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Esaias
08-20-2013, 02:10 PM
Systematic theology attempts to present the truth of Scripture in a systematic way. That means the teachings of the Bible are organized according to some kind of logical system of topics or subjects.

There has been, for the longest time, a 'traditional list' of topics which generally follow the topics of dogmatic theology, as exemplified by Melancthon's Loci communes : God; One; Triune; Creation; Man; Man's Powers; Sin; Fruits of Sin, Vices; Punishment; Law; Promises; Restoration by Christ; Grace; Fruits of Grace; Faith; Hope; Charity; Predes..tination; Sacraments; Human Orders; Magistrates; Bishops; Condemnation; Blessedness.

Many systematic theologies have included some type of apologetics in the beginning, either as the first subjects covered or as a sort of prolegoma (sp?) or prologue, thus many theologies begin with 'the authority of Scripture' and/or various proofs for the existence of God, or even (as Finney did) with an epistemology of truth and knowledge and reason itself.

Anyway, I have read Horton's Systematic Theology which is interesting (it is an AoG theology) but honestly not quite up to par with many of the older 19th and 18th century works.

In any event, if one were to develop an apostolic systematic theology, suitable for both students of ministry (aspiring preachers, teachers, theologians, etc) as well as 'lay people' (I hate that term), what would be the suggested topics and their order?

Esaias
08-20-2013, 05:05 PM
Anybody? A simple list will do...lol

stephenroehm
08-23-2013, 07:24 AM
Depravity of Unregenerate Man, Fatherhood of Jesus, Sonship of Jesus, Kingship of Jesus, Lordship of Jesus, Messianic Fulfillment, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, Faith, Justification, Redemption, Reconciliation, New Birth, Regeneration, Heavenly Citizenship, Grace, Discipleship, Sonship/Daughtership of the Believer, Brideship of the Believer, Apostolic Priesthood, Millennial Reign.

This is not comprehensive.

kclee4jc
08-23-2013, 08:11 AM
Depravity of Unregenerate Man, Fatherhood of Jesus, Sonship of Jesus, Kingship of Jesus, Lordship of Jesus, Messianic Fulfillment, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, Faith, Justification, Redemption, Reconciliation, New Birth, Regeneration, Heavenly Citizenship, Grace, Discipleship, Sonship/Daughtership of the Believer, Brideship of the Believer, Apostolic Priesthood, Millennial Reign.

This is not comprehensive.

love it

kclee4jc
08-23-2013, 08:15 AM
there are some key points that I don't really agree with Bro. Ensey on..but the Apostolic Theological Forum that he heads up could be a contribution to a Systematic Theology

kclee4jc
08-23-2013, 08:16 AM
The Apostolic Theological Forum was established in 2002 to provide a colloquy where papers on theological subjects coul be presented and discussed. A variety of papers dealing with doctrinal issues, church, government, prophecy and history have been presented each year inthe Forum. This is the first journal published by the Forum.

What Pentecostals Brought To The Theological Table - J. R. Ensey

An Apostolic View Of Grace - E. W. Wheeler
God's Truth - R. Todd Nance

Aspects of Preterism: A Brief Survey of Its Definition, Origin and History - William Chalfant

Baptism "In Jesus'Name" and The New Testament Greek: Preliminary Considerations for the Defense of Baptism In the Name of The Lord Jesus Christ - Talmadge French

Messiah in the Tanakh: Shadows of Divinity in Rabbinical Interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures - G. Jorge Medina

Ministry and Mission: An Overview of the New Testament Church Government - Steve Pixler

kclee4jc
08-23-2013, 08:17 AM
The Apostolic Theological Forum was established in 2002 to provide a colloquy where papers on theological subjects could be presented and discussed. A variety of papers dealing with doctrinal issues, church, government, prophecy and history have been presented each year in the Forum. This is the second journal published by the Forum.

