Systematic Theology

Explain the concept of "taxis" in the Trinity

(2) Intra-trinitarian relationships reveal a kind of relational order (taxis). Because eternal relationships exist, we can speak of "order" in the Trinity (taxis), such that the Father is the head of the Son (1 Cor 11:3), and the Holy Spirit works to point the glory back to the Son (John 16:13-15). Conceptually, then, the Father is first in order, the Son is second, and the Spirit is third. Yet because they are co-equal in essence no one Person is superior or inferior to another. (i) The Father eternally "begets" the Son and eternally "spirates" and sends the Spirit, but the Father is not "begotten" by nor does He "proceed" from any of the other Persons. (ii) The Son is eternally "begotten" by the Father, and eternally "spirates" the Spirit. (iii) The Spirit eternally "proceeds" from the Father and the Son.

Discuss Amillennialism

- The position that there is no (a-) millennium, or no future thousand-year period of Christ's reign on the earth. Developed in the fifth century, it superseded (historic) premillennialism. Nonliteral interpretation of Rev 20:1-6: - Satan's binding is God's current restraint of him, enabling the gospel to advance everywhere. - Saints who rule are Christians who have died and are now with Christ in heaven. - At the end of this present age, Christ will defeat a loosed Satan, ushering in the last judgment, the resurrection, and the new heaven and earth."

Discuss the concept of redemption, with verses

1 Cor 6:20; 7:23 Heb 9:11-12 1 Peter 1:18-19 = Redemption is a term that refers to the penal substitutionary atonement of Christ. It is set against the backdrop of enslavement: human beings are captive to the slavery of sin but Christ pays a ransom to set slaves free from such bondage. Christ gave "his life as a ransom" for sinners (Mark 10: 45). "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" (Eph 1: 7; cf. 1 Pet 1: 18-19). Redemption ultimately includes the resurrection of the body (Rom 8: 23).

Define God's Omnipresence/Immensity with verses

1 Kings 8:27--All of creation (heaven and earth) cannot contain God. Psalm 139:7-10--God is heaven and earth and Sheol. He's always there. Jeremiah 23:23-24--God is both near and far at the same time.

Discuss the Different Views of how Adam's sin spread to all mankind.

1) Realistic/Seminal/Augustinian view We are all in Adam biologically, physically somehow. (Abraham was in the loins his father, Aaron was in the loins of Abraham). But by contrast we are in Christ spiritually, not physically, so the analogy does not hold between Adam and Christ. 2) Representative/Federal Headship View Adam is federal head of the entire race, so that as Adam went, so went all people. Death comes to all because all are counted guilty in Adam.

What are the implications of the doctrine of the image of God?

1) We belong to God 2) We should pattern ourselves after Jesus 3) We experience full humanity only when we are properly related to God 4) There is goodness and purpose in learning and work 5) The human is valuable 6) The image is universal in mankind

What 3 elements must be included in the external gospel call?

1. All have sinned (Rom 3:23) 2. The penalty for sin is death (Rom 6:23) 3. Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins (Rom 5:8)

List 20 known perfections of God

1. Aseity 2. Spirituality 3. Simplicity 4. Eternity/Infinity 5. Omnipresence/Immensity 6. Immutability 7. Omnipotence/Power 8. Omniscience 9. Goodness 10. Wisdom 11. Holiness 12. Justice/Righteousness 13. Love 14. Grace/Favor 15. Mercy 16. Patience/Longsuffering 17. Truthfulness 18. Faithfulness 19. Jealousy 20. Glory

Discuss the Ordinances of the Church

1. Baptism: - Matt 28:19 (instituted by Christ) - Acts 2:38-39; 16:14-15, 31-33 - it follows the full immersion practice of John's baptism (Matt 3:13-17). - It does not produce salvation, but is closely associated. - It is a public testimony of personal faith. - The act of baptism is not salvific, because we are baptized by the Holy Spirit at regeneration (Rom 6:3; 1 Cor 12:13). 2. The Lord's Supper: - Matt 26:26-28 - 1 Cor 11:23-29 - Jesus commanded it to be regularly administered (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor 11:24-29). - It celebrates our unity with Christ and all believers (1 Cor 10:16-17). - It is a purifying opportunity to examine one's heart and repent of sin (1 Cor 11:27-32). - It is in some way a participation in the blood and body of Christ Himself (1 Cor 10:16). - It commemorates spiritual deliverance through the New Covenant, similar to Israel's Passover (1 Pet 1:18-19; cf. Exod 12:1-14). - The primary goal is memorial celebration of Christ's blood and body. - Another goal is to anticipate the Lord's return and the marriage supper of the Lamb (Matt 26:29; Luke 22:18, 30; Rev 19:9).

Discuss the Functions of the Church

1. Evangelism (Matt 28:19-20) 2. Teaching/Preaching (Acts 2:42; 5:42; 1 Tim 4:11; 2 Tim 4:1-2) 3. Scripture Reading (Acts 4:24-26; 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 3:15-17) 4. Prayer (Acts 2:14, 42; 4:31; 12:5, 12; 13:3; 16:25) 5. Worship (Acts 16:25; 1 Cor 14:26; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) 6. Edification (Eph 4:12, 16)

Discuss the Problem of Evil / Compatibilism:

1. God is Sovereign (Eph 1:11; 3:11) 2. God Hates Evil (Ps 5:4; Hab 1:13) 3. God Uses Evil Actions for His Purposes (Gen 50:20; Prov 16:4; Isa 10:5-9) 4. God Does Not Tempt to Evil (Jas 1:14-15) 5. God Will Judge Sin and Evil (Ps 1:5; 37:28; Mal 4:3; Matt 13:41) 6. God Will Work All Things for His Glory and for Believer's Ultimate Blessing (Rom 8:28)

Offer biblical evidence as to the preexistence of the Son of God

1. God the Father sent His Son from heaven into the world (John 3:16-17, 31; 6:38; 17:3; 1 John 4:9). 2. The Son existed in glory before creation (John 1:3, 10, 14, 18; 17:5, 24; 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 1:4; Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:2, 10; Rev 3:14). 3. The Son is eternal by nature. a. He existed in eternity past (John 1:1; 8:58; Mic 5:2; Isa 9:6 "Everlasting Father"). b. He will exist into eternity future (Heb 1:10-12; Rev 1:18).

Discuss the Personhood of the Holy Spirit, using Scripture

1. He has personal characteristics: a. Self-consciousness/Speaking (2 Sam 23:2; Ezek 11:5; Acts 8:29; 10:19-20; 13:2) b. He exercises intellect (Isa 11:2; 1 Cor 2:10-11; Rom 8:27) c. Has emotion (He can be grieved--Eph 4:30; He can be insulted--Heb 10:29 He loves--Rom 15:30) d. Has His own will (Acts 13:2-3; 16:6-7; 1 Cor 12:11) 2. He does personal actions: a. He intervenes (hovering in Gen 1:2 relates to the eagle in Deut 32:11). b. He teaches (Luke 12:12; John 14:26; 16:13). c. He proceeds (John 15:26). d. He testifies (John 15:26). e. He intercedes (Rom 8:26). f. He comforts and encourages (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). g. He convicts and reproves (John 16:8). h. He searches (1 Cor 2:10). i. He speaks (2 Sam 23:2; Ezek 11:5; Acts 8:29; 10:19-20; 13:2) 3. He is recognized as a Person: a. His Word is to be obeyed (Acts 8:29-30; 10:19-21; 13:2-3) b. He can be rebelled against (Isa 63:10). c. He can be lied to (Acts 5:3). d. He can be resisted (Acts 7:51). e. He can be blasphemed (Matt 12:31). f. He has emotions (He can be grieved--Eph 4:30; He can be insulted--Heb 10:29 He loves--Rom 15:30). 4. He is designated with the masculine pronoun (Weak argument). The Hebrew noun "ruach" is feminine always takes the masculine pronoun. In Greek, the noun pneuma has the neuter gender, but uses masculine pronouns to assign a masculine gender (John 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-14; Eph 1:13-14). (This is not a strong line of evidence.)

Discuss the Providence of God

1. In Nature (Job 5:10; Ps 65:9-10) 2. In History (Job 12:23-24; Ps 22:28) 3. In Personal Circumstance (Gen 45:8 and 50:20)

Summarize the Doctrine of Regeneration in a few points

1. It is an instantaneous work of God 2. It is not the result of human effort; a. we were "dead" in trespasses and sins b. the dead can't contribute any effort to any "work." 3. It takes place "below the level of conscious experience" 4. It involves a radical change

The necessary attributes of good theology (per Erickson)

1. It is biblical (exegetical) 2. It is systematic (ordered by the Analogy of Scripture) 3. It relates to issues of culture and learning 4. It must be contemporary (in expression/communication) 5. It must be practical (application toward wisdom)

Summarize the biblical teaching on the image of God in man

1. Man is not God; but he is a true (real) representation of God in some sense. He has an affinity for God by virtue of this likeness. 2. Man, like the animals, fits the environment created by God (Gen 2:7); but he is emphatically distinct from those animals (Ps 8). 3. The image of God is a set of endowments that enable man to have a relationship with God, including the ability to communicate with another person; self-consciousness, reason, empathy (emotion). 4. The image of God, in some sense, survives in every human being. The worth that entails applies to every human being. Yet, the image is lost, in some sense, otherwise there would be no need for it to be "restored." 5. In some sense, the image is being restored, renewed in believers, especially as they "put on the new self" given through regeneration. 6. The image has a moral aspect, as indicated by the fact that the righteousness and holiness of the image must be restored (Eph 4:24). 7. The image has an intellectual aspect, as indicated by the fact that the image being restored in the mind (Eph 4:23) and in its knowledge (Col 3:10). 8. The image gives each person value as a human being, even if the relationship with God is broken by sin (Gen 9:6). 9. Man has purpose: to employ all the aspects of the image of God in fostering and growing in our relationship with God. We are to love, serve, and worship Him with all of our mind, soul, heart, and strength (Matt 22:37).

Explain the three Aspects of Faith

1. Notitia (intellectual aspect): - Notitia refers to the content of faith, the propositions of the gospel that we believe. - We place our faith in Christ, the object of faith. - So in order to believe, we must know something about Christ. 2. Assensus (emotional aspect) - The conviction that the content of our faith is true. 3. Fiducia (volitional aspect) - A necessary component of faith, a personal trust and dependence on the content of the faith being true and necessary for obtaining salvation.

List 4 theological and hermeneutical presuppositions of dispensational eschatology

1. Prophecy is inerrant. - because God is sovereign King - because God wrote prophecy - because God wrote truthfully 2. Prophecy is consistently literal. - when read for author's intent - when read according to genres - when read normally, naturally - when read OT to NT (OT priority) 3. NT does not reinterpret OT. - later passages harmonize earlier - biblical distinctions hold in NT - e.g., Israel is not the church - e.g., nations have a future 4. God's promises are forever. - so expect literal fulfillment - so allow for multi-step fulfillment

Discuss the Order of Future Events

1. Rapture of the Church (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor 15:50-52; 1 Thess 1:9-10; 4:13-18; Rev 3:10) 2. Bema Seat Judgment (Matt 16:27; Rom 14:10; 1 Cor 3:12-15; 4:1-5; 2 Cor 5:10; 2 Tim 4:6-8) 3. Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Matt 26:29; Rev 19:7-10) 4. Tribulation Terms used: - Dan 9:24-27--Seventieth Week - Jer 30:7--time of distress - Joel 2:1--Day of the Lord - Matt 24:21--Great Tribulation Antichrist: - Dan 7:7-8, 20-26; 9:26-27; 11:36-45 - Matt 24:16-22 - 2 Thess 2:3-4 - Rev 13:1-8 5. Return of Christ (Parousia) (Matthew 24:29-31) 6. Millennial Kingdom (Isa 11:1-11; Rev 20:1-3) 7. Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-15) 8. New Heavens and New Earth (Rev 21:1-2, 10-14)

Briefly describe the historic positions on the Lord's Supper

1. Roman Catholics = transubstantiation - The Eucharist is transformed by a mediator priest into a propitiatory sacrifice (actual body and blood). 2. Lutherans = consubstantiation -Elements are not propitiatory, but neither are they merely symbolic. - Christ's body and blood are really present "in, with, and under" the elements. 3. Calvin/Other Reformers = spiritual presence - Christ is spiritually present, but not not physically present via transubstantiation or consubstantiation. 4. Zwingli = memorial celebration - It merely commemorates Christ's atoning sacrifice. - It recognizes Christ's spiritual presence with believers at all times (Matt 28:20; Heb 13:5) but does not see it as different during the celebration.

