Theology / PCA Flashcards
(217 cards)
1
Q
What is Systematic Theology?
A
Study of Christian doctrine organized in a coherent framework to articulate the teaching of the faith comprehensively.
2
Q
What are the key divisions of systematic theology?
A
Theology proper (God), Christology (Christ), Pneumatology (Spirit), Bibliology (Revelation), Soteriology (Salvation), Ecclesiology (Church), Eschatology (Last things)
3
Q
What is the “Reformed Faith?”
A
A branch of the protestant reformation emphasizing the teaching of the reformers, particularly John Calvin, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of scripture, and doctrines such as predestination, covenant theology, and the Solas of the Reformation: Scripture alone, Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone, and God’s Glory alone.
4
Q
What is covenant theology?
A
A framework for understanding the Bible that emphasizes God’s unfolding relationship with humanity through covenants, primarily seen in the covenant of life, the covenant of grace, and the covenant of redemption, revealing god’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ
5
Q
Why is covenant theology important?
A
Covenant theology is important because it provides a framework for understanding and interpreting the Bible, based on the Bible itself, emphasizing the consistency of God’s plan throughout history, the unity of the Old and New Testaments, and Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
6
Q
The 5 points of Calvinism
A
5 points of Calvinism - Total Depravity (humans are completely affected by sin), Unconditional Election (God chooses whom to save not based on any merit), Limited Atonement (Christ atones particularly for the elect), Irresistible Grace (God’s grace effectively draws the elect to salvation), Perseverance of the Saints (those who are truly saved will endure to the end).
7
Q
Where did the 5 points of calvinism come from?
A
The 5 points were developed at the Synod of Dort (1619) in response to the Dutch Arminians.
7
Q
Distinguish General and Special Revelation
A
General revelation is God’s revealing himself through nature, conscience and moral order, accessible to all, while special revelation is God’s specific communication of himself through Scripture, prophecy, and the person of Jesus.
8
Q
Define and defend the inspiration of scripture.
A
Inspiration means the Bible is breath out by God, authored by human writers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, meaning it is inerrant and infallible. It is affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16 “all scripture is breathed out by god and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.”
9
Q
What is the Canon? Defend using scripture.
A
The canon is the collection of books that were recognized as authoritative. Scripture attests the canon in 2 Peter 3:15-16, where Peter recognizes Paul’s writing as scripture.
10
Q
Define and defend the authority of scripture.
A
The authority of scripture means that the Bible is inerrant and infallible, and is founded on the nature of its divine source. The Bible attests to its own authority in passages like 2 Timothy 3:16, saying that scripture is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction because it is “breathed out by God.”
11
Q
Define and defend the sufficiency of scripture.
A
The sufficiency of scripture means that the Bible contains all we need to find life and salvation. It is supported by 2 Peter 1:3: God’s divine power has granted us all things necessary for life and godliness.
12
Q
Define and defend the perspicuity of scripture.
A
the Bible is clear and understandable in its essential teachings for all believers. This is affirmed by scriptures like Matthew 11:25 “Thank you Father, that you have hidden these things from the wise, and revealed them to little children.” and 2 Timothy 3:15 “From childhood you have been acquainted with the scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through Faith in Christ.”
13
Q
What is distinctive about the reformed interpretation of scripture?
A
The reformed interpretation of scripture emphasizes its ultimate authority in faith and practice, its sufficiency for all of life, and its clarity and accessibility to believers.
14
Q
What principles should guide our interpretation of scripture?
A
Scripture should be used to interpret scripture, using clearer passages to interpret less clear; passages should be read in context; scripture should be read acknowledging that we need illumination from the Holy Spirit.
15
Q
Define and defend inerrancy.
A
Inerrancy, means that the Bible in its original manuscripts was without error in all that it affirms. This is supported in scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16 and Titus 1:2.
16
Q
What do the scriptures principally teach?
A
The scriptures principally teach what man is to believe about God and the duty God requires of man.
17
Q
What is God?
A
God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
18
Q
Explain and defend the doctrine of the trinity.
A
The doctrine of the Trinity holds that there is one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully God, sharing one divine essence. Genesis 1:26 (Let us make man in our image); John 14 (I will ask the Father and he will send you another Helper); Matthew 28 (the name (singular) of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (plural)); 2 Corinthians 13:14 (grace of Jesus, love of God, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit)
19
Q
What are the attributes of God
A
Omnipotence (Jer 32- is anything to hard for me?)
Omniscience (Ps147 - His understanding is beyond measure)
Omnipresence (Psalm 139 - Where shall I go from your presence)
Immutable (Malachi 3:6)
Eternal (Psalm 90)
Sovereign (Psalm 115)
Holy (Isa 6)
Love (1 John 4:8)
Justice (Psalm 145)
Mercy (Psalm 103)
Goodness (Psalm 34)
Faithfulness (2 Tim 2:13)
20
Q
Communicable Attributes
A
Love, Mercy, Justice, Goodness, Truth, Faithfulness, Wisdom, Patience, Holiness, Humility
21
Q
Incommunicable attributes
A
Omniscience, Omnipresence, Omnipotence, Aseity, Immutability, Eternity, Simplicity
22
Q
What are the decrees of God?
