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PENTECOSTAL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Course Code Course Name Yea Semester C CU

r H
------------ Systematic Theology 1 1 2 45 3

Long Distance Course: 45 Hours

Course Instructor: Rev. Nangai Michael.
Contacts: 0782364848, Email: nangaim@yahool.com

CERTIFICATE/DIPOLOMA MODULE

FROM PTC MATERIALS

APRIL 2018
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Here is another class or home study module to help church leaders in their work for God and
people. It teaches us how to be powerful Bible teachers. This study module has been prepared to
help a person better understand the basic teachings of the Bible. It is especially important that those
seeking membership in any local assembly of believers should be familiar with the basic doctrines
that are taught by the Church, and to see that these teachings are based upon the plain and simple
teaching of the Bible.

Notice! Our people need to know the true teachings of the Bible in order to be strong and faithful.
This study module has been prepared to assist you in understanding the basic teachings of the Bible.
This study is arranged in units and these units correspond to the self study questions found at the
back of this module. This module is like a teacher, who talks to you and tells you certain things to be
done. If you want to learn, read it carefully, after study of each unit then you shall be allowed to
look for correct answers for your study questions on each unit in the module.

This course emphasizes some major doctrines that must be in all the statements of faith of all the
local Christian churches around the world. Sometimes people can quickly read through a statement
of faith without really understanding what they read. The study questions in this course enable a
person to work through the doctrinal statement in an interesting way and to find answers to
important questions by going directly to the Scriptures. It is not enough to say, "This is what this
Church believes!" or "This is what my Pastor teaches!" Having done these study questions a person
should be able to say, "Not only does this Church believe these things and not only does my Pastor
teach these things, but I believe these doctrines because I have seen for myself that this is really
what the Bible teaches!" Compare Acts 17:11.

In each one of these units, the questions or exercises will help you review or apply what you have
studied. It is also hoped that these study questions will demonstrate that it is not difficult to
understand what God has said in the Bible. Most of these questions are very simple and
straightforward. You don’t have to be a brilliant scholar to understand the life-changing message of
the Bible. It can even be understood by young children.
The answer to each of the questions on these units is found by looking up each Bible verse and the
module notes given. Even if you think you know the answer, it is important that you look at your
Bible reference and your notes anyway. It is also important for you to see the answer in the text of
the Bible because Believers need to be able to say, "I know so because God said so!" When you have
completed all the questions you should have a basic understanding of what the Bible teaches on
these basic doctrinal matters and you should be ready for the final exam and the course work for
the whole course.

Please don't be in a hurry to turn to these study questions before first studying each unit of this course
thoroughly well! It will take time and you will need to look up and study scores of verses from the Bible
(please use a KING JAMES BIBLE or NEW KING BIBLE). But when you are done, it will be worth it all!
The Lord will teach you many wonderful things as you search the Scriptures to answer these questions, if
your heart is open to Him. Don't forget to pray and to ask the Lord to help you as you study His Holy and
Precious Word. May the words of Paul to Timothy encourage you as you enter this study: "All Scripture is
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God-breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that
the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a foundational course, using primarily a Bible Doctrine approach that will introduce the various branches of
theology and survey basic doctrines of the church and their implications for life. Specifically, the course will survey
Anthropology, Hematology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology and Eschatology; Special attention will be paid to the terms,
concepts and biblical texts.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this course unit is to introduce the students to:

1. The Origin, nature purpose and the fall of man

2. The origin , nature, consequences and remedy of sin
3. The definitions of different theological terms
4. The significance of Jesus’ salvation for man.
5. Evaluate the ministry that God has called the church to fulfill today.
6. Understand the manner and the reasons of the Lord’s coming.
7. The importance and application of these Christian doctrines

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the conclusion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Summarize the Origin, nature purpose and the fall of man

2. Explain origin , nature, consequences and remedy of sin
3. Define different theological terms
4. Identify the significance of Jesus’ salvation for man
5. Apply the ministry that God has called the church to our communities
6. Describe the manner and the reasons of the Lord’s coming.
7. Know the importance and application of these doctrines

DETAILED COURSE OUTLINE:

NO. TOPIC. DETAILS HOURS.

1 GENERAL INFORMATION

4 Hours.
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2. UNIT ONE: INTRODUCTION

a. Definition of Theology
b. Categories of Theology
c. Need for Theology
6 Hours.

3. UNIT TWO: BIBLIOLOGY a. Types of Revelation

b. The Canonicity of Bible
c. The Transmission of the 10 Hours.
Bible

4. UNIT THREE: THEOLOGY PROPER a. The Existence of God

b. The Nature of God
c. The Trinity of God 10 Hours.

5. UNIT FOUR: CHRISTOLOGY

a. The Deity of Christ 15 Hours.

b. The Incarnation of
Christ

45 Hours

MODE OF DELIVERY :

The course will use lectures, discussions, small group and/or individual projects, visual presentations, library work,
and any other method of teaching to be determined by the lecturer. Use some reading materials extracted from
text books , Practical application is vital.

MODE OF ASSESSMENT.
Class participation and attendance is a must

Study questions 20%

Mid - Semester exam

Course work 30%

Final exam 50%

Total 100%
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COURSE REQUIRED STUDY MATERIALS - Text Books

1. Thiessen Henry Clarence. Lectures in Systematic Theology.WM. B Eerdmans Co. Grand Rapids,
Michigan, 1979.

2. Pro. Berkhof L. Systematic Theology. WM. B Eerdmans Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1984.

3. Paul Enns. The Moody Hand Book of Theology.

4. J.I Packer and Logos Bible Software. Knowing God.

5. Locker, Herbert. All the Doctrines of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publicity

House, 1964.

6. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Geisler & Howe

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UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

Theology sounds like dry subject in which only seminary professors or studious pastors have an interest.
However, in practice everybody is a theologian. We all have beliefs about God and how he relates to the
universe. Theology is merely the expression of our beliefs about God in words.

I. Theology Defined
These expressions may not be well thought out, comprehensively, or systematically. They may be based
on individual experience or traditions, or the result of intensive study. But it is all theology, nonetheless.
The Greek word “Theos” means God, while the Greek suffix “-ology” means “the study of”. So, quite
simply, theology is literally is the study of God. Christian theology looks at God as he has divinely
revealed himself in the Christian Scriptures.
However, because God is actively involved in his creation, theology must also include a study of God’s
creative works and His on-going relationship with His creation.
Therefore, theology not only is a study of God himself, but also the nature of God’s revelation, humanity,
salvation, and other spiritual beings such as angels and demons. Augustus H. Strong, an early 20 thCentury
theologian, defines theology as the science of God and of relations between God and the universe”

A. Terms of Theology Studies

By definition, God is beyond human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). However, to the extent that God has
revealed things about himself; we can indeed describe the nature of God affirmatively. Though we are
limited by human understanding and we must recognize that God has made accommodations for our finite
understanding. God’s revelation uses analogies, symbols and metaphors in order for us to understand his
nature. If theology is to have any positive affirmations about God, then we can only make such
affirmations using indirect language.
For example, the Bible uses terms such as Father, Son and Holy Spirit to help us understand the mystery
of the trinity. This however, is only and analogy, and we must be careful not to take our understanding of
“son” too far or we will understate the divinity of the second person of the Trinity.

B. Theology as a science
Thomas Aquinas called theology the “Queen of all sciences.” Aquinas believed theology was preeminent
over all other courses of study for two reasons:
1. Most sciences are partly speculative and partly practical. However, theology can be more certain in
propositions because it is based on divine knowledge and revelation and not human reason, which can
make mistakes.
2. Unlike other sciences, which involve an understanding of temporal things, theology contains the hope
of eternal life.But can we really define theology as a science? In Aquinas’ 13 thCentury definition, science
meant “knowledge.” However, by the 18 thCentury, science became more narrowly defined to mean a
specific rigid approach to knowledge.
Science came to be a method of determining truth through observation, experimentation and strict
procedures of inductive logic. This has come to be known as the “scientific method.”
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Clearly, under this definition, theology is not considered a “science.” God by definition cannot be
observed or experimented on. Using this basis, we can still agree that theology is indeed the “queen of the
sciences.”

II. CATEGORIES OF THEOLOGY

A. Branches of Theology
There are four classic categories of theology. These categories build upon one another and each has value
for the student.
1. Biblical Theology
Biblical theology uses the Scriptures alone as its source. But more than just limiting the source, it also
specifies how to approach this source. Biblical theology looks at a given period of history or at a given
author within the Bible and tries to understand how that author or period of time saw God and His
revelation. Erickson, 35-37.
Biblical theology emphasizes the historical context into which the author was writing.Biblical theology
recognizes that God reveals himself differently at different times in history and seeks to understand
specifically how this is demonstrated in the progression of the
2. Systematic Theology
Systematic theology also uses the Bible as its primary source. However, it attempts to compare and relate
all of Scripture and create a systematized statement on what the whole Bible says about particular issues.
While biblical theology sees God reveal himself in a progressive manner in Scripture, systematic theology
combines this progression and seeks to make a statement about God and his revelation that transcends
history.
According to Charles Ryrie, Systematic theology correlates the data of biblical revelation as a whole in
order to exhibit systematically the total picture of God’s self-revelation.
We will define systematic theology further in this lesson. This is the approach we will be using for this
term.

 Sub-categories of Systematic Theology

While the key definition of theology is the study of God, because God has involved himself in His
creation, theology also is concerned with God’s interaction with His creation.
Therefore, Systematic Theology has numerous sub-categories, which investigate various aspects of God’s
creation and His interaction with creation. The following are some major sub-categories of Systematic
Theology:
 Theology Proper _ The study of the character of God.
 Bibliology – The study of the Bible.
 Christology – The study of Christ.
 Pneumatology – The study of the Holy Spirit.
 Soteriology – The study of Salvation.
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 Anthropology – The study of the nature of humanity.

 Angelology – The study of angels
 Ecclesiology – The study of the church.
 Eschatology – The study of the end times.
3. Dogmatic theology emphasizes the contrast between movements, like Calvinism and Armenianism, or
Dispensationalism and Covenant theology.Creeds and statements of faith are usually well thought out
consistent approaches to theology in a systematic way.Dogmatic theology helps us test our own beliefs for
consistency and rationality. Furthermore, by looking at contrasting viewpoints, we can be challenged in
our thinking and forced to decide for ourselves what we believe on various points.The danger in dogmatic
theology is to argue our personal doctrine using the well-developed..

4. Historical Theology
Historical theology uses the traditions and historic statement of the church and other theologians as its
primary source Historical theology traces the development of theology ideas through the centuries and
gleans from these historic creeds, opinions, and treatises a proper understanding of God and his relation to
the universe. There is value in historical theology. The historical traditions of the church cannot be
ignored when developing a theological framework. Furthermore, there is significant value in reading the
early church fathers and great theologians through the centuries. We would do well to understand the
development of certain theological ides.
For example, examining the events and ideas that led to Martin Luther’s break from the Roman church
gives us a clearer understanding of such ideas as justification by faith.