What are some biblical terms related to Penal Substitution?

1. Sacrifice - It is required so that guilty sinners can worship in the presence of God (Lev 17:11; cf. 1:3-4; 16). - Earthly rituals do not cleanse one's state of guilt (Heb 9:9). - Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, is slain on behalf of His elect so that they do not have to bear the full effect of God's anger toward our sin and guilt (Rom 1:18; cf. Exod 34:7). - Jesus serves as both the offering and the offeror--the Great High Priest who holds the authority to offer a perfectly satisfactory, eternal sacrifice for sinners (Heb 2:17; 8:1-3; 9:11-12; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). 2. Redemption - It refers to the purchasing of slaves in the marketplace, or the purchasing of sinners enslaved to sin. - Sinners are in bondage to sin and the law, and the cost of enslavement is death. - Christ paid the ransom price of His own blood to His Father in order to free us from the guilt and penalty of sin and to give us life (Heb 9:11-12). 3. Propitiation - Christ bears God's wrath in our place by shedding His own blood. - His blood satisfies God's wrath and removes it from us (Rom 3:24-25). - Propitiation has to do with averting God's wrath by putting it on Christ rather than simply neutralizing the effects of sin, which is more the idea of "expiation." 4. Reconciliation - Before Christ's worthy once-for-all sacrifice was applied to us we were enemies of God. Every sin was counted against us and we were alienated from His presence (Rom 5:10; Eph 2:1-3). - Reconciliation refers to effecting a positive change, achieving peace with God. - We now live guiltlessly in His love, forever enjoying fellowship with Him (Rom 5:11; 2 Cor 5:18-19; Eph 2:16; 1 Pet 3:18).

Identify the biblical names of Satan, with verses

1. Satan: "adversary," "enemy," used throughout OT and NT. 2. Devil/Accuser: refers to his slanderous accusations against true believers (Job 1-2 [LXX]; Zech 3:1). 3. Evil One: Satan's evil character stands in contrast to Christ's righteousness. Matt. 5:37; 6:13; 13:19, 38; John 17:15; Eph. 6:16; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:13-14; 3:12; 5:18-19. 4. Lucifer: KJV/NKJV reference to the "light bearer, " "day star," or "son of the dawn" in Isaiah 14:12 (cf. Rev 9:1, 11; 12:4). 5. Serpent: the crafty serpent (Gen. 3:1, 4, 13-14) is identified with Satan in Isa 27:1; 2 Cor 11:3; Rev 12:9; 20:2. The Serpent is apocalyptically envisioned as a dragon (Isa. 27:1; Rev. 12:3, 7, 9; 20:2), identified as Leviathan in Isa 27:1. 6. God of this world: reflects Satan's position, being granted superior power on the earth (1 John 5:19), empowering all false religions (Rev. 2:9; 3:9) and reigning over demons (Matt. 9:34; 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15; Eph 2:2; Rev 9:11). 7. Abaddon/Apollyon (Rev. 9:11): Satan is associated with death and destruction, the angelic king who currently holds dominion over demons in the bottomless pit.

Distinguish the Church from Israel

1. The Church is God's Spiritual Kingdom in this Age. - The church is a major feature of God's Kingdom plan even though it was not explicitly predicted in the Old Testament (Matt 21:43; Rom 9:25-26; 1 Pet 2:9-10). - The church is considered God's spiritual Kingdom in this age (Luke 17:20-21) and is proclaimed as such when proclaiming the gospel (Mark 1:14-15; Acts 8:12). 2. The Church is not Israel. - Believers are children of Abraham by faith (Gal 3:7-9, 25-29) - Gentiles are fellow heirs (Eph 3:4-6) a. Israel is not the Church in later revelation but remains ethnic Israel. b. Israel can refer to believing Jews as a subset of ehtnic Jews (Rom 9:6-8; Gal 6:16). 3. God must literally fulfill His promises to Israel, in distinction from the Church. - Every "jot and tittle" of Hebrew Scripture must come to pass (Matt 5:17-18; Luke 16:17) so that "the Word of the Lord stands forever" (Ps 119:89; 1 Pet 1:25).

Describe the 2 models employed when considering life in heaven

1. The Spiritual Vision Model - "Christoplatonism," like Platonic dualism - Salvation is of the soul, not the body. - God's future kingdom has no physical dimension. - OT promises are fulfilled in Christ through the church, so no physical fulfillment necessary. 2. The New Creation Model - No over-spiritualization, but spiritual realities are important. - It affirms the goodness of God's material creation (Gen 1:31; Col 1:16) and its need for restoration (Acts 3:21) as a part of God's future plans for creation (Isa 11; 25; 65; 66; Rom 8; and Rev 21).

Theology, with regard to biblical worldview, has which two objectives, using which verses?

1. To know the worldview of the Scriptures (1 Cor 2:13; Col 3:2, 16) 2. To refute false worldviews (2 Cor 10:5; Col 2:8)

Provide an overview of biblical anthropology in 8 steps

1.Man receives the kingdom/creation mandate. (Gen 1:26-28) 2. Man fails in his role and relationships. (Gen 3) 3. Messiah is promised. (Gen 3:15; cf. 4:1; 5:28-29) 4. Man retains his kingly role. (Gen 5:3; Ps 8:4-8; Heb 2:5-8) 5. Jesus comes as the perfect human King. (see Gospels) 6. Jesus will return to earth. things (Rev 20:1-3; 1 Cor 15:24-28). 7. Millennium saints will fulfill the kingdom mandate. (Rev 5:10; 20:4-5) 8. New Heavens and New Earth--mission accomplished!

Verses that support plenary inspiration

2 Tim 3:16--All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness 2 Pet 1:20-21--no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

List 4 major names of God with verses

4 major names include: 1. Yahweh (Gen 2:4-8; Exod 3:14-15) Has to do with God's Aseity, eternality, and also faithfulness to his promises; His covenant name. 2. El (Gen 31:13; Pss 68:20; 77:14) The shorthand generic name for God. 3. Elohim (Gen 1:1-4; 1:26-27) Creator God; the plural of majesty in Gen 1 has Trinitarian implications. 4. Adonai (Gen 15:2, 8; Exod 4:10) God as Master and Lord.

List 7 theological assertions that arise from Phil 2:6-8

7 theological assertions arise from the "kenosis" passage, Phil 2:6-8: 1. The Son was eternally preexistent (v. 6--present active participle "He existed"). 2. The Son was "in the form of God" (v. 6--"form" intends the external manifestation of an internal essence). 3. The Son "did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped" a. Active sense: He "did not regard equality with God as an act of robbery," because He is equal with God, sharing the divine essence; therefore He could empty Himself of the outer appearance of Deity by native right. b. Passive sense: He ""did not regard equality with God something to grab after or clutched," because it was rightfully His; therefore He was not afraid that He would lose His divine essence when He took on a human nature. 4. He "emptied Himself" of "the form of God" by taking on "the form of a slave" (v. 7). a. "Emptying" refers to making something of no effect, of no boast or reputation. b. Jesus emptied Himself by the addition of a human form (external manifestation of an internal essence); He made His divine essence of no effect by masking it with a human nature. c. Jesus never lost His divine attributes--He set aside His glorious divine essence while on earth (John 17:5, 24), but after His death He was "super-exalted" as "Lord" (Phil 2:9-11). d. Emptying therefore refers to Jesus' choosing not to fully express His divine essence, perfections, and rights, even though He retained them and at times showed glimpses of them. e. "Emptying" (v. 7) precedes "humbling" (v. 8), so emptying must refer to His incarnation rather than His death, and also humbling is in the context of obedience to death on the cross (v. 8). 5. He humbled Himself (v. 8). His humility followed His emptying, after becoming human (v. 7). Yet, humility characterized His entire life of obedience, which led to His final obedience unto an accursed death by crucifixion. 6. Jesus experienced limitations as a man (Rom 8:3), in accordance with His self-emptying. a. He lived the life of a slave (Phil 2:7; 2 Cor 8:9) b. He traded glory and worship for sorrow and rejection (Isa 53:3). c. He submitted Himself to the will of the Father in everything (John 5:19, 30). d. He did not know the timing of His Second Advent (Matt 24:36). 7. Yet Jesus held a distinct human nature (Phil 2:7-8). He came "in the likeness of men" yet without sin, which is inherent to the nature of all other humans by imputation (v. 7). Nevertheless He was found to appear as a human, whose external appearance was common to the essence of all humans (v. 8).

Definition of Systematic Theology, according to Grudem

= "Any study that answers the question, 'What does the whole Bible teach us today,' about any given topic."

Anselm of Caterbury (1033-1109) on theology as "faith seeking understanding"

= "I do not try, O Lord, to plumb your depths; for that my understanding fails. Yet I long to understand somewhat your truth, the truth my heart believes and loves. I do not seek to understand and so believe, but rather believe and so understand."

Definition of Systematic Theology, according to MacArthur and Mayhue

= "It answers the question, what does the completed canon of Scripture teach about any one theme or topic? It is entirely about God's mind as found in Scripture. It is not about what humans think independently apart from the Bible." MacArthur and Mayhue's definition embodies "faith seeking understanding."

Definition of Systematic Theology, according to Ryrie

= "It correlates the data of biblical revelation as a whole in order to exhibit systematically the total picture of God's revelation. It focuses on the total structure of biblical doctrine."

Define theology, and support with verses

= "Knowing God": Deut 29:29; Ps 40:5; Prov 1:1-7; Isa 55:8-9; John 20:31 = Doctrine/Teaching: Ps 119:33-34; 2 Tim 4:2-3; Titus 1:9

Define the Hebrew concept of "Wisdom"

= "Skill in living"; = knowing what to do and then doing it; = making decisions for action toward certain ends and means in terms of the highest values. (EDT, 455) related to instruction and discernment (Prov 1:1-7)

Definition of Systematic Theology, according to Chafer

= "The collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting, and defending all of the facts from any and every source concerning God and His works." He seems to leave the door open for extrabiblical revelation and authority.

Definition of Systematic Theology, according to Charles Hodge

= "The science of the facts of divine revelation so far as those facts concern the nature of God and our relation to Him, as His creatures, as sinners, and as the subjects of redemption. All these facts, as just remarked, are in the Bible." However, he might be applying Scottish Common Sense Realism to Scripture, a movement which emphasized man's innate ability to perceive common ideas and render judgment as to the metaphysical--the human ability to know God.

Definition of Systematic Theology, according to David Wells

= "Theology is the sustained effort to know the character, will, and acts of the triune God as he has disclosed and interpreted these for his people in Scripture... in order that we might know him, learn to think our thoughts after him, live our lives in his world on his terms, and by thought and action project his truth into our own time and culture." Wells' definition embodies "faith seeking understanding."

What are the 5 branches of philosophy (metaphysics)?

= 1. Being (Ontology) 2. Truth 3. Beauty 4. Ethics (Morality) 5. Logic (Math)

Define Justification

= A mighty act of God by which he instantaneously declares sinful people not guilty but righteous instead. He does so by imputing, or crediting, the perfect righteousness of Christ to them (Gen 15:6). Thus, while they are not actually righteous, God views them as being so because of Christ's righteousness. The first aspect of justification is the forgiveness of sins, resulting from Christ's substitutionary death (Rom 3:24-25; 5:9). The second aspect of justification is imputation, resulting from Christ's obedience that makes people righteous (5: 18-19).

Define the "axiopistic" method as it applies to the credibility of the Word of God

= According to this method, the Word of God is credible because it is "worthy of belief." Support for worthy belief can be found through several lines of reasoning: 1. Historical verification 2. Archaeology 3. Reasonable arguments (e.g., fulfilled prophecy, empty tomb)

Name and explain the false worldview and offer a biblical example.

= Autonomy. It is a false view of reality in which man believes he has access to and the necessary cognitive apparatus to stand in a position to judge metaphysical realities about God, being, truth, beauty, ethics/morality, logic/math. One biblical example is Eve is Genesis 3--she assumed an authority above God's Word, distorting the metaphysics of God's being, truth, beauty, ethics/morals, and logic.

