Study Terms

Question 1

2 Peter 1:20-21

Answer 1

20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Question 2

2 Timothy 3:16

Answer 2

All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;

Question 3

2 Peter 3:15

Answer 3

and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you,

Question 4

1 Corinthians 2:13

Answer 4

We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, [i]combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

Question 5

Angelology

Answer 5

study of angelic beings, including their nature as creatures of God and their unique roles as ministers of God.

Question 6

Anthropology

Answer 6

study of humans, including their relationship to the rest of God’s creation, the concept of the imago dei (image of God), and the constitution of a person both as a spiritual and a physical being

Question 7

Apocrypha

Answer 7

derived from Greek “hidden” or “concealed”, refers to esoteric Writings the church has regarded with suspicion; apocrypha refers to specific non-canonical books that the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) included but that the Jews held as non- inspired. Whereas most patristic- and medieval-era authorities regarded these works as helpful but not authoritative, the Roman Catholic church and Eastern Orthodox church have many of them in their old testament canons.

Question 8

Apostles

Answer 8

-apostles: those appointed by Christ for a special function in the church. Their unique place is based not only on having witnessed the resurrection, but also on having been commissioned and empowered by the resurrected Lord to proclaim the gospel to all nations.

Question 9

Prophets

Answer 9

prophets: spokesman for God; he spake in God’s name and by his authority ( Exodus 7:1 ). He is the mouth by which God speaks to men ( Jeremiah 1:9 ; Isaiah 51:16 ), and hence what the prophet says is not of man but of God ( 2 Peter 1:20 2 Peter 1:21 ; Compare Hebrews 3:7 ; Acts 4:25 ; 28:25 ).

Question 10

Apostolicity

Answer 10

(Criterion of canonicity) argument for a books canonical status that appeals to its being written by or at least written under the authority of a recognized, authentic apostle (or prophet).

Question 11

Authority

Answer 11

Biblical authority is the view that final authority in all matters of faith and practice rests in scripture alone, not in the popes pronouncements (Papal authority) or in councils’ declarations (conciliar authority). Protestants acknowledge the contributions of church fathers, councils, and creeds in the interpretation of Scripture but believe God’s Spirit spoke infallibly only through the Bible.

Question 12

Biblical Theology

Answer 12

Arrangement of teachings and themes in biblical language, history, and genres, whether focused on particular books (e.g., Theology of Genesis), authors (Pauline theology), testaments (old testament theology), or the entire canon (biblical theology close).

Question 13

Bibliography

Answer 13

Study of the Bible, including its status as divine revelation, its relationship to natural (general) and specific (special) revelation, and it’s authority, inspiration, and canonicity.

Question 14

Christology

Answer 14

Study of the person of Christ, especially his pre-incarnate existence, deity, incarnation, humanity, two natures, and the relationship of his person and work.

Question 15

Covenantal Theology

Answer 15

Covenant theology is an approach to biblical interpretation that appreciates the importance of the covenants for understanding the divine-human relationship and the unfolding of redemptive history in Scripture.

Covenant theology is a framework for biblical interpretation, informed by exegetical, biblical, and systematic theology, that recognizes that the redemptive history revealed in Scripture is explicitly articulated through a succession of covenants (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and New), thus providing an organizing principle for biblical theology.

Question 16

Canonicity (and Canonical Development)

Answer 16

The churches acknowledgment and acceptance of an inspired, authoritative writing as a member of the old or new testament canon. In explaining and defending that status for a particular book, early believers appealed to the apostolicity, inspiration, antiquity, orthodoxy, catholicity, and traditional use in the churches that the apostles founded.

Question 17

Catholicity

Answer 17

(Criterion of canonicity) argument for a biblical book’s canonical status that appeals to its acceptance as inspired and authoritative throughout the church as a whole.

Question 18

Church Fathers

Answer 18

Leaders (pastors, teachers, elders, bishops) during the patristic age (generation after the apostles to about AD 500). Some traditions regard their testimony as having a greater authority for their proximity to the apostles and/ or their presence during the most formative period of orthodoxy, including finalization of the scriptural canon and development of Trinitarian and Christological language and creeds.

Question 19

Counsel Of Trent

Answer 19

gathering of more than 200 Roman Catholic bishops in the Italian city of Trento (also for a time in Bologna), on and off for 18 years (1545 to 1563) during the reign of three different popes the council shaped what many called the counter reformation, Rome’s response to challenges raised by the protestants. Trent famously declared many old testament apocryphal writings as inspired and canonical, though these had been doubted by many in the early and medieval church and excluded from the canon of Scripture by Jews and protestants. Trent also regarded the teachings of the church’s Holy Tradition to be equal in authority (or at least complementary) to the teachings of scripture.

