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

The Most Inappropriate & Important Christmas Card Ever

I am seriously considering putting this on our 2009 Studio DaySpring Christmas card to all of my friends and family.

I would love it if you told me your thoughts. Is this a good idea or the worst ever?

Would it just be an ineffective and offensive message?

To all my friends and family,

Yep, this is long. Not only is it long, but this will most likely be the most offensive, inappropriate, rude, but honest Christmas Card you ever get. And, just to be clear, this is going to everyone on our list- every good friend and family member, with no one intentionally left out.

I would seriously rather just send a nice DaySpring Christmas card with a simple scripture reference, a nativity scene, and a short note from Steph and I (next year, I promise).

I am not normally rude or offensive and I would much rather be proper and non-confrontational. But on the other hand, I am confident that I was not created for those reasons but instead for the purpose of bringing God glory and presenting His truths to others. And while that isn't always the most fun thing to do, and definitely doesn't make me the coolest kid on the block, it has effects that last eternally and it's a purpose worth living for.

This letter is absolutely NOT about any bad habits you have (I have them too!), the church you may or may not go to (we don't currently have a home church), or how much money you do or don't give to others. It's not about religion. Not tradition. Not sin. Not church.

It's just about Jesus.

And while you've heard it thousands of times, please read these next words carefully for me.

The same God that made the whole universe, from the complicated workings of our world to the simple smiles on kids faces, loves you. A lot. So much that he would not act like a God (at least not the way we expect God to act) but instead He gave us Jesus, who humbled Himself enough to become a baby and live on earth. (Merry Christmas!) But that's just the beginning, because His death and resurrection (Happy early Easter!) is what really matters. His suffering and death was punishment that we deserve for our sins. But, for some crazy reason, God loves us enough to endure our death from sin so that we don't have to. And that is the best news you'll ever hear.

So, if my prayers are answered and God has given you ears to hear that message differently than you have in the past, you'll want to know what to do about it.

Well, there's good news and bad news about that. The good news is that you don't have to stop those things you love but know are sinful. You don't have to start going to church. You don't even have to live differently. All you have to do is believe it is true, in your heart and mind, and talk to God a little. Just tell Him you get it now, It's not just a church story, but it's the only story that matters in this world and you believe that its true. Sincerely tell Him you love Him and ask Him to come and change your heart. Then thank Him for Jesus.

It's all in God's hands after that. And if He wants to deal with your lifestyle, He will do it in His own way. But it's not his greatest concern. His greatest concern is for your salvation and His greatest desire is just that you'll know Him and have a relationship with His son Jesus.

And that's where the bad news comes in. A person who has a relationship with Christ does not have it any easier. Don't listen to those pastors and preachers who say that once your a Christian, life will be easy and bountiful. Jesus Himself lived a life full of poverty, difficult relationships, pain, and sacrifice. As did His disciples. Why would it be any different today?

But it's not all bad. A life serving Christ is the most rewarding and significant life you can live. You'll have peace and joy because you have an eternal perspective on life and a personal relationship with Jesus.

My intention is not to make you feel guilty. I myself am sinful and did absolutely nothing to deserve my salvation and relationship with Christ. I deserve nothing I've gotten, which only increases my gratitude for it all.

My intention for writing is this: to present the truth of Jesus that I have experienced so that God can pull you to Himself.

No need to call me up or send me an email, that would be pretty awkward for both of us. But, there are thousands of great resources and people that I am sure you can find if you look. My favorites are www.desiringgod.org & www.marshillchurch.org. And of course I would be happy to talk to you if you felt comfortable with that and had questions or comments for me.

I love you and hope you can forgive me for my inappropriate and offensive Christmas card.

Merry Christmas!

-Jesse