Define and defend the Particular (Limited, Definite) Atonement view

= Christ actually, not potentially, bears the wrath of the elect alone in order to purchase their salvation and specifically apply to them the saving benefits. 1. God's will is to prepare only some individuals for glory (Rom 9:22-23). 2. Christ died for a select group of people--His people (Matt 1:21; John 10:15-16). - His people in this age are the "church of God" (Acts 20:28; cf. Eph 5:25). 3. God has justified and glorified those whom He had predestined to save (Romans 8:29-33; cf. Eph 1:4-5). - Because glorification is linked to election, it follows that God has not universally atoned for every sinner. 4. There is no universalistic opportunity for salvation and glorification after death either, but only judgment. - Hebrews 9:27 instructs that justification must occur during one's earthly existence. 5. Thus, since the Son came to do the Father's will in perfect unity with Him (Heb 10:5-10), He made atonement only for those whom the Father gave to Him (John 6:37-40, 44). 6. The elect are "many" but not everyone (Matt 26:28). - Christ's prayer for His people indicates that He sets His love on a select group (John 17:6-12). 7. The many who are chosen are loved in a special way by God (Rom 1:7; 9:13; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 1:4; 2 Thess 2:13). - This love is different than how he regards those in the world (cf. John 17:9).

Define God's Simplicity with verses

= God cannot be reduced to parts. = It relates to the fact that each perfection of God is the totality of His essence, predicating the nature of God. = It relates to God's spirituality, because His immaterial essence is not made up of component parts. = It undergirds His immutability Deut 6:4--God is one ("echad" can refer to unity/oneness)

Define God's eternity/infinity with verses

= God has no beginning, period of growth, old age, or end. = He is therefore not limited by space or time, or the succession of events in time, even though He created the world with space and time. = It relates to His immensity: God is present at all time and in all places, creating and sustaining the space-time world and accomplishing His redemptive purposes in the fullness of time. Deuteronomy 33:27--God is eternal and a dwelling place Psalm 90:2-God was eternal from eternity past, contrasted with man Isaiah 57:15--God is exalted and lives forever. 1 Tim 1:17--God is eternal and immortal God's eternity is related to His omnipresence (God is everywhere.)

Define God's Spirituality with verses

= God is non-corporeal, invisible, Eternal Spirit God is Spirit: John 4:24--God is Spirit. Luke 24:39--without flesh and bones God is Invisible: 1 Tim 1:17--God is invisible (and immortal and eternal). 1 Tim 6:16--No one has ever seen God. Exodus 20:4--Because God is invisible, don't make an image/idol.

Define God's Aseity and supply verses

= God is self-existent and does not depend on any created thing for His existence. = God is independent of all things, perfectly self-sufficient, and is therefore the eternal, foundational being, the source of life and sustenance for all other beings. = The term is a reference to the fact that the basis of God's life is within himself and is not caused by anything external. 1. He is self-existent, having life in and of Himself (Exod 3:14; John 5:26). 2. He always existed and caused all things to exist (Ps 90:2; 1 Cor 8:6; Rev 4:11). 3. He is the source of everything (Deut 32:39; Isa 45:5-7; 54:16; John 5:26; 1 Cor 8:6). 4. He depends on nothing, being all-sufficient (Job 22:2-3); all things depend on him (Acts 17:24-25; Rom 11:36). 5. He is independent in his mind (Rom. 11:33-35), his will (Dan. 4:35; Rom. 9:19; Eph. 1:5; Rev. 4:11), his counsel (Ps. 33:11; Isa. 46:10), his love (Hos. 14:4), and his power (Ps. 115:3). 6. He does everything for his own sake (Josh 7:9; 1 Sam 12:22; Pss 25:11; 31:3; 79:9; 106:8; 109:21; 143:11; Prov. 16:4; Isa. 48:9; Jer. 14:7, 21; Ezek. 20:9, 14, 22, 44; Dan. 9:19). Quick References: Exodus 3:14--"I am who I am" Isaiah 40:13-14-No one has taught God or informed him. Isaiah 44:24-God has made all things; no one has made God.

Define the Trinity in a statement

= God is triune--one absolute and eternal divine essence, subsisting in three distinct and ordered persons, who are each coequal, each absolutely and eternally possessing the divine essence, who eternally relate to each other in distinct and ordered ways.

Define God's Faithfulness with verses

= God is true and reliable in Himself, His judgments, and His words as recorded in Scripture. He is who He is and does what He does with utmost integrity and consistency. Deut 7:9; 32:4--God will keep His covenant promises forever. Psalm 89:1-2--God's faithfulness is praiseworthy and in the heavens. Lamentations 3:22-23--God's faithfulness never ceases; it is great. 1 Thessalonians 5:24--God who calls will be faithful to sanctify us completely. Revelation 19-22 manifest God's faithfulness: - 19:2--His judgments are true and just. - 19:11--God is Faithful and True. - 21:5; 22:6--His words are trustworthy and true. God's faithfulness relates to the revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of Scripture--God desires for us to know Him and so He has provided a consistent account in Scripture through propositions to which we must also faithfully adhere.

Define God's Immutability with verses

= God is unchanging in nature, desire, and purpose. All the uses of divine power are consistent with His attributes, which define His essence. However, we might not understand how His attributes all relate to us in any given human experience. This attribute thus relates to His simplicity, because He cannot change nature, but we might only behold an aspect or expression of His nature at one time. It also relates to His eternity because He remains constantly the same even though all creation ages and decays. Psalm 102:77--God's promises never change. Malachi 3:6--God doesn't change, therefore He's faithful to His promises. Heb 1:10-12--Jesus is eternal and unchanging despite the decay of all creation over time. James 1:17--God does not "turn"--He always does good, and His nature does not have contradicting sides. This is because He is all of his attributes, all at once.

Define God's Grace/Favor with verses

= God perfectly bestows favor on those who cannot merit it because they have forsaken it and are under the sentence of divine condemnation. = God's grace is unmerited; it does not allow for works of merit (John 1:17; Rom 4:4, 16; 6:14, 23; 11:5-6; Gal 5:3-4; Eph 2:7-9). 1. God's grace is abundant (Exod 34:6; 2 Chr 30:9; Neh 9:17; Pss 86:15; 103:8; 111:4; 116:5; Jonah 4:2; Joel 2:13; Zech. 12:10). 2. God's grace is mainly for God's people: - Gen 6:8--Noah was righteous. - Israel was chosen and blessed by God due only to God's grace. 3. God's grace is manifested in Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:13). 4. In the NT, grace is especially seen in saving sinners: Rom 3:24; 5:15; 6:23; Eph 1:6-7; 2:5, 7-8; 2 Thess 2:16; Titus 3:7; 1 Pet 5:10; Titus 2:11--God's grace brings salvation to all kinds of people. 5. Common grace is God's general care for his creation, without any consideration of merit or lack of merit (Matt 5:45).

Define plenary inspiration

= God through His Spirit inspired every word penned by the human authors in each of the sixty-six books of the Bible. = It is a quality of the product as much as it is a statement of the process. The process is God-breathed (a mystery), and the product is entirely from God and entirely from the human authors.

Define special revelation

= God's communication of Himself to particular people at particular times and in particular places, especially for salvation and to disclose specific knowledge of His nature and attributes, moral law, promises, and ways.

Define and discuss the will of God

= God's perfect determination and sovereign ordination of all things, pertaining both to Himself (including his decrees and actions) and to His creation (including the events of history and the thoughts and actions of people), all unto the magnification of His utmost glory. Biblical support: - Everything depends on God's sovereign choice, materially and spiritually (Ps 135:6; Jer 18:6; Rom 9:10-24; Phil 2:13). - God makes all decisions independently (Ps 115:3; Prov 21:1; Job 9:2-13; 33:13; Dan 4:35; Matt 20:13-16). = God's will is understood in two senses: 1. Decretive will = God's secret will, only partly revealed through prophecy, which is eternal and unchanging, His sovereign plan. (Ps 33:11; Dan 4:25, 35; Matt 11:25-26; Rom 9:18; Eph 1:4; Rev 4:11) 2. Preceptive will = The revealed will of God, providing the commands, warnings, and judgments, written in the Law and the Gospels for man's morality and conduct. (Matt 7:21; 12:50; John 7:17; Rom 12:2; 1 Thess 4:3-8; 5:18; Heb 13:21; 1 John 2:17)

Define general revelation

= God's witness of himself through the creation to his creatures, at all times and in all places by which they may know of his existence, some of his attributes, and something of his moral law. = It is the God-to-man self-revelation of the Triune God in creation, history (providence), and human nature (imago Dei).

Define God's Omnipotence/Power with verses

= He has unlimited intellectual capabilities that He uses fully and perfectly. Genesis 18:14--Nothing is too difficult for God. He will accomplish His promises. Psalm 147:5--God's strength is great and infinite. Isaiah 14:27--Nothing God plans can be stopped. Jeremiah 32:17--God's power is such that He can't be stopped. He made creation. Mark 10:27--All things are possible for God. Ephesians 1:19-20--God's power is surpassingly great. 1 John 3:20--God knows everything (cf. John 21:17--Peter proclaims that Jesus knows all things).

Define God's Goodness with verses

= He is the perfect sum, source, and standard of that which is wholesome, virtuous, beneficial, and beautiful (the summum bonum). = He is the absolute good, and is thus only pleased with perfection. Scriptural Evidence: 1. There is no one good except God (Matt 5:48; Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19). 2. All creatures are called to praise His goodness (1 Chr 16:34; 2 Chr 5:13; Pss 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1; Jer 33:11) 3. People are urged to trust in the Lord and discover that he is good (Ps 34:8), the source of all his creatures' blessings (Jas 1:17). Other verses: Psalm 100:5--God is good; He keeps his promises with grace. Psalm 145:8-9--God's mercy and grace means He is patient, slow to anger. Lamentations 3:25--God is good to those who seek Him. Matthew 5:45--God is good even to the wicked. Matthew 7:11--God gives good gifts. Acts 14:17--God gives rain and produce to evil people. James 5:17--God responds to prayer (here in both giving and prohibiting rain).

Define God's Wisdom with verses

= His perfect knowledge of how to act skillfully so that He will accomplish all His good pleasure in order to glorify Himself. Ps 104:24--Creation was done in wisdom Ps 147:5--God's understanding is infinite Dan 2:20-21--wisdom and power belong to God, and He gives wisdom. Rom 11:33--God's wisdom and knowledge is unsearchable Col 2:2-3--In Christ is all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge.

Define God's jealousy with verses

= His zealous protectiveness of all that belongs to Him, including: Himself (Exod 34:14--His name is "Jealous"), His name (Ezek 39:25), His glory (Ezek 39:25), His people (Ps 79:1-7), His sole right to receive worship and ultimate obedience (Exod 20:5; Josh 24:19), His land (Zech 1:14)

Define and describe the doctrine of Reprobation

= In God's eternal decree He has elected some unto salvation and has determined by His free and sovereign choice to pass over others and visit upon them the justice that their sins deserve. = God sovereignly passes over some people, choosing not to set His saving love on them but instead determining to punish them for their sins. = Romans 9:19-23 teaches the asymmetrical "unequal ultimacy" (not "equal ultimacy") for election and reprobation: 1. People are not morally neutral, but viewed in light of their eventual fall in Adam. The terms "vessels of wrath" and "vessels of mercy" are both made from the same sinful lump of clay (Rom 9:20-21). 2. Everyone deserves wrath, but some receive mercy. The elect are not punished as their sins deserve but receive mercy, while the nonelect are punished as their sins deserve and receive justice. 3. Asymmetrical "unequal ultimacy" is seen in Romans 9:19-23. Election and reprobation are equally determined by God, but not in equally ultimate ways. In 9:22-23, Paul uses the passive voice to speak of God's involvement in reprobation ["vessels of wrath prepared for destruction"], but the active voice regarding salvation ["vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory"]. 4. Two components of reprobation: a. Preterition--the passive decision not to choose some but to pass over them and leave them in a state of sinfulness. It is unconditional since all people are contemplated as fallen in Adam. b. Precondemnation--the determination to condemn those passed over. It is active in that God determines to visit judicial punishment on sinners. But it is also conditional, because the reprobate are finally punished on the basis of their sin and guilt. Biblical support for precondemnation: Prov 16:4-5; 1 Pet 2:8; Jude 4; Rom 9:22-23

Explain the "opera ad extra" of the Trinity, with verses and 2 key presuppositions

= In correlation to the eternal ad intra relationships, each Person of the Trinity relates not only in an intra-trinitarian way but also to His creation, which is to say, in some way outside (ad extra) of His essence, with the world and mankind. Such emphases on works being accomplished by specific Persons create a kind of "economic order." Biblical presentation of economic order: (i) Creation by the Father (1 Cor 8:6; 1 Pet 4:19) (ii) Redemption by the Son (Rom 3:24; Eph 1:7) (iii) Sanctification by the Spirit (2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2) Presuppositions: 1. All three Persons work inseparably together, including all three in every work (cf. John 14:10, 13--interplay of Father, Son, and Spirit in the life of the believer). 2. When Scripture ascribes a work to a specific Person of the Trinity, it does so for emphasis, never excluding any other Person.