A
The decrees of God are His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His will, whereby, for His own glory, He hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
23
Q
Infralapsarian vs. Supralapsarian view of the decrees of God?
A
Infralapsarianism holds that God’s decree to elect occurs after his decree to permit the fall, whereas supralapsarianism says the decree to elect comes first.
24
What is an Amyraldian view of God's decrees?
Amyraldianism hods that God's decree of election is based on the hypothetical response of individuals to the gospel, meaning the atonement is universal, but salvation is contingent on individual faith.
25
What is sin?
Any want of conformity to or transgression of the law of God. (1 John 3, James 4)
26
What is God's work of creation?
God's making everything from nothing, in the space of 6 days, and all very good.
27
Briefly discuss the length of creation days.
There are several views of the days of creation. One view is literal 24-hour days. One view is that a day represents an age of time. Another view is that the days are a framework that organize our understanding of God's work in creation. Another view is that the days are analogous to God's pattern of work and rest. The Key is to understand God's creation as a historical event, that God created everything out of nothing, to understand Adam and Eve as literal persons directly created by God, and that God sanctifies the patterns of daily and weekly work and rest.
28
What is a miracle?
A Miracle is an extraordinary work of God that is not explicable on natural grounds and that serves as a sign or revelation of His power and purpose.
29
Do miracles occur today? Explain
Miracles may occur today, because God is not constrained, but are not normative or guaranteed. In a biblical sense, there is no new revelation to confirm.
30
Is God responsible for sin?
No.
31
Did God decree sin? Does he permit it?
God's work of providence is his sovereign oversight of his creatures and all their actions. God does decree sin, but does not directly cause or approve it. Sin is the result of free disobedience of God's revealed will. But he permits sin in a way that maintains his holiness. God is the ultimate cause of all things.
32
What is theodicy?
Theodicy is the field of theology that attempts to justify God's goodness and sovereignty in the face of evil and suffering.
33
If God is good and all-powerful, explain AIDS, deformed babies, and natural disasters?
AIDS, deformed babies, and natural disasters are examples of natural evil, and are the results of a world in which people have rebelled against God and a world that is operating under the curse. God does not desire these evils, but permits them for two reasons (1) because they are a natural result of a world in which sin exists, and (2) because he permits them in a way that will be used to fulfill his good purpose, which culminates in reconciling the world through Christ.
34
Discuss the Biblical teaching regarding predestination, election, and reprobation.
The Bible teaches that God elects some to salvation before the foundation of the world, and that he predestines us to be adopted as sons of God, and it presents it to us as assurances of God's grace. Election and predestination is based solely on God's grace and not on works. Reprobation, on the other hand is God's passing over others who justly deserve God's displeasure for their own sin.
35
What is the difference between Reformed and Arminian approaches to election?
Reformed approach is based solely on the wisdom and counsel of his own will. Arminian approach is based on God's foreknowledge of human choices.
36
Are these doctrines compatible with belief in real human choice and responsibility?
Yes. God sovereignly governs and upholds all things and his election comprehends the means in connection with the ends. Only God has libertarian free will, humans have contingent free will, meaning our will is bound by our nature and our desires.
37
What are the practical results of believing in election?
Elections fosters humility and gratitude; encourages assurance and security in your salvation, and motivates a life of holiness and evangelistic zeal, recognizing that God has ordained the means and end of salvation.
38
Is there a real and personal devil?
Yes. The devil is real and personal, according to Job 1, Mathew 4, 1 Peter 5, and Revelation 12.
39
What is the chief end of man?
To glorify god and enjoy him forever.
40
What is the supreme activity of man?
God requires our obedience to his revealed will.
41
In what way is man created in the image of God?
In Knowledge, Righteousness, and Holiness. We share in his communicable attributes.
42
What does the Bible teach about the creation of human beings?
Genesis 1 teaches that we were created male and female, in the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
43
Are all men in the image of God? If so, to what extent?
Yes, all men are created in the image of God, which means they possess inherent dignity, moral capacity, and relational abilities, reflecting aspects of God's character and enabling them to have a unique relationship with Him and with others.
44
How does the doctrine of the image of God influence debates about gender roles?
The doctrine of the image of God maintains that men and women were both created in the image of God, and share equally in inherent dignity and worth. Complementarity is understood on this foundation in light of biblical teaching.
45
Where did man's soul come from? When?
God breathed life into Adam, making him a living being (Genesis 2). Psalm 139 teaches we all are individually knitted together by God.
