Systematic Theology – Chapter 1

My cousin Raymond asked me yesterday what “doctrine” means (after I showed him this textbook).  I feel like there’s a lot of things I have strong convictions in either because it feels right to me or someone I respect and trust has talked about it.  Raymond felt the same way.  So I told him I think one of the things I’m going to find out in this study are biblical support for the things I already believe in.  It’s going to show passages throughout the Bible that affirms those beliefs.  At the same time, it will also teach me about matters I am uncertain about.  What I hope is in the end, I will have a firmer foundation for the value system I have had, or the value system I am about to remodel so that in any given situation I will be less uncertain of what’s right and what’s wrong.

Funny enough, Chapter 1 takes care of this definition right away.  Grudem defined Systematic Theology just like I explained what I thought “doctrine” was to Raymond.  In Grudem’s words, “Systematic Theology is any study that answers the quesion, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us today?’ about any given topic.”

I’m learning that there are many discipline of theology that are often time included and referred to in a Systematic Theology study.  But Grudem makes it clear that his approach, while it will sometimes will lean on those other disciplines to add contrast to ideas, it “will not be historical theology (a historical study of how Christians in different time periods have understood various theological topics) or philosophical theology (studying theological topics largely without use of the Bible, but using the tools and method of philosophy reasoning and what can be known about God from observing the universe) or apologetics (providing a defense of the truthfulness of the Christian faith for purpose of convincing unbelievers).”  I think seeing these distinction will help in future conversation or study and know where an idea is coming from.

It’s also not going to be about Christian ethics – that’s answers a question that has this kind of bend, “‘What does God require us to do and what attitudes does he require us to have today?’ with regard to any given situation.”  The book will focus on what we should believe and how we should think more so than what we should do or attitudes we have.  And I really believe that good sound understanding of Bible doctrine is a likely platform for my Christian ethics. I guess it’s like the idea of being changed and transformed “from the inside out.”  But the book will lend to life application matters when it’s befitting to the doctrine topic.

I get Grudem’s distinction between Old Testament and New Testament theologies, where each focuses on what the Bible says based on a particular book of either testament.  So it’s like a snapshot of the doctrine at some point in the Bible.  There’s also Biblical Theology “that contains both Old and New Testament theology,” which answers the question, “What does the whole Bible say about a topic?” which starts to look a lot like Grudem’s definition of Systematic Theology.  So this is where I’m a bit confused and will need to get clarity from Josh.  But whatever it is, it probably hinges on how Grudem closes the section with this statement, it “focuses on the understanding of each doctrine that the biblical authors and their original hearers or readers possessed.”

Sometimes Systematic Theology involves using terms and concept not actually found in the Bible, but results from the combination of ideas from various authors in the Bible.  Examples are the words/concept of Trinity, incarnation, deity of Christ.

Grudem states that an adequate systematic theology “will have many of [the students'] … own personal belief challenged or modified, refined or enriched.”  As a Christian, I believe certain things, like “the only way to God is through faith in Jesus Christ… it is not by works I am saved, but by faith.”  I believe this because I’ve either been told this or I’ve read it in a passage once or both.  But systematic theology goes further than this and Grudem describes it in 4 different ways.  Systematic Theology is organized and topical doctrines are studied in a particular order and in combination to ensure consistency and accuracy.  As oppose to seeing one or two passage supporting a doctrine on a topic, systematic theology dives into details where the Bible supports the doctrine.  It will teach the student to be careful in the choice of words when summarizing Bible teachings to ensure accuracy.  Lastly it will treat all passages relevant to a doctrine fairly.

It is also worth noting the distinction between major and minor doctrines, especially when there controversy or disagreement.  Major doctrines is likely to impact other, minor doctrines.  This includes “doctrine such as the authority of the Bible… the Trinity… the deity of Christ… justification by faith…”  Minor ones may include “church government, some details about the Lord’s Supper…” etc.  While disagreement exists, it’s good to recognize this to know my own personal response.  There can probably be more tolerance around the differences on the minor ones than you can have on the major ones.

