Theology is the study of God and religious truth. It comes from the Greek words theos (God) and logos (word, teaching, or study). So theology is the study of God and his self-revelation to humanity. It involves both the knowledge about God and the study of how to live in light of that knowledge. Theology seeks to understand who God is, what he has done, who we are in relation to him, and how we should live in light of who God is and what he requires of us.
The Bible is the primary source for Christian theology. It reveals God’s character and actions in history. Theology seeks to summarize scriptural teaching on various topics and to apply that teaching to life in the church and the world. So theology is practical as well as theoretical. It helps equip Christians to live for Christ in contemporary culture.
There are many theological topics the Bible addresses. Some of the main areas of theology include:
- Bibliology – the study of the Bible
- Theology Proper – the study of God’s character and attributes
- Christology – the study of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity
- Pneumatology – the study of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity
- Angelology – the study of angels
- Anthropology – the study of humanity
- Hamartiology – the study of sin
- Soteriology – the study of salvation
- Ecclesiology – the study of the church
- Eschatology – the study of end times
In summary, theology is focused on knowing God truly, as he has revealed himself in the Bible and in Jesus Christ. It deals with the major doctrines regarding God, humanity, sin, salvation, the church, angels and demons, and the end times. Theology equips Christians to think biblically about all areas of life and to live for God’s glory.
Bibliology – The Study of the Bible
Bibliology looks at the nature and origins of the Bible. Some key topics in bibliology include:
- Inspiration – 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” The Bible is uniquely inspired by God.
- Inerrancy – Since Scripture comes from God, it is completely true and without error (Psalm 12:6, 18:30).
- Authority – The Bible carries God’s authority since He is its author. Its teachings are binding on the lives of believers.
- Canonicity – This looks at how the 66 books of the Bible were recognized as Scripture. God providentially guided the process.
- Transmission – This field analyzes how the texts of the Bible have been passed down through history.
- Interpretation – Biblical interpretation examines the principles and methods for understanding the meaning of Scripture.
Bibliology gives Christians confidence in the Bible’s divine origins. It also equips them to read Scripture rightly and apply it accurately (2 Timothy 2:15).
Theology Proper – The Study of God
Theology proper examines what Scripture teaches about the existence and attributes of God. Some key topics include:
- The existence of God – Though God’s existence cannot be proved, it is intuitively known and is the logical explanation for creation (Romans 1:19-20).
- The attributes of God – These describe God’s perfect character, such as His love, justice, omnipresence, omniscience, holiness, etc.
- The Trinity – God eternally exists in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- God’s decrees – This looks at how God sovereignly orders all things that come to pass.
- Creation – God spoke the world into being out of nothing to display His glory (Genesis 1).
- Providence – God preserves and governs every detail of the universe He created.
A right knowledge of God’s attributes fuels worship and reliance on Him. As A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
Christology – The Study of Christ
Christology examines the person and work of Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity. Key topics include:
- Christ’s deity – He has the divine names, attributes, and authority of God (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9).
- Christ’s humanity – He added a full human nature to His divine nature via the virgin birth.
- Hypostatic union – Christ has two natures in one person forever.
- Offices of Christ – His roles as prophet, priest, and king.
- Atonement – Christ died as a substitute sacrifice to pay for sin (Romans 3:25).
- Resurrection – He rose physically from the dead, proving His power over sin and death.
- Ascension and exaltation – He ascended into heaven and sits at God’s right hand.
Christology confirms that Jesus is the only way of salvation because of His unique identity as both God and man (John 14:6).
Pneumatology – The Study of the Holy Spirit
Pneumatology examines the deity, personhood, and works of the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Trinity. Key topics include:
- Deity – The Holy Spirit has the attributes of God (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
- Personhood – He has intellect, emotions, and will like the Father and Son.
- Names and symbols – He is called the Spirit, Helper, etc. Symbols include wind, fire, and a dove.
- Salvation ministry – He regenerates, baptizes, indwells, seals, and fills Christians.
- Spiritual gifts – He gives spiritual gifts to edify the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
The Spirit applies the benefits of Christ’s work to believers. He sanctifies us to be more like Jesus and gives power for ministry and evangelism (Acts 1:8).
Angelology – The Study of Angels
Angelology looks at the nature and roles of angels as described in Scripture. Key topics include:
- Origins – God created angels before Creation week (Job 38:7).
- Nature – Angels are spiritual beings more powerful than humans (Psalm 103:20).
- Hierarchy – There are differing ranks of angels such as cherubim, seraphim, and archangels.
- Duties – Angels praise God (Psalm 148:1-2), serve Him (Hebrews 1:14), and deliver messages (Luke 1:19).
- Fallen angels – Some rebelled against God and became demons led by Satan (Matthew 25:41).
Studying angels helps Christians know the spiritual forces at work in the world and God’s authority over them (Colossians 1:16).
Anthropology – The Study of Humanity
Anthropology looks at the origins, nature, and original state of human beings according to Scripture. Key topics include:
- Image of God – Humans uniquely bear God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27).
- Origin – God specially created Adam out of the dust and Eve out of Adam (Genesis 2:7, 21-22).
- Nature – Humans have a material body and immaterial soul/spirit (Genesis 2:7).
- Original state – Adam and Eve were sinless with the ability to not sin in Eden.