III. IMPORTANCE OF THEOLOGY

1. Theology is Essential for Salvation
Correct doctrine is essential to our salvation. Jesus, in Mark 16, asked the disciples, “Who do you say that
I am?” The answer to this question was not an academic, theological one. It cut to the very core of what it
means to be Christian. All people must answer this basic theological question. It is the very basis of
salvation. If theology is the expression of our beliefs about God, then one must have theology in order
to be saved. According to Romans 10:9, one must confess with their mouth Jesus as Lord in order to be
saved. To put this technical theological terms, salvation requires that one must articulate their Christology.

2. Clarifies our Beliefs

While we all have a view of God and how he relates to us, very few have laid out their beliefs in a clear
manner. Studying systematic theology helps us to understand what we believe and helps us to
communicate those beliefs. It helps us to take our Bible study and put some systematic framework to our
understanding about God and his relationship to us.

3. Defends our Beliefs

We live in an increasingly relativistic world where the only test for truth is based on experience.
This is a trend not only in the world, but increasingly so in the evangelical church.
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The evangelical church has a long tradition of emphasizing the need for a personal, experiential
relationship with God. The danger behind this comes when we make experience the proof of a belief
rather than the result of belief.
Systematic theology helps us defend our beliefs by providing an objective singular source that provides a
common ground to discuss our beliefs. It also gives us an indicator for alternate teachings to test their
validity. Without this, we are left open to deception.

4. Protects Against False Teaching

The church is constantly being bombarded with false teaching. The secular world’s naturalism and
humanism has made great inroads into the church. Other world religions, such as Islam and Buddhism, are
growing at an increasing rate. Other groups claim to be Christian, but don’t hold on to orthodox Christian
teaching. The Scripture tells us to watch out for false teaching and to test those teachings against right
doctrine (1John4:1-3).The correct way to fight against false teaching is not to study the beliefs of all the
alternative viewpoints, but to gain a greater understanding of Christian beliefs. The more we understand
what the Bible teaches, the easier it is for us to discover counterfeits14.

5. Provides a Basis for Maturity

While knowledge of theology does not guarantee that one will grow spiritually, it is hard to grow in our
relationship with God without a fundamental understanding of God and his primary revelation (I.e. the
Bible). A good understanding of the Bible is crucial to Christian maturity. However, maturity is more than
just knowledge. It is allowing the Holy Spirit to change your life based on this knowledge. Systematic
theology provides a starting point for this maturity to happen.

UNIT 2: BIBLIOLOGY
In this unit you will study…

1. THE BIBLE AS GOD’S REVELATION TO MAN

2. THE ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE
3. THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE

This lesson will help you to…

a. Describe the origin and structure of the Bible.

b. Understand how and why the Bible was given

We shall then begin by defining what the term Bibliogoly means? – It is not the study of the
Bible itself i.e. books of the Bible, chapters, its verses etc. It is a study about the Bible. Before
you can study the Bible properly, you need to know all about it, to know what it really is. Some of
the questions this study of Bibliology will enable us to answer are: What is the Bible? Where
does it come from? Who wrote it? Why and how was it written? We will study its revelation,
origin, authority, value etc.

I. THE BIBLE, AS GOD’S REVELATION TO MEN

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1. THE NAMES OF THE BIBLE: There are various names given to God’s revelation: -

a) “Bible” – from Greek “Biblios”, which means book. In ancient times books were written on biblus or
papyrus reed, and from this they got the word “Biblios”. In English it is translated “Bible” – the Book –
the best supreme book. It is often called the Holy Bible” (Rom.1: 2).

b) “The Scriptures” from the Latin word “Scripto” meaning “I write”. Scriptures therefore means “the
writings”. Early Christians often used the word “Scriptures. The word is used in the Bible itself e.g. in 1
Peter 3:16; Jn. 5:39, and 2 Timothy 3:16.

c) “The Word of God” – This is a very important phrase and often used name. This title signifies that it
is not the words of man, but the words of God to man. God is the author of it.

d) “The Old and New Testaments”

This title talks of the two great divisions of the Bible. The Old Testament is the story of creation, the
history of the Hebrew people etc. The New Testament on the other hand gives the history and teaching of
the redemption provided through the Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ day they only had the Old Testament.
What does the word “Testament” means? - It means covenant or agreement. The Old and New Testament
therefore is the covenant between God and man. By the end of the 2nd Century – the Bible was often
called the “Old and New Testaments”.

e) “The Oracles of God”- means speaking place. The Bible is indeed the

Oracles of God (Rom.3: 2). It is the Revelation of God to mankind.

2. THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

Most Bibles have 66 books divided into various sections. Let us look at more closely at how the many
parts of the Bible do fit together.

THE TWO COVENANTS

The Bible is divided into two major sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. There are 39
books in the OT and 27 books in the NT giving a total of 66 books in the Bible.

The word “covenant” was originally translated “testament”. Both the OT and the NT are representing a
covenant that God made with His People.

It also important to remember that the OT Law, or Covenant, has been superseded by the NT Covenant
established by Christ (see Heb.8: 6-1018). The OT has been fulfilled by Christ’s work.

THE OLD TESTAMENT

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Based upon this study the OT has been commonly divided into several major sections. These include the
books of:

The Pentateuch (The Law): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

The History: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.

The Poetry: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs

The Prophets-divided into two categories:

1) The Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel and Daniel.

2) The Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah,
Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

THE NEW TESTAMENT

It is commonly divided into five sections:

a. The Gospels: Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.

b. The History of the apostles: Acts

c. The Pauline Epistles: Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philip, Colossians,

1&2 Thessalonians; 1&2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

d. The General Epistles: Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John and Jude

e. The Prophecy: Revelation.

THE CHAPTERS AND VERSES

It is important to remember that the Bible was not originally divided into chapters and the verses as we
have it today. These were added latter for convenience of finding things, but can be misleading as well.
Those who added these divisions in the Bible did the best they could to keep related passages together.
But sometimes the divisions can fall right in the middle of the subject being dealt with, and the reader may
think that a new subject is being introduced. So, it would be necessary to ignore them as you read, in order
to flow with the subject being addressed.

Therefore there are 1,189 chapters, 31,373 verses, 775,693 words and 3,566,480 letters in the Bible. The
longest chapter in the Bible is Ps.119 and the shortest is Ps.117.The longest book in the Bible is the book
of Psalms and the shortest is the book of third John. While the shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35.

There are 929 chapters, 23,214 verses, 592,493 words, and 2,728,100 letters in the OT. The longest
chapter is Psalms 119 and the shortest is Psalms 117. The longest book is Psalms and the shortest book
Obadiah.
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There are 260 chapters, 7,956 verses, 181, 253 words, and 838,380 letters in the NT. The longest chapter
is chapter one of the book of Luke and the shortest is chapter one of the book of first John. The longest
book in the NT is the book of Acts and the shortest is the book of third John (Pastor Ira Stanley, Pg.28-
29).

3. SYMBOLS USED IN THE BIBLE FOR THE WORD OF GOD

A symbol is a physical or material object, which illustrates or reveals a spiritual truth.

1. A critic or judge – Heb 4:12 13. Milk 1Peter 2:2

2. A lamp – Ps. 119:105, 130; Prvo. 6:23. 14. Rod Rev.11: 1-2
3. A mirror–1Cor. 3:18; James 1:23 15. Water Eph.5: 26; Ps 119: 5,9.
4. A Laver – (in the tabernacle) Eph. 5:26 16. Bread Matt.4: 4.
5. Food – Job 23:12 cf 1 Cor. 3:2; Isa. 55:10
6. Gold – Ps. 19:10
7. Fire – Jer 20:9; 23:29.
8. Hammer – Jer. 23:29.
9. Sword – Heb.4: 12
10. Seed – Luke 8:11; 1 Pet 1:23; Matt 13:3
11. Sun – Ps. 19:1-6; Is. 11:9
12. Rain and snow Is. 55:10, 11.

4. SOURCES AND AUTHORSHIP OF THE BIBLE

Some religious sect teach that they as a Church have been made by God, the Supreme and highest, and the
infallible teacher of God, and His word. They say that they have been given the Holy Spirit to guide them
and keep them from error, as they interpret God to men. They also believe their top leader to be the voice
of the Holy Spirit.

These ideas are absolutely wrong! God has not given His authority to any organization. In this section,
we must know that the biblical writers had various occupations, and many different levels of society and
education. They were kings, statesmen, soldiers, tax collectors, theologians, scribes, doctors, shepherds,
fishermen, and more.

The Bible was written by many of these various men, at various times, in various languages, from various
places. Yet it is miraculously unified and consistent in its message. It is also easy to see that the Bible
had one true author-God Himself.

There are 66 books in the Bible and only the authors of 55 books have been well identified by tradition
and historical study. Though scholars today are less certain as to who wrote the following books: Judges,
Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chron. Esther, and Hebrews.

However, we can be absolutely confident that these books of the Bible are inspired by God and that their
content are totally trustworthy as the Word of God. Finally, God is the true author of each and every book
in the Bible.
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But when it comes to the human authors, we discover that some books of the Bible cover a long period of
history, such as Genesis or Kings. It is possible they are a collection of several writings by several authors,
which were put together into one book by one individual chosen by God. Psalms and Proverbs are also
good examples of multiple authors writing different parts of the same book, while being inspired by the
same Holy Spirit. So, then, the actual number of the writers of the Scriptures could be over 40.

And even when most of the writers were Jews, and wrote from the context of the Jewish Religion and
culture, the words of the Bible are for all nations, all ages, all races, and all social classes.

4. REASONS WHY WE SHOULD BELIEVE THE BIBLE TO BE THE WORD OF GOD:

a) The Necessity of God’s Revelation

If we believe that there is a good God, it is reasonable to expect that He will grant a personal revelation of
Himself to His creatures. Just think of a natural father concealing himself forever from his sons and never
communing with them! God acted in His great wisdom in giving His revelation to mankind in book form.

b) The Character of the Bible

The Bible is the embodiment of a divine revelation.

c) The Construction of the Bible

Most authors gather material, think their thoughts out carefully and then write a book. The book may
finally be printed after several months or even years.

But what of the Bible – How was it made and put together?

The Bible did not have just one writer and was not written in just a short period of time. From the time
Moses wrote the book of Genesis until John wrote the book ofRevelation 1600 years elapsed.

It grew gradually. It was written by 40 different people each writing part of it.

Several different countries namely: Syria, Arabia, Italy, Greece, Palestine and Asia Minor were the
places it was written.