46
47
Discuss guilt and corruption of sin.
The guilt of sin refers to the legal responsibility and condemnation incurred for violating God’s law, while the corruption of sin involves the moral defilement and perversion of one’s nature, affecting both actions and desires.
48
Discuss Original Sin
The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it. (Get 3, Psalm 51)
49
How can original sin be reconciled to the canons of justice, either human or divine?
Original sin can be reconciled to the canons of justice by understanding it as the inherent result of human free will misused in Adam, where divine justice is met through the provision of redemption in Christ, thus upholding both justice and mercy.
50
Is there any good remaining in fallen, sinful man? Explain?
Yes. While sin reaches every aspect of fallen human nature, humans still retain the dignity and goodness of the image of God, and may be redeemed by union with Christ.
51
In what ways does man sin?
By actively transgressing God's law, and by passively failing to keep the obligations of God's law.
52
What are some consequences of sin?
All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.
53
Is the will of man free? Explain
Man's will always acts according to its nature (John 8, Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin; Romans 8, The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God)
54
Was Adam's will free before he sinned?
Adam's will was free, meaning he had a choice to obey God's command in Genesis 2, but his freedom is not absolute, but still limited by his nature and his desires.
55
Can a sinner do anything good? Explain.
Sinners can do outwardly good things, but those good deeds are corrupted by their sinfulness (Isa 64, Rom 3)
56
Is a sinner free to believe?
John 6- No one comes to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. Eph 2, you were dead in your trespasses and sins.
57
Does a believer have free will?
Believers are free to act according to their new nature. Phil 2, God works in you, to will and work his good pleasure. Rom 6, being set free from sin, we have become slaves to righteousness.
58
What is a covenant?
A covenant is a solemn binding agreement between God and man, or between individuals based on mutual commitments and promises.
59
What is the covenant of works/life?
Parties are Adam and God. Obedience grants life, and disobedience results in death.
60
Is there a present validity to the covenant of life? What is it?
The covenant of life is the covenant relationship we have with God in Adam, which we are incapable to keep because of our fallen nature and our own sins. (1 Cor 15)
61
What is the covenant of redemption?
God's before time determination to save a people for himself. John 6 All the father gives me will come to me. Rev 13, the lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world. The parties of the covenant of redemption are the individual members of the Trinity.
62
Discuss the covenant of Grace
God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a redeemer.
63
How is the covenant of grace related to the covenants of (1) Abraham, (2) Moses, (3) Noah
The covenant of Grace is expressed in the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 12, Gal 3). The Mosaic covenant reveals the need for redemption and points to fulfillment in Christ (Gal 3). The Noah covenant provides a foundation of God's gracious provision for all creation (Gen 9, Luke 17).
64
What is the relationship between the old and new covenants?
The New covenant fulfills and builds on the promises of the old covenant (Jer 31, Feb 8). Hebrews 10 shows that the Old Covenant points to the new covenant in types and shadows. The New Testament teaches that while there are outward discontinuities in form, the New Covenant is in harmony with the law and prophets (Luke 22, Rom 3)
65
What is the orthodox doctrine of the person of Christ
Christ is one person with two natures, fully divine and fully human, without division, change, confusion, or separation. (John 1, Heb 2, Col 2, Luke 2, Phil 2, Heb 13, Acts 20)
1. Dual Nature of Christ:
* Divine Nature: John 1:1, 14 affirms Christ’s divinity: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
* Human Nature: Hebrews 2:14 states, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things,” indicating Jesus took on human nature.
2. Unity of Person:
* Colossians 2:9: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,” which shows the fullness of the divine nature dwelling in the bodily human form of Jesus, affirming the unity of His Person.
* Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man,” demonstrating His full humanity and growth while maintaining one unified Person.
3. Without Confusion or Division:
* Philippians 2:7-8: “But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross,” showing how the divine and human natures operate in the one Person of Christ without confusion.
4. Without Change or Separation:
* Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” affirming the unchanging nature of Christ despite His dual natures.
* Acts 20:28: “The church of God, which he obtained with his own blood,” indicates the unity of Christ’s divine and human actions in the one Person.
66
Discuss the nature of Christ. Was he a human person, Does he have a soul?
How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.
67
What is kenosis
Phil 2:7 says Jesus Christ emptied himself: Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
A. Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
68
Did Christ lay aside any of his divine attributes at the incarnation?
He did not lay aside any attributes of his divinity, but instead he made himself subject to the conditions of this life for a time.
69
Defend and explain - Docetism
Christ's body was an illusion // 1 John 4, John 1 - christ's physical suffering is essential to the gospel
70
Explain and Defend - Arius
Jesus Christ is a created being // John 1, Hebrews 1 - christ is divine and of the same essence as the Father
71
Explain and defend - Nestorius
2 separate persons in Christ // Col 2, Luke 2 - Jesus is one person with two natures
72
Explain and defend - Eutyches
Christs divine and human natures were fused together into one. // 2 For 5 - In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself - he couldn't do this if Christ were a new third thing different from both God and the World
73
Explain and defend - Apollinarius
Christ's divine mind and will replaced the human one. // Heb 2, Phil 2, Christ shares fully in the human experience
74
Does anyone today hold these christological heresies?
