WORD AND SPIRIT BIBLE COLLEGE
THEOLOGY LESSONS
NOTES OF FIRST LESSON
WHY JESUS CHRIST?
Professor Simon Greenleaf was one of the most eminent lawyers of all time. His “Laws of Evidence” for many years were accepted by all States in the Union as the standard methodology for evaluating cases. He was teaching law at a university in the United States when one of his students asked Professor Greenleaf if he would apply his “Laws of Evidence” to evaluate an historical figure. When Greenleaf agreed to the project he asked the student who was to be the subject of the review. The student replied that the person to be examined would be Jesus Christ. Professor Greenleaf agreed to undertake the examination of Jesus Christ and as a result, when he had finished the review, Simon Greenleaf then went on to personally accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Saviour.
Professor Greenleaf then sent an open letter to all jurists in the United States jurists saying in part “I personally have investigated one called Jesus Christ. I have found the evidence concerning him to be historically accurate. I have also discovered that Jesus Christ is more than a human being, he is either God or nothing and having examined the evidence it is impossible to conclude other than he is God. Having concluded that he is God I have accepted him as my personal Saviour. I urge all members of the legal profession to use the “Laws of Evidence” to investigate the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and if you find that he is wrong expose him as a fraud but if not consider him as your Saviour and Lord”
HOW CAN I BE SAVED?
Salvation is available to all members of the human race without partiality. Salvation is the most important undertaking in God’s entire universe. The salvation of sinners is never on the basis of God merely passing over or closing his eyes to sin; because He saves sinners on a completely righteous basis consistent with the divine holiness of His character. This righteous basis is called grace in the Bible. It relies on God so man cannot work for salvation neither does he deserve it.
However the acceptance of God's salvation by sinners like us is the simplest thing in our entire life. We do not need to be rich, wise or educated. Age is no barrier nor the colour of our skin as God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34, 35). The reception of the enormous benefits of God's redemption is based upon the simplest of terms so that there is no one in the entire universe who needs to be rejected from Gods Grace.
HOW DO I BECOME A CHRISTIAN?
By taking just four steps towards Jesus Christ, you can be saved (John 14: 6). Firstly, you have to recognise that you are a sinner according to Gods Word the Bible (Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Ezekiel 18:4; John 5:24) and that you can do nothing of your own to merit or earn salvation. As humans we are totally alienated from the Father, because of our sinful and carnal nature.
Secondly, realising that if you want a relationship with Almighty God who is perfect; you must recognise that you are an imperfect sinner; and totally repent of all your sin. By doing this you can receive forgiveness from the Lord Jesus Christ as your one and only Saviour (1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6; John 3:16).
Thirdly, by the exercise of your own ‘free will’ you receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, believing that He died especially for you and was raised on the third day in bodily form. You need to totally accept that he is the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:12; 3:16, 36; Acts 16:31; 4:12).
Fourthly, You need to be baptized by the Holy Spirit and ask him to operate within you. This can occur at the same time as receiving salvation through the new birth, or it can happen at a later time (Acts 8:14-16, 11:14-17, 19:1-7). We believe that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the bestowing of the believer with power to be an effective witness for Christ. This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to the New Birth; it is received by faith, and is usually accompanied by the manifestation of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance; and was the initial evidence within the early Church believers – (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 5, 8; Acts 2:1-4) Water baptism is an outward symbol that you have died to yourself and been made alive in Christ, so water baptism is the next very important step.
The results of Salvation
The results of this are unbelievably wonderful:
Jesus takes your sins away (John 1:29),
You now possess eternal life (1 John 5:11, 12),
You are now a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17),
The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in your life (1 Corinthians 6:19),
Jesus said you will never perish (John 10:27-30).
You will now be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do all things in Christ (Acts 1:8)
This truthfully is life's greatest achievement. Everyone desires total happiness and freedom; but the vast majority do not know how or where to find it. Therefore we invite you and exhort you if you have not already become a Christian to trust the Lord Jesus Christ and follow these simple instructions and be born again eternally into God's family (Matthew 11:28; John 1:12; Acts 4:12; 16:31).
Dear Lord, I recognise that I am a sinner and I want to repent of my sins and receive your forgiveness; I ask you Lord to accept me into your family and help me have a personal relationship with you.
I accept that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and that he rose on the third day and is now alive in heaven with the Father.
I also ask you to send the Holy Sprit to baptise me into a full relationship with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ and allow me to receive any gifts of the Holy Spirit that you may want to bestow on me.
