Introduction to Theology

INDIANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY

AN ESSAY PAPER

IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY, COURSE #T502

BY

RICHARD L. TAYLOR, JR.

JANURARY 2009

9404 NORTH SHAFFER ROAD

MUNCIE, INDIANA 47303

(765)282-3645

Introduction to Theology

Foreward

The Beginnings of My Theology

As it is necessary upon every minister’s life to ascertain a personal theological stand, I now endeavor to accomplish this very important work. Although my Christian beliefs have been in development for many years, this is my first attempt to define a personal, systematic belief system of my Christian faith. Recently, while away on business with a Christian brother, I found myself embroiled in friendly and lengthy conversations concerning our mutual Christian faith. The discussions were enjoyable, but rather difficult at times. These difficulties lead me to realize the importance of knowing what I believe about my Christian faith. And more importantly why I believe what I believe. I first say ‘what I believe’ due to the various ways to believe about certain theological matters. Calvinistic Theology, Arminian Theology, Dispensational Theology, Catholic Theology (just to name a few), are all belief systems concerning Christianity. Subsequently, ‘why I believe what I believe’ becomes all the more important because I must be able to Biblically defend my beliefs.

Although this treatment will be intentionally brief, it will begin a work that is necessary as a part of the calling that God Almighty has placed on my life. This work is by no means complete or exhaustive, but it will be very personal and fulfilling as the Holy Spirit leads me through this effort.

Introduction to Theology

Biblology: The Doctrine of the Bible

What I believe about the Bible.

I believe the Bible is the primary mode of communication God has chosen to speak to humanity. The Bible was written by God through many different authors. Each author was inspired by God to make the total and precise contribution to the Bible that God intended. No special qualifications were necessary of the authors to be used for this purpose other than to be chosen, obedient servants of God (Hebrews 1:1). Kings, priests, tax collectors, shepherds and many others are all among the authors God chose as instruments for this purpose.

I believe the Bible is fully and verbally inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20f). This is called the plenary and verbal inspiration of Scripture.[1] This concept stresses the intimate involvement of the Holy Spirit as He formed the very words of the original manuscripts of the Bible through the minds and hearts of the human authors (I Corinthians 2:13). God presided over and directed the life of each person chosen for the purpose of writing the very portion of Scripture God intended for them to write. This direction prepared each author to freely choose to be a vessel of God. As a result each author’s personality, vocabulary, and emotions are present in the writings; but it is God who inspired them to write the very words that He intended.[2]

I believe the plenary and verbal inspiration of Scripture is limited to the original autographs as written by the original authors. This inspiration is not possessed by any copied manuscripts or any version of the Bible. Mistakes in translation and transliteration can be made as a result of human fallibility. However, I also believe that God will keep the integrity and reliability of His Word intact despite these mistakes (Isaiah 55:10-11). As an example, the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the reliability and accuracy of the Scriptures currently in use. Indeed, the Great Isaiah Scroll found with the Dead Sea Scrolls has further enhanced the validity and understanding of the Christian Faith. The Dead Sea Scroll passage of Isaiah 53:11 has this reading ‘Out of the travail of his soul he shall see light’, not ‘He shall see of the travail of his soul’ found in the KJV. The word ‘light’ is present in the older manuscript (as well as two other ancient scrolls). With this transliteration both Good Friday and Easter Sunday are found in the same passage.[3]

I believe that, as a result of the plenary and verbal inspiration of Scripture, the Bible has the following attributes:

Infallibility and Inerrancy: If God wrote the Scriptures (II Timothy 3:16) and God is true (Romans 3:4), then God’s Word is true. Jesus, the Son of God recognized and affirmed this (John 17:17).

Authority: God’s Word has the power and authority (Isaiah 1:2; I Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 4:12) and will accomplish His desired task (Isaiah 55:10-11). No word spoken by God is without power (Luke 1:37).

Sufficiency: God’s Word is sufficient for all God has intended (Isaiah 55:10-11; II) God’s Word is sufficient to meet our daily needs (Corinthians 9:8; II Timothy 3:15-17).
Effectiveness: God’s Word is effective in any and every task in which it is properly applied (Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 4:12; I Thessalonians 1:5).
Completeness: God’s Word is complete as presented in the canonical Scriptures generally accepted by the Church. No other revelation, contemporary or otherwise, is needed, necessary, nor acceptable (Psalms 19:7; Proverbs 30:6; Galatians 1:8-9; Jude 3; Revelation 22:18-19).

