Terminologies Flashcards
Pneumatology
Pneumatology is the study of the Holy Spirit, focusing on His nature, role, and work within the Christian faith.
Key Biblical Text: John 14:26 - “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Paraclete
The term “Paraclete” refers to the Holy Spirit as an advocate, helper, or counsellor who supports and guides believers.
Key Biblical Text: John 16:7 - “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
General Revelation
General Revelation refers to the knowledge of God and His attributes as revealed through nature and the created order, accessible to all people.
Key Biblical Text: Romans 1:20 - “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Special Revelation
Special Revelation refers to God’s self-disclosure through specific, direct means, particularly through the Scriptures and the person of Jesus Christ.
Key Biblical Text: Hebrews 1:1-2 - “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”
Biblical Inerrancy
Biblical Inerrancy is the doctrine that the Scriptures, in their original manuscripts, are without error or fault in all their teachings.
Key Biblical Text: 2 Timothy 3:16 - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
The Deity and Personality of the Holy Spirit (20 marks)
The Baptist position affirms the Deity and Personality of the Holy Spirit, believing He is co-equal with the Father and the Son and possesses a distinct personality.
Deity of the Holy Spirit:
Acts 5:3-4: “Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit… You have not lied just to human beings but to God.’”
2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Personality of the Holy Spirit:
John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Ephesians 4:30: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
The Concept of Paraclete (20 marks)
The term “Paraclete” is central to Baptist theology, referring to the Holy Spirit as the helper, comforter, and advocate for believers.
Helper and Comforter:
John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.”
Advocate:
John 16:7-8: “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.”
Role in Christian Life and Doctrine:
The concept of Paraclete shapes Baptist understanding of the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work in the lives of believers, ensuring their sanctification, providing assurance of salvation, and empowering them for evangelism and discipleship.
Historical Christian Sources of Authority (10 marks)
Apart from Scripture, Baptists recognize other historical sources of authority that have influenced Christian thought and practice, though they emphasize the primacy of the Bible.
Creeds and Confessions:
Nicene Creed: Affirms essential Christian doctrines such as the Trinity and the nature of Christ. It provides a historical benchmark for orthodox belief.
Baptist Confession of Faith: Documents like the 1689 London Baptist Confession help clarify Baptist doctrinal positions and provide a theological framework based on biblical interpretation.
Church Tradition:
Early Church Fathers: The writings of early theologians like Augustine and Athanasius
Creeds and Confessions: Nicene Creed
Affirms essential Christian doctrines such as the Trinity and the nature of Christ. It provides a historical benchmark for orthodox belief.
Example sentence: The Nicene Creed is recited in many Christian churches as a statement of faith.
Creeds and Confessions: Baptist Confession of Faith
Documents like the 1689 London Baptist Confession help clarify Baptist doctrinal positions and provide a theological framework based on biblical interpretation.
Example sentence: Many Baptist churches adhere to the Baptist Confession of Faith as a statement of their beliefs.
Church Tradition: Early Church Fathers
The writings of early theologians like Augustine and Athanasius offer valuable insights and interpretations that have shaped Christian theology.
Example sentence: The works of the Early Church Fathers are often studied by theologians to understand the development of Christian doctrine.
Influence on Practice
Traditions such as the celebration of the sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s Supper) and church governance models (congregationalism) have roots in historical practices and teachings.
Example sentence: The practice of baptism in Christian churches is influenced by historical traditions.
General Revelation
General Revelation refers to the knowledge of God revealed through nature, history, and the human conscience.
Example sentence: General Revelation helps people recognize the existence of God through natural phenomena.
Special Revelation
The orthodox view of Special Revelation includes God’s specific self-disclosure through direct means, particularly the Scriptures and Jesus Christ.
Example sentence: Special Revelation is considered essential for understanding God’s specific communication to humanity.
Biblical Inspiration, Inerrancy, and Authority
Baptists uphold the doctrines of biblical inspiration, inerrancy, and authority as foundational to their faith.
Example sentence: The doctrines of biblical inspiration, inerrancy, and authority are central to Baptist beliefs.