I now accept that I am a Born Again believer. I also understand that as soon as possible I will seal this Spirit begotten birth by being baptized in water as all the early Christians did in the book of Acts.
Thank You in Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
THEOLOGY 1 CONTENTS
LESSON SUBJECT PAGE
SECTION A – BIBLIOLOGY
1 Introduction 6
2 Bible – God’s Word 13
3 Bible – Inspiration 23
4 Bible – Inerrancy 25
5 Bible – Interpretation 31
6 Bible – Canonicity 40
7 Bible – Subject and Purpose 49
8 Bible – God’s Revelation 55
SECTION B – THEOLOGY 58
9 Tri-Unity 58
10 Character of God 70
11 The Fatherhood of God 76
SECTION C – CHRISTOLOGY 83
12 Deity of Christ 83
13 Incarnation of Christ 89
14 His Ministry and Character 97
15 His Substitutionary Death 106
16 Resurrection of Christ 111
17 The Ascension Of Jesus Christ 120
18 His Coming for His Saints 126
19 His Return with His Saints 133
SECTION D – PNEUMATOLOGY 140
20 Holy Spirit – Pneumatology 140
21 Holy Spirit – Transitional Ministry 145
22 Holy Spirit – Ministry in the New Testament 150
23
Holy Spirit – Regeneration 155
24 Holy Spirit – Indwelling and Sealing 158
25 Holy Spirit – Baptism 163
26 Holy Spirit – Filling 168
27 Holy Spirit – Ministries 174
SECTION E – AGES IN WORLD HISTORY 180
28 Dispensations 190
29 Covenants
SECTION F – ANGELOLOGY & SATANOLOGY 199
30 Angels and their Role 199
31 Angels and their Role 204
32 Satan – Personality and Power 215
33 Satan – His Work and Destiny 228
34 Satan – His Strategies 234
35 Demons – Satan’s Troops 241
SECTION G – STUDY OF MAN 247
36 Man – His Origin and Creation 247
37 Man – His Origin and Creation [continued] 260
38 Man – His Fall 265
LESSON 1 – INTRODUCTION (PROLEGOMENA) TO THEOLOGY
Introduction
Acts 17:32-34
John 2.22
James 1:19-27 Philosophy
Bible And Believer
CHRISTIAN LIVING
In this present age many believe that they can escape accountability to God; these people are deluding themselves as this is not possible; because in the future we must all give an account of our life to him who matters. Healthy doctrine and theology will more than likely result in Holy living, or judgment; all theology has an output, either good or bad in our life and in eternity. In 1 Peter it states that there are many things which are hard to understand in God’s Word, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t study them more closely.
We recommend that you obtain a notebook so that when you come across promises or problems you should note them down in the front and back of the notebook, so that you have a place to record answers to problems and application of promises. The prime reason for studying theology is to bring our lives into the righteous standard of the person of Christ. Only God can do that through the Holy Spirit working within.
Who should understand theology? - Everybody! Who has a spiritual need; Matthew 5
Non Christians have a false counterfeit theology
We should try to be as accurate as possible in our theology as we are studying the only true God
As Christians it is of vital importance to study theology. Theology is meant to have the output of a holy life that is intelligently conformed to the standards of God that are now understood in our present age.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We are accountable:- [a] To Ourselves – Conscience, [b] To Society – Law, [c] To Family, Employers etc. [d] To God - As Creator
We may believe that we can escape accountability but the Bible tells us that we are accountable:
[a] Believers - I Corinthians 3:10-15, [b] Unbelievers - Revelation 20:1 1-15
We require sound doctrine - 2 Timothy 4:3, Titus 1:9
Ideally doctrine or Theology will lead to Holy Living
Paul prayed for an increase in Knowledge. Philippians 1:9 -11, Colossians 1:9- l0
The ultimate goal of all knowledge gained is that we are transformed by it; from a Christian perspective this means to be conformed to the standard of the Person of Christ.
What is theology? - Theology is the discovery, systemizing and presentation of the truths about God. It is made up of two words "Theos" meaning God and "logeo" meaning logical, systematic study. This is therefore the study of the mind, plan and actions of God as far as they can be known in time and space.
"Prolegeo" means before we speak, and so we talk of a “prolegomena” to theology, for there are certain things that need to be clarified before we study theology. Empiricists say that you cannot speak about God at all. The reality is that men have always spoken of the creator; there is a deep need to talk about and relate to God.
The issue of Christian theological study however is getting to know God biblically and specifically getting to know the person and work of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ better.