William Druham's "Finished Word" Theology and the Apostolic Movement - William Chalfant

The Lord is One: A Brief Examination of the Great Shema in the Light of Traditional Jewish Scholarship - Peter F. Connell

Is The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Essential to Salvation? - J. R Ensey

The Physical Resurrection of Jesus and its Denials: An Apologetic - G. Jorge Medina

Praying Beyond Our Minds: The Importance of Speaking With Tongues in Prayer - Steve Pixler

kclee4jc
08-23-2013, 08:17 AM
The Apostolic Theological Forum was established in 2002 to provide a colloquy where papers on theological subjects could be presented and discussed. A variety of papers dealing with doctrinal issues, church, government, prophecy and history have been presented each year in the Forum. This is the third journal published by the Forum.

What Is God's Real Name? - J. R. Ensey

Comparing Spiritual Things to Spiritual: Paul's Theology of Preaching in I Corinthians 2 - Steve Pixler

Lifting the Veil: YHWH's Covenants, the Messiah, and the Sabbath Question - G. Jorge Medina

An Examination of the Use of the Spiritual Gifts of Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues - Peter F. Connell

The Influence of Priscillian - Thomas Weisser

Soteriology in the 21st Century: The Need For an Epistemological Shift
A Oneness Pentecostal Apologetic - Roger D. Perkins

In the Name of Jesus: The Formulary Invocation of the Name of Jesus in Baptism - Steve Pixler

kclee4jc
08-23-2013, 08:18 AM
The Apostolic Theological Forum was established in 2002 to provide a colloquy where papers on theological subjects coul be presented and discussed. A variety of papers dealing with doctrinal issues, church, government, prophecy and history have been presented each year inthe Forum. This is the first journal published by the Forum.

Maintaining Apostolic Distinctives In An Adversarial Culture - Carl McLaughlin

Ecclesiology and the Triumph of Nature Over Culture
A Oneness Pentecostal Apology - Roger D. Perkins

Kiss of Betrayal: The Record of Theological
Seminaries in America - J. R. Ensey

Christ and Culture:
An Introduction to H. Richard Niebuhr's Classic
Work on the Relation between Christianity and Culture - Steve Pixler

The Relationship of Culture and Prophecy - William Chalfant

A Plea for Expository Preaching In the Apostolic Setting
- Philip Harrelson

Jesus, Seen Through Jewish Eyes - G. Jorge Medina

kclee4jc
08-23-2013, 08:18 AM
The Apostolic Theological Forum was established in 2002 to provide a colloquy where papers on theological subjects coul be presented and discussed. A variety of papers dealing with doctrinal issues, church, government, prophecy and history have been presented each year inthe Forum. This is the first journal published by the Forum.

The Truant Trinity: An Examination of the
Pre-existence of Christ - Roger D. Perkins

Apostolic Truth and the Philosophy of Deism - Carl McLaughlin

The Translation Wars: A Preliminary Evaluation of Passages in the Revised NIV of 2010 - J. R. Ensey

Obey Magistrates: How Far Does The Christian Obligation Go? - Steve Pixler

Yirat Shamayim: A Call For A Revival of the Fear of the Lord - Peter F. Connell

The Role of the Ascended Jesus Christ - William B. Chalfant

The Word Is Right: A Fresh Look At Biblical Inspiration and Inerrancy - J. R. Ensey

Michael The Disciple
08-23-2013, 03:44 PM
So is this an internet forum? Where can we get to it?

seekerman
08-23-2013, 03:56 PM
Sound like lots of writing and arguing and elitism but no demonstration of the power of God. Sad really. The New Testament Church's demonstration of power is almost non-existent.

When you can demonstrate the power of God I'll start listening to your theological view. Until then, you only have a religious philosophy which results in a life little different than the 'world'.

Praxeas
08-23-2013, 04:05 PM
Speaking of elitism....

seekerman
08-23-2013, 04:10 PM
Speaking of elitism....

Yes...go on......

Nitehawk013
08-26-2013, 07:17 AM
Your post was dripping with it. I thought Prax's point was pretty clear.

kclee4jc
08-26-2013, 07:47 AM
So is this an internet forum? Where can we get to it?

books..you can order them at advance ministries bookstore

Aquila
08-26-2013, 12:05 PM
In any event, if one were to develop an apostolic systematic theology, suitable for both students of ministry (aspiring preachers, teachers, theologians, etc) as well as 'lay people' (I hate that term), what would be the suggested topics and their order?