Conclusion.

I must remain firm in my faithfulness and diligent in my care of God’s Word. As a minister of the Gospel it is crucial that I be found worthy in my treatment of the infallible, inerrant, authoritative, sufficient, effective and complete Word of God (Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 3:5; 22:18-19).

Theology Proper: The Doctrine of God

What I believe about God.

1. I believe God exists. This fact is proven by many proofs. The existence of and systematic order of the universe requires more than a ‘big bang’ theory. The diversity and complexity of life on earth cannot by sufficiently explained by an astronomically improbable series of events, random mistakes and mutations endorsed by the evolution theory. It is logically necessary that the existence of the complex, diverse, and orderly system of life found in the earth and the surrounding universe have a rational and intelligent beginning. The beginning is found only in God (Genesis 1:1; Psalms 8:3-4; 33:6; 89:11-12; 102:25; Jeremiah 51:15; John 1:1-3).

2. I believe God possesses the following attributes (this list is not all inclusive nor listed in any order of rank or importance):

a. Omnipresence: God is everywhere at all times, this quality is known as ubiquity. Nothing escapes His notice or avoids His attention (Psalms 139:7-17; Job 26:6; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Acts 7:48-49).

b. Omniscience: God is all knowing of all things in actual existence (Job 42:2; Isaiah 40:14; Psalms 139:1-6; 147:4-5; Matthew 6:8; 10:28-30). God is all knowing of all things possible (Matthew 11:21-24). I believe God voluntarily limits His knowledge of sins for repentant believers in Christ (Romans 11:27; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17).

c. Omnipotence: God is all powerful (Job 42:2; Isaiah 26:4; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Revelation 19:6). God cannot do anything contrary to His nature. He cannot approve of sin (Psalms 5:5; Habakkuk 1:13), deny Himself (II Timothy 2:13), lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18), or tempt or be tempted by sin (James 1:13).

d. Immensity: God knows no boundaries (I Kings 8:27; II Chronicles 2:6; 6:18; Isaiah 66:1; Jeremiah 23:24).

e. Eternity: The eternity of God is expressed in His name Yahweh, ‘I AM WHO I AM,’ (Exodus 3:14). He has existed through time and eternity (Deuteronomy 33:27; Job 36:26; Psalms 90:2). He is not subject to nor limited by time (II Peter 3:8).

f. Spirituality: God is Spirit (John 4:24). He is not corporeal, nor is He limited by corporeality. References to His physical features or actions that resemble man serve to allow man to have an understanding of God relative to himself (Genesis 3:8; I Kings 8:27; Psalms 90:2; 139:7-12).[4]

g. Personality: God is a person and has the attributes that exhibit personality. The Scriptures reveal that God has self-awareness (Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 45:5; I Corinthians 2:10), and self determination (Job 9:12-13; 23:13; Psalms 115:3; Isaiah 55:10-11; Ephesians 1:9). Furthermore, God shows superior intelligence (Genesis 18:19; Isaiah 55:9), sensibility (Genesis 6:6), and volition (Genesis 3:15; Psalms 115:3; John 6:38). God speaks, hears, sees, gets angry, grieves, repents, is jealous, and shows compassion. All these are traits and proof of the personality of God.[5]

h. Self Existence: God lives and exists independently from any and every thing (John 5:26). All things were and are created by Him; therefore all created things are dependant upon Him (Genesis 1-2; Job 26:13; Hebrews 11:3). God emphasizes His independence when He declares His name to Moses in Exodus 3:14. God declares, “I AM WHO I AM.” In other words, He is making the declaration, “I am being all I ever have been, all I am, and all I will ever be.”

i. Immutability: By His very nature God does not change. In the above statement God declares His changeless nature. If God is being all He has been, all He is and all He will ever be, then He cannot change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).

j. Unity: Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.” God is not pluralistic, He is unified in all He is, says and does. He is one (Matthew 12:29; John 17:3; I Corinthians 8:4-6).

k. Truth: God is the one true God, there is none like Him (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; 32:4; I Samuel 2:2). God is truth in regards to His Word and His revelations (Numbers 13:19; II Samuel 7:28; Psalms 119:142, 151; John 17:17; Romans 3:3-4).

l. Love: I John 4:8 clearly indicates, “God is love.” The love of God is further explained in the verses following. God extends His love toward us; that is all of humanity generally and Christian believers specifically (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; I John 4:9). Furthermore His love is perfected in us by our love for one another (I John 4:9-12, 16).

m. Holiness: God is holy (Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; Hebrews 12:10; I Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8). God’s Holiness permeates all He does and all He is. His holiness sets Him apart and above all others (Exodus 15:11).

n. Grace, Mercy and Goodness: God grants grace, gives mercy, and is good (Matthew 5:44-45; John 3:16; Romans 2:4; 8:32; Titus 3:4-7; I Peter 1:3).