Its authors came from different classes of society – some were princes, some prophets, priests, farmers,
shepherds, teachers, a doctor, and a fisherman. The Bible has lasted for over 1800 years and who but God
could have constructed and preserved such a book?

d) The Unity of the Bible

Unlike the Mohammedan, the Buddhist, and other sacred writings which are for the most part collections
of materials, loosely placed together, the Bible is not a collection of fragments but has an organic
character. Though written by 40 different men, from different languages and hundreds of years apart,
without any previous arrangement and discussion, the Bible is one book. It has one doctrinal system from
Genesis to Revelation. One moral standard, one plan of salvation and one program of Ages.
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* The only explanation possible is that there must have been one master planner or author who directed
the writing of the book, and inspired men to write it.

e) The Superiority of Its Teachings above All Other Books

Compared with other books such as the Quran, the Buddhist and Hindu writing with or with writings ofthe
philosophers like Plato and Socrates which have some truth, the Bible is all the truth… more than all the
others put together. And for this reason the Bible is read by millions of people year after year.

f) The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible

Many Old Testament Prophecies have completely been fulfilled in the New Testament. Only God could
do this.

Some of the outstanding examples concern the coming of the Messiah; Isaiah 53; 7:14; Micah 5:2; Ps. 22;
Zech 9:9. The manner and place of birth is foretold - His rejection by men is foretold, His death and
resurrection etc. How has this happened? What answer can we give for this kind of thing? We can only
say this is one of the greatest proofs.

We could only refer to Old Testament types, institutions, ceremonies, and the tabernacle, which are types
of the church and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Only He who knew the beginning from the end could foretell the end at the beginning.

g) The Indestructibility of the Bible

In spite of the attempts through the centuries to get rid of the Bible, it has proven indestructible. A small
percentage of books last for more than 25 years, fewer last for a Century, and practically none lasts for
1000 years; however, parts of the Bible have existed for 3400 years.

Read the history of the Bible – It has been attacked severely for centuries – It (the Bible) has been hated
by thousands, Dozens of consistent efforts have been made to stamp it out and destroy its influence.
Many people have tried to destroy the Bible but they themselves were destroyed, yet the Bible survived.
Emperor DIOCLETIN – 303 AD, decreed that every copy of Scripture should be destroyed; those who
possessed one after a certain date would be put to death.

- Voltaire Francis 1694 –1778 predicted –“within 100 years the Bible would be forgotten book”. Where
are all these people today? They have gone but the Biblehas survived.

- If it were man’s book, the Bible would have been destroyed and forgotten long ago.

- Jesus said, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away.” (Math 24:35;
Is.40:8).

h) The Inexhaustible Depths of the Bible

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For nearly a period of 1900 year, nothing has been added to the Bible, yet George Muller of England read
it 100 times and always found it fresh and new. Men have devoted a lifetime to the study of the Bible.

Thousands of books have been written on the Bible, and have not exhausted its message. Preachers have
preached thousands of Sermons on the Bible and it is the case to this way.

i) The Influence of the Bible on Mankind

The Koran, the book of Mormon, the classics of Confucians etc have all had an effect on the world.

However, the Bible has had a greater influence than all the others put together.

The Bible has inspired men to the highest types of creation in the fields of art. Literature, music etc.
Wherever the message of the Bible has gone it has changed, transformed, and purified the lives of men
and society; it has brought education, hospitals, and higher standards of living.

J) The Claims of the Scripture Themselves

The Bible claims to be an inspired revelation of God. If the Bible is true, and the things it reports
are truthful, we can therefore accept its own claims – The Bible reports that “the Word of the Lord
came to;” Jeremiah, and Amos etc. The New Testament writers claim that their messages came
from God.

k) The Testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ

If we believe that He is the Son of God (there are many proofs) then we must accept His statements as
true. Jesus made several statements of definite testimony that the Bible is the Word of God – e.g. (Luke
24:27-44).

i) The benefits of the Bible

Since many of us have been influenced by the word of God, we shall practically mention the 12 benefits
we get when studying it.

a) We get to know who God is

b) We get to know the ways of God (Psa 119:15)
c) We get to know God’s requirements (Matt 5:6
d) We hear the voice of God
e) We receive guidance and direction (Psa.119: 105)
f) We get to know ourselves (James 1:23, Heb 4:4:12; Jer 23:39)
g) We use it as spiritual, weapon (Eph 6:17, James 2:19)
h) We get our understanding of the past, present and future
i) We are cleansed and changed (Jn 15:3; Eph 5:26-27; Jn 17:17; Psa 19:14; Prov 30:5; 2 Peter 1:3-4)
j) We are made wise (Prov 13:13, Psa 119:98, 130)
k) We are spiritually built (Rom 10:17)
l) We are equipped for evangelism (Act 17:2) (Isaac, pg 26).
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II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE BIBLE

A. The Origin of the Bible

Over a period of 1600 years approximately 40 men were involved in writing these books. The Bible
tells us that these men were holy men of God. They were kings and peasants, poets and merchants,
military and religious leaders. They were from different backgrounds, different cities, and of
different interests.

The Holy Bible, made up of 66 books, is like a small library that God has given us. The first part of
the Bible—the Old Testament—contains 39 books. The second part—the New Testament— contains
27 books.

The books of the Bible cover many different subjects, like history, prophecy, and poetry. It has
songs and wise sayings called proverbs. It contains stories to interest the young and the old. Yet it all
fits together because it has one central theme—the relationship between God and man.

Perhaps you noticed what may seem to be a contradiction in the first part of this unit. It says that
God gave us the Bible, but it also says that men wrote it. How can this be?

The forty men who wrote the Bible were divinely inspired. This means that the Holy Spirit put in the
authors’ minds the thoughts that God wanted them to write. Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All
Scripture is inspired by God.” This verse also tells why the Bible was given—for teaching, rebuking,
correcting, and giving instruction.

God has given us instructions for right living because He desires our highest good. He knows that
when we do not live according to His principles we hurt ourselves. Our minds, our bodies, and
especially our spirits suffer. The best way to avoid hurting ourselves is to follow His Word closely.
Through it we get to know Him personally: we understand that His ways are best for us.

Like a chart or a guide book, His Word was written for us to turn to for help and strength. How
wonderful that we can have His personal instructions to us always at our side!

Note: A "jot and "tittle" would be like the small marks that we use in English to dot an "i" or to
cross a "t". In God’s Word every book, every chapter, every paragraph, every sentence, every word
and even the very letters themselves are inspired by God! It’s not just the "thought" that is
inspired, but the very words and letters themselves!

E. ILLUMINATION

Definition- this refers to the light and the spiritual insight God gives to believers toenable them to
understand the message of the Bible. When the Bible was completed both Revelation and inspiration
stopped. Since then there have been no new revelations of divine truth; neither has there been any more
 17

inspiration such as was possessed by the writers of the Bible. If such is not the case then we imply that the
Bible is not the complete and final revelation of God.It is true that throughout the history of the church,
God has given great blessings, and marvelous unfolding of truth to men, but this is not revelation and
inspiration, it isIllumination granted to men to enable them to more fully understand the Scriptures and
better equip them for the Lord’s service.

Summary:

 Receiving of truth which man could not know otherwise is REVELATION.

 Recording of truth without error is INSPIRATION
 Understanding the Scripture by the help of the Holy Spirit refers to illumination.

Degrees of Illumination

 Some parts of the Bible are understood better than others.

 Also one Christian may have a greater degree of illumination than another
 It is the Holy Spirit who enlightens the truths to our hearts, as we wait upon Him and open our
minds and hearts to His leading. There is a great need today, to allow the Holy Spirit to give
us illumination given to us in the word of God.

F. THE CANONICITY OF THE BIBLE

a)The meaning of the term

The word canon is derived from the Greek word Kanon that probably is derived from the Hebrew Kane,
which means “a measuring rod”, “a rule”. The word canon as applied to the Scriptures means:

i) The recognition and collection of the inspired authoritative books of the sacred Scriptures. It is the
critical standard by which each book of the Bible was tested before it was admitted as a part of the sacred
Scriptures.

ii) It is the name given to the collection of books which did come up to the standard, and which therefore,
has become the testing rule of faith and practice. So the whole Bible is called a canon.

b)The Standard, or Test of Canonicity:

In order for the book to be acknowledged as canonical, as worthy of a place in the sacred canon, six tests
are applied: -

1. Divine authorship – Is it inspired? Was it given by God through the Spirit through men; or
did it come from man?
2. Human authorship – Was it written, edited, or endorsed by a prophet or spokesman for
God?
3. Genuineness – Is it genuine? Can it be traced back to the time and to the writer, can it be
named positively, can it be shown to contain the same matter, in every essential point.
4. Authenticity – Is it authentic, is it worthy of acceptance? Does the book tell the truth? Is it
a record of actual facts? A book from a God of Truth must accord with the truth of God.
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5. Testimony – The added test was the testimony of the Jewish church, the early Christian
church, the church councils, and the ancient versions of the Bible. Was the book received
and accepted generally by the people of God? Circulation and usage was taken into account
– it meant that the people of God to whom the book was originally addressed, actually
received it as the word of God (1 Thess 2:13).
6. Is it Dynamic?

A question asked by the church fathers, did the book come with the power of God? They believed the
word of God was living and active (Heb 4:12) and consequently ought to have a transforming force for
edification

(II Tim 3:16) and evangelization (1 Peter 1:23). If the message of a book did not affect its stated goal, if it
did not have the power to change a life, then God was apparently not behind its message. A message of
God would certainly be backed by the might of God.

b. The Formation of the Canon:

1) The Old Testament canon

The Old Testament canon as we have it today was the Bible of the Jews. Undoubtedly these books existed
in the time of Christ on earth, and during the time of the apostles. These books were looked upon as a
complete whole, and were known as the Scriptures. The Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles referred to
these books.

The following are some New Testament Scriptures which refer to the Old Testament writings,
showing that they are inspired writings: Rom. 3:2; Math 5:18; 1 Cor 2:13; Acts 1:16; II Pet 1:20,21;
Gal 3:8; Mk.12: 36.

c) The New Testament Canon.

i) The Formation of the New Testament Canon:

The New Testament Canon was gradually added to that of the Old Testament.

It was quite a considerable time after the ascension of Christ before the New Testament was actually
written. The teaching of the apostles was first oral. Their messages and preaching was chiefly relating to
the facts of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They used many proof texts from the Old Testament, and showed how Jesus and His entire life and
sacrifices were foretold in the Old Testament.

They went everywhere preaching as they were commanded by the Lord in Mark 16:15. They were
witnesses of Christ’s resurrection – Acts 1:21. Paul also preached in his missionary journeys the facts of
the Gospel- we see an example of it in the book of (1 Cor. 15:1-10).

