Theology - Introduction

Question 1

What is meant by Systematic Theology? Its divisions?

Answer 1

ST is arranging Biblical data and teaching into a coherent system that is expressed in a contemporary form and applied to life
Division include:
* Scripture
* Theology Proper (God and His world)
* Anthropology (man and sin)
* Christology
* Soteriology
* Ethics
* Eschatology
* Ecclesiology
* Sacraments

Question 2

What is Reformed Faith (tradition)

Answer 2

System of belief and practice based on theology heritage of the Reformation that stresses God’s sovereignty over all things and His covenantal interactions with man

Also emphasizes:
* Man’s depravity and need of grace
* Centrality of Christ
* Effectual work of the Holy Scripture

Summarized in the 5 solas:
* Sola Scripture
* Sola Fide
* Sola Gratia
* Solus Christus
* Soli Deo Gloria

Question 3

What is Covenant theology and why is it important?

Answer 3

• A way of understanding how God relates to man through covenants, based on His unchanging nature
• It is important because it shows the nature of God in his faithfulness to himself and by implication to us; its an important piece to understanding the radical continuity of the Scriptures
• God is sovereign throughout NT and OT, and God ensures the cov. faithfulness of his people through a covenant of grace under which all covenants following the Cov. of Works are subsumed

Question 4

List and explain the 5 points of Calvinism and where they came from

Answer 4

• The 5 points arose out of the controversy with Arminius and the Articles of the Remonstrance which emphasized man’s role in salvation
• ** Total depravity** Because of Adam’s fall into sin, all mankind has inherited a sinful nature (Rom 3:23; Eph 2:1)
• Unconditional Election God’s choice to save his people is based entirely upon his sovereign will, and not upon any foreseen goodness in man (Eph 1:4-5; Rom 9:11-13)
• Limited Atonement Christ’s salvific work as our Redeemer effectually saved all that God intended to save (John 6:39-40; John 10:11 lays down his life for the sheep)
• Irresistible Grace All those whom God elects will come to saving faith by the work of the Spirit because Christ has effectually died for them to pay for their sins (John 6:44-45 no one can come unless the Father draws him; John 10:26-27 my sheep hear my voice)
• Perseverance of the Saints By God’s grace, all whom the Father has called will be preserved until the end of their lives and be raised up on the last day (John 6:39 lose nothing of all that he has given me; Rom 8:28-39; Phil 1:6 he who began a good work in you)