Describe the biblical concept of the mind of man (terms and characteristics)

= In the OT and NT, the mind (Gk. "nous," "phronema") is an immaterial faculty of man that initiates thinking, reasoning, discerning, planning, and forms opinions. (nous: Rom 7:22, 25; Luke 24:45; Rev 13:18; Phil 4:7; 2 Thess 2:2; Rom 14:5; phron- root: Acts 28:22; 1 Cor 13:11; Phil 1:7; 4:10). The mind is defiled, never morally neutral (Titus 1:15). It must be transformed by the Holy Spirit (Rom 12:2; Eph 4:23). The goal for the believer is to "set the mind on" things of the Spirit rather than the flesh (Rom 8:5-11) and so operate with the mind of Christ that is within them (1 Cor 2:16; Phil 2:4).

Define the "hypostatic union" (without verses)

= It concerns the union of the two natures of Deity and humanity in the one "hypostasis" or Person of Jesus Christ. = In the incarnation of the Son of God, a human nature was inseparably united forever with the divine nature in the one Person of Jesus Christ, yet with the two natures remaining distinct, whole, and unchanged, without mixture or confusion so that the one Person, Jesus Christ, is truly God and truly man. The hypostatic union must therefore be a union of Person; only Jesus was or ever will be both God and man. - Because of the incarnation the Son of God cannot now or in the future exist as just one of the two Persons, nor can the two natures be mixed into one hybrid nature nor eliminated. - Scripture presents Jesus as one Person with two natures (John 1:1, 14; Rom 1:3-4; 9:5; Gal 4:4-5; Phil 2:6-11; 1 Tim 3:16). Jesus always acted as one Person, not as two persons. Jesus never used a plural pronoun to speak of Himself.

Define the effectual, internal call

= It is an act of God (especially through the Holy Spirit's work of illumination), to speak through the human proclamation of the gospel in order to summons people to Himself in such a way that they irresistibly and willingly respond in saving faith. = It is that sovereign action of God through his Holy Spirit whereby He enables the hearer of the gospel call to respond to His summons with repentance, faith, and obedience.

Define the OT and NT concepts of sin

= It is any lack of conformity to God's will in attitude, thought, or action, whether committed actively or passively. = It hinges on two assertions: 1. The center of all sin is autonomy, which is the replacing of God with self. Sin is the violation of the Creator-creature relationship, wherein man disobediently assumes the role of God and asserts autonomy from the Creator. 2. Always closely associated with sin are its products—pride, selfishness, idolatry, and lack of peace (shalom). OT concept of sin: missing the mark, erring, rebelling, disobeying, trespassing, transgressing, or betraying authority figures, commands, or covenants. Gen 20:6; Exod 10:16; Judg 2:20; 20:16; Prov 19:2; Isa 1:2. NT concept of sin: unrighteousness, ungodliness, injustice, lawlessness, wickedness, disobedience, ignorance, and straying. John 3:36; Rom 1:18, 25; 2:23; 3:23; 11:31; Eph 4:18; 2 Thess 2:12; 2 Tim 3:13; 2 Pet 3:17; 1 John 3:4.

Describe the biblical concept of the heart of man (terms and characteristics)

= It is considered the control center of a person, governing the thoughts, motivations, and actions (Matt 15:19; Luke 6:45). Heb. "lev": - the whole person (Ps 22:26) - the inner life of the person (Exod 7:3, 13; Ps 9:1; Jer 17:9). - the "wellspring of life" (Prov 4:23) (the seat of good and evil thoughts, memory, intentions, love or hate for God, emotions and passions, courage, the conscience, spiritual life, and good and evil actions) Gk. "kardia": - the person's control center (the seat of intellect and memory) Characteristics: - It is wicked without God (Gen 6:5; 8:21; Jer 17:9; Matt 15:8; Rom 1:21). - It will be changed with the New Covenant (Jer 31:33; Ezek 36:26). - Christ changes the heart (Matt 5:8; Luke 6:45; 8:15; Heb 10:22).

Explain Calvin's doctrine of the "Witness of the Spirit" and support it with a verse.

= It is our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority which comes from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. So, it is the cognitive capacity to know that the Bible is the Word of God. It is an intuition that the text is true. It is autopistic rather than axiopistic because it cannot be proven through reason. Rom 8:16--The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

Discuss the Decree of God

= It is the eternal, unconditional, unchanging counsel of God's will whereby He ordains and effectually fulfills all things for His glory. = It is the effect of God's will, His eternal plan, whereby, according to his decretive will and for His glory, he foreordained everything that comes to pass. Psalm 33:11--God's counsel is eternal and unchanging. Eph 1:11; 2:10; Prov 16:4, 33; Gen 45:8; 50:20; Isa 46:10; 2 Tim 1:9; Rev 4:11

Define Faith

= It is the means whereby we are saved (Rom 10:9) and assured hope (Heb 11:1). = It is the fundamental commitment of one's self to the Person and work of Jesus. = It is the second aspect of conversion, following repentance. = It is the positive component of saving faith, the counterpart to the negative component of conversion (turning away from sin in repentance). Faith is a gift of God's grace (Eph 2:8-9; cf. Acts 18:27; Phil 1:29), which is why saving faith is also called the "gift of faith."

Define God's Truthfulness with verses

= It is the perfect correspondence of God's nature with what God should be, with the reliability of His words and deeds, and with the accuracy of His knowledge, thoughts, and words. God is true metaphysically (the true, Ultimate Being), ethically (His self-revelation is perfectly reliable), logically (He knows everything as it really is). Numbers 23:19--God does not lie nor go back on promises. Psalm 33:4--God's word is true and faithful. Psalm 119:151, 160--All of God's Word is truth (i.e. the definition of truth). John 14:6; 17:17--Jesus is THE truth, and God's Word is truth. They are in perfect harmony. Romans 3:3-4--Man's unfaithfulness cannot cancel out God's truth to hold to His promises. Titus 1:1-2--God cannot lie. His promises can be trusted.

Define natural theology

= It is the study of God based on the observation of nature, as distinct from 'supernatural' or revealed theology, which is based on special revelation. = It is an intellectual pursuit; it involves human philosophy and reasoning as means of knowing God. = It is the man-to-God endeavor by autonomous human reason and human experience (science, religion) to discover truth about God without involving special revelation.

Define Anthropology

= It is the study of man (Heb. adām; Gk. anthropos), which encompasses the human constitution, soul, gender, and personhood, as well as all that relates to mankind, including culture, community, and governments.

Define and Discuss Union with Christ

= It is the unbreakable, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ accomplished at salvation. = It is the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation and the overarching framework for all of the soteriological doctrines--every spiritual blessing in the Christian life is found "in Christ" (Eph 1:3), from election to glorification. = It is not actualized in the experience of the believer until conversion. Before conversion, sinners were "separated from Christ" (Eph 2:12) but by the blood of Christ have now "been brought near" (Eph 2. 13). For this reason it is appropriate to treat Union with Christ after conversion in the ordo salutis. = It is the mighty work of God to join his people in eternal covenant with the Son, who accomplished their salvation. Through union, believers are identified with Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension (Rom. 6: 1-11; Eph. 2: 6), and God communicates all his blessings of salvation: grace, regeneration, redemption, eternal life, justification, sanctification, and glorification. Christ dwells in those with whom he is united, and they in turn dwell in him (John 15: 1-5; Gal. 2: 20). Union with Christ is vividly expressed and confirmed in baptism, and celebrated and fostered through the Lord's Supper.

Define the Church

= It is the universal assembly or congregation of "called out ones." - Like Israel being called out of the slavery of Egypt under Moses, the church is called out of the slavery of sin by the Lord Jesus Christ to be the community of the redeemed who are now citizens of heaven, united to Christ by faith (1 Pet 2:9-10). = It is the Universal Church (Heb 12:23; cf. Matt 16:18; Eph 1:22-23) = It is the Local Church - geographically identifiable (Acts 11:22; Rom 16:5; 1 Thess 1:1) - widespread/regional (Acts 8:1; 1 Cor 1:2; 2 Cor 1:1; Gal 1:2) As believers are added to the growing assembly of the church, they are considered "living stones... being built up as a spiritual house" (1 Pet 2:5).

Detail futuristic premillennialism and its 5 core tenets

= It is the view of the timing of eschatological events that most consistently accounts for the whole of biblical prophecy. It follows the consistent use of the grammatical-historical method of interpretation, and therefore expects a literal fulfillment of all physical, national, land, and spiritual blessings in the Bible. The view affirms the following 5 core tenets: 1. The fulfillment of God's promises occurs in stages. - e.g., the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34) has only been partially fulfilled in believing Jews, but not to all in "the house of Israel and the house of Judah" (v. 31). Also, Israel awaits national restoration (vv. 35-37) and restored land borders (vv. 38-40). 2. Daniel's seventieth week (Dan 9:27) will occur in the future. - It is a seven-year period of tribulation that comes before Jesus's earthly millennial kingdom (Dan. 9:27) that will involve God's unique and catastrophic judgments and wrath on the entire earth (Revelation 6-18). 3. After the tribulation, Jesus will return to reign on the earth for one thousand years. 4. Israel's past and future theological significance is upheld by prophecy. 5. There will be future fulfillment of God's promises to the nations in a coming millennial kingdom (see Gentiles alongside but not replacing Israel in Isa 19:24-25).

Describe the biblical concept of the conscience

= It lies within the immaterial part of man and serves the individual by giving regular opportunity for moral and ethical self-assessment. It functions to alert the person along 2 lines: - to moral compromise and failure, resulting in guilt and emotional torment - to one's conformity to godly morals and values, resulting in satisfaction and peace. The believer's goal is to meet God's value standards and maintain a clear conscience like Paul did (Acts 23:1; 24:16; 1 Cor 4:4). Self-assessment is possible because the conscience innately bears testimony to the truth about God and man, both of oneself and of others (Rom 2:14-15; 9:1; 2 Cor 1:12; 5:11). A more developed conscience better alerts the person about right and wrong and better informs the person as to whether guilt and shame are appropriate to the situation (1 Cor 8:8-13). Deeper understanding of the Word aids in strengthening the conscience. Contrarily, the conscience can be "seared" in such a way as to be dysfunctional, as if cauterized and insensitive to its alarm system (1 Tim 4:1-2; Titus 1:15). A seared conscience reflects sin in a person's life such that he grows unaware of the spiritual danger to himself and to relationships.

Define the doctrine of inerrancy

= It means literally "without error." = When applied to Scripture, it means that the Bible is without error in the original copies. It is therefore free, when properly interpreted, from affirming anything that is untrue or contrary to fact. = It is the view that when all the facts become known, they will demonstrate that the Bible, in its original autographs and correctly interpreted is entirely true and never false in all it affirms, whether that relates to the social, physical, or life sciences.

Define the doctrine of sufficiency

= It means that in Scripture we have all the words of God we need for life and godliness. We must not add to nor subtract from them (Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Rev. 22:18-19). Scripture contains all the Word of God we need for theology and all other areas of life. When we bring the biblical principles together with our extrabiblical knowledge of life, we can bring Scripture to bear on all areas of life. = Sufficiency is a result or quality of inspiration. 2 Tim 3:16-17-- the result of inspiration is a word from God that is useful, purposeful, and sufficient for: 1. teaching (doctrinal instruction) 2. reproof (behavioral instruction) 3. correction (restoration to proper direction in living) 4. training (discipline for right behavior and living) Psalm 19:7-11-- God's Word is sufficient for: 7 reviving the soul making wise the simple 8 rejoicing the heart; enlightening the eyes; 10 a desire greater than gold or honey 11 warning God's servant rewarding God's servant Other verses: Ps 119:105--lamp to the feet 2 Tim 3:14-15--able to lead a person to saving faith Titus 1:9--trustworthy to instruct in sound doctrine 2 Pet 1:3--knowledge of all that pertains to life and godliness 2 Pet 1:19-20--more reliable than spiritual experiences The Word is able to instruct all people (Deut 6:4-7; Mark 12:37; Phil 1:1).