These oral messages of the apostles and Paul formed the groundwork of the Gospels as we have them.
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It is quite likely that many of Paul’s epistles were written before and some of his epistles were written
after the gospels.

The 27 books in our New Testament are the result of the decisions of these early men of God. These 27
books were accepted as inspired by God, and thus canonical.

G.THE TRANSMISSION OF THE BIBLE

There are three links in the chain” from God to us”:- Inspiration, Canonization, and
Transmission. In the first place, God gave the message to the prophets who received
and recorded it. Secondly, canonization dealt with the recognition and collection of
writings. Therefore in this section, we shall briefly look at the following:
Biblical Languages
In the providence of God two major languages Hebrew and Greek were prepared to express most
appropriately the kind of revelation God desired for their particular days. Along with the two major
languages, are the two minor languages: Arabic and Latin.

VERSIONS AND TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE

We will refer only to the main ones.

a) The Septuagint – 3rd century B.C. This is a Greek version of the Old Testament – translated into
Greek from Hebrew for Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Hebrew was almost forgotten
and many of these Jews spoke Greek. It was written about 277 B.C.
Septuagint means 70 – because it is said to have been translated by 70 scholars in Alexandria in North
Africa.
The Latin Vulgate – 4th Century A.D. There was an old Latin version, parts of which are found in
early Christian writings. But in the 4th Century St. Jerome, at the request of the Emperor, revised the
old Latin from the Hebrew. This name means common or public (vulgar). This Bible in a revised
form is still used by the Roman Catholic Church.
b) Later English Versions.
If translations of single books of the Bible are included, there have been almost 500 new translations
or revisions of older versions of the scriptures in English.

Question: "Has the Bible been corrupted, altered, edited, revised, or tampered with?"

Answer: The books of the Old Testament were written from approximately 1400 B.C. to 400 B.C. The books of the
New Testament were written from approximately A.D. 40 to A.D. 90. So, anywhere between 3400 to 1900 years
have passed since a book of the Bible was written. In this time, the original manuscripts have been lost. They very
likely no longer exist. Also during this time, the books of the Bible have been copied again and again. Copies of
copies of copies have been made. In view of this, can we still trust the Bible?

When God originally inspired men to write His Word, it was God-breathed and inerrant (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John
17:17). The Bible nowhere applies this to copies of the original manuscripts. As meticulous as scribes were with the
replication of the Scriptures, no one is perfect. As a result, minor differences arose in the various copies of the
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Scriptures. Of all of the thousands of Greek and Hebrew manuscripts that are in existence, no two were identical
until the printing press was invented in the A.D. 1500s.

However, any unbiased document scholar will agree that the Bible has been remarkably well-preserved over the
centuries. Copies of the Bible dating to the 14th century A.D. are nearly identical in content to copies from the 3rd
century A.D. When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, scholars were shocked to see how similar they were to
other ancient copies of the Old Testament, even though the Dead Sea Scrolls were hundreds of years older than
anything previously discovered. Even many hardened skeptics and critics of the Bible admit that the Bible has been
transmitted over the centuries far more accurately than any other ancient document.

There is absolutely no evidence that the Bible has been revised, edited, or tampered with in any systematic manner.
The sheer volume of biblical manuscripts makes it simple to recognize any attempts to distort God’s Word. There is
no major doctrine of the Bible that is put in doubt as a result of the minor differences that exist between
manuscripts.

Again, the question, can we trust the Bible? Absolutely! God has preserved His Word despite the unintentional
failings and intentional attacks of human beings. We can have utmost confidence that the Bible we have today is the
same Bible that was originally written. The Bible is God’s Word, and we can trust it (2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew
5:18).

Therefore the following according to our brief look at the doctrine of the Holy Bible is a fitting
contribution to it. This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way to salvation, the doom of
sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its rules are binding, its histories are true,
and its decisions are un changeable. Notice the Bible is the authoritative, infallible revelation of God’s
character and will. The word of God is essential for life, the basic for our own lives and problems, manual
for miracles and constitution for Christian living. “Man shall also live by every word proceeding from
God’s mouth” (Matthew 4:4) “It is our spiritual food” (John 8:51) (Oyako, pg 25). Finally, God tells us
who He is and what He is like in His Word, the Bible. Without the Bible a person cannot really
know God or what He is like (His holiness, His love, His mercy, His grace, and His wonderful ability
to save lost sinners).

The Bible is God’s Word. When a person turns to God and trusts in who God is and what God has
said, that person begins to realize that God has said what He means and God means what He has
said!

Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of
pleasure.

It will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who misuse its sacred contents. It’s the book of books -
God’s book and the revelation of God to man (Pearlman p 44).

UNIT 3: THEOLOGY PROPER: "What is Theology Proper?"

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Theology proper is the study of God and His attributes. Theology proper focuses on God the Father.
Theology proper discusses God's omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, and eternality. It teaches
us about who God is and what He does. Many people have unbiblical perceptions about God that affect
how they understand Him. Some people see God as a brutal tyrant, with no love or grace. Other people see
God as a loving friend, with no justice or anger. Both perceptions are equally incorrect. God is full of
mercy, love, and grace - and at the same time righteous, holy, and just. God grants mercy and sends
judgment. God punishes sin and forgives sin. God will grant believers’ entrance into Heaven and send
unbelievers to Hell. Theology proper gives us a more complete understanding of who God is and what He
does.

Theology comes from the Greek word “theos” meaning God. All doctrines must start from God Gen. 1:1
Heb. 1:1 Jn 1:1. We should remember that the Bible never tries to prove the existence of God. We should
take the existence of God by faith.

Theology proper answers several important questions about God: Like; who is God?

1. God is a spirit (Jn 4: 24) this means that God does not have a body. He is invisible. But He can reveal
Himself to man in a visible form. Like in the person of Jesus Christ, God came into the world in a
body of flesh (Jn 1:14, 18, Col 1:15; Heb 1:3).
2. God is a person as noted in the introduction of this section; personal names are used in reference to
Him (Exodus 3:14; Matt 11:25). Also personal characteristics are ascribed to Him such as knowledge
(Isaiah 55: 9-10), emotions Genesis 6:6) and will (Joshua 3:10).
3. God is one; the Scriptures clearly teaches the unity of God read 1Timothy 2:5) thus, the false teaching
that there are many gods is contrary to this reason, there can only be one supreme being (Mugerwa, pg
17).

Does God exist? God exists and ultimately everyone knows that He exists. The very fact that some
attempt so aggressively to disprove His existence is in fact an argument for His existence.

The Bible does not seek to prove the existence of God. The fact that there is a God, it is assumed
throughout the Scriptures. The first verse of the Bible is an example. “In the beginning God created the
heaven and the earth. “ God’s existence is presented as a statement of fact that needs no proof. The man
who says that there is no God is called a fool in Psalms 14:1.

It is generally accepted that every man is religious by nature and has a longing for worship. Our main
objective in studying this lesson is to get to know that there is only one true God and a living God,
and cannot be depicted or imagined in any form. He is above the idols made by human imagination.

Throughout the ages, many people have not been worshiping the true and living God, but idols, Jeremiah
calls this type of worship foolish (Jer 10:8-9) (Mugerwa p. 2).

However, even a part from the Bible, there are certain evidences for the existence of God (1) mankind has
always believed in a supreme being. (2) Creation must have a creator because the universe could not
originate without a cause (3) the wonderful design which we see in creation demands infinite designer.
 22

(4) since man is an intelligent, moral being, his creator must have been of a much higher order in order to
create him (Ibid, p. 3). The Bible confirms that the true God should be identified with nature (Numbers
23:19.Hos 11:9).

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

What are the attributes of God? In the words of the hymn writer, “immortal, invisible, God only wise…
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, Victorious, thy great name we praise.”
Knowing God’s attributes leads to glorifying and praising Him.

Though it is difficult to define God, by describing these attributes or qualities or characteristics of God,
gives us the best way to know the living God.

In this portion of our study, we shall discuss only eight attributes of God. Remember these qualities are so
important, we want you to study them carefully, know what they are, and memorize them.

1. God is Omnipresent. This means that God is present everywhere at the same time (Jer 23:24,
cfPsa 139:7-10).
2. God is Omniscience; in other words, He knows all things, He knows every thought and deed of
man. (Proverbs 15:3) He knows everything that takes place in nature, including death of a sparrow
(Matt 10:29).
3. God is omnipotent: it means He has all power. He created the universe, and now controls it by
His power. There is nothing that He cannot do (Read Matt 19:26)
4. God is eternal: He never had a beginning and will never cease to exist (Ps 90:2)
5. God is unchangeable: He has declared I am the Lord, “I change not” (Mal 3:6)
6. God is Holy - he is absolutely pure and sinless, it also means that He hates sin and loves goodness
(Prove 15: 9, 26).
7. God is just - this means everything he does is right and faithful. He fulfills all the promises
(Ps119: 131).
8. God is love - this implies that, although God hates sin, yet He loves sinners (Read Jn 3:16).

SEVERAL VIEWS OF GOD:

Before we study the God of the Bible in more detail, we will briefly examine different views of God.
Most people's view of ultimate reality is an amalgam of many of these views. What follows is a brief
overview of several views of God:

 Monotheism:

There is one infinite-personal-righteous God. This view of God is found only among religions which are
based on the Bible. Judaism and Islam are both monotheistic, but differ from Christianity in many
important areas.

 Deism:

Deists recognize that a Supreme Being exists who created the universe, but view him as uninvolved with
human affairs. Many Americans are still practical deists.
 23

 Atheism: Excludes God - There is no God.

No God exists. This view is also called "naturalism," emphasizing its denial of the supernatural.
This is a very recent worldview and it undergirds much western scientism. It says that there is a
God who created but he does not sustain creation

 Polytheism:There are many personal (but not infinite) gods. The Greek and Roman
pantheons are well-known examples of polytheism.

 Pantheism: Everything is God and God is everything. God is the impersonal life-force that
permeates the world. Classical Hinduism and Buddhism are well-known examples of pantheism.

 Dualism:

Deists recognize that a Supreme Being exists who created the universe, but view him as uninvolved
with human affairs. Deism was an 18th Century way-station between theism and atheism. Many
Americans are still practical deists.

THE DECREES OF GOD:

 This means eternal decrees.

1. THE DEFINITION OF DECREES:
L. God’s decrees are eternal. They are unchangeable.
2. They are based on his wisdom and knowledge.
3. They originate in God’s freedom. He is not forced to do these decrees.
4. They have as their end the glory of God.
5. There are two kinds of decrees;
(a) Efficacious - that which God determines
(b) Permissive - that which God allows.
6. The decrees include everything which happens past, present and future.