I have a systematic theology that I have embraced as a result of my studies. Here it is... I call it the Apostolic Order of Redemption:

1. Election (God's choice of people to be saved in accordance to foreknowledge)

2. Propitiation (Christ's satisfying the Law and God's wrath against the sins of the Elect)

3. Atonement (Christ's work of covering the sins of the Elect)

4. The Gospel call (Receiving the message of the gospel through Prevenient Grace)

5. Conversion (faith, repentance, repentance, water baptism, Spirit baptism)

6. Justification (right legal standing)

7. Regeneration (being born again/one spirit with the Lord)

8. Adoption (membership in God's family)

9. Sanctification (growing in Christlikeness)

10. Perseverance (remaining under the blood as a Christian)

11. Death (going to be with the Lord)

12. Glorification (receiving a resurrection body in sinless perfection)

The above is essentially how I approach salvation through a systematic approach. In my system of theology there are also many sub categories. For example under point 4 (The Gospel Call) I emphasize that there is both an "outer calling" (the preached Word) and an "inner calling" (the drawing of the Holy Ghost). Both must be taking place for a believer to be born again. Sometimes men hear the outer calling of the Gospel and want to respond with their natural mind without the inner calling of the Spirit. These are those who "repent", and might even be baptized, but never receive the Holy Ghost or receive the Holy Ghost much later. God isn't drawing them at that time. They can only come to the Son as the Father leads them. Other sub topics can be found throughout. This was just an example.

I hope it helps.

Praxeas
08-26-2013, 12:11 PM
Theology, Christology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology and Eschatology

Aquila
08-26-2013, 12:17 PM
A theological treatise would focus on a strict monotheistic Oneness of God.

A Christological treatise would properly define the incarnation with emphasis on Christ's humanity and how it relates to the indwelling divinity of God Himself.

A Soteriological treatise would be like the "Apostolic Order of Redemption" that I presented above.

Ecclesiology would focus on the body of Christ. What it is. The role of elders. The gifts of the Spirit and it's divine mission.

Eschatology would focus on prophecies of the end times in accordance to the author's point of view with brief explanations of alternative interpretations as it relates to Apostolic Pentecostal Christianity.

Aquila
08-26-2013, 12:19 PM
Here's an eschatological interpretation I've considered and I'll share it here to see what some of your thoughts are on it:

The Revelation:

Chapter 1 Vision Begins

Chapters 2-3 The Seven Church Ages (Seven Church Ages)
A.) Ephesus--30 A.D. (approximately the date of Pentecost) to 161 A.D. or so (the beginning of severe and intense persecution that didn't let up until Constantine gave his edict of toleration, after which the Christians were no longer persecuted).
B.) Smyrna--161 A.D. the beginning of severe persecution under Marcus Arilius' reign as emperor to 313 A.D. Constantine's edict of toleration.
C.) Pergamos--313 A.D. Edict of toleration to 606 A.D. when the Roman papacy was firmly entrenched as the leader of the church.
D.) Thyatira--606 A.D. to 1517 A.D. This is the time of the full power of the Papacy-- the midnight hour for the church when it was in the grossest period of darkness. 1517 A. D. was the date when Martin Luther tacked up his thesis on the door of the church in Whitenburg, which was the marked beginning of the Reformation.
E.) Sardis--1517 A.D. to 1900 A.D. This is the period of the Reformation until the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the USA.
F.) Philadelphia--1900 A. D. until the blessed hope, the Rapture. This encompasses the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the perfection of the church and the body of Christ coming to the unity of the Spirit and the unity of the faith and then the Rapture.
G.) Laodicea-- The Rapture to just before the 6th seal (which is when the last of the tribulation martyrs are killed) Rev. 6:9-11. This is a period of 3 ½ years or 42 months. So it is from the out-translation of the manchild (Rev. 12:5) until the resurrection of the 2 witnesses, the martyrs of the tribulation.