Define Penal Substitutionary Atonement, with verses

= Jesus suffered the penalty for other peoples' sins on the cross. because He was appointed to stand in the place of sinners to satisfy God's wrath against sin. Several passages rely on the Greek prepositions: for, instead of, in behalf of, in place of. John 1:29--Jesus is "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." 2 Cor 5:21--God made Jesus to be sin (by imputation) on behalf of sinners. 1 Pet 2:24-- He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. Isaiah 53 portrays the efficacious, objective accomplishment of the atonement--Christ was actually tortured and killed in order to bring real and lasting peace and healing to those for whom He died.

Define Total Depravity

= Man's natural state as completely contaminated by sin in such a way that no part of the person is unaffected nor able to be cleansed by human means. Because sin is imputed on all people by being in the line of Adam, total depravity is universal in scope (Gen 6:5; 1 Kings 8:46; Ps 14:1-3; Rom 1:18-3:20). Sin has completely contaminated the person such that they are born sinners (Ps 51:5) and unable to please God even in their acts of goodness during their lives (Isa 64:6; John 6:44; 15:5; Rom 8:8). Sinners are defiled in their consciences (Titus 1:15) and intellect (Rom 1:21; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 4:17-18) because of a deceitful heart, from which wickedness flows (Gen 6:5; Jer 17:9; Mark 7:21-23). Unrepentant sinners are alienated from God because of their hard and darkened hearts (Eph 4:18; Rom 1:21). They are thus hostile toward God (Rom 8:7) and unwilling to ascribe glory to Him with their lives (Rom 1:21). They instead use their bodies to do and promote evil (1 Kings 8:46; Rom 1:18-3:20).

Define and describe the biblical rationale for dichotomism

= Many believers hold that man is a two-part being consisting of the physical body and the soul/spirit, as the two are considered synonymous. The soul/spirit comprises the immaterial part of man. The material and immaterial parts make up are necessary to man's essence as a complex unity. Genesis 2:7--only two parts appear to be created. The terms seem at times interchangeable (Gen 41:8 with Ps 42:6; Heb 12:23 with Rev 6:9; John 12:27 with 13:21; Luke 1:46-47; Job 7:11; Isa 26:9). Soul or spirit seem to represent the entire immaterial part of man (Matt 6:25 ["life" = "soul"]; 10:28; 1 Cor 5:3; 3 John 2).

Define and critique the biblical rationale for trichotomism

= Many believers hold that man's being is a three-part constitution made up of the physical body, the soul, and the spirit. These three parts are necessary to man's essence as a complex unity. Soul = the psychological control center of man enabling intellect, emotion, and social interaction Spirit = the spiritual control center, allowing man to respond and relate to God and exist in the spiritual realm 1 Thessalonians 5:23--all three parts are mentioned Hebrews 4:12--soul and spirit appear distinct Trichotomism relies on little biblical evidence of a distinction in the immaterial part of man. For example, if 1 Thessalonians 5:23 teaches three parts of the human constitution (body, soul, spirit), does Luke 10:27 teach four (heart, soul, strength, and mind)? Furthermore, the occasionally synonymous use of "soul" and "spirit" suggests there is not a strict distinction between the two.

Define Repentance, with verses

= Repentance is a divine gift because natural man does not understand the depth of sin. = It is a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a renouncing of it, and a sincere commitment to forsake it and walk in obedience to Christ. It is the first of two aspects of conversion, preceding the gift of faith. Repentance precedes the gift of faith in the ordo salutis.

Provide a Definition of Salvation

= Salvation is a deliverance from destruction, loss, or calamity. To save means to rescue or deliver (Heb. yasha, Gk. sozo). = As a soteriological term, it refers to the deliverance from sin and its results (Matt 1:21; Luke 19:10; 1 Cor 1:21; Eph. 2:8). = Salvation is the gracious work of God whereby He delivers undeserving, gospel-believing sinners from sin and its results; salvation brings them into a right, vital relationship with Himself; salvation bestows on them the riches of His grace.

Name and explain the correct worldview with regard to the 5 branches of philosophy

= Sovereignty. Man's reality is rooted and entirely dependent upon God existing and creating all things: - God is the Ultimate Being ("I Am"); - God is Truth; - God is Beauty; - God defines Ethics/Morals; - God orders Logic/Math.

Explain the doctrine of authority in liberalism

= Subjectivism, in 3 forms: 1. Reason (innate to us; e.g., Enlightenment/Modernism, Deists [British Empiricists], Philosophers) 2. Feelings (Schleiermacher) 3. Conscience (Kant, Ritschl)

Provide an overview of the doctrine of sanctification

= The Divine act of making the believer actually holy, that is, bringing the believer's moral condition into conformity with the legal status established in justification. = The cooperative work of God and Christians (Phil 2:12-13) by which ongoing transformation into greater Christlikeness occurs. Such maturing transpires particularly through the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 3:18; Gal 5:16-23) and the Word of God (John 17:17). Unlike other divine works, which are monergistic (God alone works), sanctification can be considered "synergistic": - God operates in ways that are proper to his divine agency (e.g., convicting of sin, empowering by the Spirit, willing and working to accomplish his good pleasure). - Christians work in ways that are proper to their human agency (e.g., reading Scripture, praying, mortifying sin, yielding to the Spirit).

Define and describe the Virgin conception and birth, with verses

= The Eternal Son of God took on flesh through a biological process, in which the Holy Spirit made use of the Virgin Mary's genetics and reproductive capacity to produce Jesus, the God-Man, fully divine and fully human. Conception was caused by the Holy Spirit. (Matt 1:18, 20; Luke 1:31, 35) Conception made use of Mary's genetics (Luke 1:31, 35), drawing upon Mary's reproductive capacity. Jesus' genes had to come entirely from Mary in order to be human. Any miraculous creation of male genes (i.e., the Y chromosome) would have resulted in a human-divine hybrid creation, not a fully human baby, nor a human baby from the Adamic race.

Define Total Inability, both as to what it means and does not mean, with verses

= The Reformed view that sinful people cannot do anything to initiate salvation and cannot change their nature to please God. Sinners are unable to reach a state of goodness that pleases God and results in their spiritual reconciliation (Prov 20:9; Rom 3:23; 6:23). = Sinners lack the ability to desire salvation, to do good that merits God's favor, and to reorient themselves from sinfulness and selfishness to righteousness and God-centeredness. = It does not mean: - sinful people are as evil as they possibly could be - sinful people do not possess a will or lack all moral sense - sinful people cannot do any good whatsoever Eph 2:1-3 ("dead" in sin, passively carrying out the will of Satan, living contrary to God's will)

Define "autopistic" as it applies to the credibility of the Word of God

= The Word of God is credible because it is "self-authenticating," according to Calvin's doctrine of the "Witness of the Spirit."

Define and describe the doctrine of election

= The decree of God in salvation that most closely relates to the biblical concept of predestination, that God predestines some sinners to salvation (election) and some to punishment (reprobation). Biblical Categories of Election i. For service to God: Certain individuals for a ministerial or governmental office, or to perform a task (e.g., Moses--Num 16:5-7; Levites--Deut 18:1-5; kings--Deut 17:15). ii. For corporate representation of God: God chose Israel to receive His covenant love and blessings as His chosen nation (Deut 7:6-7; 10:15; cf. Rom 11:28-29). iii. For salvation unto God: Salvation is a sovereign choice (cf. Gen 17:19-21; 18:19; cf. Rom 9:7-13). Election results in holiness (Eph 1:5; 1 Thess 5:9) and ultimately eternal life (Acts 13:48). Election unto salvation is individual rather than corporate. It is the believer who receives the salvific benefits of Ephesians 1:3-14. Individual election in the OT: - God sought to restore Adam and Eve after their sin (Gen 3:21) - God selected Noah for salvation (Gen 6:8) - God chose Abraham for personal salvation and to be the father of Israel (Gen 12:1-3; 18:19) - God put His favor on Moses (Exod 33:17). He did not, however, choose either Ishmael or Esau to receive the fullness of His promises (Gen 17:19-21; 21:12; Rom 9:10-13). Individual election in the NT: - believers are called God's "chosen" or "elect" (Matt 24:22; Mark 13:20; Luke 18:7; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 1:4; Titus 1:1; 2 Tim 2:10; 1 Pet 1:1). - Acts 13:48--"As many [Gentiles] as had been appointed to eternal life believed." - Ephesians 1:4-5 (cf. Deut 7:6-8; Rom 9:11-13) "[The Father] chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will" - Romans 8:29-30 "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

Define the biblical doctrine of "ex nihilo creation," with verses

= The divine work to bring the universe into existence out of nothing, "ex nihilo." Biblical support: God "created" (Gen 1:1) God "calls into existence" (Rom 4:17) God created through His Word, the Logos (Gen 1; John 1:3; Col 1:15-16) God created through the Spirit (Gen 1:2) Heb 11:3 (by faith we understand creation) Contra evolution (secular or theistic)

Discuss the Doctrine of Assurance

= The divinely given confidence that the believer is truly saved. = It is the confidence that comes through faith in the promises of Scripture (1 John 5:11-13). This doctrine is dependent on the doctrine of perseverance, which is God's mighty act to preserve true Christians by his power through their ongoing faith, until their salvation is complete (1 Pet 1:5).

Describe the biblical concept of the body (terms and characteristics)

= The material substance of the person that is the vehicle for physical life and for the image of God. Gk. "Soma" represents the physical body or the entirety of the person, including the sin nature. Gk. "Sarx" refers to physical human flesh, and can reflect man's capacity to sin, though the physical nature of man is not itself sinful. Post-Fall characteristics: 1. It is yet unredeemed and unglorified, awaiting redemption and glorification in the eschaton (Rom 8:23; Phil 3:21). 2. It is inherently undisciplined (1 Cor 9:27; 1 Tim 4:8). 3. The body is under the controlling influence of sin (Rom 6:6). 4. The body is the residence of the Holy Spirit for Christians (1 Cor 6:19) 5. It will be resurrected to either life or judgment (John 5:28-29). a. Believers will receive glorified bodies fit for eternal pleasures (Phil 3:21; 1 Cor 15:51-54). b. Nonbelievers will receive bodies fit for eternal punishment (Rev 20:11-15).

Define the doctrine of perspicuity

= The meanings of the text can be clear to the ordinary reader because God uses the text of the Bible to communicate His person and will. Perspicuity therefore reflects that: 1. The Bible is clear on essential matters. 2. Understanding is not based on intellect but regeneration. 3. One must employ the normal and ordinary means of interpretation.

Define the Doctrine of Regeneration

= The mighty work of God by which unbelievers, through the internal, effectual call of the gospel, are given a new nature, making them born again. = God sovereignly issues an effectual call in the heart of the elect in order to impart new spiritual life (2 Cor 4:6) so that as new creatures (2 Cor 5:17; Gal 2:20) they can repent and believe in Christ for salvation (Eph 2:4-5; John 3:3-8; 1 Pet 1:3, 23). 1. The removal of one's old, sinful nature 2. The imparting of a new nature that is responsive to God. Regeneration is particularly ascribed to the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8) working through the gospel (James 1: 18; 1 Pet. 1: 23-25).

What is the one skill of doing theology?

= The one skill is finding out what the Bible says: "Understanding the biblical truth according to the authorial intent."

Define God's Love with verses

= The perfection is a clear predicate of His essence: God is love (1 John 4:8). He extends His love toward others. Deut 7:7--He set His love on Israel. Ps 42:8--God's love is always with His people. Ps 63:3--God's lovingkindness is better than life. John 3:16--God's love was shown in sending His Son to die for sin. Rom 5:8--God's love was shown in Christ dying for sinners. Eph 1:4-5--In love He predestined us to be the Church. Eph 2:4-5--Because of God's love, He made us alive in Christ. 1 John 4:8-10--God is love. This is seen in God loving us by sending His Son.

Discuss Postmillennialism

= The position that Christ's second coming will occur after (post-) an age of peace and prosperity (millennium) on the earth. Developed in the modern period, postmillennialism believes that the impact of the gospel will be powerful and very extensive, with much of the world's population becoming Christian. As a result, the world will be Christianized, or dominated by Christian principles. While not a literal one-thousand-year period, the millennium will be an age of righteousness, peace, and prosperity, after which Christ will return, execute the last judgment, and establish the new heaven and new earth.