THE PURPOSE OF DECREES:

1. It is not primarily the happiness or holiness of the creature (man).

The main purpose of God’s decrees is that God should be glorified. Eph 1:6; Rom 9:23; Isa 48:11.

2. The secondary purpose is the happiness and holiness of man.

THE WORKS OF GOD

1. CREATION:
 In the scriptures, there are two ways of Creation:
(a) Immediate creation “ex nihilo” - out of nothing.
(b) Mediate creation - creation out of something.
 24

Immediate (instantaneous -from no previous form) immediate creation means that God created out of
nothing for his own glory. He brought into being the whole visible and invisible universe by an act of the
trinity.

 Mediate (gradual - from pre-existing substance).

 Changing existing materials into something else.

2. Biblical proofs of Creation:

 Isa 43:5; 45:12; Jn 1:3; Acts 17:24; Rom 11:36; Eph 3:9 Col 1:16; Rev 4:11 - these all speak of God as
creator of all things.

Theories that oppose Creation:

There are four theories:

1. Atheistic theory
2. The Dualistic theory
3. Pantheistic theory
4. Eternal creation theory

1. Atheistic theory:

 Since the atheist believes that there is no God, therefore God did not create. They say that the
universe has been here from the beginning. They have two theories of how the universe began.
a) Nebular hypothesis (Nebular - centered)
 They say that gases gathered together in the universe and cooled forming solids which became the
universe.
b) Planetismal hypothesis:
 When stars passed one another their gravity pulled away some gases which cooled and became the
planets.

2.Dualistic theory:
There are two eternals - God and matter.
(a)
There are two spirituals (areas) good and evil.
(b)
 They say God is good and matter is evil.
The Dualistic theory does not answer where matter comes from.

 They do not say exnihilo but they say exnihilonihil fit - out of nothing, nothing is made.
3. Pantheistic theory:
 They say the universe is just a thought from God’s mind so therefore the universe is God because it is
His thought. This theory declares man or makes him God.
 The beginning of the universe is never explained.
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4. The eternal Creation theory:

God is still creating because he is all powerful and he wants to show his love.

The time of creation:

No one knows the time of creation. It can vary from 4000 B.C to 40,000,000,000 B.C. acccording to
the scientists. There is plenty of room in the Genesis account to say that creation happened at any
time. 4000 B.C. is Archbishop Ussher’s date for creation (The creation man). However most scholars
believe that the universe is much older than 6000 years. Egyptians writings are known for 15,000
thousand years. The scientists have proved that Ice age came and the most recent Ice age is at least 10
thousand years ago so the earth is very old but man is a modern creature.

God’s sovereign rule (kingship)

Is God sovereign, or do we have a free will ? When we talk about free will, we are usually concerned
with the matter of salvation. Few are interested in whether we have the free will to choose salad or steak
for our dinner tonight. Rather, we are troubled over who exactly is in control of our eternal destiny.

Under God’s sovereign rule we have two outstanding doctrines:

(i) Preservation
(ii) Providence.

1. The doctrine of preservation.

(a) By preservation we mean that God maintains every thing He has made.
(b) The proof of this doctrine. It can be proved from reason and scripture, by reason we have the
cosmological argument and scripturally we read in Mach 9:6 that God made all things; Col. 1:17 - in
him all things consist; Heb 1:3 - He upholds all things by His power.

PROVIDENCE:
 This has to do with God’s work in that God wants the best. In other words God has not only created
the universe and He did not only permit the universe but because He is Holy, loving, wise and
omnipotent, He also controls the universe. Thus the doctrine of providence then is the control of the
universe.

The Definition of providence:

 It means to foresee and to provide for the future. In other words God makes the events in the physical,
mental and moral areas work out his purpose.
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 In the scriptures we read more about God’s work in providence than we do in creation.

How does God rule over the Creation?

1. God rules over the universe Psa 103:19; Job 38:12-35; Psa 147:16-18; Mt 5:46 Acts 14:17.
2. God controls the universal creation Psa 104:4,28; Mt 6:26.
3. God controls the nations of the earth Job 12:38, Psa 22:8; Psa 75:6;7 Acts 17:26; Rom 13:8.
4. God controls an individual.
(a) Man’s birth and his situation in life Psa 139:16 Jer 1:5; Gal 1:15,16
(b) God controls what seem like accidents on our life Ex 21:13, Prov 10:3.
(c) God controls the needs of His people Psa 4:8, Psa 121:3; Prom 8:28; Phil 4:19
(d) God controls the destiny (the out come) of the saved and unsaved Psa 7:2,3;24;11:6,16.
(e) God controls the success of man Lk 1:52; 1 Sam 2:6-8.

How God works in Divine providence:

Rom 11:33,34 - we cannot trace the ways of God nor His mind nor tell Him what to do. In most things
God uses the Laws of nature. He has also given man an instinct for self - preservation and moral
responsibility Rom 1:26;2:15. Sometimes God overrules his Laws by miracles.

How God works in the affairs of men:

(a) He uses his word to give guidance and direction Joshua 1:7,8. Isa 8:20; Col 3:16.
(b) God appeals to man’s reason Isa 1:8; Acts 6:2
(c) God uses persuasion Jer 44:4;7:13;14. Zech 7:7 2 Cor 5:20.
(d) God uses inner checks and restrains. Acts 16:6-8.
(e) God uses outward circumstances 1 Cor 16:9, Gal 4:20. We should know when it is God working
through these circumstances.
(f) God inclines the hearts of men in a certain direction 1 Kings 8:58; Psa 11:36; Prov 21:1 2 Cor 8:16.
(g) God sometimes guides men by dreams and visions e.g Joseph Math 2:13; Paul Acts 16:9,10; 22:17,18.
(h) God sometimes provides special agents e.g angels 2 Kings 19:35; Dan 6:22; Math 28:2; Acs 8;26.
(i) God leads by means of the Holy Spirit Lk 4:16 1 Jn 16:7-15, Acts 8:29; Rom 8:14.

Theories that are opposed to the doctrine of providence:

Three main theories:

1. Naturalism:
- Everything works according to the Laws of nature and God is not a part of this. Man is entirely
happy as long as he follows the Laws of nature. This theory denies the supernatural which includes
salvation. (Incarnation and resurrection).
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2.Fatalism:
 Believes that whatever will come will come everything is determined before hand and it must come to
pass and nothing he can do will change it. The other side of fatalism is Determinism - there are certain
things in our lives that have to take place according to the plan of God - events affected by preceding
events.
 The chief objection to fatalism is that it makes God impersonal, arbitrary and non - moral.

3.Pantheism:
 Everything is God. We do not obey this theory because it makes God the author of sin.
 Pantheism does not explain miracles.
 The pantheist denies the freedom of man i.e man is also a part of God.

Special Problems dealing with providence:

 There are two main views:

 God is the only actor in the play of the universe and man is his puppet.
 Man is the main actor in the universe and God is his puppet to do what man asks.

SUMMARY

In this unit, we have learnt that there is only one true living God and that He cannot be imagined in any
human form. He is above the idols made by human imagination. Therefore we should agree with prophet
Jeremiah, who says, “But you Lord are the true God, you are the living God and the eternal king”
(Jer 10:10). Also Romans 11:33 is perhaps a good summary verse for Theology Proper: "Oh, the depth
of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths
beyond tracing out!" Summary Statement: God tells us who He is and what He is like in His Word,
the Bible. Without the Bible a person cannot really know God or what He is like-His holiness, His
love, His mercy, His grace, and His wonderful ability to save lost sinners.

THE TRINITY
Many of the attributes ascribed to God within the Christian understanding of Theology Proper would be
shared with other monotheistic religions. Judaism and Islam would attest to the holiness of God. They
would agree that God is transcendent and benevolent. However, there is one important distinction
between Christian Theology Proper and other monotheistic religions: namely, the Trinity. The doctrine of
the Trinity is uniquely a Christian teaching.

Often times Christians seem to be embarrassed by the doctrine of the Trinity. The simplicity of a single
God found in the Judaic and Islamic views of God, along with the philosophical clarity of a non-
Trinitarian god that makes it easy to believe and understand in such a god. However, because it seems to
be biblical, we have to believe in it. But we won’t emphasize it or consider it foundational.

However, Trinitarianism is not a doctrine to be tolerated. The Trinity should not be taught alongside other
doctrines of the Christians faith. It should be the center point of our Christian faith. It is the doctrine
 28

which most readily defines orthodoxy and which gives us an insight into the beauty, mystery and depths
of God which non-Trinitarians will never understand.

Total of Contents

I. Biblical Teaching on the Trinity.

II. Historical Development of the Trinity.
III. Practical Ramifications of the Trinity

TRINITARIANISM

I. Biblical Teaching on the Trinity

A. Jesus’ Teaching Regarding the Trinity

1. Jesus On the Oneness of God

Jesus affirmed that God is one. When asked what is the most important commandment in the Old
Testament, He affirms Deuteronomy 6:4. (Mark 12:29) Jesus answered. “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O
Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord.”

2. Jesus’ relationship with the Father

a. John 8:51-59

i. The context – Jesus is in a heated discussion with the Pharisees and other Jews. Jesus has been
trying to show them their sinfulness and their own need for salvation. Furthermore that by
believing in Him, they “will never taste of death” (v.52). The Jews respond by stating that
Abraham and the prophets died, and question Jesus as to who exactly he thinks he is. Does he
really regard himself as more than Abraham (vs. 52-53)? Jesus’ response astonishes these
people.

In verse 56 He states, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it and was glad.” This
was a blasphemous claim.

Jesus was a relatively young man who was claiming to have seen Abraham. The Jews believe Jesus is not
of sound mind for making this statement.

The Claim – Jesus’ response is an even more blasphemous statement: “Truly, truly, I say to you, before
Abraham was born, I am.” Note, he does not say that before Abraham was born, he was. He said I AM.
He is specifically using this to assert his claim that He is Yahweh, the Great I AM. He claiming to be God
himself, in the flesh, having existed from eternity past, self-existent, independent, and here willing to
reach down and redeem His people.

ii. The response - The Jews understood this claim and immediately sought to execute this
blasphemer. But what should our response to this be? What is the relationship that Jesus has to
the God of Israel, Yahweh? Jesus is clearly claiming to be Yahweh. Yet He has also
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distinguished himself in this passage from the Father, “whom you say, ‘He is our God.” (vs
54). He states that He and the Father are both God, but are distinct persons with different roles.

b. John 10:22-39

i. The context – The Jews directly ask Jesus again, who He is. Is He the Christ?
ii. The claim – Jesus responds by telling them in verse 30, “1 and the Father are one.” They
pickup stones, ready to kill Him. But He asks why? He cites his works as evidence of this
oneness with the Father, and then reasserts the claim in verse 38, “the Father is in me, and I
in the Father.”
iii. The response - The Jews do not misunderstand His claim. Again they seek to kill Him.
Jesus is claiming a special relationship with the Father. In verse 30 He claims unity with
the Father. They are one. But He also shows a distinction between the two, stating that the
Father is in the Son and the Son in the Father. The grammatical gender of the word “one” is
neuter, meaning that Jesus was not claiming to be the same person as the Father, but was
united with the Father and was as divine as the Father.