Docetism is reflected most often in new age ideas. Arianism is held by Jehovahs witnesses, and Mormons. Others may inadvertently hold false ideas about Christ
75
Communication of Properties
Means that we can speak of christ's one person in terms of both his divine nature and his human nature without implying confusion or separation (John 1, Acts 20)
76
Extra Calvinisticum
While Christ's divine nature is united with his human nature in one person, his divine essence remains transcendent and not confined to his human limitations.
77
Define Jesus
Jesus means The Lord Saves.
78
Define Christ
Christ means Messiah or anointed one. It indicates that Jesus is the promised anointed king, the son of David, who will fulfill the prophecies of the Messiah
79
Define Lord
Lord refers to the authority or sovereignty that belongs to Jesus Christ, and refers both to the title master or lord in a temporal sense, and also translates the Divine Name.
80
Define Son of Man
Son of Man refers to the prophetic fulfillment of the messianic Son of Man mentioned in Daniel
81
Define Son of God
It indicates Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father, and indicates his divine nature.
82
Define Lamb of God
Indicates Christ's substitutionary role. He is the sacrificial offering that takes away the sins of the world. The Passover Lamb. The Lamb offered on the Altar.
83
How was Christ Born?
Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.
84
Explain and defend the virgin birth with scripture proofs.
Matthew 1 (Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son) Luke 1 (How will this be since I am a virgin? The Holy Spirit will come upon you)
85
Trace the revelation of the person and work of Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation.
The revelation of Christ begins with the promise of a redeemer in Genesis 3, prophecies of his coming in Isaiah 53, His incarnation and ministry John 1, his death and resurrection, 1Cor 15, and his final victory and eternal reign (Rev 19).
86
What is the humiliation of Christ?
Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
87
define and distinguish the active and passive obedience of Christ
Active obedience is Christ's keeping the law perfectly. Passive obedience is Christ suffering the consequences of sin as a substitutionary sacrifice.
88
What happened in the resurrection?
In the resurrection, Jesus had victory over sin and death, he vindicates his divine nature and his redemption, and ensures future resurrection and eternal life for believers.
89
What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers. (Matt 28, 1Cor 11, Acts 2)
90
How many sacraments are there
Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his church only two sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s supper. (Matt 28, Acts 2; 1Cor 11, Lk 22)
91
Does anything actually happen in a sacrament?
by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.
92
New Testament References with parallels between the Old and New Testament
Baptism/Circumcision:
Col 2:11-12; Rom 4:11
Lord's Supper/Passover:
Luke 22:20; 1 Cor 5:7
93
Of what is baptism a sign and seal?
signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord’s.
94
Where in scripture is Sign and Seal language used?
Sign: Gen 17.11, 1Cor 11:25
Seal: Rom 4.11, 2Cor 1.22
95
How does the term seal apply to infant baptism?
Abraham received circumcision as a seal of his faith. Likewise baptism is a seal of a person's engagement to be the Lord's even before faith is present or even possible. It's a guarantee of a promise.
96
How is baptism rightly administered?
Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring, or sprinkling water upon the person.
97
Scripture proofs for sprinkling.
Ezek36:25 "I will sprinkle clean water on you."
Hebrews 10:22 "Let us draw near... with hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience."
98
Would you baptize by immersion ever?
Yes. Mode is irrelevant. The confession only says immersion is not required but pouring or sprinkling may also be used. The confession does not prohibit immersion.
99
Who is to be baptized?
Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him (Acts 2, Acts 8); but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized. (Col 2, Acts 16)
100
How would you deal with a family in church who didn't want their infant baptized?
(1) Gentle education, (2) Listen to concerns, and offer compassionate care, (3) Highlight the meaning of baptism according to covenant theology, (4) Respect and support their decision.
101
Does baptism save the person being baptized?
Yes and no. 1 Peter 3. It's not the washing with water, or the virtue in the minister that does anything at all. But the Sacraments are "effectual means of salvation" by virtue of the blessing of Christ and the work of the spirit in those who by faith receive them.
102
Can a person be baptized more than once
Baptism only needs to be administered once (Eph 4.5, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism.")
103
How would you handle a request for baptism from (1) a catholic, (2) a liberal, and (3) a mormon.
Engage in conversation and clarify understanding of salvation and baptism. Catholic baptism is valid. Depending on the understanding of the person and their church, a liberal baptism may or may not be valid. A mormon baptism is not valid because their understanding of Christ is fundamentally different.
104
What is the meaning of the Lord's Supper?
