Theology
Theology comes from two words: theos which means God, and logos meaning word, or rational expression. Therefore theology is the study of God’s Word.
Theology has many definitions.
Theology pursues God-knowledge.
Theology is the process of categorical instruction, illustration, exploration, extraction, and presentation of the revelations of/from God found in Scripture.
Theology is the rational expression of God’s Truths.
Theology helps define terms and truths in Scripture.
Thinking must have vocabulary. God, through Scripture, dramatically expands our vocabulary, our concepts, and our ‘mind-cepts’ of God.
Theology is the study of the revelations of God.
Theology is based on systematic interpretation and unbiased presentation of God’s Truths.
Systematic Theology should consider the original signature, the culture and historical setting, and the audience.
The Bible is a record of the progress of God’s revelation of Himself to mankind. Therefore, theology studies the parts of the whole that make up the entire mosaic of the Bible.
THE BIBLE DEFINES TRUTH IN A WORLD OF UNTRUTH
Theology is thinking about God; it is not based on theory or each person’s personal opinion*, but on exact interpretation of Scripture context. The more we think about God the more God affects our thinking and our lives. The more we think about God, the more our lives affect others. The more we think about God, the less we think about ourselves.
*Personal opinions—especially in small group settings—often open the door to confusion, speculation, and misinterpretation. Scripture is the authority, not human opinion. God’s Word is infallible; our personal interpretations and impressions are not. Truth is absolute and grounded in Scripture, while opinion is subjective, limited, and influenced by human bias.
Too often, discussions become centered on what individuals “think” a verse means rather than on what the text itself actually says in context. When multiple conflicting opinions are elevated, the result is often confusion within the group and uncertainty in the minds of those listening. Eternal truth is too important to be treated as a casual exchange of personal viewpoints.
A more profitable approach is to focus on how a passage has shaped one’s life, strengthened obedience, deepened faith, or been applied in practice. Testimonies of growth, repentance, perseverance, and application can encourage others without turning the discussion into a debate of competing interpretations. The goal should be clarity, edification, and faithfulness to Scripture—not the elevation of personal perspectives.
God is the Source of Our Knowledge of Him
Christ came to earth to reveal God. The Holy Spirit was sent to glorify the Father and the Son, as well as to open the truth of Scripture for all future generations of believers.
God has thought of everything. So, what are God’s thoughts? God’s thoughts are “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Scripture declares truth. So what is truth? Truth is God! Therefore Truth is absolute!
Christ is the personification (a concept made flesh) of Truth.
Scripture states that God is incomprehensible yet understandable (Reference Job 11:7; Isaiah 40:18; John 14:7; 17:3; and 1 John 5:20). The more we know God the more we desire God.
We can never be filled, but we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Learning God gives us all we need to walk our own pathways in fields of grace. Blessings in Christ.
– C. S. Craig October 10, 2017