Bible Doctrine

1. Systematic Theology: Understanding the Bible's Unified Message

Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, “What does the whole Bible teach us today?” about any given topic.

Holistic Biblical Understanding. Systematic theology is not just about collecting verses; it's about synthesizing the entire Bible's teaching on a subject to understand God's complete message. It moves beyond individual passages to grasp the overarching narrative and doctrinal consistency of Scripture.

Beyond Disorganized Theology. Unlike casual theological musings, systematic theology is carefully organized by topics, ensuring comprehensive coverage and internal consistency. It prevents imbalanced interpretations by considering complementary doctrines, such as Christ's deity and humanity, side by side.

Practical Application. Systematic theology isn't an academic exercise; it's meant to be lived out. By understanding what the Bible teaches, Christians can apply these truths to their daily lives, making informed decisions and growing in their faith.

2. The Bible's Authority: God's Own Words

The authority of Scripture means that all the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.

Divine Authorship. The Bible claims to be more than human wisdom; it is God-breathed, with every word carrying divine authority. This conviction stems from the belief that God cannot lie or speak falsely, making Scripture completely true and without error.

Self-Attesting Truth. The Bible's authority is not dependent on external validation but is self-attesting, meaning its truthfulness is inherent and recognized by those with the Holy Spirit's guidance. This doesn't negate the value of historical or philosophical evidence, but it emphasizes the Spirit's role in conviction.

Living in Obedience. Recognizing the Bible's authority compels believers to obey its teachings, understanding that disobedience is ultimately disobedience to God. This obedience is not a burden but a joyful response to God's loving guidance.

3. Clarity, Necessity, and Sufficiency: The Bible's Accessibility and Completeness

The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God’s help and being willing to follow it.

Understandable Truth. The Bible is not an esoteric text reserved for scholars; its core message is clear and accessible to all who seek God's help and are willing to obey. This clarity empowers believers to study and apply Scripture to their lives.

Essential Guidance. While not necessary for knowing God's existence, the Bible is essential for understanding the gospel, maintaining spiritual life, and gaining certain knowledge of God's will. It provides the framework for a thriving relationship with God.

Complete Revelation. The Bible contains all the words God intended for his people, providing everything needed for salvation, trust, and obedience. This sufficiency guards against seeking extra-biblical revelations or adding human traditions to God's word.

4. God's "Incommunicable" Attributes: Defining Divine Uniqueness

God does not need us or the rest of creation for anything, yet we and the rest of creation glorify him and bring him joy.

Divine Independence. God is self-sufficient and does not rely on creation for anything. This independence underscores his unique existence and power.

Eternal Unchanging. God's unchangeableness provides a stable foundation for faith, as his character, purposes, and promises remain constant. This immutability contrasts with the ever-shifting nature of the world.

Boundless Presence. God's omnipresence means he is present everywhere, yet he is not limited by space. This attribute highlights his transcendence and immanence, as he fills all things while remaining distinct from them.

5. God's "Communicable" Attributes: Shared Traits and Human Imitation

God’s love means that God eternally gives of himself to others.

Shared Characteristics. While God's "incommunicable" attributes emphasize his uniqueness, his "communicable" attributes reveal aspects of his character that humans can reflect. These include love, goodness, wisdom, and knowledge.

Moral Imperative. God's moral attributes, such as holiness, righteousness, and justice, provide a framework for ethical living. By striving to embody these qualities, believers reflect God's character in their actions and attitudes.

Emotional Connection. God's capacity for emotions, including joy, grief, and wrath, demonstrates his personal nature and involvement in creation. This emotional depth invites a deeper connection with believers.

6. The Trinity: One God, Three Persons

God eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and each person is fully God, and there is one God.

Triune Nature. The doctrine of the Trinity affirms that God is one being eternally existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This complex unity defies simple human understanding.

Equal Deity. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, possessing all the divine attributes and deserving equal worship and honor. This equality underscores the richness and depth of the divine nature.

Distinct Roles. While equal in deity, the persons of the Trinity have distinct roles in creation and redemption. The Father plans, the Son executes, and the Holy Spirit applies, revealing a harmonious cooperation within the Godhead.

7. Creation: God's Purposeful Act

God created the entire universe out of nothing; it was originally very good; and he created it to glorify himself.

Ex Nihilo. God created the universe out of nothing, demonstrating his absolute power and independence. This act establishes his ownership and authority over all creation.

Original Goodness. God's creation was originally "very good," reflecting his perfect character and intentions. This goodness provides a foundation for appreciating the beauty and order of the natural world.

Divine Glory. God created the universe to glorify himself, showcasing his wisdom, power, and love. This purpose gives meaning and significance to all of creation, including humanity.

8. God's Providence: Sovereignty and Human Action

God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that he (1) keeps them existing and maintaining the properties with which he created them; (2) cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do; and (3) directs them to fulfill his purposes.

Sustaining Power. God's providence encompasses preservation, concurrence, and government, ensuring the ongoing existence and functioning of all creation. This active involvement underscores his care and attention to detail.

Harmonious Action. God works through the distinctive properties of created things, directing them to act as they do. This concurrence allows for both divine sovereignty and genuine creaturely action.

Purposeful Direction. God directs all things to fulfill his purposes, even using evil for his glory and the good of his people. This government provides assurance that God's plans will ultimately prevail.

9. Prayer: Communion and Kingdom Impact

Prayer is personal communication with God.

Relational Intimacy. Prayer is not a mere ritual but a personal conversation with God, fostering deeper fellowship and trust. This communion allows believers to express their needs, desires, and gratitude.

Kingdom Advancement. Prayer is a powerful means of advancing God's kingdom, as believers participate in activities that are eternally important. Through prayer, believers align their will with God's and influence the course of events.

Divine Glory. Prayer gives glory to God by acknowledging his wisdom, love, goodness, and power. This humble dependence reflects a proper understanding of the Creator-creature relationship.

10. Angels, Satan, and Demons: Understanding the Unseen Realm

Angels are created spiritual beings with moral judgment and high intelligence but without physical bodies.

Angelic Servants. Angels are created spiritual beings who serve God and carry out his purposes. They are powerful and intelligent, yet they are subordinate to God and minister to believers.

Demonic Opposition. Demons are evil angels who rebelled against God and now work to oppose his kingdom. They are limited by God's control and seek to deceive, tempt, and destroy.

Spiritual Warfare. Christians are called to be aware of the unseen realm and to resist the influence of Satan and demons. This resistance involves relying on God's power, standing firm in faith, and living righteously.

11. Humanity Defined: Image Bearers of God

The fact that man is in the image of God means that man is like God and represents God.

Unique Creation. Humanity is distinct from all other creatures, created in God's image to reflect his character and represent him in creation. This image bestows inherent dignity and value.

Distorted Image. Sin has marred the image of God in humanity, distorting our moral, spiritual, and mental capacities. However, redemption in Christ offers a progressive restoration of this image.

Eternal Purpose. God created humanity for his glory, and our purpose in life is to glorify him and enjoy him forever. This purpose gives meaning and direction to our existence.

12. Redemption Applied: A Journey Through Salvation's Stages

All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Divine Initiative. God initiates the process of salvation through election, choosing individuals for redemption before creation. This underscores his sovereignty and grace.

Gospel Summons. The gospel call, regeneration, and conversion mark the beginning of the believer's journey, leading to justification and adoption into God's family. These steps highlight the transformative power of God's grace.

Ongoing Transformation. Sanctification, perseverance, death, and glorification represent the ongoing and ultimate fulfillment of salvation. This journey emphasizes the continuous growth and final perfection of believers in Christ.

Last updated: February 12, 2025