We should not get side-tracked by theological disputes such as that between the viewpoint of Calvin and Arminius. We are going to know the plan of God well enough to thank God for election as well as free will. Acts 17: 22-34. As we go through we will see most disputes have a solution between the extremes.
The response to Theology - Here we have Paul's encounter with the philosophers on Mars Hill where after hearing Paul speak some mocked whilst others believed. [V32-34] The response in the crowd showed who had been prepared by the Holy Spirit to accept and those who would resist the calling of God.
Paul tells about the Lord and His resurrection by which time they are accepting or are moving away. John 16: 8-11
The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is the agent of conviction of sin and regeneration. Do not think that you can argue people into the kingdom of heaven. The Holy Spirit does the work, the Lord Jesus Christ gets the glory, and you give the facts and get the blessing of seeing people saved, but you cannot take the credit. Christians only plant seed and water, but God makes it grow.
In the person of the Lord Jesus Christ God has stepped into history. As we go through this study we will be looking at the person and work of The Lord and the Holy Spirit.
Theology is the study of the person, plan, and work of the triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the character of each. It is also a study of man as a creature of the Creator and a study of God's plan for man.
WHERE DO WE START? HOW DO WE START?
The student of theology
[a] Must believe - 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
[b] Must think - a combination of theology and exegesis
[c] Must depend on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit - John 16:12-15.
[d] Must worship and have an increasing reverence for God.
The Conservative Viewpoint - As Bible believing people we believe that God has spoken to man. We have the premise of revelation. The principle is that the Bible is God's revealed words to us and knowledge of His Word will give knowledge of God because in it he has revealed Himself.
The Liberal Viewpoint - The liberal ‘Theologian’ will claim that the Bible is not revelation but is merely philosophy. They claim that Genesis is not history and that Creation, the Flood and other Biblical accounts are just myth and legend, they accept the ‘un-provable theory of evolution’ rather than creation. Some are not happy with the miracles and the resurrection.
They however are often orthodox on salvation and get living in the Spirit right. Their premise is wrong therefore their conclusions will often be wrong, and their lives may be “wrong”. They may stumble in doubts and falter with uncertainty as they face the trials of life. Subjectivism is the hall mark of the liberal because arguments about what is “reason” and what is experiential, has always dominated their theology; but it is not simple reason, for we believe in being “reasonable”.
They have defined “reason” in such a way that revelation is denied before it has a chance to produce evidence.
Schleiermacher [1768-1834] began this trend when he emphasized analysis of religious experience based on feelings, whilst Kant [1724-1804] relied on conscience as the basis for truth.
In all liberalism they separate the Jesus of history from the Christ of faith, rejecting the reality of historical revelation, stressing that faith is experiential and needs no evidence as such, as long as it transforms you.
The Neo Orthodox - There is also another school called the neo orthodoxy group who insist that God not man does initiate revelation, but they also set limits to the nature of that. The Bible they say witnesses to the Logos/Word but does so fallibly. The Bible therefore has no absolute authority.
Catholicism - Combines the authority of the Bible with tradition with the ultimate authority resting with the church itself. Tradition has become binding on the church as divine revelation.
Protestantism - This eliminates the authority of the leadership of the church and makes the Bible the grounds of spiritual authority. They believe that each church has a divine mandate to set authoritative guidelines for its members in accordance with what they believe the scriptures teach - Hebrews 13:7, 17.
Our Premise - The premise we hold is that the Bible is the Word of God without error in the original. It is inerrant and is given by God and preserved through the centuries. Accurate theology is based on accurate exegesis. God communicates in a normal plain and literal manner. When the plain sense makes common sense, we seek no other sense, lest we create nonsense!
Priority of the New Testament - While all Scripture is inspired and profitable, the New Testament has greater priority as a source of doctrine, and we allow the apostolic interpretation of the Old Testament to be normative for us. The Old Testament was preparatory and partial while New Testament theology is climactic and complete and by it we see the Old Testament’s meanings.
Proof Texts - Use of proof texts, providing they are stated accurately in their context give conservative conclusions. Texts must be quoted in their context. A text out of context becomes a “pretext “for anything.
Systematic Theology - This is the means by which we seek out the system behind Theology. We should however realise that none of us have all the truth. Beware of those who state they have all truth. Pride and arrogance was Satan’s sin.
THREE FORMS OF THEOLOGY
There are three forms of theology
[a] Historical - What great theologians and church historians in the past have thought, the contributions and mistakes of the Church..
[b] Biblical Theology - which looks at the teaching of each book of the Bible.
[1] Must be presented in a systematic form.