3. I believe God can be known by men (Genesis 3:8). He has revealed His name to His children. We have learned some of His nature by the names He has revealed to us. Jehovah, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14); El, “to be strong” (Genesis 17:1); Adonai, “Lord” or “Master” (Psalms 8:1); El Shaddai, “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1); El Elyon, “God Most High” (Genesis 14:18-22).’ El Olam, “Everlasting God”, (Genesis 21:33); Jehovah Jireh, “The LORD Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14); Jehovah Nissi, “The LORD Our Banner “ (Exodus 17:15); Jehovah Shalom, “The LORD is Peace” (Judges 6:24); Jehovah Sabbaoth, “The LORD of Hosts” (I Samuel 1:3); Jehovah Maccaddeshcem, “The LORD Thy Sanctifier” (Exodus 31:13); Jehovah Tsidkneu, “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6).[6]

Conclusion

I, of myself, can draw no distinct conclusion of God. God is so vast and magnificent that my simple mind cannot fathom Him. I am helpless without the help of the Holy Spirit. In John 16:12-15 Jesus gives His disciples this promise, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I rely on this very precious promise made by my Lord and Savior.

Christology: The Doctrine of Jesus Christ

What I believe about the person of Jesus Christ.

1. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is the second person of the Trinity. In his book Christian Theology Bancroft draws this conclusion,

“In John1:18, “the only begotten God” must be regarded as the correct reading and as a plain ascription of absolute deity to Christ. He is not simply the revealer of God, but He is Himself God revealed. In John 20:28, the address of Thomas - “my Lord and my God” – since it was unrebuked by Christ, is equivalent to an assertion on His own part of His claim to deity”.[7]

John 1:1-3 is the primary passage of Scripture that gives full indication of the eternal, and creative (not created) deity of Jesus Christ. Other Scriptures that confirm the deity of Christ are:

a. Jesus said in John 8:58, “before Abraham was born, I am.” This is a direct reference to Yahweh. Jesus was making a claim to deity and claiming equality with Yahweh, the same title God used to reveal His name to Moses in Exodus 3:14.

b. In Hebrews 1:8 the writer quotes from the Old Testament to show that God recognizes the Son as eternally existing. If God is eternally existing and deity, it follows that this acknowledgement of the status of Son and eternality of Jesus Christ confirm the deity of Jesus Christ.

c. Titus 2:3 clearly indicates the deity of Jesus Christ. Paul states, “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

d. In Matthew 1:20-25 an angel reveals to Joseph the name to be given to the child born to his virgin wife. Immanuel is the name given to the Son. This name means “God with us.”

2. I believe that Jesus Christ possesses the attributes of God. These attributes include but are not limited to eternality, self-existence, immutability, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, truth, love, holiness (Matthew 9:4; 27:18; 28:20; Luke 1:35; John 1:1, 4; 2:24, 25; 5:26; 6:69; 14:6; 16:30; 17:5; Acts 1:24; Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 1:15-17; 2:2-3; Hebrews 1:11-13; 7:16, 26; 13:8; Revelation 1:8).

3. I believe that Jesus Christ became a human person without sacrificing any of His deity and remained deity without sacrificing any of His humanity (John 1:14; I john 4:2). Enns calls this the ‘hypostatic union’, he states:

“The hypostatic union may be defined as “the second person, the preincarnate Christ came and took to Himself a human nature and remains forever undiminished Deity and true humanity united in one person forever.” When Christ came, a person came, not just a nature; He took on additional nature, a human nature-He did not simply dwell in a human person. The result of the union of the two natures is the theanthropic Person (the God-man).”