Question 20

Definition of Chalcedon

Answer 20

The fourth ecumenical council, at Chalcedon (451), generally excepted by the east and the west, affirmed that Christ’s full divine and fully human natures are united in one person (hypostasis), hence in hypostatic union. Its Chalcedonian definition is the definitive statement of Christology against both exaggerated separateness (Nestorianism) and exaggerated mixture (Eutychianiasm) of his natures.

Question 21

Demonology

Answer 21

Study of fallen angels, including Satan and his demons, with an emphasis on their function as adversaries of God’s kingdom and on spiritual warfare. Sometimes referred to as “diabology.”

Question 22

Dispensational Theology

Answer 22

While affirming that salvation has always been by grace through faith alone, Dispensationalism teaches that God has worked in different ways in different eras of history. Dispensationalism often taught that the various dispensations involved a test for mankind, a failure, and then a judgment. This then would be followed by another dispensation. These seven dispensations are (1) innocence; (2) conscience; (3) human government; (4) promise; (5) law; (6) grace; and (7) kingdom. Not all dispensationalists agree on how many dispensations there are and what they should be called.

Question 23

Dogmatic Theology

Answer 23

Theology authoritatively held and taught by a particular Christian denomination or tradition.

Question 24

Ecclesiology

Answer 24

Study of the nature in function of the church (both local and universal ), including issues such as its governance, structure, and purpose and God’s plan of redemption.

Question 25

Epistemology

Answer 25

branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, it’s presuppositions and foundations, and it’s extent and validity.

Question 26

Eschatology

Answer 26

Study of ultimate Christian hope in the end times, including the rapture, tribulation, final resurrection, millennium, and God’s plan of the ages as history moves ahead.

Question 27

Exegesis

Answer 27

The art and science of interpreting a text, usually via methodology that includes research, analysis, synthesis, hypothesis, and validation.

Question 28

Hamartiology

Answer 28

Study of humanities fall and resulting depravity, including origin, extent, consequences, and transmission of the sinful nature.

Question 29

Heresy

Answer 29

As contrasted with “orthodoxy,” denotes conscious, willful departure from orthodoxy’s foundational tenets, such as the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Spirit, the deity of humanity and Christ, His atoning death and resurrection, and so forth. Heretics, by definition, are not Christians.

Question 30

Hermeneutics

Answer 30

Study or practice of interpretation with aim to understand a work of art, literature, music, or other form of communication.

Question 31

Historical Theology

Answer 31

Study of continuities and discontinuities, including doctrine of development and deviation, throughout the church’s history.

Question 32

Historiography

Answer 32

For truthfulness of inspired scripture, emphasizing its inability to speak falsely in anything it affirms to be true. Viewed as a clear implication of the doctrine of inspiration; often distinguished from infallibility.

Question 33

Inerrancy

Answer 33

For truthfulness of inspired scripture, emphasizing its inability to speak falsely in anything it affirms to be true. Viewed as a clear implication of the doctrine of inspiration; often distinguished from infallibility.

Question 34

Infallibility

Answer 34

Prior to the rise of liberalism, the term was used interchangeably with inerrancy; today it is often linked with the non-inerrantist view that scripture is trustworthy and authoritative in regard to spiritual, doctrinal, and moral matters but may be subject to human error in regard to “spiritually insignificant” matters (e.g. history, science, geography).

Question 35

Inspiration

Answer 35

The supernatural work of God’s Spirit, through human agents (often called “prophets”), in which He superintends the writing process through an often imperceivable Providence so the human author is moved to choose particular words to convey God’s infallible truth, resulting in the scripture is not merely containing God’s message but also being comprised of his very words, as a spoken or written by God himself.

Question 36

Irenaeus of Lyons

Answer 36

As bishop of Lyons he was especially concerned with the Gnostics, who took their name from the Greek word for “knowledge.” Claiming access to secret knowledge imparted by Jesus to only a few disciples, their teaching was attracting and confusing many Christians. After thoroughly investigating the various Gnostic sects and their “secret,” Irenaeus showed to what logical conclusions their tenets led. These he contrasted with the teaching of the apostles and the text of Holy Scripture, giving us, in five books, a system of theology of great importance to subsequent times. Moreover, his work, widely used and translated into Latin and Armenian, gradually ended the influence of the Gnostics.