[2] Looks at the background and circumstances of the writer,
[3] The unfolding in progressive stages - e.g. see Topic - The Lamb
[4] Takes its material from the Bible.
[c] Systematic Theology - which tries to see the whole counsel of God in the form of topics in a systematic way.
The limitation of a theological system must coincide with the limitation of Biblical revelation, which means that it must be understandable to man as a creature of the creator. After all shouldn’t we expect this? If God has given us a mind then we ought to expect to use it systematically.
Theology - Should Be Systematic Theology - Theology can be understood, for God can be understood, and he has made us with understanding, although some things will require explanation but that will be Bible based.
Beliefs - Everyone has a belief system: ATHEISTS - believe there is no God, AGNOSTIC believes he cannot know about God, THEIST - Believes in God, TRINITARIAN - believes God is a Trinity.
As our information about God comes from the Bible our belief in the Truthfulness of the Bible is critical. God gave information to be understood. This means that even a lie is communicated as such in a literal manner. We saw this in the introductory lectures with reference to the book of Job, then end of which tells us that all the friends say is false! It is recorded as such to warn us about false theology.
Acceptance by faith of the Bible as totally reliable is a very important further step in the advancement of the individual’s Christian life.
DOCTRINES
PHILOSOPHY
1. Philosophy does not lead to wisdom. (Job 28:12-13, 20-21).
2. It is a futile exercise. (Ecclesiastes 8:17; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 20)
3. It does not produce happiness. (Ecclesiastes 1:13-18)
4. It leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-22)
5. We cannot find God through it. (Matthew 11:25; 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21; 2:13)
6. Philosophy is useless in preaching (1 Corinthians 1:20, 21; 2:1) as it will rob the gospel of its power. (1 Corinthians 1:17). Basic doctrines are then doubted or even denied, as is done in liberal theology.
7. Philosophy is a hindrance in coming to faith. (Acts 17:32; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Timothy 6:20-21)
8. It has to be avoided. (Proverbs 3:5, 7; 1 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:20, 21).
9. Real wisdom is to know and worship God. (Job 28:28; Psalm 11 1:10; Proverbs 1-7; 9:10; 14:16)
10. Philosophy creates "mental blocks" in the mind. This makes it hard for someone who has been trained in it to understand and accept Biblical truths.
11. A few examples as illustration-
a) Evolution: Leaves no room for a Creator, that is, for God.
b) Humanism: Denies the existence of God, human soul, life after death, heaven, hell, of absolute values in morals or otherwise.
c) Psychiatry: Does not recognise that man is responsible for his deeds. It denies the root of all man's problems: inherited SIN, plus some of its techniques such as Cognitive Therapy are based in Buddhism.
d) Anthropology: Teaches evolution in human society. What is called "primitive man" or "stone age man" is; in reality, the end product of degeneration through sin.
BIBLE AND THE BELIEVER
1. The Scriptures are designed to have the following effect on the believer.
a) Illuminating. (Psalm 119:130)
b) Making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7)
c) Producing faith (John 20:31), hope (Psalm 119:49, Romans 15:4), and obedience (Deuteronomy 17:19-20)
d) Cleansing the heart (John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26) and the ways (Psalm 119:9)
e) Keeping us from destructive paths. (Psalm 17:4)
f) Supporting life. (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3)
g) Building up in the faith. (Acts 20:32)
h) Comforting. (Psalm 119:82, Romans 15:4)
i) Promoting growth in grace. (1 Peter 2:2)
j) Admonishing. (1 Corinthians 10:11)
k) Rejoicing the heart. (Psalm 119:18,111)
l) Sanctifying. (John 17:17, Ephesians 5:26)
2. The Scriptures should be:-
a) Believed (John 2:22) and obeyed (James 1:22)
b) The standard for teaching. (1 Peter 4:11)
c) Appealed to. (1 Corinthians 1:31, 1 Peter 1:16)
d) Read publicly to all. (Acts 13:15)
e) Known. (2 Timothy 3:15)
f) Received as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13) with meekness (James 1:21)
g) Searched. (John 5:39, Acts 17:11)
h) Used against our spiritual enemies. (Ephesians 6:11, 17)
i) Taught to everyone including children. (Deuteronomy 6:7, 11:19, Nehemiah 8:7-8)
j) Talked about continually. (Deuteronomy 6:7)
k) Not handled deceitfully. (2 Corinthians 4:2)
3. For the unbeliever the Scripture should be for:
a) Regeneration. (James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23)
b) Quickening. (Psalm 119:50, 93)
c) Converting the soul. (Psalm 19:7)
THEOLOGY LESSONS
NOTES OF FIRST LESSON
WHY JESUS CHRIST?