3. The relationship of the Holy Spirit to the Father and Son (John 14:23 – 26)

Jesus does not just claim a special relationship with the Father, but with another person: The Spirit. In
John 14:23, Christ promises that the Father and He will together abide in those who love Him. But how
will this abiding take place? In verse 26 we see that the Father will send, in the name of Christ, a Helper,
the Holy Spirit. This Helper will teach, bear witness of Jesus (15:26), convict (16:8-9), and guide into
truth (16:13.

This third person, the Holy Spirit, is distinguished from the Father and the Son, and yet is closely tied into
the work of the Father and the Son. The work of the Spirit involves things that only God can do (i.e.
convict of sin and righteousness), thus demonstrating Jesus belief that the Spirit was divine.

4. Conclusion

Jesus taught that there is only one God. Yet Jesus regards himself in a united relationship with the Father.
The Jews rightly interpreted that in claiming to be united to the Father; Jesus was declaring himself to be
equal in divinity to the Father. Jesus also taught that another like Himself, the Holy Spirit, was divine, yet
distinct in His role.

B. The Old Testament Teaching Regarding the Trinity

1. The Unit of God (Deut. 6:4)

The clarity of Deuteronomy 6:4 demand that we regard this passage as definitive in the nature of God.
“Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one!” There is only one God, and that one God is unified,
in perfect balance. But while the concept is simple, that does not necessitate that God himself is simple,
or of only one personality. Merely that whatever His nature is, it will be unified and completely consistent
with the rest of His Character.
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The word “One” used in this passage is also used in Genesis 2:24, where the institution of marriage is
founded. Here, God declares that a husband and wife “shall become ONE flesh.” Certainly there are still
two distinct persons within the marriage, but in some mystical sense, a husband and wife are of one
substance, or flesh. They are united. So it is with God. He is one substance, united.

2. The Angel of Yahweh

The Old Testament frequently discusses an entity known as “The Angel of Yahweh,” The Entity is usually
bringing a message to a person, and while distinct from God himself, speaks with the authority of God.
This again shows that there are personal distinctions within the unified God. (Gen. 22:11-18, Ez. 3:2)

3. The Spirit of God

The Spirit of God is mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, and is shown as an entity from God,
possessing attributes of God, who indwells certain people at certain times.

Most commonly, the prophets were indwelled by the Spirit of God (Ez. 2:2, 3:24). But also, the early
monarchs of the unified nation Israel received the Spirit. Saul, in 1 Samuel 10:10 received the spirit of
God upon His anointing. An in 1 Samuel 16:13ff, the Spirit of God leaves Saul and descends upon David.

As such, the concept of the Holy Spirit was not new with the teachings of Jesus. While the Old Testament
does not openly declare the Holy Spirit to be God, the work of the spirit in the lives of those in whom it
dwelled is work that can only be accomplished by God himself.

4. The Relationship of the Spirit to Yahweh (Isaiah 48:12-16)

God speaks in this prophecy to Judah through prophet Isaiah, to comfort them with His coming
deliverance from Babylon. God first identifies himself in verse 12 as three “I am’s. “ “I am”.

He, I am the first, I am the last. “This is clearly Yahweh, the self-existent one who exists from eternity
past to eternity future. He then assures them that He is in control of what is happening with the
Babylonians and that He is “against” Him. (Contrast this with how the name of Yahweh assures Israel that
He is for them).

In verse 16 we seem to still have Yahweh speaking, discussing how He is going to deliver Israel. Yet the
speaker says, “The Lord Yahweh has sent Me and His Spirit.” If Yahweh is sending the speaker, then
who is this speaker, this I am first and last, spoken of in verse 12?

Here is seems there is a unity of Yahweh who has distinct persons with different roles to play sent by the
Father.

The comparison does not end there, for we see in verse 17 that Yahweh, our God is the one who teaches
and guides us. Yet this is specifically a role set forth for the Holy Spirit in John 17. Furthermore, verse
16 describes the going forth of the Spirit. This would lend proof to the unity of the Spirit of God with God
himself.

C. The New Testament Teaching Regarding the Trinity.

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1. The Unity of God in the New Testament.

The New Testament does not contradict the Unity of God, and in fact, reaffirms the Oneness of God. This
fundamental belief is taken for granted in James 2:19, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 and 1 Timothy, 2:5. However,
the coming of Christ and the Holy raised questions as to how exactly these persons fit with the unity of
God.

2. The Distinction of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the New Testament

While the unity of God is assumed in much of the New Testament, these books also emphasize the
distinctness and uniqueness of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:4-6, in a passage tends to be
in support for Deut. 6:4 declares that there is none just one God and Father, but also one Spirit, and one
Lord (1.6 Christ). I Corinthians 8:4-6 exhibits this same distinctness and unity.

The distinction is not just in form, but also in role. Ephesians 2:18 is one example of how access to the
Father is shown as coming through Jesus in the Spirit. 1John 4:12-15 and 1 Peter 1:2 also show similar
roles.

Finally, Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells his disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and the son and the
Holy Spirit.” Clearly the New Testament teaches these three entities are district.

3. Other Important Passages

a. Colossians 1:15

Jesus is declared to be the image of God, the firstborn of all creation.

John 1:14

Jesus is said here to also be the “only begotten” of the Father. Again, is used to state that Jesus was
created by the Father, thereby making him not fully divine.

However, the term only begotten can also be translated, “one-of-a-king,” or “unique.” This is confirmed
by the usage of the same word in Hebrews 11:17, where Isaac is considered Abraham’s “only-begotten”
son, when Isaac was neither the only son nor even the first born son of Abraham (that distinction
belonging to Ishmeal).

In both the Colossians and the John passage, the term begotten or first born speaks not to Christ begin
crated, but begin of first priority. John 1:1 makes that clear, showing that Christ was with God already in
the beginning, and that Christ was indeed God from eternity past.

b. 1John 5:6-8Certain later manuscripts found in the West include the words: …in heaven, the
Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one And these are three that testify on
earth, the spirit.

This, however, is not found in most of the earliest manuscripts, and in none of the manuscripts found in
the Eastern Mediterranean. In the West there was a prevalent heresy called Arianism (see below) which
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denied the Trinity. Therefore most scholars today believe this passage was not part of the original
manuscript, but was added here to combat the Arian heresy 4.

c. Conclusion

Based on these scriptures, here are some truths about God:

 There is only one God.

 God is united within himself. All things are consistent and balanced in his character.
 There are three entities, Father, Son and Spirit, who exhibit the characteristics of God and are
considered God.
 The Father is not the Son, the Son not the Spirit, and the Spirit not the Father. Each is distinct,
having relationships with each other. Therefore, they cannot merely different names of the same
thing.
 The Father sends forth the Son and with the Son sends the Spirit.
 The Son provides access to the Spirit.
 The Spirit teaches, guides, and convicts
 The Spirit seeks to glorify the Son. The Son seeks to glorify the Father. The Father glorifies the
Son.

II. The Historical Development of Trinity

A. Heretical Understandings of the Trinity

The scriptures teach that there is only one God. Yet they also teach that the Father, the Son and the Spirit
are unique and divine. This dichotomy was accepted by the church without much development for the
first three centuries. This doctrine, along with many others, was not fully developed in the mind of the
Church because the church faced rampant persecution, and survival was more important that a thorough
development of theological ideas.

However, by the late third century AD, Persecution began to wane, and by AD 318 the Roman emperor
Constantine issued an edict of toleration towards Christianity. By AD 325 Christianity was made the state
religion, and by AD 338, Christianity was the only legal religion and paganism was persecuted just as the
Christians had been.

After Christianity became tolerated by the government, the church now began to explore many of the
important doctrines, not the least of which was this dichotomy between God’s oneness and His three-ness.
There were several viewpoints that arose at this time to try to reconcile this dichotomy.

1. Ebionism

In the last first century there were many Jews who denied the deity of Christ all together. Christ was
accepted as a prophet in fulfillment of Deuteronomy 18:15, but they saw Christ only as human, not as
divine.

2. Docetism
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In the second century, there arose a Greek religion known as Gnosticism. This religion extended early
platonic ideas of spirituality which believed that the physical world was evil, while the spiritual world was
good. This idea called on people to transcend the physical and seek instead the diving spirituality within.
Ultimate hope then was found in transcending the physical body and living as pure spirit.

Gnosticism was blended with Christianity by Marcion in the second century to crate Docetism. This
taught that Christ was indeed truly God, but that He was not truly human. Christ only appeared to have a
body. But because the physical is evil, God could not have actually had a real physical body.

3. Adoptionalism

In the third century, it was suggested that Jesus was “adopted” as God’s son. In this viewpoint, the logos
indwelled the person Jesus as His baptism, and then departed while He was on the cross (“into your hands
I commit my Spirit.”). Jesus was indwelled by this “spirit of Christ,” but was not equal to God.

4. Modalism (aka Sabellianism)

In the third century, Sabellius proposed that the Father, the Son and the Spirit were all different roles or
manifestations of the one God. There was only one entity, God, but three different names assigned to
God. For example, one individual person takes on many different roles. I can be a husband to my wife, a
father to my children and a son to my parents. But I remain only one person.

There is no distinction in my essence, only in my role.

This viewpoint was condemned by the synod of Antioch in AD 286.

5. Arianism

Arius was an elder in Alexandria in the early fourth century. In contrast to Sabellius, Arius proposed that
Christ was not just another name for God, but that He was a distinct creation of God. Using Colossians
1:15, Arius taught that before the creation of the world, God created Christ as His firstborn, and was
therefore subordinate to God. Christ was still very important and had a unique relationship with the
Father, but He did not have the fullness of deity that the Father did.

B. The Nicene Creed

1. The Council of Nicaea

In opposition to Arius was Alexander, the Patriach of Alexandria. Alexander held firmly to an eternally
existent Christ and condemned Arius as a heretic in 318. However, Arius continued to teach his
viewpoint, creating great dissent within the church in Alexandria.

To address the disagreement, Emperor Constantine called a conference of bishops in AD 325 in the city
of Nicaea. This was the first ecumenical council of the church and established a precedent for how the
church would decide theological issues.
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The Council agreed with Alexander and issued a statement of faith known as the Nicene Creed, in which it
declared Arianism to be false.

