Theology 201 (Gnanakan Final)

What is evangelical theology in one sentence?

"God has spoken it is written"

"The gifts of the Spirit _________, and the fruit of the spirit _________"

"divide", "unites"

"sin is not something you ______, but you're __________ towards God."

"do", "attitude".

Progressive Creationism

(middle road) God made the general kinds and they subdivided into different kinds.

explain the HS deity

- he's equal with the father

components of authority

- the bible is objective: absolute subjective: open for interpretation

what are elements of Christianity that don't change?

- the church : institutional - experience - certain type of living - doctrines

why is theology needed

-a central to the relationship b/t believer and God - connection b/t truth and experience -there are many secular and religious systems that compete for our devotion

various conceptions of inerrancy

-absolute: very detail is scientifically and historically true -full: theological/spiritual message absolutely true -limited: only true for salvation

why is he neglected?

-less explicit material revealed on the topic -lack of concrete forms and imagery -considerable controversies about "ghosts"

immanence

-moral goodness of God. God is active in his creation

what is the HS personaliy

-pnemua mas: He's a person -parakletos: the same of God. - he's moral: mind, emotions, will, and helps us pray - hes God in us, personal and fully divine

importance of HS

-without him you can do nothing -he is up close believer -he is powerful and does great works

characteristics of God's plan

1 eternal 2. free on God's part: he does what he wants 3. Purpose: for His glory 4. all inclusive 5. efficacious

attributes of God greatness

1 spirituality 2 personality 3 life 4 infinity 5 constancy

3 aspects of the biblical trinity

1 the oneness of God. 2 the deity of 3 3 the 3 in oneness

4 specific times the HS's work was/is demonstrated

1. Creation 2. In understanding the bible 3. In gifts 4. In anointing

6 heresies against Christ?

1. Ebonism: jesus is not God 2. Ariansim: Jesus is not FULLY God (he's created) 3. Docetism: he is only a human sub 4. Apoolinarianism: not fully human 5. Nestorianism: he's 2 distinct persons 6. Eutychianism: Jesus blended in ONE nature

why was the history/need for the cross?

1. God's nature 2. The Law 3. Human predicament: facing total depravity 4. Christ's accomplishments: put away sin 5. OT sacrifice: blood 2 cleanse; "transfer"

5 theories of inspiration

1. Illumination 2.intuition 3. Dynamic 4. Verbal 5. Dictation

what is the humanity of Christ?

1. Incarnation: 2. Intercession -he bridges the gap -and raises the issue of Duality

What did Jesus' death do?

1. Ransom: pay the price to set us free 2. Substitute: lay life down for the world 3. Sacrifice: God's lamb put away sin

what are the 3 non-negotiable doctrines of Christianity?

1. Revelation:what the father has said 2. Redemption: what the son has done 3. Regeneration: what the spirit accomplished

5 theories of atonement

1. Sochians: if Jesus can do it, so can we 2. Moral Influence: all about God's love 3. Government: God can overlook sin, but doesn't 4. Ransom: Jesus is the ransom (Satan is paid.. ?) 5. Satisfaction: Jesus is our substitution for what we deserve. He satisfies God's wrath

why did Jesus have to die?

1. The Father's wrath had to be dealt with 2. fulfill scripture: suffering servant

heresies of the Unity of Christ

1. adoptionism: God adopts the human Jesus at his baptism 2. Nestorianism: Mary couldn't have birth God, so Jesus was a man filled by God. 3.Eutychianism: 2 natures meld together completely and form something unique 4. Kenoticism: Jesus was God, emptied himself to become God, after death he become God again 5. Dynamic Incarnation: God fills human Jesus and works actively through him.

what are the 4 ways spiritual miracles happen?

1. by the HS 2. demons 3. another person's spirit 4. your own spirit.

elements of biblical creation

1. ex-nihlio: out of nothing 2. all inclusive 3. trinity at work 4. purpose: give God glory

why does evil exist (David Hume)

1. impetent god can be willing and not able 2. malovent God is able but not willing 3. God is willing and able... but where does sin come from

what are the 3 groups of believers?

1. sensationalist: believe the sign gifts were only for apostles or Jesus' time 2. Continuest/charismatic: actively pursue the gifts 3. open, but cautious

What is the difference b/t a paradox and a contradiction

A paradox seems to be contradictory but is not and a contradiction really is

The moral argument for God's existence

Aquinas: i. Cosmological: "He is the uncaused cause." ii. Teleological: "Plan, purpose, and order." 1. [Could mean to work out in the end for his glory?] Kant: i. Anthropological: "Inner moral ought." 1. There is some unspoken, untold moral standard within every human being without having anyone tell us. This must stem from some moral absolute within us—being God. 2. A desire for moral absolutes. Anselm: i. Ontological: "Non-existent Attribute—our image." 1. The creator's image stamped into our being.