Professor Simon Greenleaf was one of the most eminent lawyers of all time. His “Laws of Evidence” for many years were accepted by all States in the Union as the standard methodology for evaluating cases. He was teaching law at a university in the United States when one of his students asked Professor Greenleaf if he would apply his “Laws of Evidence” to evaluate an historical figure. When Greenleaf agreed to the project he asked the student who was to be the subject of the review. The student replied that the person to be examined would be Jesus Christ. Professor Greenleaf agreed to undertake the examination of Jesus Christ and as a result, when he had finished the review, Simon Greenleaf then went on to personally accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Saviour.
Professor Greenleaf then sent an open letter to all jurists in the United States jurists saying in part “I personally have investigated one called Jesus Christ. I have found the evidence concerning him to be historically accurate. I have also discovered that Jesus Christ is more than a human being, he is either God or nothing and having examined the evidence it is impossible to conclude other than he is God. Having concluded that he is God I have accepted him as my personal Saviour. I urge all members of the legal profession to use the “Laws of Evidence” to investigate the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and if you find that he is wrong expose him as a fraud but if not consider him as your Saviour and Lord”
HOW CAN I BE SAVED?
Salvation is available to all members of the human race without partiality. Salvation is the most important undertaking in God’s entire universe. The salvation of sinners is never on the basis of God merely passing over or closing his eyes to sin; because He saves sinners on a completely righteous basis consistent with the divine holiness of His character. This righteous basis is called grace in the Bible. It relies on God so man cannot work for salvation neither does he deserve it.
However the acceptance of God's salvation by sinners like us is the simplest thing in our entire life. We do not need to be rich, wise or educated. Age is no barrier nor the colour of our skin as God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34, 35). The reception of the enormous benefits of God's redemption is based upon the simplest of terms so that there is no one in the entire universe who needs to be rejected from Gods Grace.
HOW DO I BECOME A CHRISTIAN?
By taking just four steps towards Jesus Christ, you can be saved (John 14: 6). Firstly, you have to recognise that you are a sinner according to Gods Word the Bible (Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Ezekiel 18:4; John 5:24) and that you can do nothing of your own to merit or earn salvation. As humans we are totally alienated from the Father, because of our sinful and carnal nature.
Secondly, realising that if you want a relationship with Almighty God who is perfect; you must recognise that you are an imperfect sinner; and totally repent of all your sin. By doing this you can receive forgiveness from the Lord Jesus Christ as your one and only Saviour (1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6; John 3:16).
Thirdly, by the exercise of your own ‘free will’ you receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, believing that He died especially for you and was raised on the third day in bodily form. You need to totally accept that he is the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:12; 3:16, 36; Acts 16:31; 4:12).
Fourthly, You need to be baptized by the Holy Spirit and ask him to operate within you. This can occur at the same time as receiving salvation through the new birth, or it can happen at a later time (Acts 8:14-16, 11:14-17, 19:1-7). We believe that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the bestowing of the believer with power to be an effective witness for Christ. This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to the New Birth; it is received by faith, and is usually accompanied by the manifestation of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance; and was the initial evidence within the early Church believers – (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 5, 8; Acts 2:1-4) Water baptism is an outward symbol that you have died to yourself and been made alive in Christ, so water baptism is the next very important step.
The results of Salvation
The results of this are unbelievably wonderful:
Jesus takes your sins away (John 1:29),
You now possess eternal life (1 John 5:11, 12),
You are now a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17),
The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in your life (1 Corinthians 6:19),
Jesus said you will never perish (John 10:27-30).
You will now be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do all things in Christ (Acts 1:8)
This truthfully is life's greatest achievement. Everyone desires total happiness and freedom; but the vast majority do not know how or where to find it. Therefore we invite you and exhort you if you have not already become a Christian to trust the Lord Jesus Christ and follow these simple instructions and be born again eternally into God's family (Matthew 11:28; John 1:12; Acts 4:12; 16:31).
Dear Lord, I recognise that I am a sinner and I want to repent of my sins and receive your forgiveness; I ask you Lord to accept me into your family and help me have a personal relationship with you.
I accept that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and that he rose on the third day and is now alive in heaven with the Father.
I also ask you to send the Holy Sprit to baptise me into a full relationship with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ and allow me to receive any gifts of the Holy Spirit that you may want to bestow on me.