Bancroft’s explanation of this union is more emphatic and illuminating. My personal understanding of John 1:14 became more complete with the aid of this statement:

“As the Scriptures distinctly represent Jesus Christ to have been possessed of a divine nature and of a human nature, each unaltered in essence and undivested of its normal attributes and powers, they with equal distinctness represent Jesus Christ as a single, undivided personality in whom these are vitally and inseparably united, so that He is properly not God-and-man, but the God-man. The two natures are bound together, not by any moral tie of friendship, nor by the spiritual tie which links the believer to his Lord, but by a bond unique and inscrutable, which constitutes them one person with a single consciousness and will, this consciousness and will including within their possible range both the human nature and the divine.”[8]

Thiessen generally agrees with these statements but adds this:

“Because Christ did not unite with a human person but a human nature, the seat of the personality of Christ is in the divine nature.”[9]

I believe the manner in which Jesus Christ came to earth is a great mystery. The miracles surrounding His birth, the depth of His life, and the complexity of His nature are all a mystery that is far too in-depth for the finite mind of mankind. My goal is to know Christ in the depth of His love and righteousness, not in the depth of His mysteries. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians says this,

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (Philippians 3:8, NKJV).”

4. I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I believe that He came as a propitiation for my sin (Romans 3:25; I John 2:2; 4:10, 14). I believe that His righteousness is conferred on me and He testifies before God the Father on my behalf (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 3:5).

Conclusion

I, like Paul, seek to know Christ in all His glory. I cannot fathom the depth of love that My Lord and Savior has shown for me. To be Christ like, to truly represent Jesus Christ the best I can so that others may experience the joy of salvation-that must be my primary motivation as I serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Pneumatology: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

What I believe about the Holy Spirit.

1. To state what I believe about the Holy Spirit I will first state what I do not believe about the Holy Spirit. I do not believe the Holy Spirit is merely an influence, divine or otherwise; He does, however, divinely influence man. I do not believe the Holy Spirit is a moral mind set, a moral position or a moral aptitude. I do not believe the Holy Spirit is an abstract thought or idea.

2. I believe the Holy Spirit is a person. The Holy Spirit moves ( Genesis 1:2), strives (Genesis 6:3), teaches (Luke 12:12), recreates (John 3:8), convicts the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8), speaks (Acts 2:4; 8:29; 10:19, 20; 13:2; Revelation 22:17), forbids (Acts 16:6), raises the dead (Romans 8:11), helps, searches and intercedes (Romans 8:26, 27), sanctifies (Romans 15:16: I Peter 1:2), works mighty signs and wonders (Romans 15:19), searches, knows and reveals (I Corinthians 2:10,11), gives life (II Corinthians 3:6), give comfort (John 14:16, 26, 15:16, 16:7), gives profitable gifts to Believers (I Corinthians 12:1-12), and moves men to prophecy (II Peter 1:21). All these acts are not the product of a mere influence; these acts require a person.

3. I believe the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person. He is identified as God (Acts 5:3, 4; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 12:3-6). The attributes of Divinity as ascribed to Him. These attributes include, but are not limited to omnipresence (Psalms 139:7-10), omnipotence (Luke 1:35), omniscience (John 14:26; 16:12, 13; I Corinthians 2:10), eternity (Hebrews 9:14), holiness (Isaiah 63:10; Romans 1:4; Ephesians 4:30), life (Romans 8:2), love (Romans 15:30), and truth (John 16:13). In reference to the divinity and personality of the Holy Spirit, R. A. Torrey makes an interesting observation. In his book, ‘The Holy Spirit’, he writes this:

“In the first place, the doctrine of the personality of the Holy spirit is of the highest importance from the standpoint of worship. If the Holy Spirit is a person and a Divine Person, and He is; and if you or I do not know Him as such, if we think of the Holy Spirit merely as an impersonal influence or power, as so many do, then we are robbing a Divine Person of the worship which is His due, of the love which is His due, and of the faith and confidence and surrender and obedience and worship which are His due.”[10]

4. I believe the Holy Spirit contributes to the church in very specific ways. The Holy Spirit empowers the church by providing manifestation of the Holy Spirit as listed in I Corinthians 12:7-11:

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (NKJV).

The Greek word for manifestation is ‘phanersis.’ This word means to express and also to bestow. Therefore, these manifestations not only give expression to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, but also are bestowed upon men for the profit of all believers. These manifestations are referred to as ‘the gifts of the Spirit.’ Dr. Lester Sumrall defines the gifts as falling into three categories:[11]

1. Gifts of revelation with which God uses to reveal heavenly and spiritual truth to man, things that cannot be known by any other means. This category of gifts includes: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and the discerning of spirits.