Emphasis on Restorationism:
-Lutheran Church - AD 1517: Saw - Justification by faith...
-Presbyterian Church - Ad 1536: Saw - Communion as a Memorial...
-Congregational Church - AD 1580: Saw - Separation of Church and State...
-Baptist Church - AD 1609: Saw - Water Baptism by Immersion...
-Methodist Church - AD 1739: Saw - Personal Holiness...
-Christian Church - AD 1820: Saw - Baptism for Remission of Sins...
-Trinitarian Pentecostalism - AD 1900: Saw - Baptism of the Holy Ghost - Evidence: Speaking with Tongues as in Acts chapter 2 on the day of Pentecost…
-Restoration of Apostles Doctrine from 33 A.D. - AD 1914
The revelation of God in Christ (ONENESS), and the truth of baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…

Chapter 4 Vision of Heaven

Chapter 5 The Lamb Takes the Scroll
A. Scroll is God’s writing of divorcement against Israel.

Chapter 6 The Seven Seals (Judgments on Jerusalem)
A. Fist Seal: Military Advances against Israel by Vespasian.
B. Second Seal: War against Jerusalem lead by Titus
C. Third Seal: Famine in Judea and food shortages during Roman Siege
D. Fourth Seal: Pestilence resulting from Famine and Roman Siege.
E. Fifth Seal: Cry of the Martyrs for judgment on Pharisaical Israel
F. Sixth Seal: Destruction of Jerusalem 70 AD.
G. Seventh Seal: Preparation for Trumpets (Judgments against Rome).

Chapter 7 The 144,000 and the Great Multitude (Advent of the Church Dispensation)
A. 144,000 First Fruits: First Century Jewish Christians who fled to Pella.
B. Innumerable Multitude: The Gospel’s harvest among the Gentiles

Chapter 8 The Seven Trumpets (Judgments on Roman Empire)
A. Seventh Seal: Preparation for Trumpets (Judgment upon Rome)
B. First Trumpet: Hoards of Goths destroy Roman Country sides 408-410
C. Second Trumpet: Vandals Raid Roman Sea Ports
D. Third Trumpet: Huns Raid Roman river ways.
E. Fourth Trumpet: Odoacer invades Rome

Chapter 9 Plague of Locusts (THE RISE OF ISLAM - 150 Year Jihad & Rise of the Turks)
A. Fifth Trumpet: Mohammad rises to Power. Saraceans wage war 612-762
B. Sixth Trumpet: Turks wage war 1281-1672 AD.

Chapter 10 The Angel and the Little Book
A. Sufferings of the Faithful
B. Seven Thunders: Unknown

Chapter 11 The Two Witnesses and the Pit Beast (Spirit and Power of Moses & Elijah, Revived Holy Roman Empire)
A. Two Witnesses: Spirit of the prophets operating in the Church Militant.
B. Pit Beast: Holy Roman Authorities
C. The 1,260 Days: 1,260 Years of Testimony under Holy Roman Oppression
D. Death of the Two Witnesses: The Church’s seeming defeat
E. Seventh Trumpet (The Resurrection): Apostolic Revival and Rapture at the end of days.

Chapter 12 The Woman in the Wilderness (Church Persecuted)
A. The Woman: God’s covenant people (Israel)
B. The Dragon: Pagan Rome (Satan)
C. Birth of the man child: Birth of Christ
D. Ascension of the man child: Christ’s ascension.
E. Fleeing Woman: God’s Covenant People (Now the Church, the Israel of God)
F. 1,260 Days fleeing in the wilderness: 1,260 Years of persecution
G. “Wings of a Great Eagle” given unto the Woman: Flight to the Americas for religious freedom.
H. Flood out of the Dragon’s mouth: Persecution (False Doctrine)
I. Earth Opens it’s mouth: Divine Assistance given to the Woman