I now accept that I am a Born Again believer. I also understand that as soon as possible I will seal this Spirit begotten birth by being baptized in water as all the early Christians did in the book of Acts.
Thank You in Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
THEOLOGY 1 CONTENTS
LESSON SUBJECT PAGE
SECTION A – BIBLIOLOGY
1 Introduction 6
2 Bible – God’s Word 13
3 Bible – Inspiration 23
4 Bible – Inerrancy 25
5 Bible – Interpretation 31
6 Bible – Canonicity 40
7 Bible – Subject and Purpose 49
8 Bible – God’s Revelation 55
SECTION B – THEOLOGY 58
9 Tri-Unity 58
10 Character of God 70
11 The Fatherhood of God 76
SECTION C – CHRISTOLOGY 83
12 Deity of Christ 83
13 Incarnation of Christ 89
14 His Ministry and Character 97
15 His Substitutionary Death 106
16 Resurrection of Christ 111
17 The Ascension Of Jesus Christ 120
18 His Coming for His Saints 126
19 His Return with His Saints 133
SECTION D – PNEUMATOLOGY 140
20 Holy Spirit – Pneumatology 140
21 Holy Spirit – Transitional Ministry 145
22 Holy Spirit – Ministry in the New Testament 150
23
Holy Spirit – Regeneration 155
24 Holy Spirit – Indwelling and Sealing 158
25 Holy Spirit – Baptism 163
26 Holy Spirit – Filling 168
27 Holy Spirit – Ministries 174
SECTION E – AGES IN WORLD HISTORY 180
28 Dispensations 190
29 Covenants
SECTION F – ANGELOLOGY & SATANOLOGY 199
30 Angels and their Role 199
31 Angels and their Role 204
32 Satan – Personality and Power 215
33 Satan – His Work and Destiny 228
34 Satan – His Strategies 234
35 Demons – Satan’s Troops 241
SECTION G – STUDY OF MAN 247
36 Man – His Origin and Creation 247
37 Man – His Origin and Creation [continued] 260
38 Man – His Fall 265
LESSON 1 – INTRODUCTION (PROLEGOMENA) TO THEOLOGY
Introduction
Acts 17:32-34
John 2.22
James 1:19-27 Philosophy
Bible And Believer
CHRISTIAN LIVING
In this present age many believe that they can escape accountability to God; these people are deluding themselves as this is not possible; because in the future we must all give an account of our life to him who matters. Healthy doctrine and theology will more than likely result in Holy living, or judgment; all theology has an output, either good or bad in our life and in eternity. In 1 Peter it states that there are many things which are hard to understand in God’s Word, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t study them more closely.
We recommend that you obtain a notebook so that when you come across promises or problems you should note them down in the front and back of the notebook, so that you have a place to record answers to problems and application of promises. The prime reason for studying theology is to bring our lives into the righteous standard of the person of Christ. Only God can do that through the Holy Spirit working within.
Who should understand theology? - Everybody! Who has a spiritual need; Matthew 5
Non Christians have a false counterfeit theology
We should try to be as accurate as possible in our theology as we are studying the only true God
As Christians it is of vital importance to study theology. Theology is meant to have the output of a holy life that is intelligently conformed to the standards of God that are now understood in our present age.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We are accountable:- [a] To Ourselves – Conscience, [b] To Society – Law, [c] To Family, Employers etc. [d] To God - As Creator
We may believe that we can escape accountability but the Bible tells us that we are accountable:
[a] Believers - I Corinthians 3:10-15, [b] Unbelievers - Revelation 20:1 1-15
We require sound doctrine - 2 Timothy 4:3, Titus 1:9
Ideally doctrine or Theology will lead to Holy Living
Paul prayed for an increase in Knowledge. Philippians 1:9 -11, Colossians 1:9- l0
The ultimate goal of all knowledge gained is that we are transformed by it; from a Christian perspective this means to be conformed to the standard of the Person of Christ.
What is theology? - Theology is the discovery, systemizing and presentation of the truths about God. It is made up of two words "Theos" meaning God and "logeo" meaning logical, systematic study. This is therefore the study of the mind, plan and actions of God as far as they can be known in time and space.
"Prolegeo" means before we speak, and so we talk of a “prolegomena” to theology, for there are certain things that need to be clarified before we study theology. Empiricists say that you cannot speak about God at all. The reality is that men have always spoken of the creator; there is a deep need to talk about and relate to God.
The issue of Christian theological study however is getting to know God biblically and specifically getting to know the person and work of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ better.