Discuss Dispensational Premillennialism

= The position that Christ's second coming will occur before (pre-) his one-thousand-year (millennium) reign on earth. As a view developed by dispensationalism, it differs from historic premillennialism by its belief that prior to the tribulation, Christ will remove the church from the earth (the rapture); Thus, it is termed "futuristic, pretribulational premillennialism." Rev 20:1-6 pictures Christ's rule over the earth (while Satan is bound) for a thousand-year period, which is followed by Christ's ultimate defeat of a released Satan, the last judgment, the resurrection of the wicked, and the new heaven and new earth.

Define and defend the biblical position of "young earth / sudden creationism," with verses

= The position that God created the universe fairly recently, perhaps just 6,000 years ago. The creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2, when read in a consistently literal way, present the view of "sudden" creationism, in which God's creative process occurred in six literal, consecutive days, with man being created on the sixth day. The New Testament directly quotes or alludes to Genesis 1-2 more than thirty times, always in a normal, nonsymbolic, and nonfigurative sense (e.g., Matt 19:4; Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 15:38; 2 Cor 4:6; Col 3:10; 1 Tim 2:13; 2 Pet 3:5). = It is contrary to "old earth creationism," that God created the universe long ago, as supported by science, but without using evolution. God allowed the world and humankind to develop through natural processes over seemingly limitless eons and intervals of time. Old earth creationism proposes 3 main possibilities: 1. Day-Age Theory (each day an epoch) 2. Intermittent-Day Theory (actual days separated by long intervals) 3. Gap Theory (Satan's fall was between 1:1 and 1:2, leading to millennia of destruction and the need for re-creation in 6 literal days on an already mature earth.) Young-earth/sudden creationism critiques old-earth's misinterpretation of the normal reading of Gen 1, its contradiction of the laws of thermodynamics, its reliance on natural selection and mutations, and its failure to account for gaps in the fossil record.

Discuss the Doctrine of Perseverance

= The teaching that those who are truly born again will endure in faith to the end. = Regeneration and union with Christ make it so that believers, by God's protecting power (1 Pet 1:5), will persevere in faith during their lives and die in Christ. - Christians, though they may fall into sin temporarily, will persist in good works and the exercise of faith. - Perseverance provides the assurance, or subjective confidence, that believers will remain united with Christ throughout their life.

Define God's Mercy with verses

= The withholding or modifying of deserved judgment, freely giving undeserved benefits to whom He chooses. = God desires to give of Himself for the well-being of those loved, in spite of the fact that they are unlovely and undeserving. Mercy is a kind of counterbalance to Aseity: Isa 57:15--He who lives forever as holy, high, and lofty also lives with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit. Psalm 103:8--God is slow to anger, compassionate, and gracious. Romans 9:16--Salvation depends purely on the mercy of God. Ephesians 2:4-5--God made us alive because He was rich in mercy. Titus 3:5--Salvation is by God's mercy, by the Holy Spirit's washing.

Define Conversion and offer a few key tenets

= The work of God in turning a person to repentance and faith in Christ such that they do indeed turn in repentance and faith to Christ. Conversion is repentance and faith. 1. Repentance: - Change of Behavior (Acts 9:35) - Change of Mind (Matt 3:12; 4:17) 2. Faith (Rom 3:22-28; Eph 2:8-9) Key Ideas: This is a work of God in which a person also "works" or cooperates in such a way that he/she "experiences" it. The experience of conversion varies among believers. Repentance and faith are never separated.

Discuss Historic Premillennialism

= This alternate form of premillennialism has roots in the early church, but its most significant representative in modern times was George Eldon Ladd, who saw the millennial kingdom of Revelation 20 as future and earthly but different from the futuristic view in 4 ways: 1. Daniel's seventieth week and the judgments of Revelation 6-18 are now occurring, so believers are now in the Tribulation (post-tribulational view). 2. Jesus is "already" reigning as the Davidic king in this age. 3. A modified replacement theology: Israel is incorporated into the church and has little or no unique role as a nation in the future earthly kingdom, yet ethnic Israel will be saved in the last days. There is no role for Israel apart from the church. 4. NT priority and reinterpretation of OT, so that promises are spiritualized blessings for the church.

Define and critique the anthropological view of monism

= This is not a biblical view, that the human being has no immaterial aspect at all and therefore has no parts. There are at least two variations of the view. 1. Materialism (Materialistic Monism): Humans are only made of matter, such that all intellectual or spiritual activities are the by-product of chemical interactions in the brain. Death dissolves the body and ends existence. (Evolutionary theory supports this view.) 2. Idealism (Idealistic Monism): This is the opposite view, that reality is ultimately immaterial. The mind and consciousness comprise the human spirit and ideas constitute man's reality, rather than a physical body. (Empiricist George Berkeley believed the physical world exists as bundles of ideas in the mind of God and humans.) Monism in any form must be rejected on the basis of the biblical witness to the reality of the human body and an immaterial aspect to man. The intermediate state is proof against monism--the immaterial part of man is disembodied after death, awaiting bodily resurrection for the rejoining of the complex unity (Luke 16:19-31; 23:43; 2 Cor 5:3, 8; Phil 1:22-24; Rev 6:9-11; 14:13).

Describe how theology is "faith seeking understanding."

= This is the guiding presupposition for approaching theology. There are two biblical presuppositions: 1. God is sovereign. 2. God's Word is truth. (God is there, and He is not silent.) No one starts either with zero information or is morally neutral. A person may adhere to the autonomous worldview, but actually lives under the reality of God's Sovereignty. We hold the following postulations: - God is free to create or not. - By choosing to create, He did so in the way that give Him maximal glory. - Because He decided to create us for His glory, it is absolutely necessary that He reveal Himself to His sentient creatures. - He must reveal Himself in the most efficient way, which is through a book written in dead languages located in specific historical and cultural contexts. - He therefore accomplishes His self-revelation through His Word. We trust in God's Word by necessity: - Our being is contingent upon God's being, - Any knowledge we gain about Him must be revealed by Him through His Word.

Define God's Patience/Longsuffering with verses

= This perfection describes God as perfectly tranquil in Himself and toward sinners in spite of their continual disobedience and disregard for his warnings. = God acts calmly with proper affection according to his eternal sovereign plan. His affections do not overwhelm him or cause him to act against his nature. Numbers 14:18--God's patience means he puts up with sin before punishing it. Psalm 86:15--God's patience means He is slow to anger. Romans 2:4--God's patience is not meant to be trifled with, and it leads us to repentance (emphasis on kindness here though) Romans 9:22--God patiently endures the wicked who have been prepared for destruction 2 Peter 3:9, 14-15--God is patient so that all may come to salvation and repentance.

Define the "communication of properties" ("communicatio idiomatum")

= Whatever can be attributed (said about) either the divine or the human nature in Christ is to be attributed to the entire Person, because Jesus is one Person, not two. This doctrine addresses the dynamic interplay between the two natures. a. There is no exchanging of attributes between the natures of Jesus. In other words, Jesus' divine nature does not possess human attributes, and Jesus' human nature cannot contain the full range of divine perfections that are expressed in His divine nature. b. Jesus as the Theanthropic Person has both divine and human attributes and acted both divinely and humanly. It can therefore be said that the perfections of the divine nature were communicated to the person of Jesus, and the attributes of the human nature were communicated to the person of Jesus (e.g., Acts 20:28, God purchased His Church with His own blood"). c. Because the two natures do not change when they are both added to the Person of Jesus, any "communication" between the two natures is therefore just a verbal assertion and not a reality. Therefore, the Deity of Jesus was not essentially weakened by human weaknesses, nor was the humanity of Jesus able to experience the fullness of the divine perfections. (E.g., Jesus' Divine Person was not separated from the Father on the cross, nor did the human nature know the exact timing of His return.)

Describe how the biblical understanding of the image of God applies to 9 current social issues

A biblical understanding of the image of God brings clarity to at least 9 issues affecting society today. 1. Evolutionary theory Humans are the highest order of creation, distinct from all other life forms. They are specially created, not highly developed animals. a. Man has a soul. b. Man has intellect. c. Man has a will (for decisions and goals). d. Man has a moral compass. e. Man has the full range of emotions. f. Man is creative, innovative, and can establish cities, societies, cultures, and civilizations. 2. Animal rights, vegetarianism, veganism a. Because image-bearers are of higher value than any other organism, the proper killing of animals is lawful and not considered murder (Gen 9:2-4; Acts 10:13). b. Animals and their produce may be consumed by humans without moral or ethical concern (Gen 9:2-4; Acts 10:13). c. Image-bearers have the right to rule over all created beings, and the responsibility to do so in a godly way as Kingly representatives. (We cannot abuse animals, wantonly slaughter or waste them, but rather shepherd them.) 3. Environmentalism, ecology As vice-regents, humans are to relate to the earth and all organisms in a responsible and respectful manner (avoiding pollution, exploitation, or needless consumption). 4. Capital punishment Genesis 9:6 instructs that being created in God's image makes killing man a capital offense, because God's image bestows inestimable value on man. 5. Racism, classism (caste systems) The image of God belongs to all humans equally, disavowing claims of ontological distinctions between ethnicities, races, or any other aspect of status (cf. Eph 2:14). Godly image bearing means the reversal of favoritism and prejudice. Practically, relating to others with impartial compassion and care means helping the weak (Matt 25:35-36; Acts 20:35) and consciously avoiding self-righteous social hierarchies. 6. Eugenics Thus, eugenics attempts a micro-evolution toward a perfected humanity based on genetics and aspects of status. But God blessed human diversity by creating male and female (Gen 1:27) and by commanding them to "be fruitful and multiply" (Gen 2:28; 9:2, 7). and vainly attempt to reverse the effects of the divine curse (Job 14:5) on man while ignoring the reality that 7. Abortion Abortion is the wrongful taking of human life and is to be considered the murder of one of God's image-bearers. No matter the circumstances that led to conception, all children are a blessing from God (Ps 127:3-5). 8. Euthanasia Assisted suicide is commonly considered a "mercy killing," but only God has sovereignly determined the day and the hour of one's death (Eccl 8:8). Suicide in any form is considered the murder of an image-bearer, and is the attempt to usurp authority from God (Eccl 7:14). 9. Mistreatment of others (disadvantaged, disabled, elderly) Neglect, abuse, and even insulting the marginalized (James 3:9) denies the ontological equality of all humans and ignores God's commands to care for all of creation, including fellow image-bearers in need.

Construct a syllogism on God and the Problem of Evil

A key philosophical question is asked: If God is all-controlling, all-powerful, and all-good, then how can He allow sin to exist and flourish? Theodicy = responding to the problem of evil in a way that defends God's blamelessness in the face of sin and vindicates Him as holy and good. A philosophical theodicy attempts 3 combinations of answers: - God is all-powerful but not all-good, therefore evil can exist. - God is all-good but not all-powerful, therefore evil can exist. - God is all-powerful and all-good, therefore evil cannot exist. A biblical theodicy has several assertions: a. God sanctioned sin according to His inscrutable wisdom. He is the ultimate cause or author of sin. Prov 16:4--"The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." According to Job 42:1-6, if man cannot even understand God's wisdom over creation, how will he perceive deeper matters like how sin functions in God's plans? b. God is not the responsible author (proximate cause) of sin. Job 34:10-12-- 12 "God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice." James 1:13--"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone." Habakkuk 1:13--" You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong" c. Satan and humans are morally culpable for sin. Satan (the angel Lucifer) was the first creature to sin (Ezek 28:11-19). Some angels followed Lucifer into rebellion (Matt 25:41; Rev 12:4, 7-9). Humans were deceived by Satan and now all humans by imputation succumb to his deception both by nature and by choice. d. Man experiences the consequences of sin on humanity and nature. The fall of man in Genesis 3 had devastating effects that lead to the perpetuation of evil in every sense. e. God sovereignly directs all things to glorify Himself (Rom 8:28; 11:36). f. God has not left man to suffer without hope (Gen 3:15; 1 John 3:8b) and without manifest goodness in the world (Matt 5:45; 2 Thess 2:7). g. God is just and righteous in all His dealings. God will judge the righteous and the wicked according to the appropriate standards (Gen 18:25). God will end all evil in one final judgment (Rev 20:11-15). h. Sin and evil are only temporary from God's perspective. Psalm 73:18-20, 27--The wicked may seem to prosper, but their swift end is coming, and they should be pitied rather than envied.

What do Colossians 3:10 and Ephesians 4:24-28 tell us about the image of God in man?

A. There was something of the image of God "lost" in the fall. B. What was lost is being restored, namely: an intellectual aspect and a moral aspect. The divine image, as Paul sees it, includes something about 'the mind,' Eph 4:23, 'righteousness and holiness. Put off/put on is primarily thinking, and right thinking leads to right behavior. That is why the mind needs to be renewed. The new self is from the heart, which starts with how you think.