2. The Council of Constantinople

The Nicene Council did not end the Arian controversy. After the death of Alexander, Athanasius, who had
accompanied Alexander to Nicaea, became the Patriarch of Alexandria, and he began actively persecuting
the heretic, Arius. However, soon the Emperor intervened in this persecution and reinstated Arius and
exiled Athanasius. With that, it appeared for a time that the Arian theology would become the orthodox
teaching of the church. However, Athanasius continued to defend the Nicene Creed from exile and along
with three Greek Philosopher-theologians known as the Cappadocian Fathers, they slowly regained the
theological upper hand within the church.

In AD 381, the Emperor Theodosius1 called the second ecumenical council of the church in
Constantinople to settle the matter once and for all. The council sided with Athanasius, reaffirming and
clarifying the original Nicene Creed.

3. The Nicene Creed (AD 325, 381)

The following is the Nicene Creed, as amended in Constantinople.

We believe in one God, the father, the Almighty, creator of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light
from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of the same essence with the Father.

Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the
power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he
was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in
accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the father. He
will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With
the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness
of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

4. The Orthodox Definition of the Trinity

a. Heretical Understandings of the Trinity

This creed defines the Orthodox view of the Trinity. It brings a delicate balance between the scriptural
teaching that God is one and that God is three. If God’s oneness is ignored, it becomes Tritheism (i.e.
Three gods). If the three persons of the Trinity are not considered distinct, it becomes Modalism. If the
three persons are not considered equal, it becomes Arianism. It is only when these three characteristics
are held together can the orthodox view of the Trinity be affirmed.
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Nearly all the major Christian heresies are based on a corruption of the orthodox understanding of the
Trinity. Mormonism, for example, teaches an extreme form of Arianism, where Christ was born to the
Father. The Jehovah’s witnesses also believe Jesus to be a creation of God.

The “Oneness Pentecostals” are modalists, believing Father, Son and Spirit to be one person revealed in
three separate ways. Liberal Christians deny Christ’s divinity all together.

b. Failure of Analogies

 There a numerous illustrations of the Trinity which Christians have developed through the
years to try to explain the doctrine of the Trinity. All of the most popular analogies fail to
capture the unique relationship of Oneness and Three-ness.
 Egg – There is only one egg, but there are three parts to it: the shell, the white and the yoke.
However the analogy does not show the equal nature of the three parts. In the Trinity,
Father, Son and Spirit are of the same substance (i.e divinity).
 Water – Water can exist in one of three states: ice, liquid or steam. This is a Modalist view
of the Trinity; for it shows God as being revealed in three separate forms, but denies the
distinction between them. God exists simultaneously and distinctly as Father, Son and
Spirit and the three are not merely different states or manifestations of the one God.
 Person – A person has body, soul and spirit, but there is only one person. However, there is
no distinction to these three. Within our consciousness we cannot distinguish between our
soul and my spirit. Our body does not have awareness apart from our non-corporal forms.
Our spirit does not commune and have relationship with our soul. Father, Son and Spirit
are distinct and have awareness of and relationship with each other.

c. The Trinity Defined

With the failure of analogies, it is best to just state the doctrine for what it is and acknowledge that it is
impossible for us to fully fathom the doctrine.

The doctrine of the Trinity can be summarized as follows:

There is one God who eternally exists in three distinct persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit all
of whom are fully God, all of whom are equal.

This creed defines the orthodox view of the Trinity accepted by all branches of Christianity today,
including Protestant, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. However, there has been great
misunderstanding between the Western and Eastern Viewpoints of Christianity. Both sides have accused
the other of departing from the orthodox Nicene understanding. However, these two view points are not
contradictory but complementary.

In Western Christianity (which consists of both Catholic and Protest viewpoints), the emphasis has been
on defining the terms of the essence of each person and entity within the Trinity. Western theologians
have attempted to define the Trinity in almost psychological terms in an attempt to understand the nature
and essence of the Godhead.
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In eastern Christianity (which consists of the Eastern Orthodox and Coptic traditions). The emphasis has
been on the social and communal aspects of the Trinity. Rather than define the nature of the essence of
God, Eastern theologians have concentrated on the nature of the relations between Father, Son and Spirit.
The Trinity is left a mystery with the exception of the understanding of the mutual indwelling of the
Trinity (i.e. the Father is in the Son and the Son in the Father, etc).

This difference can be seen in the predominant illustrations of the Trinity developed by the two view
points. In the west, the Shield of the Trinity Trinitarian shield was developed in thirteenth century. It
defines the essence of the Godhead, showing all three to be one God with three distinct persons.

However, both viewpoints are valid orthodox understandings which help us to see a full glimpse of the
Trinity.

SUMMARY

The doctrine of the Trinity is a beautiful mystery which, if we let it to inform and influence our world
view, we will find new meaning and depth of understanding. An understanding of the Trinity answers
many of the philosophical problems of monotheism. It should be the foundation of our Christian
worldview. The influential Trinitarian theologian Colin Gunton said this way:

It is part of the pathos of Western Theology that it has often believed that while Trinitarian theology might
well be of edificatory value to those who already believe, for the outsider it is an unfortunate barrier to
belief, which must therefore be facilitated by some non-Trinitarian apologetic, some essentially
monotheistic ‘natural theology.’ My belief is the reverse: that because the theology of the Trinity has so
much to teach about the nature of our world and life within it, it is or could be the centre of Christianity’s
appeal to the unbeliever, as the good news of a God who enters into free relations of creation and
redemption with his world. In the light of the theology of the Trinity, everything looks different.

UNIT 4: CHRISTOLOGY
Christology is a theological topic that involves our understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. Now that
we have determined that Jesus was fully God, we must explore the relationship between His physical
person and His deity. Throughout history heretical groups have distorted orthodox views about Jesus.
Distortions of the person of Jesus are evident today in groups such as the Mormons, Jehovah Witness, and
Oneness. Here are some key terms to be aware of.

DEFINITIONS:

Christology: Christology is the study of the person of Christ.

Incarnation: The biblical understanding that Christ took on a human nature.

Hypostatic Union: The theological description of the union of the two natures of Christ.

Theanthropos: The theological name of Christ affirming that He is fully God and Fully man.

THE DEITY OF CHRIST

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The deity of Christ sits at the pinnacle of controversy and belief concerning the Christian faith.’ Heretical
views quickly emerged concerning the nature of Jesus. Some people questioned if Jesus was fully God.
Maybe he was only a man. Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus is fully man and fully God. Today
liberal theologians deny that Jesus was God. Their beliefs about the deity of Christ can be summed up in
the words of a modem day theologian John Hick wrote,

Now it used to be assumed-and in some Christian circles is still assumed-that this Jesus, who lived in
Palestine in the first third of the first century AD, was conscious of being God incarnate, so that you must
either believe him or reject him as a deceiver or a megalomaniac. “Mad, bad, or God” went the argument.
And of course if Jesus did indeed claim to be God incarnate, then this dilemma does not arise. But did he
claim this? The assumption that he did is largely based on the Fourth Gospel, for it is here that Jesus
makes precisely such claims. He says “I and the Father are one,” “No one comes to the Father, but by
me” and “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” But it is not secret today, after more than a hundred
years of scholarly study of the scriptures, that very few New Testament experts now hold that the Jesus
who actually lived ever spoke those words, or their Aramaic equivalents. They are much more probably
words put into his mouth by a Christian writer who is expressing the view of Christ which had been
arrived at in his part of the church, probably two or three generations after Jesus’ death. And it is likewise
doubted whether the few sayings of the same kind in the other gospels are authentic words of Jesus. How,
then, did this Christian deification of Jesus- which began within the first decades after his death and was
essentially completed by the end of the first century-take place? Such a development is not as hard to
understand in the ancient world as it would be today.

In current philosophical circles it is common to deny the deity of Christ while acknowledging his
humanity. Claiming that a man named Jesus lived in the 1 st century tends to be more physically felt than
accepting his deity. At the end of the 19 th century and the beginning of the 20th theologians started
questioning some of the most basic tenets or beliefs of the Christian faith. A well known theologian,
Adolf von Harnack, was influential in bringing the deity of Christ into question. Thus Jesus only asked
people to believe in the Father but never the Son. His influence continued throughout the 20 th century and
into today.

INCARNATION

Jesus Christ, the God-man, bridged the gap between sinful man and holy God. Apart from Jesus Christ
this gap could not be filled. Christ is fully God and added human flesh in the incarnation.

Jesus is the only person who ever lived before He was conceived. Christ is co-equal and co-eternal with
the Father. He existed before His birth which makes him unique. Throughout history some heretical
groups claimed that Christ came into existence at his birth. There was never a time when Christ did not
exist. The Scripture clearly assets that Christ was involved in the creation. This further indicates that He
existed before His birth. Notice the following scriptures about creation.

Colossians 1:17-17
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16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones
or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.

Hebrews 1:2

2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through
whom he made he universe.

Virgin Birth

John 1:14 (NIV)

15 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One
and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Luke 1:34-35 (NIV) 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

The virgin birth was necessary to fulfill prophecy (Isa. 7:14). Christ’s virgin birth substantiates His deity
and points to His uniqueness. Since, Jesus was born in the same way as the rest of humanity, this directs
us to His human nature.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST

The Scriptures are clear that was fully human. Sometimes evangelicals have so defended Christ’s deity
that they have neglected His human side. Look at important Scriptures pointing to the humanity of Christ:

HUMAN EMOTIONS

Love John 13:1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus
knew that the time had come for him to leave this world
and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in
the world, he now showed them the full extent of his
love.
Compassion Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had
compassion on them, because they were harassed and
helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Anger John 2:15-16 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove
all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he
scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned
their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get
these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house
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into a market!
Grief John 11:35 Jesus wept.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Tired John 4:6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was
from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the
sixth hour.
Sleep Luke 8:23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came
down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and
they were in great danger.
Hungry Luke 4:2 …where for forty days he was tempted by the
devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of
them he was hungry.
Thirsty John 19:28 Later, knowing that all was now completed,
and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I
am thirsty.”
Pain & Death John 19:34 Instead, one of the soldiers pieced Jesus’ side
with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.

The scripture shows that Jesus had all of the attributes of a human being.

KENOSIS

"What is the kenosis?"

The term kenosis comes from the Greek word for the doctrine of Christ’s self-emptying in His incarnation.
The kenosis was a self-renunciation, not an emptying Himself of deity nor an exchange of deity for
humanity. Philippians 2:7 tells us that Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and
being made in the likeness of men." Jesus did not cease to be God during His earthly ministry. But He did
set aside His heavenly glory of a face-to-face relationship with God. He also set aside His independent
authority. During His earthly ministry, Christ completely submitted Himself to the will of the Father.

