Theology 101- Lesson 1
The English word Theology came from the Greek Theologia (θεολογία) which is derived from two words theos (θεός), meaning God, and logia (λόγια), meaning utterances, sayings, or teaching (a word related to logos [λόγος], meaning word, discourse, or reasoning).
A study of what the Bible teaches about God and His dealings with human beings and the rest of creation. Biblical theology has existed ever since the Bible was written. For instance, in Deut. 1-11Moses describes and interprets God’s past acts on Israel’s behalf recorded in Exodus–Numbers even as he discloses more divine revelation. Samuel interprets Israel’s past theologically in 1 Sam. 8-12, Stephen’s preaching is a theological discourse Acts 7. In it we find a list of examples of how God worked with His people.
Because it takes its subject matter from the Bible, biblical theology asserts some foundational principles. For example Ps. 19:7-11claims that the OT’s law is “perfect,” its testimonies “trustworthy,” its precepts “right,” its commandments “radiant,” and its rules “reliable and altogether righteous”. Paul summarizes his opinions on the scriptures (holy writings) by asserting that they are all “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Therefore, the Bible claims that the whole Bible is God’s breathed out (inspired) word written down for permanent preservation and, as a result, is authoritative and useful for godly living for every successive generation.
This study deals with all biblical topics in a carefully organized way so we will have clear understanding of what the bible teaches. Everything in the Bible is theological, Christological and doxological. When the bible says “ everyone who belives in the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved” it is making a theological statement. Once we are finished with this course we will be able to distinguish between truth and error, between light and darkness. Here is the brief outline of what we are going to learn.
PART I: SCRIPTURE
1. Why Is the Bible Called the Word of God?
2. What Is Divine Revelation?
3. What Is General Revelation?
4. What Is Special Revelation?
5. Is biblical Teachings Unique?
6. How Else Is the Bible Unique?
7. Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?
8. How Did Christ View the Scriptures?
9. Is the Bible a Human Book?
10. Is the Bible Reliable?
11. Does the Bible Contradict Itself?
12. What Has the Church Believed about the Bible?
13. Is the Bible Important Today?
PART II: GOD
1. Does God Exist?
2. Faulty Views of God
3. The Names of God
4. Designations of Deity
5. God’s Self-Revelation
6. What the Pentateuch Teaches about God
7. The Greatness of God
8. The Goodness of God
9. Images of God
10. The Triunity of God
11. The Decree of God
12. God and the Presence of Evil
13. God’s Plan for the Ages
14. Being a Friend of God
15. Believing in God
16. Responding to God
17. Dealing with Your Doubts
18. Knowing the Will of God
19. Communicating with God
PART III: JESUS CHRIST
1. The Word of God as a Member of the Triune Godhead
2. The Preincarnate Ministry of the Word of God
3. The Old Testament Anticipation of the Incarnation of the Word of God.
4. The Names and Titles of the Son of God
5. The Incarnation of the Son of God
6. The Earthly Life and Ministry of the Son of God
7. Christ’s Ascension to the Right Hand of God the Father
8. Christ’s Present Ministry at the Right Hand of God the Father
9. Christ’s Translation of His Church to Heaven
10. The Establishment of the Reign of the King on Earth
PART IV: THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. The Personality of the Holy Spirit
2. The Deity of the Holy Spirit
3. The Symbols of the Holy Spirit
4. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
5. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in Inspiration
6. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel Era
7. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Life of Christ
8. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts
9. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
10. The Indwelling and Filling of the Holy Spirit
11. The Holy Spirit and His Ministry in Believers
12. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
13. Speaking in Tongues
14. The Holy Spirit and the Future
PART V: ANGELS, SATAN, AND DEMONS
1. Today’s Angels
2. Angels Yesterday and Today
3. Angels in the Bible
4. Angelic Activities in the Bible
5. The Angel Called God
6. The Angel Called Satan
7. Satan’s Angels
8. Satan, the Savior, and the Saints of God
9. God’s Son and God’s Angels
10. Demon Possession in the New Testament
11. Demon Exorcism in the New Testament
12. Spiritual Warfare—Man’s Way and God’s
13. Commonly Asked Questions about Angels and Demons
PART VI: HUMANITY AND SIN
1. The Biblical Doctrine of Creation
2. The Debate over Human Origins
3. Created in the Image of God
4. The Material Aspect of Human Nature
5. The Immaterial Aspect of Human Nature
6. Human Nature and Human Behavior
8. The Effect of Sin on Human Nature
9. Evil and the Essence of Sin
10. Life in an Immoral Society
11. Salvation from Sin and the Restoration of Life