What does Genesis 1:26-27 teach us about the image of God?

According to Genesis 1:26-27: A. The image is given to man but to no other part of creation. B. The image is real/ substantial; it is not a merely incidental likeness. C. It consists of the endowments necessary for man to have a relationship with God.

What does Genesis 5:1-3 teach us about the image of God in man?

According to Genesis 5:1-3: A. The image, in some sense survives the fall. B. The image is passed on to Adam's son, and by extension, to all his progeny. 3. Genesis 9:6; James 3:9; (1 Cor 11:7) (Murder is evil because it is an attack on the image of God.

Explain the biblical understanding of the eternal generation of the Son with verses

According to Heb 1:5; 5:5: The Father "begets" the Son. The Father is said to "generate" the personal subsistence of the Son. According to John 1:14, 18 (cf. vv. 1-3): The Son is the "only begotten" (monogenés) of the Father (designated as unique, eternal Deity) John 1:18 says he is in the "bosom of the Father," and the verb tense means that He is so continually and eternally. Generation is thus an anthropomorphic way to explain that there is an eternal Father-Son relationship. This means that the Second Person of God is the "only begotten" before His incarnation and even before the time of the Old Testament--from eternity past. Because eternity contains no succession of moments, there was no time in which the Son was generated, and so there was no time in which the Son was not eternally regarded as Son. The act of eternal generation is therefore an eternal relationship-establishing act, occurring before time, and therefore without actually every having been "begun."

Discuss verses on Adam as a historical person

Adam is a historical person, fathering specifically-named sons with Eve, initiating the human line and plunging it into sin. 1. His creation and life events: Gen 1-2; 3; 4:1-2, 25-26; 5:3-5; 1 Cor 15:22, 45-49 1 Tim 2:13-14 2. Genealogy of Adam: Gen 4:1-2; 5:1-5; Luke 3:38 Acts 17:26 (from one man every nation) 3. Imputation of sin on humanity: Romans 5:14-15 1 Cor 15:22

List the anchoring verses for the doctrine of progressive sanctification, and describe the truths they present

Anchoring Texts: Phil 2:12-13--"work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." 2 Cor 3:18--"we all... are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." Anchoring Truths: 1. It is a divine inner work - Sanctification is an inner work of the Spirit (cf. Eph 3:16) to align the believer's desires and deeds (Phil 2:13). - Spiritual transformation results in a redirected will and actions. 2. It is a divinely-enabled pursuit - It involves human effort to live in increasing holiness. - Believers are to "work out" their salvation as they aim to live transformed lives since they have been granted all spiritual resources for godliness (2 Pet 1:3-4). Working out our salvation is to be done "with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12), and involves: - mortifying the flesh (Rom 8:13; Eph 4:22; Heb 12:1) - disciplining the new self to obey God's commands (Rom 13:14; Eph 4:24) 3. The Holy Spirit supplies the means of grace for believers to employ. There are at least 5 means: a. Reading and meditating on the Word of God (Pss 1:2-3; 19:7-11; 119:105; John 17:17; Acts 20:32; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; Jas 1:23-25) b. Praying (Ps 119:37; Luke 11:9; Phil 4:6-7; Heb 4:16; Jas 4:2; 1 John 1:9) c. Fellowshipping with the saints in the context of the local church (Prov 27:17; 1 Cor. 12:7; Eph 4:11-16, 25; Heb 3:12-13; 10:24-25) d. Interpreting the experiences of God's providence according to Scripture especially the experience of trials (Rom 8:28-29; Ps 119:71; Rom 5:3-5; 8:17; Phil 3:10-11; Heb. 12:10; Jas 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:3-7) e. Keeping the commandments of God (John 15:10)

Explain and critique Aquinas' natural theology

Aquinas (1224-1274), in his Summa Theologica and his "five ways" to prove that God exists (including the cosmological and teological arguments), emphasized man's ability to comprehend certain truths about God from nature alone, though he maintained that human reason was still secondary to God's revelation. To him, truths gleaned from nature served as "preambles" to the articles of faith (doctrines). So, reason may lead to faith but it cannot replace faith. The problem is that his arguments do not prove the existence of the one true God (could lead to polytheism or animism), nor do they prove that this God is a personal God as revealed in Scripture (because the arguments are not rooted in Scripture). The arguments only posit that God most probably is true, but Romans 1 says God has revealed Himself to everyone.

Explain 3 defining characteristics of the "image of God" in man

At least 3 defining characteristics emerge from passages on the "image of God": 1. Relationships / Fellowship Relationships are central to being human, which seems to be an application of the image of God in man. Fellowship with God and with others is the sum of the two great commandments of Scripture--to love God and love others (Matt 22:36-40). The marriage relationship puts the image of God on display in the man and the woman, because a godly marriage involves striving for right fellowship with God and with one another. 2. Dominion / Ruling The image of God is closely connected to ruling over and subduing the world (Gen 1:26-30; Ps 8; Rev 20:4; 22:5). 3. Corporeal Personhood The image of God is involves the human makeup--there is an ontological quality to it rather than just a functional one. The image permeates man's being. The structure probably consists of the complex qualities and attributes of man that make him human. This includes his physical and spiritual components. The image could also be linked to personhood and personality and to thinking and reasoning. All that makes one a human person is related to the image of God. The image of God then can be linked to several aspects of human life and personhood: a. Complex unity: body, soul/spirit b. Personality c. Cognition, intellect, reason, creativity, language d. Will, decision-making e. Morality, ethics f. Emotion g. Any God-like attribute (e.g., love, justice, wisdom, goodness) h. Capacity to exercise dominion i. Relationship, fellowship j. Establishing a heritage of image-bearers

What are some implications of the Deity of Christ?

Because Jesus is divine: 1. We can have knowledge of God. 2. Redemption is available to us. 3. God and man can have a relationship. 4. We should worship Him.

Define the church's relationship to Christ and to the world

Before His death and resurrection, Jesus proclaimed that He would build His "church" in a powerfully indestructible way even in the face of evil and death (Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 15:54-57; Heb 2:14). Christ is the head of His church, being the "rock" of redemption and faith upon which His body would be constructed (Acts 4:11-12; cf. 1 Cor 2:1-2; Ps 18:2, 31). The church exists in fellowship with Christ (1 Cor 1:9) and with each other (Acts 4:32) and expands to take the gospel to all nations (Luke 24:47).

Support Jesus Christ's Sinlessness with verses

Biblical support includes: Isa 53:9 Acts 3:14 2 Cor 5:21 Heb 4:15; 7:26-28 1 Pet 2:22-23

Explain some spiritual qualities of angels and demons

Both the holy and evil angels are immaterial spirit beings not bound by physical space (Heb. 1:14; cf. Luke 24:39). They are able to travel between heaven to earth (Gen. 28:12; John 1:51; cf. Dan. 9:20-23; 10:1-13, 20; Rev 12:4, 9). Demons can take up residence in an unregenerate person (Matt 12:43-45; Mark 1:34; cf. 1 Pet 5:8). Holy angels have appeared visibly (Gen. 18:2; Num. 22:31; 2 Kings 6:15-17; John 20:11-12; cf. Heb. 13:2). Holy angels reside in the heavenly realm of God's presence, the "third heaven," or paradise (cf. (2 Cor. 12:2-3; cf. Ps. 123:1). Holy angels are "greater in might and power" than humans (2 Pet 2:11). They seem exceptionally strong and have power to strike or slay humans, rescue and destroy (Gen. 19:1-26; 2 Sam 24:10-17; 2 Kings 19:35; Isa 37:36; Acts 12:20-23). Within their populations, angels and demons function according to powerful organizational hierarchies described by terms such as "authorities," "rulers," and "powers" (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 2:2; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:15; 1 Pet 3:22) "dominions," and "thrones." Scripture does not explain the order or function of these holy or evil hierarchies. Nevertheless, no spirit being is omnipotent like God (Ps. 103:20; 2 Pet. 2:11), omniscient like God (Matt. 24:36), or omnipresent like God (Dan. 9:21-23; 10:10, 14).

Distinctions between "data" and "facts"

Data are pieces of information (consisting of information, including anomalies). A fact is a correct report of information, which is locked within a system, and leads to forming theories and supporting systems of thought..

Discuss the roles and activities of demons

Demons are understood as evil angels, "messengers," who are associated with Satan and evil (Matt. 25:41; 2 Cor. 12:7; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6: Rev. 12:7, 9). Demons carry out several evil actions including the following: 1. Indwell humans and animals (Mark 5:1-16) 2. Physically afflict people (Mark 9:17, 22) 3. Terrorize humans (1 Sam 16:14-15; 18:10; 19:9; Acts 19:13-16; 2 Cor 12:7) 4. Initiate false worship (1 Cor 10:20-21) 5. Promote false doctrines (1 Tim 4:1) 6. Perform false signs and wonders (2 Thess 2:9; Rev 16:13-14) 7. Deceive prophets (1 Kings 22:19-23) 8. Encourage idolatry (Deut 32:17; Ps 106:37) 9. Engineer death (Judg 9:23, 56-57)

Briefly define sin's relationship to other doctrines

Doctrine of God: Sin is primarily against God (Ps 51:4), and only God can reconcile the sinner (2 Cor 5:19). Doctrine of Man: Sin corrupts the life of man, distorting both body and soul/spirit, as well as relationships with others and creation. Doctrine of Salvation: Because of the profound and pervasive effect of sin, sinners need salvation by divine grace alone or they will face the eternal wrath of God. Doctrine of Christ: Jesus Christ is the last Adam who, by his perfect, substitutionary death atoned for the sins of his people, thus conquering sin in all its forms and effects and redeeming believers. Doctrine of Angels: Satan and all fallen angels will be punished for tempting mankind to disobey God by being made to dwell forever in the lake of fire prepared for them (Rev 20:10). Doctrine of the Church: The church is the community of people saved from sin in this age, who now proclaim the gospel of the forgiveness of sins, the grace of God to break the power of sin and experience victory over sin. Doctrine of the End Times: God will establish King Jesus on the Davidic throne at His second coming to reign with all the saints, destroy sin and death, punish all sinners, and gloriously reign over the New Heavens and New Earth, which will be inhabited forever by perfected saints in their new humanity.

What is the relationship between The External Gospel Call and the Internal Effectual Call?

Effectual Call: Entirely of God, given to certain people, internal, never rejected. It is understood as regeneration. Gospel Call: Offered to all people, general, external, often rejected, the means through which the effectual call comes. Zuber: It is one call, with an outer shell (gospel call) and an inner shell (effectual call) that reaches the elect when God sovereignly decides to draw them to salvation.

Define God's Glory with verses

Exodus 24:15-16--God's glory has physical aspects; it rested as a cloud on Mt. Sinai for many days. Deut 5:24--God's glory is great. How can man live in its presence? 1 Kings 8:10-11--God's glory has physical aspects; it filled the Temple. Psalm 24:7-8; 29:3; 57:5--God is the King of glory, worthy of praise. Ezekiel 8:4; 9:3; 10:19--God's glory is associated with his presence, and majesty and favor (Think Ezekiel 1, God's presence with his people). John 1:14--People saw the glory of the Word (incarnation of Jesus). Hebrews 1:3--Jesus's glory is the "radiance" of the Father's glory. Like the heat from the sun. Jesus reflects the glory of the Father.

List key verses and trace the biblical basis for justification

Gen 15:6 Luke 18:14 Rom 3:21-28 Rom 5:1 1. Sin makes justification necessary. 2. Justification presupposes the reality of God's wrath. 3. Justification is a declarative or judicial/forensic act of God and not a process. 4. Justification is based on Christ's substitutionary atonement. 5. Justification begins with the forgiveness of sin (the negative aspect). 6. Justification involves the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us (the positive aspect). 7. Justification is rooted in union with Christ. 8. Justification is received by faith alone not by the sinner's works. 9. Justification has eschatological implications.

How does Genesis 1:26-27 fit into the larger creation account?

Genesis 1:26-27 highlights how the whole of creation was the suitable platform for man to express personhood in the image of God: a. Man is given an Environment suitable to facilitate a relationship with God (Gen 1:2-25). b. Man is given Endowments (inherent in the image of God) in order that he might have a relationship with God. c. Man is given the Exercise of dominion over God's creation in order to express his relationship with God as kingly representative on the earth (Gen 1:28-31). d. Man is given three gifts that apply, direct, and illustrate his relationship with God (Gen 2:4-31). (1) The gift of the garden/World (an environment in which to exist in the image of God). (2) The gift of Work (to fulfill his role as image-bearer). (3) The gift of a companion/Woman (to exist in intimate relationship with another image-bearer). Summary: The theological import of Gen 1:26-27 is that man, as God's image-bearer, exists in relationship to God, nature, and others.