We should not get side-tracked by theological disputes such as that between the viewpoint of Calvin and Arminius. We are going to know the plan of God well enough to thank God for election as well as free will. Acts 17: 22-34. As we go through we will see most disputes have a solution between the extremes.
The response to Theology - Here we have Paul's encounter with the philosophers on Mars Hill where after hearing Paul speak some mocked whilst others believed. [V32-34] The response in the crowd showed who had been prepared by the Holy Spirit to accept and those who would resist the calling of God.
Paul tells about the Lord and His resurrection by which time they are accepting or are moving away. John 16: 8-11
The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is the agent of conviction of sin and regeneration. Do not think that you can argue people into the kingdom of heaven. The Holy Spirit does the work, the Lord Jesus Christ gets the glory, and you give the facts and get the blessing of seeing people saved, but you cannot take the credit. Christians only plant seed and water, but God makes it grow.
In the person of the Lord Jesus Christ God has stepped into history. As we go through this study we will be looking at the person and work of The Lord and the Holy Spirit.
Theology is the study of the person, plan, and work of the triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the character of each. It is also a study of man as a creature of the Creator and a study of God's plan for man.
WHERE DO WE START? HOW DO WE START?
The student of theology
[a] Must believe - 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
[b] Must think - a combination of theology and exegesis
[c] Must depend on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit - John 16:12-15.
[d] Must worship and have an increasing reverence for God.
The Conservative Viewpoint - As Bible believing people we believe that God has spoken to man. We have the premise of revelation. The principle is that the Bible is God's revealed words to us and knowledge of His Word will give knowledge of God because in it he has revealed Himself.
The Liberal Viewpoint - The liberal ‘Theologian’ will claim that the Bible is not revelation but is merely philosophy. They claim that Genesis is not history and that Creation, the Flood and other Biblical accounts are just myth and legend, they accept the ‘un-provable theory of evolution’ rather than creation. Some are not happy with the miracles and the resurrection.
They however are often orthodox on salvation and get living in the Spirit right. Their premise is wrong therefore their conclusions will often be wrong, and their lives may be “wrong”. They may stumble in doubts and falter with uncertainty as they face the trials of life. Subjectivism is the hall mark of the liberal because arguments about what is “reason” and what is experiential, has always dominated their theology; but it is not simple reason, for we believe in being “reasonable”.
They have defined “reason” in such a way that revelation is denied before it has a chance to produce evidence.
Schleiermacher [1768-1834] began this trend when he emphasized analysis of religious experience based on feelings, whilst Kant [1724-1804] relied on conscience as the basis for truth.
In all liberalism they separate the Jesus of history from the Christ of faith, rejecting the reality of historical revelation, stressing that faith is experiential and needs no evidence as such, as long as it transforms you.
The Neo Orthodox - There is also another school called the neo orthodoxy group who insist that God not man does initiate revelation, but they also set limits to the nature of that. The Bible they say witnesses to the Logos/Word but does so fallibly. The Bible therefore has no absolute authority.
Catholicism - Combines the authority of the Bible with tradition with the ultimate authority resting with the church itself. Tradition has become binding on the church as divine revelation.
Protestantism - This eliminates the authority of the leadership of the church and makes the Bible the grounds of spiritual authority. They believe that each church has a divine mandate to set authoritative guidelines for its members in accordance with what they believe the scriptures teach - Hebrews 13:7, 17.
Our Premise - The premise we hold is that the Bible is the Word of God without error in the original. It is inerrant and is given by God and preserved through the centuries. Accurate theology is based on accurate exegesis. God communicates in a normal plain and literal manner. When the plain sense makes common sense, we seek no other sense, lest we create nonsense!
Priority of the New Testament - While all Scripture is inspired and profitable, the New Testament has greater priority as a source of doctrine, and we allow the apostolic interpretation of the Old Testament to be normative for us. The Old Testament was preparatory and partial while New Testament theology is climactic and complete and by it we see the Old Testament’s meanings.
Proof Texts - Use of proof texts, providing they are stated accurately in their context give conservative conclusions. Texts must be quoted in their context. A text out of context becomes a “pretext “for anything.
Systematic Theology - This is the means by which we seek out the system behind Theology. We should however realise that none of us have all the truth. Beware of those who state they have all truth. Pride and arrogance was Satan’s sin.
THREE FORMS OF THEOLOGY
There are three forms of theology
[a] Historical - What great theologians and church historians in the past have thought, the contributions and mistakes of the Church..
[b] Biblical Theology - which looks at the teaching of each book of the Bible.
[1] Must be presented in a systematic form.
