Course Notes for Christian Beliefs: 20 Life Transforming Truths

Based on a DVD Course by Dr. Wayne Grudem

(DVD & associated study material available from: http://clearcutmedia.tv/us/)

Introduction (5 Minutes on DVD)

One of the worlds leading Evangelical theologians: o Since 2001, Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary, Arizona, USA (www.ps.edu/about-us/faculty-staff-board/residentfaculty/wayne-a-grudem/?tabid=155) o Previously taught for 20 years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (a leading Evangelical theological seminary in the USA) o BA (Harvard), MD (Westminster Theological Seminary) & PhD (Cambridge) Author of widely used works on Systematic Theology: o Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, IVP, Leicester, 1994 o Bible Doctrine (edited by Jeff Purswell book is a condensed version of the above), Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 1999 o Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know (edited by son, Elliot Grudem book is a condensed version of above), IVP, Leicester, 2005 o Other works: Business for the Glory of God: The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois, 2003, The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois, 2006; Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to Liberalism?, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois, 2006; and Politics: According to the Bible, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, forthcoming Sept. 2010 o A very extensive set of Christian Essentials audio classes from Scottsdale Bible Church and based on Grudems Systematic Theology can be downloaded, along with other classes by Grudem, at: www.christianessentialssbc.com/messages/ Influential Evangelical scholar o General Editor of English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible (www.esv.org) o Member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the ESV Bible o Former President of Evangelical Theological Society o Founding President of Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood o International conference speaker: spoke at Word Alive 2010 o An ordained Baptist Minister, his theology is Evangelical, Reformed, Baptistic and Charismatic (was for some time involved in the Vineyard movement) o Views are broadly similar to those of John Piper, Mark Driscoll and C.J.Mahaney, who are also his friends and strongly endorse this course Mature Christian well-involved in local church and family life o Born in 1948, became a Christian in his youth, and has been an elder in a number of churches, including his current church: Scottsdale Bible Church in Phoenix.

0.1 Whos Wayne A. Grudem?

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o Happily married to Margaret for over 40 years, Wayne and Margaret have 3 grown-up sons: Elliot, who is a pastor, Oliver, and Alexander, whose wife was killed in a car accident after only 3 months of marriage (Mark Driscoll interviews Margaret and Wayne about their lives at: http://theresurgence.com/waynemargaret-grudem-interview-2010)

0.2 What is theology and why should we study it?

Can you define what Theology means? o There is not only one valid definitions for theology, and many of the different definitions are useful for highlighting different aspects of this important subject o As to the word itself, theology = theos (Greek for God) + logos (Greek for speech, knowledge, study), so we say that: Theology = God-talk = talking, discussing, or thinking about God (Christian theology would mean doing these things in accordance with the Christian view of God). Theology = knowledge of God = knowing God, which means both knowing things about God and knowing God in the sense of having a personal relationship with God. A theologian could then be defined as someone who knows God, which would therefore mean all Christians. Theology = the study of God = the discipline of studying God. However, since God is a living, active being, this study is not limited to studying God Himself (which is termed theology proper), but encompasses Gods activities and His relationship to the created universe, especially human beings. It is for this reason that Augustus Hopkins Strong, says that: Theology is the science of God and the relations between God and the universe (A. H. Strong, Systematic Theology, 1906) o This means that you are doing theology when you are talking about God to other people, thinking about how to apply what you read in the Bible to your life, or reading an article or book that touches on any aspect of the Christian faith. All Christians are therefore inevitably engaged in doing theology during their everyday lives, and the only question is whether they will do so in a good way or a bad way. o The importance of this point is emphasised strongly by Bruce Milne: as a matter of plain fact every Christian is a theologian ... By virtue of being born again we have all begun to know God and therefore have a certain understanding of his nature and actions. That is, we all have a theology of sorts, whether or not we have ever sat down and pieced it together. So, properly understood, theology is not for a few religious eggheads with a flair for abstract debate it is everybodys business. Once we have grasped this, our duty is to become the best theologians we can to the glory of God, as our understanding of God and his ways is clarified and deepened through studying the book he has given for that very purpose, the Bible. ... Correct doctrine in itself is not enough; it is tragically possible to fail to work Gods truth out in practical obedience. That is one reason why doctrine often gets a bad press. If correct doctrine does not lead to holy, loving, mature lives, something has gone terribly wrong. But that is no reason for neglecting or discounting it (Know the Truth, p. 11-12) Can you define what Doctrine means? o A word commonly used when discussing theology is doctrine. Doctrine = doctrina (Latin for teaching: related to Latin word doctor = teacher) = didache or didaskalia (Greek for doctrine, teaching or instruction). Therefore Course Notes by Melvyn Reader