Question 37

John 17:17

Answer 37

Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

Question 38

Liberalism

Answer 38

Tradition sprouting from enlightenment modernism (especially in 19th and 20th century Europe and North America) that sought to update Christian faith and theology to fit new philosophical, scientific, and intellectual standards. Liberal theology deemphasized or denied most classic orthodox fundamentals, including Scripture’s inspiration and inerrancy, Christ’s deity and humanity, and the Trinity.

Question 39

Literalism

Answer 39

Approach to biblical interpretation that seeks to establish the normal, historical, grammatical meaning of scripture’s words as originally intended for its audience, shunning the discovery of further hidden, spiritual, symbolic, or allegorical meanings.

Question 40

Medieval Period

Answer 40

Era of church history (circa 500 to 1500) known for the increase of the Roman church’s papal authority, split between the eastern and western churches (1054), rise of Islam/launching of the Crusades, and founding of numerous monastic orders and universities. Also saw early attempts at reforming the church both doctrinally and practically.

Question 41

Methodology

Answer 41

Principles and procedures, usually involves an orderly and deliberate process, intended to produce desired types of results. In theological thought, methodologies may include exegetical processes, research methods and proper integration of information sources

Question 42

Modern Period

Answer 42

Era of church history from around 1700 to the present. The age is more of a mindset marked by exchanging traditional authorities (the church, the creeds or confessions, scripture) for individual authority (human reason). Science, philosophy, and theology shifted from the historical Christian worldview toward a more (or fully) secular paradigm.

Question 43

Natural Theology

Answer 43

Organized knowledge of God derived through general revelation in nature and in man, usually regarded as a general Theology accessible to all thinking, reasoning humans.

Question 44

Nicene Creed

Answer 44

also called the Nicaeno-Constantinopolitan Creed, is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian church in opposition to certain heresies, especially Arianism. These heresies, which disturbed the church during the fourth century, concerned the doctrine of the trinity and of the person of Christ. Both the Greek (Eastern) and the Latin (Western) church held this creed in honor, though with one important difference: the Western church insisted on the inclusion of the phrase “and the Son” (known as the “filioque”) in the article on the procession of the Holy Spirit; this phrase still is repudiated by the Eastern Orthodox church. In its present form this creed goes back partially to the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325) with additions by the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381). It was accepted in its present form at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, but the “filioque” phrase was not added until 589.

Question 45

Orthodoxy

Answer 45

From Greek word meaning “correct opinion”; in theology, the correct views on the Christian faith essential truths or key tenets. As a rule of thumb, it is that which has been believed “everywhere, always and by all.” Some foundational doctrines to which all true believers must adhere are the triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) and as creator and redeemer, humanity’s fall and resulting lostness, Christ’s full deity and humanity, His atoning death and resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, Scripture’s inspiration and authority, and humanity’s ultimate judgment and restoration associated with Christ’s future return.

Question 46

Orthopraxy

Answer 46

from Greek word meaning “correct action”; —in theology means proper practices in the Christian faith those things that are always to continue to unite all orthodox believers (for example, Christ centered baptism, Lord’s supper, scripture proclamation, Trinitarian prayer and worship).

Question 47

Paterology

Answer 47

Study of God the Father as first person of the Trinity, emphasizing his distinct functions.

Question 48

Patristic Period

Answer 48

foundational era related to the church fathers (c. 100 - 500) during which the scriptural canon was settled, major ecumenical councils met, major creeds were formulated with regards to Trinitarianism and Christology, and the church emerged from persecution into favored status as the Roman Empire’s official religion.

Question 49

Pneumatology

Answer 49

Usage of philosophy’s methods, theories, concepts, terms, and presuppositions for asking/answering theological questions.

Question 50

Practical Theology

Answer 50

be a logical reflection on personal, pastoral, social, moral, or ecclesiastical matters of practical concern.

Question 51

Prolegomena

Answer 51

introductory comments needed to discuss presuppositions and methodology before beginning the task of systematic theology, including theology’s first principles (e.g., nature, methods, and sources of theological truth).

Question 52

Prophecy

Answer 52

Prophets message that applies both forthtelling (moral message to the present generation, usually warning of judgment if repentance does not follow) and foretelling (prediction of future events). As Scripture is the work of foretelling and forthtelling prophets, it is prophetic.

Question 53

Protestant Period

Answer 53

era of church history (C. 1500 to 1700) characterized by reforms of the Roman Catholic Church’s doctrines and practices seen by protestants as having strayed from the Bible and early church beliefs.

Question 54

Pseudepigrapha

Answer 54

writings falsely claiming to have been written by famous prophets or apostles but composed by imposters to bolster support for doctrines and practice is not otherwise supported by canonical scripture.