The Lord’s supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.
105
What happens in the Lord's Supper?
Christ's death is showed forth; and faithful receivers are, by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.
106
Different views of the Supper: Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, and Zwinglian
Catholic= Transubstantiation
Lutheran=Consubstantiation
Reformed=Spiritual presence
Zwinglian=Symbolic
107
Is christ present in the supper?
the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in, with, or under the bread and wine in the Lord’s supper, and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver
108
How should believers celebrate the supper?
It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.
109
How to fence the table?
By instructing that only those with a profession of faith, and are members of an evangelical church, and understand the significance of the sacrament should partake.
110
What happens to believers at death?
The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection (2Cor 5:8, Phil1:23)
111
What happens to unbelievers at death?
And the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day. (Luke 16, Matt 25, 2Peter 2)
112
Who shall be raised to life at the last day?
At the resurrection, believers, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
113
Who shall be judged at the last day?
All will be judged. Believes will be acquitted and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell (Mt 25, Rom 14)
114
By whom will they be judged on the last day?
By Jesus Christ (John 5, Matt 25)
115
Will any receive a second chance?
No one will receive a second chance after death: Heb 9, Luke 16
116
What practical use is the doctrine of final judgment
Final judgment is a foundation for righteous living, accountability, and hope. (2Cor 5.10, Matt 25:31-46, Rom14.12, 1 John 3.3)
117
When will christ return?
Soon, but no one knows when (Rev 22.12, Matt 24.36, 1Thess 5.2)
118
What will heaven be like?
A place of perfect fellowship with God, free from sin and suffering, where believers experience eternal joy, peace, and fulfillment (Rev 21-22, Phil 1)
119
Is there a hell?
Yes, the Bible teaches the existence of hell (Matt 25, Luke 16, Rev 20, 2Thess 1.9)
120
Answer Annihilationism Biblically
Matt 25 "these will go away into eternal punishment"
Rev 20.10, "The devil was thrown into the lake of fire...forever."
2Thess1 "eternal destruction"
121
What is your view of the millennium?
Amillenialism. Acts 2.34 - christ is currently reigning while God's enemies are being defeated.
1Cor 15.24 "then comes the end." meaning christ is reigning now, and the next phase is the general resurrection, the judgment and the final state.
122
What does the Bible teach about the Holy Spirit's work in the OT
In the OT, the HS empowered certain individuals (Exod 31, Judges 14), inspired prophecy (2 Peter 1.21), leading (New 9.20, Isa 48.16), and convicting (Psalm 51)
123
what is the holy spirit's function today? Is it different than the past?
Today, the Holy Spirit functions to indwell, empower, and guide believers, convicting them of sin, and producing spiritual fruit, a role that is expanded in the New Testament compared to the Old Testament, where His work was more selective and temporary.
124
What happened at pentecost, and how does this relate to the church today?
The Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church enabling bold preaching and signs. Today the Holy Spirit empoweres the church for ongoing mission and ministry.
125
distinguish the gifts and fruit of the spirit
The gifts are divinely empowered abilities given severally to all believers for service and building up the church. The fruit fo the spirit are character traits developed in believers through the work of the Holy Spirit.
126
Are there some gifts that are ceased?
Yes. Some miraculous gifts were given as signs to authenticate the gospel. General gifts for service and edification continue. The Lord can continue to give healings and other gifts that are analogous to the miraculous gifts, but this is not normative.
127
Does the Spirit give gifts today? Explain
Yes. The Holy Spirit gives a variety of gifts for ordinary service to the church. (1Cor 12)
128
What the NT teaches about the HS
How He Comes: The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in believers at the moment of their faith in Christ, as seen in John 14:17: “You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
2. What He Does: He empowers believers for living the Christian life, convicts them of sin, and guides them into all truth, as seen in John 16:8-13: “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment… he will guide you into all the truth.”
3. How He Works: He works through the indwelling presence of God in believers, producing spiritual fruit and distributing spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church, as stated in Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
4. What Is His Ministry Today: His ministry today involves continuing to indwell, sanctify, and empower believers, intercede for them, and guide the Church in understanding and applying God’s Word, as shown in Romans 8:26-27 and John 16:13.
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Answering charismatic clams from scripture
Mormons claim that tongues and prophecies continue to highlight new revelation (1Cor 13 tongues will pass away but love continues; Rev 22 the canon is closed.)
Jehovah's witnesses reject signs and wonders, but hold to new revelation.
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What is divorce
Divorce is the separation of a married couple, permissible only in cases of unfaithfulness (Matt 19.9) or abandonment (1Cor 7.15)
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Is divorce an option for those abused by their spouses (physically or otherwise)
I believe yes. Abuse is behavior contrary to a christian profession, and similar to abandonment, involves a spouse who does not appear "pleased to dwell with" the other, but instead lashes out and harms them.
