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY: BIBLIOLOGY

SECTION ONE: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

1. Definition

Definition of the Word "Theology"

The word theology comes from the Greek words θεός (Theos) meaning God and λόγος (Logos) meaning word, study, or discourse. Hence, theology is the study of God or the doctrine concerning God.

Definition of the Word "Systematic"

The term systematic refers to a structured and organized approach. It involves arranging concepts in an orderly manner to present a coherent teaching.

Definition of Systematic Theology

Systematic theology is the orderly study of biblical doctrines, where theological truths are arranged logically under specific categories, rather than being studied in the order they appear in Scripture.

Etymological Definition of Theology

  • The Greek term θεολογία (Theologia) means discourse about God.
  • The Latin equivalent theologia was used in early Christian writings.
  • In English, theology refers to the study of God and His revealed truths.

2. The Location of Systematic Theology

Systematic theology exists within the broader field of theological studies and interacts with other branches of theology:

  1. Exegetical Theology – The study of Scripture based on proper interpretation and exegesis of biblical texts.
  2. Historical Theology – The study of how Christian doctrine has developed over time.
  3. Systematic Theology – The study that organizes biblical doctrines into a logical system.
  4. Dogmatic Theology – The study of doctrines as officially taught by church traditions.
  5. Limited Theology – The study that focuses on specific doctrines or areas of theology rather than a full systematic approach.

3. List of Doctrines Covered in Systematic Theology

Systematic theology covers ten major doctrines:

  1. Bibliology – The study of the Bible.
  2. Theology Proper – The study of God’s nature and attributes.
  3. Christology – The study of Jesus Christ.
  4. Pneumatology – The study of the Holy Spirit.
  5. Anthropology – The study of man from a biblical perspective.
  6. Hamartiology – The study of sin.
  7. Soteriology – The study of salvation.
  8. Ecclesiology – The study of the church.
  9. Angelology – The study of angels, including Satan and demons.
  10. Eschatology – The study of end times and biblical prophecy.

4. The Necessity of Systematic Theology

  • Provides a structured approach to understanding Christian doctrine.
  • Helps Christians defend their faith through apologetics.
  • Clarifies theological truths, avoiding misinterpretation.
  • Guides believers in applying biblical principles to daily life.
  • Ensures continuity in Christian teaching across generations.

5. Method in Theology

Systematic theology follows a structured methodology:

  • Collection of Biblical Data – Gathering relevant Scripture passages.
  • Exegesis – Proper interpretation of Scripture.
  • Doctrinal Formulation – Arranging biblical truths logically.
  • Historical Analysis – Understanding how doctrines have been taught throughout church history.
  • Practical Application – Applying theology to Christian living.

SECTION TWO: BIBLIOLOGY

1. Definition of Bibliology

Bibliology is the study of the nature, origin, and authority of the Bible. It examines how the Bible was inspired, preserved, and transmitted as God’s revelation to humanity.

2. Books of the Bible

The List

The Bible consists of 66 books:

  • Old Testament – 39 books
  • New Testament – 27 books

The Classification

  • Old Testament: Law (Pentateuch), History, Poetry, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets.
  • New Testament: Gospels, History (Acts), Pauline Epistles, General Epistles, Revelation.

3. Revelation

Definition

Revelation refers to God’s act of making Himself and His truths known to humanity.

Types of Revelation

  1. General Revelation – God’s self-disclosure to all people through nature, conscience, and history.
  2. Special Revelation – God’s direct revelation through Scripture, miracles, and Jesus Christ.

Modes of Special Revelation

  • In the Old Testament:
    • Theophanies (God appearing in visible form).
    • The Angel of the Lord.
    • Dreams and Visions.
    • Audible Voices.
  • In the New Testament:
    • Tongues.
    • Letters (Epistles).
    • Trances and Visions.
    • Dreams.

The Purpose of Special Revelation

  • To reveal God’s will and redemptive plan.
  • To provide moral and doctrinal guidance.
  • To establish God’s authority and truth.

4. Related Terms and Their Definitions

  • Revelation – God’s disclosure of Himself and His will.
  • Inspiration – The divine influence that guided biblical writers.
  • Authority – The Bible’s power as the final standard for faith and practice.
  • Inerrancy – The Bible’s complete truthfulness without error.
  • Infallibility – The Bible’s incapability of being wrong.
  • Illumination – The Holy Spirit’s work in helping believers understand Scripture.
  • Sufficiency – The Bible contains everything necessary for faith and salvation.

5. Inspiration

Definition of Inspiration

The word inspiration comes from the Greek θεόπνευστος (Theopneustos) meaning God-breathed. It refers to God’s supernatural guidance of biblical authors to write His word without error.

History of Inspiration in Different Dispensations

  • Patriarchal Age – God spoke through visions and direct communication.
  • Mosaic Age – God revealed Himself through the Law and prophets.
  • New Testament Age – God revealed Himself through Jesus Christ and the apostles.

Five Cardinal Doctrines of Fundamentalists

  1. The inerrancy of Scripture.
  2. The deity of Christ.
  3. The virgin birth of Christ.
  4. Christ’s substitutionary atonement.
  5. Christ’s bodily resurrection and second coming.

Verbal and Plenary Inspiration

  • Verbal Inspiration – Every word of the Bible is inspired by God.
  • Plenary Inspiration – The whole Bible is fully inspired, not just parts.

Extent and Mode of Inspiration

  • Extent: The whole Bible is inspired and authoritative.
  • Mode: The Holy Spirit guided the authors without overriding their personalities.

False Theories of Inspiration

  1. Natural Inspiration – The Bible is just a human literary work.
  2. Universal Christian Illumination – Every Christian has inspiration similar to biblical writers.
  3. Partial Inspiration – Only some parts of the Bible are inspired.
  4. Experiential Inspiration – The Bible becomes inspired when it impacts the reader.
  5. Conceptual Inspiration – Only the ideas, not the words, are inspired.
  6. Dictation Theory – God dictated the Bible word-for-word, bypassing the authors’ personalities.

6. Key Points to Note

  • Inspiration vs Illumination: Inspiration refers to the writing of Scripture, while illumination refers to understanding it.
  • Inspiration vs Revelation: Revelation is God making truth known, while inspiration is God guiding the writing of that truth.
  • Inspiration vs Preservation: Inspiration refers to the original writing, while preservation refers to God ensuring the text remains uncorrupted.
  • Verbal Plenary Inspiration vs Verbal Plenary Preservation: The first refers to the original manuscripts being fully inspired, while the second refers to God's hand in preserving His Word through history.

This structured outline provides an in-depth foundation for Systematic Theology: Bibliology.

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