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doctrine = teaching or instruction. This meaning of the word doctrine is evident from Titus 2:1 where the Apostle Paul instructs Titus to teach what accords with sound doctrine. (ESV). The importance of correct doctrine for living the Christian life is stressed by Paul, when he warns Timothy that If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. (1Timothy 6:3-4). Elsewhere, Paul also makes clear that all kinds of wrongful behaviours are contrary to sound doctrine (I Timothy 1:9-10). Wholesome doctrine is therefore necessary for, and should result in, godly living. Can you tell me why we should study theology? o Many people will tell you not to bother with theology. For example, consider the following quotes: The study of theology ... is the study of nothing; it is founded on nothing; ... it has no data; it can demonstrate nothing; and it admits of no conclusion (Thomas Paine, American revolutionary - 1739-1809) Theology is the effort to explain the unknowable in terms of the not worth knowing (Henry L. Mencken, journalist - 1880-1956) Theology is never any help; it is searching in a dark cellar at midnight for a black cat that isn't there. Theologians can persuade themselves of anything (Robert A. Heinlein, science-fiction author - 1907-1988) What has theology ever said that is of the smallest use to anybody? ... The achievements of theologians don't do anything, don't affect anything, don't mean anything. What makes anyone think that "theology" is a subject at all? (Richard Dawkins, biologist-born 1941) o However, it is interesting to note that all of the above individuals are strong opponents of orthodox Christianity. If these people who oppose orthodox Christianity think theology is not worth studying, then this should encourage Christians to study theology and study it well! Other people, usually Christians, will say that theology is a boring subject that is of no relevance to everyday life. It is because of this, as well as the negative views of theology held by those who dislike orthodox Christianity, that Gordon H. Clark comments that: Theology, once acclaimed the Queen of the Sciences, today hardly rises to the rank of a scullery maid; it is often held in contempt, regarded with suspicion, or just ignored (In Defense of Theology, Milford, Michigan, Mott, 1984, p.3). However, the following quotes from a number of thoughtful Christians (starting with Wayne Grudem) give some very important reasons for rejecting this prevailing tendency to disdain theology: Wayne Grudem: I do not believe that God intended the study of theology to be dry and boring. Theology is the study of God and all his works! Theology is meant to be lived and prayed and sung! All of the great doctrinal writings of the Bible (such as Pauls epistle to the Romans) are full of praise to God and personal application to life (Systematic Theology, pp. 16-17) A.W.Tozer: We being what we are and all things else being what they are, the most important and profitable study any one of us can engage in is, without question, the study of theology. Alister McGrath: Christian doctrine ... provides a fundamental framework for Christian living Paul Wesley Chilcote: theology was never meant to be either boring or irrelevant. The ultimate purpose of theology is transformation. For the Course Notes by Melvyn Reader