So why systematic theology?  Why do a doctrine study?  Grudem makes me realize that the Great Commission has two parts.  “Go and make disciples…” is the part I’ve known for sometime now.  It compels us to evangelize and share the good news and help other share the good news.  But I didn’t quite notice the second part of this passage in Matthew’s gospel that gives good reason to why we should have good and sound doctrince.  “… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…“  I don’t believe I need to be a master of Bible doctrine before I can share Jesus with unbelievers.  I think that’s why Jesus said first “Go…”  so drop what you’re doing and go!  And then, tell about what Jesus has said – tell them about what the Bible teaches us today about any given topic.

What’s the benefits?  Grudem breaks it down to 3.  It will make easier to combat our sinful nature when we have better knowledge of what the whole Bible says about that topic than if we only have a vague understanding of it.  The Bible is very consistent, so those things that have answered existing questions in life (and understanding of those doctrines) will serve to better answer new question that arise in the future.  Lastly, it will mature our Christian lives.

Studying Scripture doesn”t not go with intelligence alone, but relies on prayer to the Lord just like “the psalmist prayer in Psalm 119:18, ‘Open my eyes that I may see the wondrous things out of your law.’”  See 1 Corinthians 2:14 and Ephesian 1:17-19 also where the Bible tells us how important prayer is in knowing God through the Bible.  Studying scripture in humility – the acquired knowledge should not result in pride or the attitude or superiority over those who may not know it as well.  See 1 Peter 5:5, James 1:19-20, James 3:13, 17-18, and 1 Corinthians 8:1.  We can use our own reasoning to deduce ideas out of passages in Scripture.  But the principle to keep is that any deduction we make must not contradict other passages.  Grudem uses the idea of the Trinity to make this point.  We see in the Bible where it tells God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, which might lead one to believe there’s three gods.  But just clearly as it tells about the three persons of God, it also clear says there is only one God.  So to teach that there is three gods would be a direct contradiction.  In this case, Grudem introduces the idea of paradoxes in the Bible.  And while in life paradox may sometimes be intolerable, in God it can be because we know our understanding of His reality is limited.  The Bible assures in Psalm 119:160, “The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your ordinances endures forever.”  It assures us that the Bible’s passages are reconciled in God’s reality and that together (the sum), the whole Bible is truth (and endures forever).  Effectively studying theology should occur with a teacher and help from others.  That’s where Josh fits in.  We should discuss the things we’re learning with other Christians.  That might be where my weekly men’s night may fit in.  Grudem presents and outlines an approach to how students may find relevant passages in the Bible about other topics and other research tasks to best ensure any drawn conclusions are without errors.  Use a concordance.  Read the relevant verses and try to summarizes what it says.  It may be difficult sometimes to understand some verses, so we should also rely on other tools, like commentaries when necessary.  Then make a final summation about what the Bible affirms about the subject.  Guard against errors by finding other systematic theology text and seek the section relevant to the topic to uncover any potential contradiction.  But it is important to know that by seeking the truth for ourselves will usually be more rewarding and often times bring fresh ideas.

Chapter 1 Wrap-up

So how does Systematic Theology and “Doctrine” relate to each other?  Well, it seems like they are one in the say in that both is defined as to answer the question, “What does the whole Bible teach us today?” 

Christians should study systematic theology for the following reasons.  1) It follows the Great Commission.  2) You’d be less tempted to fall into sin when you’re well versed on what the whole Bible says about a given topic or sin issue.  3) It allows us to answer questions or topics that arise in the future.  4) Mature ourselves and our walk as Christians.

The six attitudes Christians should exhibit when studying systematic theology are these.  1) Be in prayer.  Our full and true understanding will only come when we ask for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance.  2) Be humble.  Knowledge in the Lord isn’t intended to produce arrogance.  3) Find it for ourselves and look up what the Bible says about other topics not covered in this text by using other tools like concordances, commentaries, etc.  4) Reasonably deduce and summarize what the Bible says, but be diligent to ensure all relevant passages and potentiall other references, like other systematic theology texts,  has been examined to be sure there are no contradiction or errors in our own deduction.  5) Study it with a teacher, get help from others and get with others for discussion.  6) Rejoice and give praise for a loving God.

Personal Reflection and Application

 After readgin Chapter 1, it affirms some of my own impression of what I thought a doctrine study might be.  I was eager before and now I find I’m even more enthusiastic about the venture.  I appreciate Grudem’s approach of being Scripture -based, like “the noble Bereans.”  I seek to find the truth founded on the Bible and I am encouraged this book will help guide me adequately.