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May those who have been divorced remarry?
If the divorce was on biblical grounds, it constitutes a dissolution of a marriage, and the individuals are free to remarry. (1Cor 7.15 - a brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases.)
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What is the universal or Catholic Church?
The catholic or universal church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
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What is the visible church?
The visible church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel (not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion; and of their children: and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God
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Attributes of the church
One (Eph 4.4-6)
Holy (Eph 5.25-27)
Catholic (Matt 16.18)
Apostolic (Eph 2.20)
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Marks of the Church
Right preaching (2Tim 4, Acts 2)
Right sacraments (Matt 28, 1Cor 11)
Right discipline (Matt 18, 1Cor 5)
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Who is head of the church?
Christ alone is the head of the church. (Eph 1.22, Col 1.18, Eph 5.23)
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3 Basic Forms of Church Government
Congregational, Presbyterian, Episcopal
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Principles of Presbyterian Government
Rule by elders (Acts 14.23, Titus 1.5)
Representation and Accountability (Acts 6.1-6, 1Tim 3.1-16)
Synodic Structure (Acts 15)
Authority of Scripture (2Tim 3.16-17)
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Role of Women in the Church
Equal dignity (Gal 3)
Active participation (Rom 16, Acts 16)
Teaching and Mentoring (Titus 2, 2Tim 1)
Limitations in some roles (1Tim 2.12)
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May women serve as officers?
The PCA has answered this question to say no, citing 1Tim 2.12 to mean women may not exercise authoritative office, which includes elders and deacons.
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What is confessional subscription?
Subscription is the process by which a person adopts a confession of faith as their own.
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Why is there disagreement about Subscription?
The PCA is a confessional church body, and as such requires her ministers to subscribe to the standards. From the beginning, the PCA took a "system of doctrine" subscription, allowing ministers to subscribe in general terms, without having to declare differences. The differences of approach to subscription involves how strict we must be in requiring agreement about the confession. The Three general positions are Strict subscription, good-faith subscription, and system subscription. There is controversy because confessional subscription is how we both manage unity and protect doctrine, which exist in tension.
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What view of subscription do you hold and why?
I hold good-faith subscription, because it is important to maintain unity and doctrinal accountability to each other.
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What privileges do Christians have?
A. The visible church hath the privilege of being under God’s special care and government; of being protected and preserved in all ages, notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies; and of enjoying the communion of saints, the ordinary means of salvation, and offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministry of the gospel, testifying, that whosoever believes in him shall be saved, and excluding none that will come unto him.
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What duties do christians owe each other?
Love one another, Encourage one another, Forgive one another, serve one another, be accountable to one another, be hospitable
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does the communion of the saints prohibit the right of private property?
Acts 5- Peter confirms the legitimacy of property ownership
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What authority does the church have?
The authority to preach the gospel, administer the sacraments, exercise church discipline according to the teaching of scripture (Matt 28; 1Cor 5:4-5)
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What censure may the church impose?
admonition, suspension from the sacraments, and excommunication
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What is the purpose of church censures
Maintain the purity and discipline of the church, restoring the erring member, and preserving the witness of the church.
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Identify passages that support the practice of discipline
Matthew 18, 1Cor 5
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Who may properly call church assemblies, and why?
It belongs to pastors and elders of particular churches to call councils and church assemblies and attend to them as often as it takes to do church business.
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What authority do church councils possess? How should christians respond to them?
Church councils possess only ecclesiastical authority, and may determine issues about church worship and address issues of church administration. All councils since apostolic times can err and have erred, and so are not the rule of faith.
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Are believers under the law today? Explain and defend with scripture
Believers are not under the law as a covenant of works, but are obligated to obey the moral law as the revealed will of God (Rom 3, 6-7; 1Cor 9)
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What is theonomy? Evaluate it biblically
Theonomy is a belief that all society should be ordered by the moral laws of the Bible, and that it's the responsibility of christians to impose this law as they are able on the state. It is problematic because it confuses the responsibility of the church and the state, and presupposes the development of a Christian state. When Scripture recognizes even the roman state as ministers of God (Rom 13), and Scripture invites believers instead to concentrate on love for neighbor.
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Where is the law summarized?
Matthew 22, Mark 12 (You shall love the lord your god with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is the first great commandment. And the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.)
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Can believers keep God's Law?
Not perfectly, but empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers may grow increasingly faithful to not gratify the flesh. (Rom 8, Phil 2, Gal 5)
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What is at stake in the Lordship Controversy? Defend your view.
The Lordship Controversy has implications for the nature of true faith. I believe the Bible teaches we must not be hearers of the word, but also doers, and that salvation by faith, while it is not by works, is accompanied by repentance and obedience. I believe that saving faith involves repentance and Lordship of Christ.
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What are the Means of Grace
Prayer, the Word, and the Sacraments
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What is Christian liberty?