Question 55

Reformed

Answer 55

Theological approach generally associated with followers of John Calvin; particularly with the form of Calvinism arising from the Synod of Dort (1618). Reformed theology, like Calvin’s thought, features and emphases on God’s sovereignty, especially as it shapes an understanding of his plan of salvation (e.g., Typically affirms predestination and human inability to choose to follow God).

Question 56

Revelation (Doctrine of)

Answer 56

God’s self-disclosure, referring either to his act of, that means enough, or the product of self-disclosure. Revelations content concerns God himself, his works, and his will. Classically, theologians have distinguished between general revelation and special revelation.

Question 57

Romans 1:20-21

Answer 57

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.

Question 58

Rule of Faith

Answer 58

Also called the Regula Fidei” or “canon of truth”; brief but comprehensive summary of the Trinitarian creation and redemption narrative, beginning with God the father’s creation of all things, through articulation of God the Son’s saving incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension, and anticipated return, ending with God the Spirit’s work in forming, transforming, and moving God’s people toward consummation in resurrection and glory. The early church used it as a starting point for instruction and a guide for reading scripture in light of his own story and emphases; later became the basis for more fixed confessions and creeds.

Question 59

Scholastic Theology

Answer 59

discipline within historical theology focusing on the western scholarship tradition, from the rise of the universities through the Renaissance (1200-1500).

Question 60

Septuagint

Answer 60

from Greek for “70” ( abbreviated with Roman numeral LXX); and early (before end of first century A.D.) Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, including apocrypha, believed to have been translated by 70 scholars. The common Old Testament version the early church used and is still used by the Eastern Orthodox church’s Greek speaking branch.

Question 61

Sola Scriptura

Answer 61

Latin for “scripture alone” in protestant tradition, the answer to the question “what is the final authority in all matters of faith in practice?” Sometimes challenged by those who might elevate personal revelations, science and philosophy, experience, church tradition, or papal teaching to the same level. Does not mean Scripture is the only source of truth or only source of information for doing theology.

Question 62

Soteriology

Answer 62

Study of the nature and extent of salvation, including the doctrine of atonement and topics such as conversion, calling, repentance, faith, election, justification, regeneration, and security.

Question 63

Special Revelation

Answer 63

Divine revelation given to particular people at particular times, that is, limited in space and time —visions, dreams, miracles, manifestations of God’s presence, the incarnate Son, acts in history, prophecies, and especially canonical scripture.

Question 64

Sufficiency

Answer 64

Scripture is sufficient in that it is the only inspired, inerrant, and therefore final authority for Christians for faith and godliness, with all other authorities being subservient to Scripture

Question 65

Systematic Theology

Answer 65

ancient, ongoing discipline that seeks to understand, organize, and articulate truth about the triune God and his works of creation and redemption in light of his special revelation in Scripture, personal revelation in Christ, and general revelation in creation. Sets forth organized doctrines in language tested in the history of theology and the contemporary philosophical/cultural environment to faithfully express God’s revelation about himself, creation, and humanity.

Question 66

Theology

Answer 66

generally, any conversation about the divine being. Specifically, Christian theology is the state of the Triune God in relation to humanity in particular and creation as a whole, often in the context of the biblical creation and redemption narrative and reflected upon throughout history.

Question 67

Theology Proper

Answer 67

Study of deity itself, including God’s existence, a defense of monotheism, God’s names and attributes, and His triunity.

Question 68

Truth

Answer 68

That which measures up to a standard * The “context” defines the standard

Question 69

Verbal, Plenary Inspiration

Answer 69

most common modern evangelical view on the inspiration of scripture; holds that inspiration extends to the very words (verbal) and fully extends to all parts (plenary).

Question 70

Wesleyan Quadrilateral

Answer 70

according to the Wesleyan tradition (theological tradition that followed in the footsteps of John Wesley), there have been four sources for the knowledge of God: scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, hence a “quadrilateral”.

Question 71

Neo-Orthodox Bibliology

Answer 71

20th century reaction against 19th century liberalism that reasserted the orthodox doctrines of the Trinity, Christ’s deity and humanity, and the need for saving grace, though without embracing a classic view of Scripture’s inspiration and inerrancy. Associated with theologians like Karl Barth and Emil Brunner.

Question 72

Philosophical Theology

Answer 72

Usage of philosophy’s methods, theories, concepts, terms, and presuppositions for asking/answering theological questions.

Question 73

Sources of Theology

Answer 73

any means by which truth about God, creation, or humanity is communicated or discoverable by those in theological reflection. Christian theologians emphasize the central role of scripture and special revelation as the primary source, yet most believers throughout history have also drawn on other sources (e.g., Philosophy, science, tradition, history, experience, reason, and culture).