Chapter 13 The Beast/False Prophet and 666 (The Holy Roman Empire/Papacy)
A. Beast from the Sea
B. Deadly wound: Fall of Rome 476 AD
C. Deadly Wound is healed (554 AD)
Revival of Ancient Rome (The Holy D. D. Roman Empire is born 554-1814 AD).
a. Seven Heads - Incarnations of the Beast
b. Ten Horns: (Imperial Circles)
i. Austrian
ii. Bavarian
iii. Burgundian
iv. Electoral Rhenish
v. Franconian
vi. Lower Rhenish Westphalian
vii. Lower Saxon
viii. Swabian
ix. Upper Rhenish
x. Upper Saxon
D. Given authority for 42 Months (1,260 days): Allowed to Rule for 1,260 Years (554 AD – 1814 AD)
E. Wages war against the Saints: Inquisitions and Persecutions.
F. Lamblike Beast: The Papacy
a. Horns Like a Lamb: Looks Christian
b. Speaks like a Dragon: False Doctrine (Trinitarianism/Catholicism)
c. Calls fire down from Heaven: False Miracles
d. Make an Image: Idolatry (Saint Worship)
e. Image Speaks: Demonic influence from idols (Lady of Fatima & others).
f. Causes all who will not worship idols to be put to death: Inquisitions.
g. Mark of the Beast: Symbolic of Submission to Papal Authority. MAY BE YET FUTURE WITH TECHNOLOGY

Chapter 14 The Harvest (Revival & Ingathering)
A. Angels preach the Gospel: Apostolic Revival
B. Harvest: Revival and/or Rapture
C. Winepress: God's Wrath against the wicked

Chapter 16 The Seven Vials (Final Sequence of Wrath)
A. First Vial: Global Pestilence
B. Second Vial: Global Bloodshed at sea or Global Pollution of Seas
C. Third Vial: Global Bloodshed upon waterways or Freshwater Pollution
D. Fourth Vial: Global Persecution and/or Global Warming
E. Fifth Vial: Global Spiritual Darkness and Mental Distress
F. Sixth Vial: Global War centered in the Middle East (Islam)
G. Seventh Vial: Opening of Judgment on Babylon (the world's system)

Chapter 17 The Eighth Beast and Harlot (Revived Holy Roman Empire/Papacy)
A. Eight Beast: Revived Holy Roman Empire (Modern Europe and Western Powers)
B. Harlot (Ecumenical Movement headed by Papacy)

Chapter 18 The Judgment of the Great Harlot:
A. “Come out of her my people” (Admonition to obey the Gospel or possibly the Rapture)
B. Collapse of Papal power in the Holy Roman Empire and/or Destruction of the City: Destruction of Vatican City (Papacy)

Chapter 19 The Return of Christ On a White Horse (Christ Returns Unexpectedly)

Chapter 20 The Millennium (Christ Rules the Millennial Kingdom for 1,000 years) and Final Judgment.

Chapter 21 The New Jerusalem (The Eternal State)

Chapter 22 Closing Visions

Olivet Discourse:

Luke 21:1-23 The First Century Persecutions Woes and Judgment on Jerusalem.
Luke 21:24-36 Brief Synopsis of the Entire Church Age Culminating in Christ’s Return.

Matthew 24:1-22 The First Century Persecutions Woes and Judgment on Jerusalem.
Matthew 24:23-51 Brief Synopsis of the Entire Church Age Culminating in Christ’s Return.

Pauline Son of Perdition:

II Thessalonians 2:3-8 The "son of perdition" is the Papacy asserting itself and sitting in the "temple of God" (the Church) saying that he is God (or the Vicar of Christ) on Earth.

Esaias
09-24-2013, 06:04 PM
Theology, Christology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology and Eschatology

1. How does one actually differentiate between theology and christology (speaking from a oneness perspective)?

If God is one, and incarnated as the Christ, then would theology be subsumed under christology? or vice versa? And pneumatology as well?

2. How does one actually differentiate between soteriology and ecclesiology? If we are saved by being placed into the church of the Lord, if salvation is not merely 'individual salvation' but if it includes our membership in the elect, the church, as citizens of the kingdom of God, etc... then wouldn't soteriology be a function of ecclesiology? Or vice versa?

I mean as far as differentiating things for the purposes of exposition and investigation of the topics, of course. (What used to be known as 'division' and 'arrangement'...)

Where does angelology fit in? Or is it even necessary?

In discussing anthropology and the nature of man... does that fit into soteriology? Or eschatology (meaning, personal eschatology, ie final judgement, resurrection, after-death, etc)?

Praxeas
09-24-2013, 06:09 PM
1. How does one actually differentiate between theology and christology (speaking from a oneness perspective)?