2. Gifts of power with which God accomplishes His divine will in a miraculous way, and He imparts His divine abilities and power. This category of gifts includes: the gift of faith, the gifts of healing, and the working of miracles.

3. Gifts of inspiration with which God blesses, edifies comforts and inspires man. This category of gifts include: the gift of prophecy, divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues.

5. I believe the coming of the Holy Spirit was prophesied by Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit was outlined by Him (Luke 24:49; John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). I believe that as I follow the leading of the Holy Spirit I will receive the benefits of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22.

Conclusion

With respect to the Holy Spirit I have much to learn. The promise I have from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is that the Holy Spirit, my Comforter, will lead me into all truth. I look to the leading of the Holy Spirit as I examine God’s Word for truth and direction in my life. My own experience is that the Holy Spirit is continually leading me. However, my desire and will to follow Him often falls short (Matthew 26:41). As I continue to read and truly understand God’s Word, the Holy Spirit continues to accomplish His goal of leading me into all truth.

Anthropology: The Doctrine of Man

What I believe about man.

1. I believe that man was created in the image of God. Genesis 1:26-28 records the creation of man:

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth (NKJV)."

The Bible does not support an evolutionary view of creation, but rather holds to the original account of creation in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. A comparison of the account of creation is supported in I Corinthians 15:39. I believe that man was created by a direct, intentional, and purposeful act of God (Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:7). I believe that man has an appointed time, place and destiny in the plan of God (Acts 17:26, 28-29).

2. I believe that Adam and Eve were purposefully and immediately created by God and God breathed life into them; all other human beings have their individual beginnings at conception. Such practices as abortion, euthanasia, and infanticide are immoral practices. All persons, whether viable or not, are created in the image of God. Man is not eternal, but is immortal and will exist forever either in the presence of God or apart from Him (Daniel 12:2; I Thessalonians 4:13; Revelation 19:20).

3. I believe that man is triune in nature, having a body, soul and spirit. In I Thessalonians 5:23 Paul refers to body, soul and spirit individually as well as collectively being an essential part of man. Paul recognizes the need for each part of man to be preserved blameless to the day of Christ. This view is further supported by Hebrews 4:12 and Paul draws distinctions of body, soul and spirit in I Corinthians 2:14-3:4. The content and make-up of the different parts of man's total being confirms that humanity is uniquely and wonderfully made in the image of Almighty God (Genesis 1:26). The disciplines of philosophy and psychology have failed to adequately address these distinctly separate yet intertwined elements of an individual's total being.[12] Each of these elements has the ability to rule a man's nature. However, the result of this control will have various effects on a person's relationship with God and his fellow human beings.

4. I believe that by virtue of being created in the image of God, man had many godly attributes before the fall: perfect health, righteousness, holiness, and purity. I base this view on the redemptive work of Christ. As these are benefits of redemption (Titus 2:11, 12; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:13, 14), it is logical that a redeemed man will assume a pre-fallen state before God. This pre-fallen state includes these attributes.

5. I believe that man is a free moral agent and has a volitional will. Genesis 3 records the historic fall of man giving time, place and characters surrounding this event. Romans chapters 1 and 5 are supportive of Genesis 3 as a historical event. Adam and Eve had the freedom of choice, to sin or to not sin. Therefore man is a free moral agent with a volitional will. Due to the sin committed by Adam and Eve, man lost the ability to not sin. Adam and Eve’s sin represents the true nature of all sin. Sin is primarily a disbelief in God’s living and powerful Word, whether by deception or by a volitional act of the will resulting in willful acts contrary to the Word of God.

Conclusion

Considering the immortal nature that I have, I cannot afford to ignore the great salvation I have in Jesus Christ. Having been born into a sinful world with a sinful nature, I cannot hope in any other than Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. I endeavor to be all I can be in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hamartiology: The Doctrine of Sin

What I believe about sin.

1. Holman’s Bible dictionary defines sin as follows:

“Sin: actions by which humans rebel against God, miss His purpose for their life, and surrender to the power of evil rather than to God.”[13]

I feel this definition falls short of an adequate explanation of sin. As stated previously, I believe sin is primarily a disbelief in God’s living and powerful Word. I believe choosing to follow or obey any voice, emotion, influence, or passion that is not of God results in sin. This choice to follow or obey anything other than God is sin whether induced by deception or by a volitional act of the will. The results of such choices will be willful acts contrary to the Word of God. In the Garden of Eden Eve believed the word of the serpent rather than the Word of God (Genesis 3). God said that He will not give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11). Even so, Lucifer attempted to exalt his throne to be equal to (or even higher than) God’s throne. These acts are in direct violation to God’s Word. It should be clarified that the act of sin need not be an action. Jesus taught that sin is committed in the heart (Matthew 5:28). Isaiah 14:12-14 reveals that Lucifer’s sin was a matter of the heart.

