Test 1 Flashcards
Define biblical theology
The branch of theological science which deals systematically with the historically conditioned progress of the self-revelation of God as deposited in the Bible
Explain the 4 elements of biblical theology
- Systematization- concentrates on the emphasis of a given period of history as in the Old Testament or on the explicit teaching of a particular writer in the New Testament
- History- helps resolve the doctrinal emphases of a particular period or of a specific writer
- Progress of Revelation- Biblical theology traces that progress of revelation, noting the revelation concerning Himself that God has given in a particular era or through a particular writer.
- Biblical Nature- broader focus than biblical theology; draws its information from the Bible (and from historical information that expands or clarifies the historical events of the Bible. Exegetical in nature, examining the doctrines in the various periods of history or examining the words and statements of a particular writer.
What is progressive revelation?
an orthodox doctrine that God did not reveal all truth about Himself at one time but revealed Himself “piecemeal,” portion by portion to different people throughout history.
What are Enns’ 3 points regarding the importance of biblical theology?
- Shows Historical Development of Doctrine
- Shows Emphasis of the Writer
- Shows Human Element in Inspiration
Explain Enns’ view of the unifying theme of the OT.
Unifying theme of OT: “kingdom” The theme is emphasized throughout the OT in the Law, Prophets, and the Writings.
In this regard (unifying theme of OT), what is God’s ultimate purpose in His kingdom program?*
the holiness of God
To what 18th-century theologian can the modern beginnings of biblical theology be traced?
John Philip Gabler
Why does NT theology not concern itself with periods of revelation?
Because all the books of the NT were written within 50 years of one another
What methodology is preferable for NT theology, and why?
The analytic method (but not to the exclusion of the thematic method) because that method adequately reflects the diversity of the New Testament
What is the meaning of the Greek words theos and logos in theology?
theos: “God”
logos: “word” or “discourse”
What is the difference between the definitions of systematic theology given by Chafer and Hodge?
Chafer: “Systematic Theology may be defined as the collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending of all facts from any and every source concerning God and His works.”
Hodge: “the science of the facts of divine revelation so far as those facts concern the nature of God and our relation to Him, as His creatures, as sinners, and as the subjects of redemption. All these facts, as just remarked, are in the Bible.”
What are Enns’ 3 points regarding the necessity of systematic theology?
- As an Explanation of Christianity
- As an Apologetic for Christianity
- As a Means of Maturity for Christians
How do Paul’s epistles show that doctrine is foundational to maturity?
It protects the believer from error.
Paul normally builds a doctrinal foundation in his epistles before he exhorts believers to live correctly.
What are Enns’ 7 requirements of systematic theology?
- Inspiration and Inerrancy of Scripture
- Application of Proper Hermeneutical Principles
- Scientific Approach
- Objectivity
- Progressive Revelation
- Illumination
- Recognition of Human Limitations
Explain the primary and secondary sources of systematic theology.
Primary: The Scriptures and nature are the primary source of man’s knowledge of God;
Secondary: Tradition and Reason.
What is the purpose of historical theology?
To describe the historical origin of the dogma of the Church and to trace its subsequent changes and developments.
What are the 4 main divisions of historical theology, with dates?
- Ancient theology (first century—A.D. 590)
- Medieval theology (A.D. 590—1517)
- Reformation theology (1517—1750)
- Modern theology (1750—present)
Explain what is meant by the continuity of the Bible as an “evidence” for its divine origin.
It was written over period of more than 1500 years, yet the Bible is a marvelous, unified whole. There are no contradictions or inconsistencies within its pages.
What does revelation mean and what is the important emphasis in the full definition of the term?
Revelation means “disclosure” or “unveiling.”
God discloses truth about Himself that man would not otherwise know.
Explain the differences between general revelation and special revelation.
General Revelation: Day to day and night to night revelation in nature - never ceases.
Special revelation: Involves a narrower focus than general revelation and is restricted to Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.
What has necessitated special revelation, and what does this imply about the essence of that revelation?
Man’s sinful estate through the fall,
Implies that it centers on the person of Jesus Christ. He is displayed in Scripture as the One who has explained the Father
What 5 important elements belong in a proper definition of inspiration?
1) Inspiration of the whole.
2) Inspiration of the parts.
3) Inspiration of the words.
4) Inspiration of the letters.
5) Inspiration of the New Testament
Identify and explain the Greek term translated “given by inspiration” in 2 Timothy 3:16.
emphasizes the exhalation of God “God breathed” Scriptures are “breathed out” by God. Not breathed in
What is natural inspiration?
Teaches that there is nothing supernatural about biblical inspiration; the writers of Scripture were simply men of unusual ability who wrote the books of the Bible in the same way that an individual would write any other book.