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Christian, Jesus Christ is the central reference point in that ongoing process, the goal of which is to be changed by God into more loving, more Christlike people. This is theology, and nothing could be more exciting or relevant in our lives. (Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision, IVP, pp. 15-16) Andrew Kirk: [Theology] has two fundamental tasks: to make sense of the whole of life by reference to God, and to be an agent of the transformation of the whole of life so that it may reflect Gods intentions (The Mission of Theology and Theology as Mission, Trinity Press International, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1997, p. 8) Gordon E. Lewis and Bruce A. Demarest: The goal of theology is to bring every dimension of thought and action under the lordship of the Sovereign God (Integrative Theology, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House, 1996, p. 8) J.I.Packer: Knowing about God is crucially important for the living of our lives. As it would be cruel to an Amazonian tribesman to fly him to London, put him down without explanation in Trafalgar Square and leave him, as one who knew nothing of English or England, to fend for himself, so we are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and runs it. The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place, and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business, for those who do not know about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfold, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life and lose your soul (Knowing God, p. 15) Charles Spurgeon: I believe ... that the proper study of Gods elect is God; the proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, ... and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father. ... He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply plods around this narrow globe ... The most excellent study for expanding the soul, is the science of Christ, and Him crucified, and the knowledge of the Godhead in the glorious Trinity. Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity. (Quoted in Knowing God, p. 13-14) o Some Christians will say that reading the Bible is all we need and that by studying theology we are, in effect, saying there is something wrong with Bible. That this is not the case is shown by John Frame: Theology is the application of the Word by persons to the world and to all areas of human life. We need theology not because there is something wrong with the Bible ... but because there is something wrong with us. The Bible is fine, just as it is. The problem is that we are slow to grasp it, both because of our weakness and because of our sin. So the theologian, like a good preacher, takes the biblical text and explains it to us. Usually that will involve, putting it into a different form rather than just reading the word to us. That is not because the Bibles own form is somewhat improper but because other forms are sometimes useful in getting the biblical content through our thick heads (Salvation belongs to the Lord, pp. 79-80) o Finally, the immense importance of getting a correct theological or doctrinal understanding of the Bible is stressed by Bruce Milne: getting doctrine right is the key to getting everything else right. If we are to know who God is, who we are, and what God wants of us, we need to study Scripture. That means its Page | 4 Course Notes by Melvyn Reader

teaching as a whole, and that means doctrine. This holds true for every single area of the Christian life, worship , witnessing , discipleship , Christian relationships , daily work ; at every point right living begins with right thinking. The New Testament writers exemplify this principle. Faced with practical problems in the churches, they always sought first to clarify the theological issues underlying the problem, then to apply the practical remedy. In this profound sense doctrine is the key to life; the Holy Spirit uses Gods truth in his work in and through us. (Know the Truth, p. 11-12)

0.3 What is Systematic Theology and why should we study it?

Can you define what Systematic Theology means? o Systematic theology = theology done in a topically organised way that draws on the entire Bible and seeks to present its various teachings as a coherent and harmonious whole. Grudem provides the following useful definition of systematic theology, which is used widely in Evangelical circles: Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic. As a consequence, systematic theology involves collecting and understanding all the relevant passages in the Bible on various subjects and then summarizing their teachings clearly so that we know what to believes about each topic (Systematic Theology, 1994, p. 21). Another helpful definition of that sheds more light on the nature of systematic theology is provided by Millard Erickson: is that discipline which strives to give a coherent statement of the doctrines of the Christian faith, based primarily on the Scriptures, placed in the context of culture in general, worded in a contemporary idiom, and related to issues of life. (Christian Theology, 1998, p. 23). o Given the above, systematic theology therefore differs from what is known as biblical theology, which focuses on studying individual passages, books or authors of the Bible one at a time (this should not, however, mean that systematic theology is any less biblical in the sense of being firmly grounded in Scripture: indeed, systematic theology seeks to build on the findings of biblical theology). This difference is made clear when J.Gresham Machen states that the discipline of systematic theology seeks to set forth, no longer in the order of the time when it was revealed [as in the case of Biblical Theology], but in the order of logical relationships, the grand sum of what God has told us in his Word (Westminster Theological Seminary: Its Purpose and Plan, opening address, Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia, 1929). Sometimes there is a tendency for Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology to become rivals competing for dominance within the field of theology, but the two disciplines should be seen as complementary ways of doing theology that are both necessary to the Church. Can you provide a more comprehensive definition of Systematic Theology? o Bruce Ware draws on the writings of many other Evangelical theologians to provide the following very comprehensive definition: Evangelical Systematic Theology is the comprehensive study and coherent organization of what can be known, primarily from Scripture (that is, theology's only final and ultimately authoritative source), and secondarily from any and all other relevant sources, about God and His relation to the created universe, in a manner that is understandable and applicable to contemporary audiences, to the end that