[2] Looks at the background and circumstances of the writer,
[3] The unfolding in progressive stages - e.g. see Topic - The Lamb
[4] Takes its material from the Bible.
[c] Systematic Theology - which tries to see the whole counsel of God in the form of topics in a systematic way.
The limitation of a theological system must coincide with the limitation of Biblical revelation, which means that it must be understandable to man as a creature of the creator. After all shouldn’t we expect this? If God has given us a mind then we ought to expect to use it systematically.
Theology - Should Be Systematic Theology - Theology can be understood, for God can be understood, and he has made us with understanding, although some things will require explanation but that will be Bible based.
Beliefs - Everyone has a belief system: ATHEISTS - believe there is no God, AGNOSTIC believes he cannot know about God, THEIST - Believes in God, TRINITARIAN - believes God is a Trinity.
As our information about God comes from the Bible our belief in the Truthfulness of the Bible is critical. God gave information to be understood. This means that even a lie is communicated as such in a literal manner. We saw this in the introductory lectures with reference to the book of Job, then end of which tells us that all the friends say is false! It is recorded as such to warn us about false theology.
Acceptance by faith of the Bible as totally reliable is a very important further step in the advancement of the individual’s Christian life.
DOCTRINES
PHILOSOPHY
1. Philosophy does not lead to wisdom. (Job 28:12-13, 20-21).
2. It is a futile exercise. (Ecclesiastes 8:17; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 20)
3. It does not produce happiness. (Ecclesiastes 1:13-18)
4. It leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-22)
5. We cannot find God through it. (Matthew 11:25; 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21; 2:13)
6. Philosophy is useless in preaching (1 Corinthians 1:20, 21; 2:1) as it will rob the gospel of its power. (1 Corinthians 1:17). Basic doctrines are then doubted or even denied, as is done in liberal theology.
7. Philosophy is a hindrance in coming to faith. (Acts 17:32; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Timothy 6:20-21)
8. It has to be avoided. (Proverbs 3:5, 7; 1 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:20, 21).
9. Real wisdom is to know and worship God. (Job 28:28; Psalm 11 1:10; Proverbs 1-7; 9:10; 14:16)
10. Philosophy creates "mental blocks" in the mind. This makes it hard for someone who has been trained in it to understand and accept Biblical truths.
11. A few examples as illustration-
a) Evolution: Leaves no room for a Creator, that is, for God.
b) Humanism: Denies the existence of God, human soul, life after death, heaven, hell, of absolute values in morals or otherwise.
c) Psychiatry: Does not recognise that man is responsible for his deeds. It denies the root of all man's problems: inherited SIN, plus some of its techniques such as Cognitive Therapy are based in Buddhism.
d) Anthropology: Teaches evolution in human society. What is called "primitive man" or "stone age man" is; in reality, the end product of degeneration through sin.
BIBLE AND THE BELIEVER
1. The Scriptures are designed to have the following effect on the believer.
a) Illuminating. (Psalm 119:130)
b) Making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7)
c) Producing faith (John 20:31), hope (Psalm 119:49, Romans 15:4), and obedience (Deuteronomy 17:19-20)
d) Cleansing the heart (John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26) and the ways (Psalm 119:9)
e) Keeping us from destructive paths. (Psalm 17:4)
f) Supporting life. (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3)
g) Building up in the faith. (Acts 20:32)
h) Comforting. (Psalm 119:82, Romans 15:4)
i) Promoting growth in grace. (1 Peter 2:2)
j) Admonishing. (1 Corinthians 10:11)
k) Rejoicing the heart. (Psalm 119:18,111)
l) Sanctifying. (John 17:17, Ephesians 5:26)
2. The Scriptures should be:-
a) Believed (John 2:22) and obeyed (James 1:22)
b) The standard for teaching. (1 Peter 4:11)
c) Appealed to. (1 Corinthians 1:31, 1 Peter 1:16)
d) Read publicly to all. (Acts 13:15)
e) Known. (2 Timothy 3:15)
f) Received as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13) with meekness (James 1:21)
g) Searched. (John 5:39, Acts 17:11)
h) Used against our spiritual enemies. (Ephesians 6:11, 17)
i) Taught to everyone including children. (Deuteronomy 6:7, 11:19, Nehemiah 8:7-8)
j) Talked about continually. (Deuteronomy 6:7)
k) Not handled deceitfully. (2 Corinthians 4:2)
3. For the unbeliever the Scripture should be for:
a) Regeneration. (James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23)
b) Quickening. (Psalm 119:50, 93)
c) Converting the soul. (Psalm 19:7)
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