Intro to Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem

(This is the first of a large series where I will copy down the key points of each chapter as I read through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. I will be copying many lines word-for-word and also shortening and summarizing some points in my own words. I hope that this can be useful for others as a quick reference but it is not meant to in any way substitute the personal study and investigation of the Bible and these important topics.)

Chapter 1. Intro to Systematic Theology

Definition of Systematic Theology.

Systematic theology is any study that answers the question "What does the whole Bible teach us today?" about any given topic.

The emphasis is different than that of historical theology, philosophical theology, or apologetics.

It also differs from Old Testament theology, New Testament theology, and biblical theology as these three disciplines organize their topics historically and in the order the topics are presented in the Bible. Although, the latter of these would likely have a lot of overlap with ST as they both look at the whole Bible.

Systematic Theology attempts to summarize the teaching of Scripture in a brief, understandable, and very carefully formulated statement.

Application to Life.

Based on this definition of ST, it is implied that application to life is a necessary part of the proper pursuit of systematic theology. Thus a doctrine under consideration is seen in terms of its practical value for living the Christian life.

Personal spiritual growth should be experienced.

This book is systematic or "carefully organized by topics".

It will treat topics in with much attention to every detail and hopefully accuracy.

What are Doctrines?

For our purposes, A doctrine is what the Bible teaches us today about some particular topic.

A doctrine is simply the result of doing systematic theology with regard to one particular topic.

Can be very broad or vary narrow.

This book is divided into seven major sections:

1. The Doctrine of the Word of God

2. The Doctrine of God

3. The Doctrine of Man

4. The Doctrine of Christ and the Holy Spirit

5. The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption

6. The Doctrine of the Church

7. The Doctrine of the Future

These doctrines meet at least 1 of these criteria:

Heavily emphasized in Scripture

Significant throughout the history of the church and all Christians

Have become important for Christians in the present situation

What is the difference between Sys. Theology and Christian Ethics?

The emphasis of ST is on what God wants us to believe and to know; while the emphasis in Christian ethics is on what God wants us to do and what attitudes he wants us to have.

Initial Assumptions of This Book

1) that the Bible is true and that it is, in fact, our only absolute standard of truth.

2) that the God who is spoken of in the Bible exists, and that he is who the Bible says he is; the Creator of heaven and earth and all things in them.

Why should Christians study Study Theology?

To teach others.

Jesus commands us to teach believers to observe all that he commanded. (Matthew 28:19-20)

The task of fulfilling the Great Commission includes not only evangelism but also teaching.

To benefit our lives.

Overcome wrong ides. Be confronted with the total weight of the teaching of Scripture on any particular subject.

Make better and more informed decisions on new topics of importance as they arise.

Will help us grow as Christians.

The more we know about God, about his Word, about his relationship to the world and mankind, the better we will trust him, the more fully we will praise him, and the more readily we will obey him.

The church is often times theologically immature which can cause disorderly and random theology and have bad effects on the church. See Ephesians 4:14.

How Should Christians Study Systematic Theology?

1)With Prayer

2)With Humility

3)With Reason

4)With Help from Others

5)by Collecting and Understanding All the Relevant Passages of Scripture on Any Topic

6)With Rejoicing and Praise