Know what occurs during the Holy Spirit pre, at and post conversion.

Before: i. Transporting Prophets ii. Enabling and empowering His servants iii. Striving against sin iv. Creating and Sustaining During: The Holy Spirit would replace Jesus. i. Teaching ii. Guiding iii. Enabling iv. Glorifying v. Convicting (sin, righteousness, judgment) After: i. Indwelling ii. Guiding iii. Teaching iv. Filling and Empowering v. Sealing

Fiat Creationist

God alone directly made everything of every kind (species)

Theistic Evolution

God created the world, then left it to us and doesn't interfere and we are on our own.

6. The term to describe God being present yet active.

Imminence

Chalcedon 451 AD

Meeting confirming the trinity by talking about what Jesus is not

1st recorded miracle?

Moses' staff turned into a snake

2. The Nature and the personality of the Holy Spirit.

NATURE a. "God" and the "Holy Spirit" are interchangeable. b. The Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of God. c. He is eternal. d. He accomplishes works that commonly are ascribed okay. e. Holy Spirit gives scripture. f. He is equal with Jesus and the Father. PERSONALITY g. The use of the masculine pronoun "he." h. Each member of the trinity glorifies the other two members. i. Intelligence, will, and emotions. j. Teacher

what is the greatest miracle?

New life in Christ! - salvation

origin, nature and status of Angels

Origin: creation unclear nature: spiritual beings that can have physical appearances status: slightly above us, but we judge them.

Two aspects of God's providence

Preservation—God will preserve/protect what he has created. Governance—God guides and directs us in a particular way/direction.

What is theology

Queen of all sciences. - study of doctrine

What does the Latin word "rest" mean

Reality

What's the difference between natural or special revelation

Special: the manifestation of God in a particular place at a particular time to a specific person Natural: General, or universal. Understand of God through Nature/history/people.

What does the Latin word "synbols" means

Symbol/representation

The bible is _______ & _________

True and trustworthy

4. The nature of God's freedom yet His faithfulness.

a. "God's Actions and decisions are not determined by consideration of any factors outside of himself. They are simply a matter of his own free choice."-Erikson Pg. 35

Hume's statement on the problem of evil.

a. "Is God... Willing to prevent evil, but is not able? Then he is impotent (not all powerful) Able but not willing? Then he is malevolent (not all that good, he is spiteful) Willing and able? Then where does evil come from?"

The capacity and powers of God's angels.

a. Angels i. Have personality ii. Moral Beings iii. Superhuman knowledge, but still limited. b. Job: i. Care ii. Protect iii. Direct and Guide

Be acquainted with the reasons for studying creation

a. Because the Bible asserts it strongly at the beginning. b. It is the foundation of the Church's belief system (creeds). c. What you believe about creation affects others (people and everything else in Christianity) d. To know what you believe as a Christian apart from everyone else.

Methods of doing theology.

a. Biblically (God said it) b. Systematically (Topical study [coherent thought]) c. Contextual (How it relates to culture today) d. Contemporary (How it relates to you) e. Practical (How applicable and useful it is)

3. Note the main difference between Calvin's and Arminius' understanding of God's plan.

a. Calvin: Logically prior and that human decisions and actions are consequence. b. Arminius: Places a higher value upon human freedom.

The modes of God's special revelation

a. Caution: Events tell history b. Speech: God actually said it c. Incarnation: Truth is in human form. #Christ

The Bible's argument for the existence of God

a. Creation (Nature)—The Heavens declare his glory. (Psalms 19) b. Conscience—God's nature is visible within us, therefore we are without excuse. (Romans 1:20-22) c. Commands—There is much we do not understand (because we are finite), but God (who is infinite knows all) has revealed what we need to know. (Jerimiah 29:29) d. Christ—He is the full and final illustration of God's Final Word; Word found through Jesus. (Hebrews 1:1-2; Colossians 2:8-10) e. Church—God has revealed himself to mandkind through Christians, who compose the body of Christ—The church.

1. The origin and nature of "angels".

a. Creation account of angels is unclear. (Psa. 148: 2,5) b. Spiritual 'Beings'; bodily "appearance" c. Heb. 1:5-2; 9 Humans are made a little lower. How? Present powers! Yet believers will judge!

Be familiar with the Spirit's work before, during, and after conversion.

a. Draws unbelievers, convicts, baptisim, gifts giving, empowering, etc.