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God's people are strengthened and satisfied in Him, to the praise and glory of His name. (See www.biblicaltraining.org). o Wares definition is made up of a number of different elements that are worth unpacking further: The subject-matter of systematic theology is God (His nature and person) and His relationship to the created universe (His decrees and works). At the centre of theology is the doctrine of God, which provides the hub to which all other doctrines (the doctrine of creation, the doctrine of Christ, the doctrine of the Church etc.) are connected. It is for this reason that the study of the doctrine of God is called theology proper The sources of information used by systematic theology are primarily the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and secondarily all other relevant sources. The Bible is not therefore the sole source for systematic theology, but it is systematic theologys only final and ultimate authoritative source: one that is non-negotiable, non-questionable, inerrant and absolutely certain. When the Sixteenth Century Reformers used the slogan Sola Scriptura or Scripture Alone, they certainly did not mean that the Bible was the sole source of theology (if they had done, they would have used the phrase Solo Scriptura), since they frequently appealed, not only to the Bible, but also to earlier theologians, such as Augustine, when putting forward their theological views. If God had meant the Bible to be the only source of theology, then he would not have given teachers to the Church who can instruct people in the teachings of the Bible. Other legitimate sources besides the Bible that can assist us in developing our understanding of God include the theological views of responsible Christian teachers (both past and present), the historic creeds of the Christian Church, and the general revelation of God in history, in the created universe, and in our consciences The structure of systematic theology refers to its organisation into a coherent and logical system of truth. Systematic theology is called systematic because it attempts to present the teachings of the Bible in a topical fashion, so that it brings together all that Bible teaches about itself, about humankind, about sin, about Christ, about salvation, and so on. Such an approach assumes that God is the ultimate author of the Bible and that in it He provides us with coherent, non-contradictory and reliable truth (often those who object to the idea of systematic theology, do so because they reject this assumption) The setting of systematic theology refers to the importance of presenting it in a way that is understandable and applicable to its target audience. This means that all theology should be contextual, that is suitably adapted to the context in which it is to be understood and believed. However, although this means systematic theology should be context-oriented, it must not be contextdetermined The satisfaction of systematic theology means that it should lead people to a deeper enjoyment of the glory and excellence of God. Systematic theology is not meant to be a purely theoretical, academic or intellectual exercise that does nothing to increase a persons love for, and devotion to, God. Indeed, the study of systematic theology has not been taught or studied properly if it does not make its students better worshippers of God and more trusting and obedient followers of Christ. Systematic theology should help people fulfil the purposes for which they were created. These purposes are helpfully summarised in the Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647) - Mans chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever and the Heidelberg Confession Page | 6 Course Notes by Melvyn Reader

(1563), which says that God created mankind so that he might: rightly know his Creator; heartily love God; live with God; enjoy eternal happiness with God; glorify God; and praise God What benefits do Christians gain from studying Systematic Theology? o Bruce Ware points out that the study of systematic theology provides Christians with the following: A comprehensive scriptural vantage-point or overall view of Scripture, which would not be provided by only carrying out detailed studies of the books of the Bible in isolation. Systematic theology provides a holistic overview of Scripture that allows a person to see the big picture of the truths that it teaches, rather than isolated details or unconnected fragments. (Matthew 28:19-20: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, ... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, Acts 20:27: I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God, and 2 Timothy 1:13: Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.) An interpretative guide that enables the setting of boundaries on what are legitimate and illegitimate interpretations of individual texts or passages in the Bible. Systematic theology provides a person with a greater awareness of whether a particular interpretation of a certain verse or passage falls within or outside the bounds of a specific theological stance or tradition, such as those associated with Evangelical, Reformed, Pentecostal, Baptist or historic, orthodox Christianity. This does not mean that a persons interpretation of a particular verse or passage should be artificially squeezed to fit into a preexisting theological framework, rather it means that a person is helped to avoid reading or interpreting Scripture in a naive manner, and understands the broader implications of interpreting a passage in a particular way. However, care needs to be taken that Scripture remains ultimately authoritative over our theological traditions. (1Timothy 1:3: As I urged you ... charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith, 2 Timothy 2:15: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth, and 2 Timothy 4:3: For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.) A clear understanding of Christian beliefs and their relationship to other beliefs, such that in a religiously pluralistic environment individuals can avoid the dangers of religious compromise and syncretism, (that is, blending their Christian beliefs with incompatible beliefs derived from other religions or ideologies) and be able to discuss their views (and their reasons for holding them) with others in a knowledgeable and gracious manner. (Ephesians 4:11-14: And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed Course Notes by Melvyn Reader