Kenotic theology grew out of rational thought from German theologians in the 1800’s. Inevitably, some
scholars insisted that Jesus left His divine attributes in heaven when He became a man. Instead of Jesus
being fully God and fully man, Jesus was thought to be partially God and fully man.

As part of the kenosis, Jesus sometimes operated with the limitations of humanity (John 4:6; 19:28). God
does not get tired or thirsty. Matthew 24:36 tells us, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the
angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” We might wonder if Jesus was God, how could He not
know everything, as God does (Psalm 139:1-6)? It seems that while Jesus was on earth, He surrendered
the use of some of His divine attributes. Jesus was still perfectly holy, just, merciful, gracious, righteous,
and loving - but to varying degrees Jesus was not omniscient or omnipotent.
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However, when it comes to the kenosis, we often focus too much on what Jesus gave up. The kenosis also
deals with what Christ took on. Jesus added to Himself a human nature and humbled Himself. Jesus went
from being the glory of glories in Heaven to being a human being who was put to death on the
cross. Philippians 2:7-8 declares, "taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And
being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a
cross!" In the ultimate act of humility, the God of the universe became a human being and died for His
creation. The kenosis, therefore, is Christ taking on a human nature with all of its limitations, except with
no sin.
(Recommended Resource: Jesus: The Greatest Life of All by Charles Swindoll)

Hypostatic Union

Jesus is fully God and fully man. Christ was one person with two natures. He has a Divine nature and a
human nature. This conclusion poses several difficult questions. The central discussion is the relationship
between His two natures. The early church met at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 and spoke to this
issue.

One and the same Christ, son, Lord, Only-begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly,
unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the
union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one
Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten, God the
Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the prophets from the beginning have declared concerning him, and the
Lord Jesus Christ himself has taught us, and the Creed of the holy Father has handed down to us.

THE SIX BASIC HERESIES REGARDING THE PERSON OF CHRIST SUMMARIZED:

1. Ebionism: Jesus was not God

2. Docetism: Jesus was not human
3. Arianism: Jesus was not fully God
4. Apollinarism: Jesus was not fully human

THE ORTHODOX VIEW OF JESUS

5. NESTORIANISM: Jesus had two distinct persons

6. Eutychianism: Jesus had one blended nature

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 an 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
anthropic Person (the God-man).

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE INCARNATION?

1. Human attributes were gained and no divine attributes were lost.

2. The union of the two natures meant that they did not function independently. Jesus did not have a split
personality.
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3. The incarnation was God’s idea before the foundation of the world. Thus our understanding is limited.

SPECIAL ISSUE TO NOTE: Could Jesus Sin?

Those who believe Jesus could have sinned call this packable. There are two reasons to consider the
possibility that Jesus could have sinned.

A. The temptation of Jesus by the Devil would not have been genuine. If Christ could not have
sinned then the temptation was not real.
B. It is argued that if Christ were really human, it must have been possible for him to sin.

Those who believe Jesus could not have sinned call this impeccable. It is important to remember that
Jesus is the God-man since the incarnation. His person cannot be divided. The first Adam did not have a
sin nature. Jesus did not have a sin nature. Since Jesus was a divine Person with both a human and divine
natures, he could not have sinned. Reasons for holding this position:

1. Christ was immutable. This means that in His divine nature He could never change. Since, his
divine nature cannot be divorced from His human nature He could not have sinned.
2. Two passages of Scripture lend support to this view.

Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are…yet was without sin.

The writer of Hebrews seems to say that Christ can sympathize with us but he did not sin nor could he sin.
Greek scholar A.T. Robertson writes this about the phrase without sin.

This is the outstanding difference that must never be overlooked in considering the actual humanity of
Jesus. He did not yield to sin but more than this is true. There was no latent sin in Jesus to be stirred by
temptation and no habits of sin to be overcome7.

1John 3:5 (NIV) But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no
sin.

The entire issues centers about the temptation of Jesus. Was he really tempted? From God’s perspective
Jesus was tempted to prove to us he could not sin. Satan wanted to fail God’s plan of the cross. Christ
was tempted to prove he was sinless. Jesus’ experience in the wilderness gave him a basis to sympathize
with us.

MODERN DAY CHRISTOLOGICAL HERESIES INCLUDE:

 Mormons
 Jehovah Witnesses
 Oneness Movement
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DO THE FOLLOWING STUDY QUESTIONS?

INTRODUCTION:

Often when the teachings of the Bible are discussed, people will say, "...but that’s just your
interpretation" as if everyone can interpret the Bible differently. Doing these study questions
carefully will demonstrate that this is not the case at all. You will soon discover that there is only
one correct answer for each of the questions that you are about to do! These study questions force a
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person to write down exactly what God says in His Word! It’s tragic that many people do not feel
that God has really spoken or that we can know exactly what He has said. This is not so. This Bible
is very clear!

Besides class discussions and participation, you will be required to do all the following study
questions and course work.

Check your correct answers with those in the BIBLE and NOTES after completing all the study questions
in each unity.

UNIT 1: THEOLOGY
1. Define theology?
2. Identify the categories of theology
3. What is the practical need for systematic theology?
4. Why should we study and research this stuff?

UNIT 2: BIBLIOLOGY
1. Describe the origin and basic structure of the Bible by filling in the missing terms in the following
sentences below:

a The Bible consists of ............................ books written by ............................ men of

different backgrounds.

b The Bible was written over a period of ............................years.

c There are ...........books in the first part called the ..............Testament and

...........books in the second part called the ...........Testament.

2, The Lord Jesus said that God’s Word (the Bible) is ______________ (John 17:17).

3. The Lord Jesus also said that the Scripture cannot ______________________ (John 10:35) and that the
Scriptures must be ___________________(Mark 14:49).

4. WHO moved (carried along) the Bible writers (such as Moses and Isaiah and David and Luke and Paul)
in such a way that the words they wrote were accurate, without mistakes, without errors and exactly the
words God wanted them to write (2 Peter 1:21 and compare 2 Samuel 23:1-2)?
________________________________

5. The Lord Jesus said that the Scripture must be _____________________ (Luke 24:44), even every
________ and ____________________ Matthew 5:18).
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6. We know that the books of the Bible were written by men, but ARE the Bible just the Word of men or
is it more than that? What did the believers in Thessalonica do that made Paul so thankful (see I
Thessalonians 2:13)?_________________________________________________________

7. Psalm 138:2. If we as believers are very careful about honoring God’s Name (Exodus 20:7), should we
also be very careful about how we treat and handle God’s Word (compare 2 Corinthians 4:2)? YES NO

8. 2 Timothy 3:16. How much of God’s Word is INSPIRED OF GOD (literally "God-breathed” that is,
spoken from the very mouth of God)? ________ God’s Word stands for how long (Isaiah 40:8; Psalm
119:89)? ______________________

9. How do we know that God’s Word is true and that God will never break His promises (Titus 1:2;
Hebrews 6:18)?
_________________________________________________________________________

10. When we say that the Bible is divinely inspired we emphasize that

11. State any five reasons why God has given us the Bible.

B.THEOLOGY PROPER
1. Read the Scripture references and fill in the correct words in the statements following.

a Matthew 6:9-11. God is likened to a loving ............................ who provides for his
………………………………………………………….

b Isaiah 66:13. God comforts even as a ............................ comfort her............................

2. Look up the following Scripture. Write by each one of the references the attribute of God that
it suggests to you, such as holy, forgiving, and so on.

• 2 Kings 4:42-44................................................................................................................
• Genesis 9:13-17.................................................................................................................

• 2 Chronicles 7:13-14.......................................................................................................

• Exodus 3:7........................................................................................................................

• Psalm 97:10-12.................................................................................................................

If you want to know more about the attributes of God, you will find an exercise like the one you
have just done very helpful. Choose another Psalm and as you read it write down the
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descriptions of God that are especially meaningful to you. Psalm 103 and Psalm 139 are both
filled with beautiful descriptions of God and His care for us.

3. Circle the letter in front of the correct completion for the following statement. Above all else,
you should love

a) power so that you are in control of your life. b) God, and put that love into practice.

4. Read the following verses and circle the ones that tell you what your first responsibility
toward God is.
a Deuteronomy 6:5
b Deuteronomy 10:12
c Deuteronomy 13:3
d Joshua 22:5
e Mark 12:30
f Jude 21

UNIT 3: THE TRINITY

1. How many Gods are there (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:8)? _____
2. What two verses in Galatians chapter 5 describe the "FRUIT" that the Holy Spirit will produce in the
life of the believer who is filled with the Spirit? Verses ___________ _
3. TRUE or FALSE The Lord Jesus contradicted what the Old Testament taught in Deuteronomy 6:4 (see
Mark 12:28-29).
4. Write the Person of the God Head revealed and recognized as God in these NT Scriptures:
Heb 1:8; Acts 5:3-4; John 6:27.
5. There is ONE GOD, but this great God exists in 3 PERSONS. Can you name the 3 Persons of the
Trinity (Matthew 28:19):
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
6. Whom did (or does) the Lord Jesus glorify (John 17:1, 4)? _______________
7. Whom does the Holy Spirit glorify (John 16:14)? ______________________

UNIT 4: CHRISTOLOGY

1. The sentences on the right are descriptive of Jesus. Read the Scriptures on the left. Then place
the number of the description in front of each verse.
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. . . . a Philippians 2:7
. . . . b John 10:17
. . . . c Philippians 2:6
. . . . d Galatians 4:4
. . . . e Acts 4:12
i) God is His Father.
ii) He was born of a woman.
iii) He is the Savior.
iv) He became like us.
v) He is divine and has the nature of God.
2. Circle the letter in front of each TRUE completion for the following statement. Jesus Christ
died on the cross to
a. redeem us.
b. take our place in the death we deserve.
c. provide salvation for everyone who believes in Him as
Savior. d) to give us eternal life
3. Read Luke 24:46-47. Verse 46 tells us of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Verse 47 tells us
why He had to die and rise again. What is the reason that verse 47 gives?
4. Why did the Lord Jesus come into the world (1 Timothy 1: 15)? ____________ _
5. Why did the Lord Jesus die on the cross? Please do the following MATCHING problem:
1) Christ died for our sins. A. Isaiah 53:5 2) Christ bore (carried) our sins in His own
body on the tree. B. Romans 5:6 3) Christ was wounded for our transgressions (sins). C.
Romans 5:8 4) Christ died for us. D. I Cor. 15:3 5) Christ died for the ungodly. E. I Peter
2:24
6. How many times did Jesus die on the cross (Romans 6:10; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews
10:12)? ___ _ Will Jesus ever need to die again (Romans 6:9; Revelation 1:18)? ----

COURSE WORK:

Write a paper of not less than ten pages on THE ROLE OF GOD THE FATHER, THE SON AND
THE HOLY SPIRIT PLAYED FOR YOUR SALVATION.