This area of theology helps us understand the heights of blessing and responsibility God created humans for.
Hamartiology – The Study of Sin
Hamartiology examines the origin, nature, transmission, and impact of sin. Key issues include:
- Origin of sin – Sin originated with the free choice of Adam and Eve to rebel (Genesis 3).
- Nature of sin – Sin is any lack of conformity to God’s holy law.
- Transmission of sin – Every human inherits a sinful nature from Adam (Romans 5:12).
- Effects of sin – It brings guilt, pollution, and destruction of all creation.
- Extent of sin – All humans are totally depraved and unable to save themselves.
This doctrine shows why salvation is necessary and humbles human pride (Romans 3:10-12).
Soteriology – The Study of Salvation
Soteriology examines how God provides salvation from sin through Jesus Christ. Key themes include:
- Grace – Salvation is entirely an undeserved gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Election – God sovereignly chooses people for salvation (Romans 8:29-30).
- Regeneration – The Holy Spirit makes believers spiritually alive when they savingly believe (Titus 3:5).
- Conversion – This involves repentance from sin and faith in Christ (Acts 3:19).
- Justification – God declares sinners righteous by imputing Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:21-26).
- Adoption – God makes believers His children and heirs of salvation (Galatians 4:4-7).
- Sanctification – God works in believers to make them holy (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).
- Perseverance – All genuine believers will continue trusting Christ until the end (John 10:27-30).
- Glorification – God will one day perfect the holiness of believers and make them sinless (1 John 3:1-3).
Soteriology grounds our assurance of salvation in the finished work of Christ and the Spirit’s ministry.
Ecclesiology – The Study of the Church
Ecclesiology looks at what the Bible teaches about the church. Key topics include:
- Nature of the church – The church is the corporate people of God in Christ (1 Peter 2:9-10).
- Marks – The church is one, holy, universal, and apostolic body under Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6).
- Purpose – The church worships God, edifies believers, and evangelizes the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Officers – Elders/overseers and deacons serve established churches (1 Timothy 3:1-13).
- Ordinances – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances (Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
- Government – Christ is the head who rules the church through church officers and members (Colossians 1:18).
The doctrine of the church instructs Christians concerning their identity and mission as God’s people.
Eschatology – The Study of the End Times
Eschatology examines the final events of history and eternity from Scripture. Major areas include:
- Death and the intermediate state – Believers go to be with Christ when they die (2 Corinthians 5:8).
- Second coming – Jesus will return visibly to judge the world (Matthew 24:29-30).
- Millennial views – These views differ on the timing of Christ’s return relative to a literal 1,000 year earthly kingdom.
- Resurrections – There will be both resurrections to life and death (John 5:28-29).
- Judgments – There will be different judgments for believers and unbelievers (2 Corinthians 5:10).
- Eternal destiny – The righteous will dwell with God forever and sinners will suffer everlasting punishment (Revelation 21:1-8).
Studying eschatology inspires holy living and evangelism in light of Christ’s imminent return and the final state.
Theological Methods
There are different methods Christians use to build their theological understanding from Scripture. Some key methods include:
- Systematic Theology – Approaching the Bible as a whole system of truth, categorizing doctrine topically.
- Biblical Theology – Tracing the progressive unfolding of God’s revelation across Scripture chronologically.
- Historical Theology – Studying how previous generations formulated doctrine and engaged theological issues.
- Philosophical Theology – Using philosophical reasoning to defend, articulate, and applied biblical truth.
Each theological approach has strengths and weaknesses. The Spirit has gifted different teachers to employ these various methods to serve the church.
The Importance of Theology
Why is theology important? Here are some key reasons:
- It is essential for healthy Christian living and ministry (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- It guards against false teaching and protects the purity of the gospel (Titus 1:9).
- It equips us to detect unbiblical worldviews around us (1 John 4:1).
- It gives us a deeper awe of God and His wisdom (Romans 11:33-36).
- It unites the church around biblical truth vs. our own opinions (John 17:17).
- It motivates us to live in light of future realities like Christ’s return (1 John 3:2-3).
Theology is vitally important for the health, defense, and mission of the church. It is central to the Christian life and worldview.
Dangers of Theology
While sound theology is vital, there are potential dangers Christians should be aware of:
- Knowing theology without genuinely knowing and obeying God (Matthew 7:21-23).
- Truth without love – defending orthodoxy while lacking Christlike character (1 Corinthians 13:2).
- Academic pride – boasting in knowledge without humility (1 Corinthians 8:1).
- Division over minor issues – arguing over secondary matters not central to the gospel (Romans 14:1).
- Speculation – moving beyond Scriptural revelation into unprofitable arguments (1 Timothy 1:3-7).
When grounded in Scripture and pursued with wisdom, humility, and love, however, the study of theology is immensely beneficial for the Christian life and church.
Conclusion
Theology aims to rightly know God and live before him based on his self-revelation in Scripture. It deals with topics like his triune nature, his decrees, humanity, sin, salvation, the church, angels, and end times. Scripture affirms theology’s crucial role in maintaining pure doctrine, worship, and living. While potential dangers like pride exist, theology can hugely strengthen our walk with Christ when anchored in God’s word and pursued with humility, discernment, and love. At its core, theology is about applying the depths and riches of biblical truth to every part of the Christian’s worldview and life.