2. I believe that man is born into a sinful nature. Adam, in his original nature, had the ability to choose to not sin. He was free to make a choice to obey the Word of God. However, after the fall Adam lost the ability to not sin. He had become a slave to a sinful nature by choosing to disobey God’s directive (Romans 6:16). As a result of Adam’s sin, mankind lost the ability to not sin. All of mankind is subject to the sinful nature inherited from Adam (Romans 5:19). Bancroft makes this statement:

“This is what theologians call the doctrine of ‘original sin,’ by which they mean that the results of Adam’s sin, both legal and moral, have been transmitted to Adam’s posterity, so that now each individual comes into the world as the inheritor of a nature that has been disempowered by sin.”[14]

Scripture teaches that all men are bound up by sin (Galatians 3:22). There is no man born of the seed of man who has not sinned (I Kings 8:46; Psalms 143:2; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10, 12, 3:19, 23). The only man who lived a life without sin is Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:22; I John 3:5). The fact that sin is a reality and universal is abundantly clear in Scripture.

3. I believe the result of sin is death (Romans 6:23). The death which results from sin takes three forms. First, physical death is a result of sin. Physical death is the separation of the body and the soul (James 2:26). Adam died just as God said he would. Death has passed to all men as a result of Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12). Second, spiritual death is a result of sin. This death is the loss of a holy relationship with God. The relationship Adam enjoyed with God was destroyed as a result of his sin. Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, would bear children in pain, and toil for food (Genesis 3:16-19). Spiritual death is the state of being “dead in trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1, 5) and is the state of being of those who have not trusted Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of their lives. A person can be physically alive, but spiritually dead. Third type of death associated with sin is eternal death. Eternal death is the result of being eternally separated from God by the effects of sin and is the culmination of physical death and spiritual death. Those who experience physical death while spiritually dead then experience eternal death. Eternal death is spending eternity in hell (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 20:14).

Conclusion

Realizing my own inherent sinful nature and the result of sin, I must admit to my own helplessness to avoid sin and the consequences thereof. With this realization comes a greater appreciation to the salvation afforded by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I must endeavor to accomplish the will and plan of Christ in my life by avoiding sin in all I do. To do less is an affront to the salvation He has so graciously provided.

Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation

What I believe about salvation.

1. I believe man is, as a result of the fall, sinful in the entirety of his nature. Man is depraved in the totality of his thinking and therefore is unable to not sin. In this state of being, man cannot by any means of his own return to a right relationship with God. God’s holiness demands no sin in His presence. God’s love for humanity is enduring and eternal. God is omniscient and therefore knew that man would fall into total depravity. God, moved by His passionate love and through His infinite grace, prepared the way of salvation before the foundation of the world (John 3:16; Romans 8:29, 30; Ephesians 1:3-13). God purposed in His infinite wisdom to provide the plan and method of salvation. This salvation is accessible and available only through His Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; II Timothy 2:5-6).

2. I believe the goal of salvation is the reconciliation of man to God. The power that sin holds over man (causing him to have a sinful nature) prevents any relationship with God unless atonement takes place. This atonement had to meet two primary criteria. First, the atonement had to satisfy the justice of God. The transgression of God’s Law required justice to be served. Second, the atonement must satisfy God’s Law. The atoning work had to be legally correct to have the desired effect of reconciliation. God’s sense of justice and His high regard for His Word is evident in Scripture. Early in the initiation of the priesthood Nadab and Abihu offered ‘strange fire’ to the LORD which He did not command nor authorize. As a result of their improper action these men lost their lives (Leviticus 10:1- 3).

3. I believe the method of salvation is the vicarious death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Vicarious is Latin for “one in place of another.” Jesus Christ was the only substitute who could bear the guilt and punishment to whom this guilt and punishment were rightly due. He was made to be sin so that by His death we could become the righteousness of God (II Corinthians 5:21). He bore our sins in His body so that we, being freed from the bondage of sin, could live in righteousness (I Peter 2:24). Christ bore our sins once for our salvation (Hebrews 9:28). Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant describes the work of atonement accomplished in Christ Jesus (Isaiah 53:1-12).

