Christian Doctrine Flashcards
What role do reason, tradition, and experience have in theology?
Reason interprets theology but is insufficient alone. Tradition shapes understanding, tested by Scripture. Experience influences faith, tested by Scripture. Theology ultimately relies on divine revelation in Christ.
Wesley’s Quadrilateral highlights the interplay of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
Who are the authors of the Bible?
The Bible has dual authorship: God’s word and human authors. It is inspired by God, with prophets and apostles contributing their style and context.
Warfield emphasized that “what the Bible says, God says.”
Why should we regard the Bible as God’s word?
Christians regard the Bible as God’s word due to Jesus’ teachings, New Testament writers, tradition, and the Holy Spirit’s witness.
Use JNT-H (Jesus, New Testament, Tradition, Holy Spirit) as a recall shortcut.
What are the implications of the doctrine of creation?
The doctrine affirms life has meaning under God’s design, establishes a divide between God and creation, asserts matter is good, and emphasizes humanity’s stewardship.
Creation ex nihilo reinforces divine authority.
How should theology relate to modern science?
Theology and science should engage in a tentative alliance, recognizing distinct yet overlapping domains, focusing on meaning and purpose versus mechanisms of creation.
Theology must critically engage with scientific discoveries while maintaining core doctrines.
What did God create apart from the physical universe?
God created the spiritual realm, including heaven and angels, affirming both visible and invisible creation.
The Nicene Creed states God is the maker of all things visible and invisible.
What place does the spirit world hold in our beliefs?
The spirit world affirms the existence of heaven, angels, and demons, teaching their roles in worship and opposition to God’s work.
The Nicene Creed reinforces the reality of the spiritual world.
What is the image of God in which we are created?
The image of God signifies human uniqueness and dignity, reflecting traits such as reason, will, spirituality, authority, creativity, and community.
This image is restored through Christ.
What are the effects of sin?
Sin leads to bondage, blindness, guilt, and alienation, provoking God’s wrath and separating people from Him and each other.
Sin has both individual and corporate dimensions.
What is original sin?
Original sin refers to humanity’s fallen state inherited from Adam and Eve, distorting human nature and inclining toward sin.
All humans are born estranged from God and require redemption through Christ.
Does Genesis 3 describe an actual event?
Genesis 3 narrates the Fall of humanity, with two interpretations: as a literal historical occurrence or a theological narrative illustrating sin’s consequences.
It is foundational for Christian doctrine.
Is God in control of human history?
God is sovereign over history, guiding creation and individuals according to His divine purpose while allowing human free will.
History culminates in new creation.
If God is all good and all powerful, why is there evil?
Evil exists due to human rebellion; God permits it but does not cause it. He provides redemption through Christ.
Suffering serves purposes such as testing faith.
What is the role of law in Christian life?
The role of law in Christian life is to guide moral conduct and reflect God’s character, emphasizing the relationship between faith and works.
What did Christ come to do for us?
Christ came to teach, conquer evil, restore humanity, and atone for sin, revealing God’s love and bringing new life.
These roles include Teacher, Victor, Second Adam, and Atonement.
Who is Christ?
Christ is both fully God and fully human, the eternal Son of God affirmed by the Council of Chalcedon as one person with two distinct natures.
This counters Arianism and Docetism.
Is Christ the only way to God?
Christianity teaches that Christ is the only way to God, emphasizing salvation through His life, death, and resurrection.
This belief is central to Christian doctrine.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God and distinct from the Father and the Son, actively working in believers.
The Nicene Creed calls Him the ‘Lord and life-giver.’
What does the Holy Spirit do in us?
The Holy Spirit indwells believers, guides them, produces fruit, and convicts them of sin.
Key references include Romans 8:9 and Galatians 5:22-23.
What three truths does the doctrine of the Trinity affirm against heresies?
- There is only one God. 2. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each fully God. 3. The Father is not the Son, who is not the Holy Spirit.
These truths counter Tritheism, Arianism, and Modalism.
How does one become Christian, according to the New Testament?
Becoming a Christian involves repentance, faith in Jesus, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit, marking both an instantaneous and transformational process.
These steps are essential for Christian initiation.
What does baptism do?
Baptism signifies entry into the Church, connecting believers to Christ’s death, forgiveness, and new birth, playing a role in salvation.
It marks transformation and commitment.
On what basis does God accept us?
God accepts us based on Christ’s work on the cross, with justification received by faith alone, apart from personal merit.
This acceptance is rooted in union with Christ.
Can we be sure of our salvation?
Yes, we can be sure of our salvation because justification is by faith alone in Christ, not by personal merit.
True assurance is rooted in Christ’s promises.