The heresies surrounding Christ's humanity (e.g. Docetism and Apollianarism).

a. Ebionism: Jesus is not God, only the true God can save. b. Arianism: Jesus is not fully God and is limited in ways. Nicea Ad 325; Constantinople AD 381 c. Docetism: Chris is not human, only a human sub. d. Apollinarianism: Christ is not fully human like me. Ephesus AD431; Chalcedon 451 e. Nestorianism: Jesus Christ two distinct persons f. Eutychianism: Jesus Christ is a blended nature.

Be able to clearly identify the major heresies surrounding Christ's deity and humanity.

a. Ebionism: Supernatural man, birth, baptism. Monotheists God presence but preexistent? b. Arianism: Jesus Christ unique, transcendent and is same as Father c. Functional Christology: Jesus' work is greater than his Nature.

The implication of Jesus' birth.

a. Emmanuel—God is not just transcendent, "God is with us." b. Our Human bodies are good. c. Jesus can relate to our pain. d. His sacrifice for me is accepted by the Father. e. I can strive to be like Jesus—Fully Human f. I can follow him.

Four biblical elements in creation.

a. Ex Nihilo—He made everything that we see out of nothing. b. Let There Be—He spoke and it immediately became a reality. (all inclusive) c. All of the Trinity was involved in creation—the Bible asserts it. (From the Father, Through the Son, and by means (the power) of the Holy Spirit) d. His creation's purpose is to bring him glory and fulfill his will. ----------Teleios (Greek)—moving towards a purposeful end.

Three approaches to the problem of evil

a. Finitism—two roads you can choose. The road of good and the road of evil, you chose, but you will face the consequences. b. Determinism: if evil exists, God caused it. (hyper-Calvinism) *Calvinism was leaning heavily on a gracious god who will help us. c. Pantheism: Good is in everything, the absence of Good is evil, what you see as wicked and evil does not exist. The problem is your mind and you will break out and be liberated from this mindset.

Know the place of the miraculous in providence.

a. For his Glory b. To reveal his purposes (authenticate special revelation) c. To show his compassion and meet our needs

significance of biblical elements given the nine theological conclusions.

a. God is ultimate and the only one. --- Dualism cannot exist. b. Creation is God's unique, creative act (or being) c. Nothing God has created is intrinsically evil. d. God made humans responsible beings. e. Chris's incarnation - holy God in the Flesh. f. Understanding brings dependence on God and understanding the balance between "asceticism" and going "over-board." g. When we go against God's creation and design is always paid at our expense. h. We are all wired together and we are stewards over it; we are interrelated. ---The world is separate, not emanation from God. j. No one is equal or like God, and we are limited.

Understand God's sovereign work versus human freedom.

a. God's love preserves us, but does not keep us from going through. b. We are the sheep, He is the good Shepard—he will take care of us if we follow him. (deistic view—not automatic)

Understand the facts that represent the nature of God's plan.

a. God's plan is from all eternity b. The plan of God and decisions contained therein are free on God's part. c. The purpose of God's plan is His Glory. d. The plan of God is all-inclusive. e. God's plan is efficacious (Successful in producing a desired or intended result.) f. God's plan relates to His actions rather than to His nature. g. The Plan of God relates primarily to what God does in terms of creating, preserving, directing and redeeming. h. Human actions are also included. i. God's plan is unchangeable.

The nature of Christ's sinlessness.

a. He was tempted, yet did not sin. b. He knew no sin. c. No sin was found in him.

The essential attribute of God which produces all other characteristics.

a. Holiness and Justice

1. Be aware of the two stages with steps pertaining to Christ's work.

a. Humiliation --Incarnation --Death b. Exaltation --Resurrection --Ascension --Second Coming

Psychological elements of Jesus humanity.

a. Jesus reasoned, loved, was glad, sad and mad. b. Experienced stress, shock, depravity. c. Prays for guidance. d. He was dependent on the Father and relied on the Holy Spirit.

Know the Biblical teachings surrounding the deity of Jesus.

a. Jesus' self-Consciousness b. Apostolic witnesses: John, Hebrew, Paul c. Jesus' resurrection and the term "Lord" d. Wolfhart Pannenberg, God and Man, asked the question, "What is the shortest creed in history?" Yesu Kyios—Jesus Is LORD of ALL. e. Romans Chapter 1:4, Jesus Christ was declared to be Lord of all by his resurrection. The Good news is Jesus was raised back to life.