4. I believe the substance of salvation is forgiveness. It is through forgiveness that God legally recognizes the atoning work of the Cross. By forgiveness God removes the guilt, penalty, and punishment of sinners. Forgiveness is available because Christ Jesus was made a propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:23-25; I John 2:1-2; I John 4:10).

5. I believe the vicarious death of Jesus Christ leads to the forgiveness of sin. This, in turn, leads to justification of those who put their hope, trust and faith in Jesus Christ. Justification is the seal of approval placed on the life of a believer and gives the Believer the right of adoption into the family of God (John 1:12; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:4-5).

Conclusion

The doctrine of salvation is far reaching and infinitely valuable. The atoning work of Christ Jesus is the only way of salvation. Sin entered into the world through the actions of one man; by one man righteousness was restored (Romans 5:12-19). I by no means of my own can obtain a right relationship with God. I am totally inept in any attempt to work my way to salvation. Therefore, I must stand upon the Word of God and recognize, accept and trust in the life, death, resurrection, ascension and exaltation of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the only means of my salvation.

Ecclesiology: The Doctrine of the Church

What I believe about the church.

1. I believe Jesus prophesied about the formation of the church in Matthew 16:18. Jesus said He would build. We need look no further than to Jesus Christ for the builder of the church. To assume that the apostles were responsible for the formation of the church is a false assumption. Jesus was and is actively involved in His church. The writer of Hebrews acknowledged the instrumental role Jesus has in the church confirming that Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Furthermore, Jesus said He would build His church upon “this rock”. I believe Jesus was speaking of the confession Peter had made just moments before. Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). It is this central truth that the Christian church is built upon. I do not believe Jesus was talking of Peter as the foundation of the church.

2. I believe the Bible has several illustrations of the church. From these illustrations we can observe the characteristics of the church.

a. The church is the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-9). Paul made reference to men loving their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). As the bride of Christ the church must be pure and blameless (Ephesians 5:27).

b. Christ is the head of the church and the church is the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23, 30). As the body of Christ, the church must rely upon the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide, lead and direct the apostles as they proceeded to spread the Gospel (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; I John 2:27).

c. The church is the flock of Christ (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:3). Christ is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16). In this context, the church can rely on the love and caring of the Good Shepherd as related in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7).

d. Christ is the true vine and we (as the church) are the branches (John 15:1-7). Christ is the source of all that the church accomplishes. Christ declares that we can do nothing of ourselves or apart from Him.

e. Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone, we (as the church) are the building (Ephesians 2:20-22; I Corinthians 3:9-11). In this context, Christ is the foundation of the church.

Conclusion

It is clear from these illustrations that without Christ the church is nothing. Paul declared to the men of Athens “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). To assume that, by any means of its own, the church is able to affect a change of this sinful world is imprudent. The church must remain faithful to the central truths of the Bible to carry the Gospel with any effectiveness.

Angelology: The Doctrine of Angels, Demons, and Satan

What I believe about angels, demons, and Satan.

1. I believe that angels are created beings, having been created by God (Nehemiah 6:9; Colossians 1:16). They are called sons of God by virtue of being created by God (Job 1:6; 38:7). I do not believe angels are glorified human beings or the spirits of men. In Matthew 22:30, angels and men are distinguished from each other. The text reads “they (men) neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven”. The Greek bears this out as a proper reading signifying that men will be like (Greek: hos-as, like) angels with respect to marriage in heaven, they (spirits of men) are not angels nor are they made into angels. As created beings they have their existence only in God.

2. The term ‘angel’ as a whole includes two categories of beings. Angels, properly called angels, are ministers of God to do His bidding and will (Psalms 103:20, 21, 104:4). There are also fallen angels which are called demons. These are angels who have rebelled against God when Lucifer rebelled (Daniel 8:10; Revelation 12:3-4).

3. I believe the angels are Gods messengers and communicate His will (Daniel 8:16, 17; 9:21-23; Matthew 2:13, 20; Luke 1:19, 28; Acts 5:19-20; 8:26; 10:4-5). I believe angels are spirits (Hebrews 1:7; Psalms 104:4). Angels do appear in bodily form (Genesis 18, 19; Luke 1:26; John 20:12; Hebrews 13:2), but do not require nor have a bodily form as a necessary part of their existence.