Christ has set us free, not to obey the desires fo the flesh, but to walk by the spirit (Gal 5)
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Who is lord of the conscience
God alone is lord of the conscience and has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, if they are contrary to his word, or even beside it in matters of worship (Rom 14)
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How does christian liberty bear on our obligation to the state?
We are to obey the laws of the state in all things that are not sinful, because they have the right to compel our behavior, and even God ordains the state (Rom 13)
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What is the regulative principle?
The regulative principle is the understanding that scripture teaches that only God's word regulates and orders worship. We should be careful to do what scripture teaches in worship (Lev 10- nadab and abihu offered strange fire before the Lord, and were punished for it, Matt 15- the pharisees taught doctrines and commandments of men and bound people to follow it)
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What are the ordinary elements of worship?
Reading the Word, Preaching, Praying, Singing, and the Sacraments are the ordinary elements of worship
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Who is to be worshipped
God alone is to be worshiped (Ex 20, Debt 6, Mt 4)
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Are christians under obligation to keep the sabbath?
In the New Testament, the Sabbath command was kept by Christians who gathered on the first day of the week, the day of the Lord's resurrection, or the Lord's Day (Acts 20). Christians are obligated to obey the moral principle of the Sabbath.
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How should the Sabbath be kept?
Christians should stop ordinary work (except what is needful for mercy and necessity) and dedicate themselves to ordinary worship (Acts 20, Acts 2)
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Distinguish the Continental and Westminster views of Sabbath
The continental view is less strict on what is acceptable on the Lord's day. The Westminster view emphasizes the need to stop ordinary work, and engage in public and private worship.
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Should a christian ever take an oath?
Christians may take oaths, but the New Testament teaching is that you should value the truthfulness of your word. Not to avoid oath-taking in general, but to avoid the kind of oath taking that allows you to break it (Matt 5, Num 30)
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What should our attitude to civil authorities be?
Romans 13 says we should honor the civil authorities as god's servant for our good. We should obey them in matters that are not sin.
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What is the relationship between church and state?
Church and state are separate. Officers of state should not take on matters of religious worship, nor should ministers concern themselves with taking magisterial authority.
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What are the proper duties of the civil authority?
Romans 13- the proper duties of the civil authority are to reward doing good, and to punish doing evil. The state should concern itself with doing justice. That is why the state bears the sword.
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What obligations do believers have to the state?
Romans 13, to obey the state in matters that are not sin.
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By whom and for what purpose was marriage designed?
Marriage was designed by God to make a point about Christ's relationship to his church. Ephesians 5
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Who may or may not be lawfully married?
Lev. 18- no one may marry close relatives. Ex. 20, no one may marry anyone who is already married. Genesis 2, the standard is one man and one woman. 2Cor 6 believers should marry in the Lord.
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Where does saving faith come from?
Saving faith comes from God. John 6- God draws people to salvation. Phil 1, God begins a good work in a person. Eph 2, we are saved by grace, and not of works.
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What does saving faith believe?
1 Cor 15- saving faith believes that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, and that he was raised from the dead.
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Is all faith alike?
Not all faith is alike. Saving faith turns away from sin and to Christ for salvation (Eph 2). There is a faith that does not save, that is more like intellectual assent without fruit of repentance (James 2).
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What is repentance?
Repentance is a saving grace, where, out of a sense of your sin, you turn away from it and toward Christ, with a desire for new obedience. (Acts 2, 3)
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In what sense is repentance necessary?
Repentance is necessary in that repentance always accompanies true saving faith (James 2). Repentance is the grace that accompanies saving faith that takes hold of the gifts of salvation.
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How are we to confess our sins.
We are to confess our sins, sincerely to God in prayer (1 John 1, Psalm 51)
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What are good works?
Good works are actions that align with God's commands and reflect his character (Eph 2, Matt 5)
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What is the relationship of Good Works to Faith?
We are saved by grace through faith, not works. But good works always accompany saving faith (Eph 2)
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Are good works necessary to salvation?
No, only Saving Faith, and Repentance unto Life are necessary for salvation, but God works necessarily accompany saving faith (Eph 2)
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Can our good works save us?
No. Eph 2. IT is by grace that we are saved, not of works.
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Can unbelievers do good works?
Yes and no. Unbelievers can do works that are good outwardly, but because of the depth of our sinfulness, even their good works are harmed by wrong motives (Isa 64)
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Define and defend the doctrine of perseverence.
All true believers endure in faith and repentance to the end (Phil 1:6)
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Can a saved person be eternally lost?
No. If a person has received the saving graces of repentance and faith, then the Lord will preserve them in faith and repentance to the end (Phil 1:6). There are those, however, who merely assent to faith, who nevertheless do not repent of their sins, who may fall away (Heb 6)
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What does a believer's persevering depend?