They can overlap when the discussion is specifically about the incarnation. Not ever topic having to do with the study of Jesus is just that he was God

Esaias
09-24-2013, 06:12 PM
And one more generalized question... what is the overall THEME of the Bible? In other words, is there a unifying theme which can serve as a sort of ideological or pedagogical 'center', into which or around which the various 'topics' of a sytematic theology can be arranged?

If not one unifying theme, then what would be the primary themes?

I'm thinking 'the Kingdom of God' would probably be the main, unifying theme.

The purpose of Creation is to manifest the dominion of God, as a display of his glory.

The fact of creation establishes or at least declares that He is King of all, and his kingdom thus extends to all things. Here we'd get into 'physical or natural government vs moral or spiritual government'.

The subjects of the kingdom would include men and angels. This gets into moral government, moral law, the will, the law of God, sin and remission, justification, holiness, death, sickness, healing, the covenants, Israel, Messiah as King, etc.

Etc. Prophecy/eschatology is the kingdom foretold, the history of the kingdom written beforehand, etc.

Christology is a study of both the King, his person and work, and his rulership 9means and methods) of the kingdom.

Ecclesiology deals with the established human element of the government of the kingdom (ecclesia is a governmental term, in fact), and how the kingdom operates in people's lives. Of course, I think Israel fits into ecclesiology as well, since Israel is called 'the church in the wilderness'...

What do ya'll think?

Esaias
09-24-2013, 06:13 PM
They can overlap when the discussion is specifically about the incarnation. Not ever topic having to do with the study of Jesus is just that he was God

Yes, I am not saying 'everything is about he is God', what I am saying is how can one have a discussion about God, his nature, character, works, etc... and not discuss Christ? Knowledge of Christ = knowledge of God.

So would an apostolic theology proper be Christ-centered? Seems like it would be, since Jesus is more than the Incarnation itself...

Praxeas
09-24-2013, 06:18 PM
Yes, I am not saying 'everything is about he is God', what I am saying is how can one have a discussion about God, his nature, character, works, etc... and not discuss Christ? Knowledge of Christ = knowledge of God.

So would an apostolic theology proper be Christ-centered? Seems like it would be, since Jesus is more than the Incarnation itself...
Like I said they overlap. So Christology involves MORE than just discussing THEOLOGY :-)

You are asking ME my opinion on how Theology differs from Christology...

Aquila
09-25-2013, 11:49 AM
And one more generalized question... what is the overall THEME of the Bible? In other words, is there a unifying theme which can serve as a sort of ideological or pedagogical 'center', into which or around which the various 'topics' of a sytematic theology can be arranged?

God's desire to have relationship with and be manifest in His creation... man.

Lafon
10-03-2013, 07:14 AM
And one more generalized question... what is the overall THEME of the Bible? In other words, is there a unifying theme which can serve as a sort of ideological or pedagogical 'center', into which or around which the various 'topics' of a sytematic theology can be arranged?


The "theme" of the Bible (IMHO) was best summarized in this inspired pronouncement written by apostle Paul concerning the culmination of the reign of Christ Jesus as the Son (recorded in I Corinthians 15:26-28; specifically the final seven words) - "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, THAT GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL."

In essence, it comes down to determining an answer to this critical question: What was the purpose for God's creation of mankind?

After countless hours expended over many years in studying the scriptural record in an effort to determine the answer to this question, I have concluded the following: God, being an incorporeal invisible eternal Spirit, described by apostle John as One whose basic or fundamental nature (quality) is "love," desired to build for Himself a substantive "temple" whereby He might be made manifest (readily perceived by sight).

God decreed that the physical body of man was to serve as such a "temple," with His own body being the chief corner stone (Acts 4:11), however, when the first man Adam's rebellion caused the invisible eternal soul and substantive flesh of mankind to become corrupt, God (whose omniscient ability allowed Him to know this would occur) began the task of effectuating a plan of redemption (which He devised before the creation of all things), whereby these two essential "building blocks" of His temple (the soul and body of mankind) might be cleansed (i.e., made habitable for His Spirit to dwell therein).