What does John, Paul and the writer to the Hebrews state about Jesus deity.

a. John: the cosmic Christ, in the beginning was simple monotheism; modalistic monarchism. b. Hebrews: Jesus is Superior to, exact representation through whom all things were created. Expressed image of the invisible God. c. Paul: Colossians 1; expressed image of the invisible God, holds all things together, judges living and dead. He is the name above all names. (2 Timothy, 2 Corinthians,

Various names for the Devil and his demons.

a. Names: adversary, accuser, ..murderer! i. Sneaky, quiet, stalk prey, they are swift, lie in wait ii. A lion, snake, and a dragon are the three things that he is compared to. iii. The phobia's and fears Satan takes, they are not real, but we fall for him. b. He is a sinner: evil one, enemy, father of lies. c. He opposes Jesus's work and trips up Christians. d. Disguise: angel of light, blind unbeliever. e. Limited Power, do not play or dabble with him, resist, he will flee.

Samples of the two types of evil.

a. Natural—no human will or acts cause it. b. Moral—is from the result of bad human choices.

Some objections to the penal substitution theory.

a. Necessity: Act of personal good will b. Innocent Jesus Christ: He voluntarily laid down his life for the fathers love expressed through him. c. Propitiation: The trinity sent Jesus, they were in agreement d. Imputation: They view the work on the cross as a transaction, you've got credit; share nature.

Be sure to clarify the five misunderstandings surrounding Christ's nature.

a. Nestorianism: Jesus was two distinct persons. ----Issue solved at Ephesus AD 431: You cannot divide Christ. He is Lord. b. Eutychianism: Jesus had a blended nature—a hybrid. c. Adoptionism: God adopted Jesus Christ as his son. Probably around the baptism. d. Kenoticism: Jesus Emptied himself, which God then entered. Succession Theory. e. Dynamic Incarnation: Jesus is God, and he is active and present.

Difficulties in understanding the Holy Spirit.

a. Not much talks about the Spirit as much as the Father and Christ. b. Lack of Concrete Imagery—the Spirit is intangible and hard to visualize. c. The lack of textual support regarding the spirit, which causes a view that the spirit is inferior to the Father and Son (completely false; they are equal with each other}

2. Know the Council of Constantinople (381) and Nicea (325).

a. Omnipotence, omnipresent, omniscience.

The purpose of Inspiration and what it teaches.

a. Purpose: Confirms the nature of God's special revelation through scripture. b. What it Teaches: Supernatural influence in the writers of scripture in the relaying of truth.

The three messianic roles or functions of the Christ.

a. Revelatory (Moses)—Jesus brought the good news and he is the good news. b. Rule (David)—Jesus's Kingdom will rule from everlasting to everlasting. c. Reconciliation (Aaron)—Jesus paid atonement for sin by sacrificing himself one and for all.

Key Theological Terms associated with the significance/meaning of the Cross.

a. Sacrifice—(Hebrew contextual meaning) Jesus, the High Priest, paid once and for all. b. Propitiation—Jesus was an offering to please God and to forgive sin. c. Substitution: Jesus stood in my place on the cross. d. Reconciliation: Jesus brought us back to God. e. God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, that in Christ we might become the righteousness of God (Romans)

Be very well acquainted with ALL the Five Theories of the atonement.

a. Socinian (example) b. Moral-influence (love) c. Government (divine justice) d. Ransom (Victory over Satan) e. Satisfaction (Satisfying Father God)

The Implications of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

a. The Holy Spirit is a person, one we can have relationship with and pray to. b. He is an equal member of the Trinity. c. Their wills are the same—no tension between the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. d. God is immanent with us—"Immanuel": God is with us.

What is demon possession?

a. The presence of an evil spirit within a person; possessing them.

Understand the purpose of the Spiritual Gifts, especially the spectacular ones.

a. They are all for the glorification of God. b. Used for the fulfillment of God's plan.

Christianity's unique contribution in dealing with suffering.

a. To strengthen the faith of the believer and to enable him or her to offer response to critics of the Christian faith.

Understand role of prayer as divine providence.

a. Two facets: God's plan is fixed; Believer commanded to pray. b. Partnership: Often human act of faith precedes or is necessary for God to Act c. Prayer may change. Is the means by which God accomplishes his own desired end(s) d. Be Persistence, yet may not get what we want.

what is Lordship Salvation?

everything in your life should be brought to Christ, if not, you're probably not saved

Define the HS in the life of a Christian

he: 1. convict us 2. gives us righteousness 3. passes judgment 4. Indwells in us: continually fills us with His presence 5. Illumine: teaches us 6. intercede: shows up how to prayer 7. sanctify us to bear fruits 8. gives spiritual gifts.

anthropomorphism

human characteristics given to a God

what is "easy believeism"

no cost to follow Christ, no true repentance

what are the two periods following postmodernity?

premoderism and moderism

two aspects of providence

preservation: is God maintaining his creation Governance: guiding and directing course of events

propositional verses purposeful revelation

propositional: sharing of information purposeful: God is connecting with you

predestinate

the destiny of something or someone for eternity.

transcendence

the greatness of God. - He is higher than all his creation.