4. I believe angels are meek (II Peter 2:11; Jude 1:9), wise (II Samuel 14:20), mighty (Psalms 103:20; II Thessalonians 1:7), holy (Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38), elect (I Timothy 5:21), and innumerable (Job 25:3; Hebrews 12:22). However, angels are limited in their wisdom (Matthew 24:36), and their power (Daniel 10:13).

5. I believe angels are created in a higher order than man in that they are not a physical being and cannot experience a physical death (Hebrews 2:7), but angels do have limitations not experienced by man. Angels are not created in the image of God and should not be worshipped (Colossians 2:18).

6. I believe fallen angels (demons) rebelled against God being led to do so by Lucifer, better known as Satan (Revelation 12:3-4). I believe demons are ruled over by Satan (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:11), that Satan has (fallen) angels associated with him and it is confirmed in Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 12:7. Demons fall into two general categories according to Scripture. Some demons are bound (Luke 8:31; Revelations 9:2) and will be released from their confinement during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 9:1-11). There are also demons that are free and active agents of Satan, this is evident by the numerous demon possessed men recorded in the Bible (Mark 1:24; Mark 5:2-13; Luke 8:33, etc.).

7. I believe Satan is a fallen angel and is of a higher order than other fallen angels. His rebellion is depicted in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. He is described as the anointed cherub (Ezekiel 28:14, 15). He is described as adversary (I Peter 5:8), the great red dragon (Revelation 12), ruler of this world (John 12:31), prince and power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), the enemy (Matthew 13:28), and accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). His defeat is announced in Genesis 3 and he is ultimately cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10).

Conclusion

Encounters with holy angels and demons are mentioned throughout the Bible. With the attention given these beings it is best not to ignore them as myth, or fables. As the messengers of God, angels serve an important part in the destiny of man. Although they should not be worshipped, they are to be respected as created beings of God. Having rebelled against God who created them, demons (including Satan) have their fate sealed and their end certain.

Eschatology: The Doctrine of Prophecy, the End Times and the Last Things

What I believe about prophecy, the end times and the last things.

1. I believe the book of Revelation is not just a series of predictions about future events. It is not the culmination of other prophetic books and passages. Although the book contains dramatic prophecies concerning future, I believe purpose of the book of Revelation is to reveal Christ in all His power and Glory. In his book “The Revelation”, Dr. Lester Sumrall makes this statement:

“Its name expresses its objective. For example, Genesis means beginnings; Exodus means going forth; the Gospels means good news. This book is not primarily a prediction of the end of the ungodly, but rather a revelation of Christ-His person, His office, and His administration as High Priest and Judge.”[15]

2. I believe the church has a purpose, place and time in the overall plans of the Creator God. I believe the purpose and place of the church is found in Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” The time of the church is now and is found in Mark 16:20, “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” The disciples went forth and carried out the instructions of the Lord. I believe the time for the church to accomplish its goal is coming to a close. The subject of the rapture is a difficult subject for Christian scholars. Listed here are my beliefs concerning the rapture.

a. I believe the rapture is the catching away found in I Thessalonians 4:17. I believe that the details found in this passage to be a description of how the rapture will take place.

b. I believe Jesus Christ Himself gave warning about that day in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21:34-36.

c. I believe the purpose of the rapture is to retrieve all Believers from the face of the earth and thereby avoid the coming period of tribulation.

d. I believe all predictions naming the specific time of the rapture is mere speculation and folly. The time of the event is known to God the Father (Mark 13:32).

e. I believe the signs concerning the rapture have been and continue to be shown just as Jesus said they would (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). I believe the rapture is certainly at hand. I do not believe there are any signs that have not been evident and come to pass that could prevent the rapture from happening even as I write this.

Conclusion

There is much more that could be written concerning the end times. However, time and space prevents further treatment of the subject. As for myself, I choose to take heed of the warnings written in the Bible. They are not to be ignored. To do so leads to folly and ruin. I will live my life and lead my family as if the Day of Christ is today, indeed-this very hour.

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[3] John D. Barry, ‘The Great Isaiah Scroll’, Bible Study Magazine, Nov.-Dec. 2008, p.20-22.

[5] Thiessen, Lectures in Systematic Theology, p. 77.

[6] Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, p. 198.

[8] Bancroft, Christian Theology, p. 105.

[9] Thiessen, Lectures in Systematic Theology, p. 225.

[12] Lester Sumrall, Christian Foundations, (Indiana: Sumrall Publishing, 2001), p. 29.

[14] Bancroft, Christian Theology, p. 213.