It depends on the God who keeps them and preserves them to the end. Phil 1:6
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Can a person be sure he is saved?
Yes. Assurance is available to those who trust Jesus for salvation and repent of their sins. Phil 1:6 teaches that God carries them to the end. Ephesians 1 and Romans 8 teach us that we have faith because of God's electing grace.
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Should a person be sure he is saved.
Yes. Because assurance is available based on God's promise and God's word, and it is not humble to be uncertain where God has granted us certainty (Phil 1, Eph 1, Rom 8, Rom 4)
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How can a person know he is saved?
If you have faith and are inclined to repent of your sin at all, it is because God has already done a work in you that he will complete on the last day (Phil 1, 1Cor 12)
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What should a person do who lacks assurance?
(1) Ask for help from a minister or trusted christian friend. (2) Remember the gospel. (3) Pray for God to show him the cause of his lack of assurance (either an experience that has made him fearful, or some sin that is causing him to feel distance from God). (4) Turn back to Jesus in faith and repentance. (5) Trust God's promise that this faith and repentance are gifts of God's grace.
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What is the Moral Law
The moral law is God's revealed will in his word. It is summarized in the 10 commandments.
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What laws did GOd give beside the moral law in the Old Testament
Civil laws governing the state, and Ceremonial Laws governing temple/tabernacle worship
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Were Old Testament believers saved by Christ?
Yes. In genesis 3, God promised a redeemer, and he renewed that promise in his covenants with Moses and with Abraham. Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Rom 4). His faith, though with less revealed detail, is in essence the same as ours.
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Will any for whom christ died be lost?
No. All who the father gives to Jesus will come to him (John 6)
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What is the Ordo Salutis?
Romans 8: Those whom he foreknew, he also predestined. Those whom he predestined he also called. Those whom he called he also justified. Those whom he justified he also glorified.
God determined to save a people
He elected and predestined a particular people in Christ
All of the elect receive the effective call, and are justified. All who are justified will be glorified on the last day
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How would you explain the plan of salvation to an unbeliever
I would ask some questions to determine where the person is with faith and spiritual thing. Then I would walk them through Romans
Rom3.23 All have sinned and fall short of God's glory
Rom 6.23 The wages of sin is death but the gift of god is eternal life
Rom 5.8 God show us his love in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us
Rom 10:9-10 IF we confess with out mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that GOd raised him from the dead, we will be saved. For it is with the heart that one believes ad is justified and with the mouth that one confesses and is saved.
Roman 10.13 Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
One or more of these will resonate and provide context for a conversation about the gospel
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Define and Defend effectual calling
Effectual calling means that The Holy Spirit calls a person in such a way that they are effectively brought to faith in Christ. (John 6)
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On what is God's decision to call a person based?
God's decision is based solely on the counsel of his will. Those whom he foreknew (knew beforehand) he also predestined.
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How can infants be called?
God knows us, and knits us together in our mother's wombs. John the Baptist was called in Elizabeths' womb when he met Jesus in Mary's womb. The Holy Spirit can call us effectively in his own time with his own means.
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Can anyone not called by the spirit be saved?
No. No one comes to Jesus unless the father draws him. John 6
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IS Jesus the only way of salvation?
Yes. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus John 14
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What about those who never had a chance to hear?
No one is lost because they didn't have a chance to hear. We are lost because of the sinfulness of our estate.
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What about the sincere Buddhist?
Again, we are lost because of the sinfulness of our estate. Even our sincerity is corrupted by our sinful nature and our wrong motives so the buddhist's good work of sincerity is corrupted. We only have God's revealed will, and this should motivate us to share the gospel so people can be called by it.
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Define and defend the doctrine of justification
We are justified by grace alone (Rom 3) through faith in Christ alone (Eph 2)
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What is the basis of our Justification
The redemption that is in Christ (Rom 3)
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Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.
Saving faith is always accompanied by repentance. And repentance is always accompanied by deeds or works in keeping with repentance.
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When is a Christian Justified?
Our justification is accomplished at Christ's resurrection. It is applied to us in our conversion--when we are born again.
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What happens when we sin after we are justified?
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, and we are invited to confess it to God and receive his forgiveness in the present.
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How were believers justified in the Old Testament
They were justified by faith in God's promise. For them too, their justification was accomplished at the cross and resurrection, because God had passed over former sins. (Rom 3)
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Define and defend Adoption
For people who savingly trust in Jesus, we receive adoption as sons Gal 4, Eph 1. Adoption is where we are Brought into God's family to receive life as an inheritance from the Father.
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Define and defend Sanctification
Sanctification is the process through which the Holy Spirit renews our minds and hearts so that we are made more practically holy. 1Cor 6
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Can anyone become perfect in this life?
No. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1.
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What is saving faith.
Saving faith is an evangelical grace, where we receive and rest on Christ alone for salvation. (Ephesians 2)