This is why God had decreed that repentance, water baptism "in His name" for the remission of sins, and baptism of the Spirit are so extremely essential for mankind's reconciliation to Himself. When we, as individuals, have willingly taken these necessary actions, and thereafter live the remainder of our earthly life in an manner that is pleasing to God, then following our resurrection from the dead (for we all must die - Hebrews 9:27), death is defeated and the Sonship of Christ is finished, then we who have been purified by the indwelling Spirit shall possess all of the glory of heaven and share it together with Christ Jesus for all of eternity.

Esaias
10-04-2013, 05:34 PM
As I look more into the meaning and method of discipleship, I am beginning to have a certain thought about 'theology'...

The purpose of a Systematic Theology or a Biblical Theology is to provide a 'textbook' or course of instruction on the various important doctrinal subjects. This instruction is designed basically as a 'course of study in Christianity'. While those may certainly be helpful, I wonder why God did not inspire any 'systematic theology' for us?

I see Jesus taught his disciples. And those disciples taught others. And 'systematic theology' did not really come about until over a century and a half - at BEST - later. More like not really until the early medieval period. Ie 'systematic theology' was developed primarily within the catholic movement.

Jesus did not teach by giving a 'systematic' course of instruction in various 'doctrines to be believed and remembered'. Instead he did the following:

1. He modeled what they were to become. Instruction was not the acquisition of intellectual ideas and 'facts of theology', but rather it was the conforming of the student to the likeness of the Teacher.

2. He taught truths as the opportunity arose. He used just about every possible experience he had with his disciples as an object lesson in some truth or truths. Life is abounding with 'teaching moments', and he took advantage of them all the time.

3. He gave direct instruction, 'precept upon precept', as well. Yet his instruction was not arranged 'systematically' according to the 'topics of invention' or other schemes of education and presentation. I am still researching the arrangement he used for his didactic instruction of doctrine.

4. He guided them from being mere students to being 'teachers' themselves. Theological instruction was not a 'class room' experience, or a 'series of courses in theological subjects', it was a direct, hands-on apprenticeship. At first they could do nothing but follow him around and listen and observe. eventually he was sending them forth to preach and teach. Finally he empowered them to go forth in his Spirit as if they were him. On the job training.

So then from seeing these things, it seems to me that a truly 'apostolic' and 'biblical' theology, or course of instruction in bible theology, would not be a series of lectures bound in a book, but an actual apprenticeship. It seems the 'church' is supposed to be, among other things, an apprenticeship class.

We are, after all, called to be disciples.

Aquila
10-29-2013, 12:39 PM
Paul could be rather systematic in his Epistles. In Scripture we see many different styles of teaching employed by the Holy Ghost through the anointing of various teachers.

And in fact... at the end of the day... He presented us with... a book. lol

Luke
10-29-2013, 12:49 PM
The book of romans is a very near systematic theology book.

AJ Miller
11-03-2017, 07:26 PM
I have a systematic theology that I have embraced as a result of my studies. Here it is... I call it the Apostolic Order of Redemption:

1. Election (God's choice of people to be saved in accordance to foreknowledge)

2. Propitiation (Christ's satisfying the Law and God's wrath against the sins of the Elect)

3. Atonement (Christ's work of covering the sins of the Elect)

4. The Gospel call (Receiving the message of the gospel through Prevenient Grace)

5. Conversion (faith, repentance, repentance, water baptism, Spirit baptism)

6. Justification (right legal standing)

7. Regeneration (being born again/one spirit with the Lord)

8. Adoption (membership in God's family)

9. Sanctification (growing in Christlikeness)

10. Perseverance (remaining under the blood as a Christian)

11. Death (going to be with the Lord)

12. Glorification (receiving a resurrection body in sinless perfection)

The above is essentially how I approach salvation through a systematic approach. In my system of theology there are also many sub categories. For example under point 4 (The Gospel Call) I emphasize that there is both an "outer calling" (the preached Word) and an "inner calling" (the drawing of the Holy Ghost). Both must be taking place for a believer to be born again. Sometimes men hear the outer calling of the Gospel and want to respond with their natural mind without the inner calling of the Spirit. These are those who "repent", and might even be baptized, but never receive the Holy Ghost or receive the Holy Ghost much later. God isn't drawing them at that time. They can only come to the Son as the Father leads them. Other sub topics can be found throughout. This was just an example.

I hope it helps.

I love this presentation of Apostolic Systematic Soteriology.