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to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes, Titus 2:1: But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine, and 1 Peter 3:15: in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect) A deeper apprehension and commitment to biblical truth, so that changed thoughts (Head), lead to changed affections (Heart), which lead to changed actions (Hands), which in turn lead to a changed environment (Habitat). This is based on the biblical understanding that the knowledge we possess in our minds informs (but does not determine) the affections or commitments of our hearts (this understanding means that the entry point for truth is the head, since it is hard to feel strongly about something or someone you dont know), which are then expressed in words and actions that have the potential to change the world around us. This understanding is supported by Jonathan Edwards views on the religious affections and his argument that right actions spring from having the right affections in our hearts, rather than simply from having the right doctrinal beliefs in our heads. (Romans 6:17: But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, Romans 12:1: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, 2 Timothy 2:2: what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also., Titus 1:9 He [that is, an overseer/ pastor] must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it, and Jude 1:3: Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints)

Can you give reasons from the Bible for why we should study Systematic Theology? o The Bible offers a range of reasons for studying systematic theology, including the following: The Church has been mandated to make disciples of all nations by teaching them obedience to all of Christs commands, which are only found in Scripture - And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20) God commends the close study of Scripture - the Jews in Berea were commended for being more noble than those in Thessalonica since they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things [proclaimed by Paul] were so (Acts 17:11) The church described in the New Testament was devoted to the study of scriptures - So those who received his [Peters] word [on the Day of Pentecost] were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching {doctrine] and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:4142) Course Notes by Melvyn Reader

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Leaders of churches must be able to teach from the Scriptures the criteria given by Paul to Timothy for the selection of elders included that He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9) Christ presented the teachings of Scripture in a systematic manner This can be seen in the words Jesus spoke to the two disciples who were walking on the road to the village of Emmaus after Christs crucifixion: And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27). Robert L. Reymond comments on this passage: Such an extensive engagement of his mind in Scripture exposition involved our Lord in theological activity in the highest conceivable sense. It is Christ himself then who established for his church the pattern and end of all theologizing the pattern: we must make the exposition of Scripture the basis of our theology; the end: we must arrive finally at him in all our theological labors (Richard L. Reymond, A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Second Edition, 1998, p. xxviii) The Apostle Paul taught the scriptures in a systematic fashion - And when they came to him, he [Paul] said to them [the elders from the Church of Ephesus]: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:19, 20, and 26-27)

0.4 Useful Works on Systematic Theology

o Robert Duncan Culver (2005) Systematic Theology: Biblical and Historical, Christian Focus Publications, Fearn, Ross-shire o Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Eds) (2008) ESV Study Bible, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois o Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears (2010), Doctrine: What Christians should Believe, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois o Millard J. Erickson (1998) Christian Theology (Second Edition), Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan o John M. Frame (2006) Salvation belongs to the Lord: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, P&R Publishing Phillipsburg, New Jersey o Wayne Grudem (1994) Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, Inter-Varsity Press, Leicester o David Horton (Ed.) (2006) The Portable Seminary, Bethany House, Bloomington, Minnesota o Gordon R. Lewis and Bruce A. Demarest (1994-1996) Integrative Theology , Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan o Bruce Milne, Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief, Leicester, InterVarsity Press, 1991

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