In any conversation about the Bible, one’s presuppositions about inspiration (the God-breathed nature of Scripture) will always come to the fore. Whether it is authority, accuracy, preservation, infallibility or any pivotal aspect of Scripture, the fact of Scripture’s divine origin must and will define our view on every one of them. Scripture is what it is, because it is from […]
» Read moreBefore the beginning of time, God existed – completely invisible and sufficient in and of Himself. Then He created, and heaven and earth came into existence. Then He spoke, and light brought visibility to God’s creation. For the first time, God manifested something of Himself by physical means. It was this action which began a process of revelation which […]
» Read moreAs expressed in previous articles, it is essential that we know the Biblical development of a topic based on prime texts that address it. When discussing the Biblical approach to theology and doctrine, we would be at a loss to miss the clarity of 1 Corinthians 1-3. In it God has declared the supremacy of His wisdom as well […]
» Read moreThe Principles We Apply Every professional knows the boundaries of his field and dares not violate those boundaries. Scriptural principles act like boundaries for those who are willing to listen. In our field of study, we must exercise certain disciplines to keep us from surpassing what is appropriate for our field. We Employ Spiritual Intelligence and Discernment. Whereas […]
» Read moreThe Tools We Use Living in the third millennium A.D., we have the advantage of several tools to aid us in studying Scripture texts and topics. To depend fully on these tools is to be naive. But to ignore these tools is to be presumptuous. Both teaching and self-study are essential in the understanding of Biblical truth. To ignore […]
» Read morePreconditions to Studying When establishing a method of theology, one needs to understand first and foremost that there is no such thing as “theological instant coffee.” In other words, there is no fail-proof method that guarantees 100% correct doctrine in one step. There is no place for presumption when studying doctrine. This does not mean we cannot confidently assert […]
» Read moreCategories of Theological Camps So then, knowing the importance of thinking in categories, we move on to actual categories in which we can think. These categories are not final, and there are many additions that could be made. But they should give us a good footing as we apply what has gone before. […]
» Read moreChristianity without a passion for doctrine should really be an oxymoron in our minds, because it simply does not make sense. We would not trust a scientist who claims, “I don’t study science; I only practice it.” We would not trust a doctor who says, “I don’t study anatomy; I just operate.” Yet when it comes […]
» Read moreWhat is Theology? Theology is a word which many tremble at as they picture dry academics and controversy which only real “Bible students” can understand. While this can appear to be a sort of humility, it is actually an ignorant position that produces needless fear. We need to understand what theology is before we can question its necessity. […]
» Read moreThese things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly… If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained… These things command and teach… Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; […]
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