Define God's eternal decree with verses

God Has Unconditionally Determined All Things God fixed His plans for all creation long before creating anything, which means that none of God's decision are conditioned upon anything and are freely His to make and keep (Isa 46:9-10; cf. Pss 33:10-11; 115:3; 135:6). God Has Unconditionally Determined to Save Sinners (Matt 25:34; Eph 1:11). God's plans for the salvation of sinners began before the creation of the world, purely in the mind of God, "according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph 3:11). 1 Cor 2:7--God possessed "a secret and hidden wisdom... before the ages for our glory." 2 Tim 1:8--"[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began" John 17:20-21--Jesus prayed also for future believers, those "who will believe" through the ongoing preaching of the gospel.

List the 6 judgments on Satan, with verses

God has handed and will hand down multiple judgments on the rebellious Satan. 1. Original Judgment: - Rev 12:3-17--rebellion and fall from heaven with one-third of all angels - Ezek 28:11-19--King of Tyre, references Eden and his creation in blamelessness - Isa 14:4-21--King of Babylon, pride and self-deception, and fall 2. Judgment in Eden: Gen 3:14-15, both Satan and serpent cursed. Satan will one day be destroyed by Messiah (Rom. 16:20; cf. John 16:11). 3. Judgment at Calvary: Christ came to destroy the works of the Devil (1 John 3:8; Heb 2:14). "It is finished" (19:30) sealed His judgment over Satan (John 12:31; 16:11; Col 2:15). 4. Judgment during the Tribulation: Rev 12:7-13 identifies that at the halfway mark of the Great Tribulation, all evil forces will be banished from accessing heaven. They will no longer be able to accuse believers of sin in the presence of God, which has been standard practice (Job 1:6-7; 2:1-2). 5. Judgment during the Millennium When Jesus Christ returns to the earth, He will bind Satan in unbreakable chains and seal him in a bottomless pit for one thousand years (Rev 20:1-3) so that he cannot deceive the nations (cf. Rev 20:7-8). Presumably, all demons will be imprisoned with him (Isa 24:21-22). 6. Judgment for Eternity: Rev 20:10--Satan is sent to burn forever in the lake of fire. All of his evil forces will join him there (cf. Matt 8:29; Luke 8:31), as well as all sinners after the Great White Throne Judgment (Matt 25:41; Mark 9:48; Rev 20:14-15).

List 5 means that God has provided for the believer to experience victory over Satan in this life

God has provided multiple means by which a Christian can be victorious over Satan in this life. 1. The Savior at Calvary: Christ's earthly ministry and death destroyed the devil's power over death (John 12:31; Heb 2:14). 2. Christ's intercession and protection: Jesus interceded as High Priest by praying that Christians would be protected from Satan (John 17:15, 20). All true believers are indeed protected from eternal harm (1 John 5:18) and God will never release any of His elect from His sure grip (John 10:28-29). 3. The Holy Spirit was sent: Believers now have the Spirit's indwelling power, which is greater than any evil influence (1 John 4:4). 4. God informs believers: Christians are to be prepared for spiritual battle (2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Pet. 5:8). Christ modeled prayer for believers in spiritual battle (Matt 6:13). Scripture instructs us to submit to God, draw near to Him, and resist the Devil (Jas 4:7-8; 1 Pet 5:9). 5. Shepherds Strengthen and Encourage the Church: Pastors are to establish and exhort the flock (1 Thess 3:2), so that the tempter will fail with his temptations (1 Thess 3:5).

What is the doctrine of Monergism?

God is the single agent that operates the salvation of people. Justification exemplifies monergism: one agent, God, justifies the ungodly (Rom 4:5), who do not / cannot contribute anything.

Define hamartiology and discuss why it is important for understanding today's society

Hamartiology is the study of the doctrine of the multifaceted character of sin and the complexity of human depravity. Sin makes an incalculable impact on human nature and activity. Sin permeates society in several ways: Mankind is made up of sinners who radiate sinful consequences in their spheres of influence. Society claims moral relativity, yet still holds to moral absolutes (e.g., criminal and social justice, environmentalism, education). Society upholds values that contribute to self-esteem (e.g., always supporting "personal truth"), even though people might act in ways that are overtly shameful and dishonorable to their society. Society celebrates moral values (e.g., human and civil rights) as well immoral values (e.g., abortion, same-sex marriage) without distinction. Society does not deny the reality of sin, but defines it as weakness, environmental deprivations, ignorance, and unhealthy behaviors. Man is considered inherently good and in a positive state of overcoming such deficiencies for the betterment of the world.

DIscuss the role and activities of holy angels

Holy Angels are messengers of God's truth (Rev. 1:1), who worship Him and serve Him (Heb 1:6-7). Their activities include: 1. Worshipping, praising, and serving God in heaven (Isa 6:1-7; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Heb 1:6; Rev. 4:6-11; 5:8-13; 7:11-12) 2. Serving Jesus in His earthly life and ministry (Matt 2:13; 4:11; Luke 22:43; John 1:51) 3. Proclaiming God's messages of the truth (Dan 8:16; 9:21; 10:13-14; Luke 1:19, 26-38; Acts 7:38, 53; Gal. 3:19; Heb 2:2; Rev 1:1; 14:6-7) 4. Acting as instruments of judgment: - on individuals (Matt. 13:41-42; 16:27; 2 Thess 1:7-8) - on cities (Gen 19:1, 12-13) - on nations (Rev 8:6-11:19; 12:7-9; 16:1-21) - in the imprisonment of Satan (Rev 20:1-3) 5. To believers: - comfort and protection (Dan 10:19; Pss 34:7; 35:5-6; 91:11-12; Matt 18:10; Heb 1:14) - being involved in the church (1 Cor 4:9; 11:10; 1 Tim 5:21) 6. Acting as witness: - in and to the Church (1 Cor 4:9; 1 Tim 5:21) - to the mystery that is the salvation of fallen man (1 Pet 1:12) 7. Serving at Christ's second coming (Matt 16:27; 25:31; 1 Thess 4:16; 2 Thess 1:7)

State the three identifiable traits of personhood for angels and demons

Holy angels possess the three identifiable traits of personhood: 1. They possess intellect, as exhibited by their wisdom, discourse, singing, worship (2 Sam. 14:20; Matt. 28:5; Job 38:7; Heb. 1:6), and the ability to speak any human language. 2. They possess emotions, as seen in their joy over the repentance of sinners and their worshipful fear of God (Luke 15:10; Heb. 1:6; Ps. 148:2; Luke 2:13-14). 3. They possess will, as demonstrated by their strong desire to understand things related to salvation (1 Pet. 1:10-12). Demons also: 1. Possess intellect (Matt 8:29; Mark 1:24; Luke 8:26-39), including the ability to speak any human language and author false doctrine (1 Tim 4:1). 2. Express emotions (Matt 8:29; Mark 1:24; 5:7; James 2:19). 3. Live out their evil will (Matt 8:31).

How do you determine whether a text is inspired, and thus canonical?

If the text is inspired, then its quality is authoritative, clear, and sufficient. These inherent qualities were intuitively recognized by regenerate believers, and thus distinguishable from other texts as worthy and credible. A text is not "recognized" based on internal evidence according to a formal checklist or process, but intuited based on the witness of the Spirit.

Explain the "kenosis," with verses

In Philippians 2:6-8, the Son of God became flesh through a voluntary act, as represented in verse 7: He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men." = Christ emptied Himself of the "prerogative of immediate manifestation of the divine essence." = The Logos emptied Himself of the immediate external appearance / activity of His Divine essence in His first period of earthly incarnate life (from conception through ascension) in such a way that humans can perceive that appearance/activity. = The Logos, in accepting His humiliated state, chose not to externally manifest His divine perfections and their activity in the human realm, with the manifestation of His humanity, unless the Father willed and the Holy Spirit led otherwise."

What is the doctrine of Synergism?

In regard to the doctrine of salvation, the position that God and human beings together operate the rescue of the latter group. From the Greek (syn, "together"; ergon, "work"), synergism refers to sources that work together in salvation. Catholics believe this.

Critique the Universal (General, Unlimited) Atonement view

In response, consider the theological and biblical problems: 1. Theological Problems a. Christ's sacrifice is not strictly actual. - Thus He can only potentially bring peace and healing to those who choose to convert. b. Christ's sacrifice is not strictly worthy to save. - It is only worthy to save when a sinner chooses to be saved. c. Atonement for all people, actual or hypothetical, is inconsisent with the Trinitarian plan of salvation. - The Father elects to salvation, - the Holy Spirit brings the elect to salvation and applies the benefits of the atonement of Christ, who died for the elect. d. Scripture presents the coming reality of the eternal lake of fire (Rev 20:9-10) and common experience testifies that not all people will be finally saved. e. Hell for hypothetical universalists means a double payment for sin that goes beyond the scope of God's justice. - Jesus made a real sacrifice to pay for sin even though many sinners would not accept that payment but would choose to pay for sin themselves in hell for all eternity. Response: - Christ's atonement is consistent with atonement in Leviticus, which is stated as always efficaciously reaching its goal (cf. Lev 4:20, 26, 31, 35; 5:10, 13, 16, 18; 6:7; 19:22). - Thus Christ's payment for sin meets God's justice for those for whom atonement was made. - Further, Jesus forcefully implies that He only lays down His life for His sheep, not for those outside of His flock (John 10:14-15, 25-29). 2. Biblical Problems a. 1 Tim 4:10 - Is He the "Savior of all people, especially those who believe?" - It cannot refer to the salvation of all people everywhere. - It is best to read "especially" as a clarification/identification of "all people": Christ is the only true Savior for humanity, for any person--there is no other Savior to turn to. b. Heb 2:9 - Did He "taste death for everyone"? - It is qualified by the next verse, 2:10--"everyone" refers to every one of the sons being led to glory by the express purpose of God for the elect. c. 2 Pet 2:1 - Were the false prophets "bought" by the Master? - No, "redeemed" is often used in non-redemptive contexts. - "Master" reflects sovereign ownership rather than salvation (cf. Deut 32:5-6). d. 1 John 2:2 - Is He the propitiation for the sins of the whole world"? - "World" probably refers to all ethnic groups outside of Israel, specifically, in this context, Gentile believers in Asia Minor (cf. Caiaphas in John 11:51-52; Rev 5:9 world nations worship Jesus).

Describe the element of the ordo salutis that follows regeneration, with verses

In the ordo salutis, conversion is subsequent to regeneration / effectual calling. Conversion is repentance and faith together (Acts 15:3). Once the spiritual eyes are opened to the truth through regeneration (effectual calling), the sinner irresistibly believes and repents of sin. 1. Repentance comes before faith. 1 Thess 1:9-10 and 2:13-- the effectual call / regeneration leads to genuine repentance and faith. The Thessalonian converts example suggests that repentance precedes the gift of faith--the sinner turns from sin to God. 2. Repentance logically precedes the gift of faith. - The stated order is "repent and believe" (Mark 1:14-15; Acts 20:21) - "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8) - Faith can be synonymous with repentance (Acts 2:38; 16:31). - faith results in works (Jas 2:17, 26). 3. Regeneration opens the eyes to accept the truth by faith. - The regenerate soul is exposed to both the ugliness of sin (Acts 26:18) and the beauty of Christ (2 Cor 4:4-6).

Offer the biblical rationale for traducianism

In this view, both the body and soul are created at conception by the parents, not requiring direct divine creation. It is difficult to be sure this view is the correct one, but a few assertions and verses reasonably frame the view. Genesis 5:3 (Procreation in one's likeness might include a soul.) Ps 51:5 (People are sinners from conception.) John 3:6 (Because "flesh births flesh" regeneration of the soul is necessary for salvation.) Theological Assertions 1. Only Adam, progenitor of the human race, received his soul by direct divine expiration but everyone born in Adam received the soul at conception (the beginning of life and personhood). 2. Eve likely received her soul in her generation from Adam's rib, since Scripture does not say God directly breathed a soul into her (Gen 2:22). 3. A natural procreative process for body and soul does not exclude God from sovereignly ordaining and superintending the creation of both body and soul. 4. Scripture does not suggest two distinct creative processes for humans: the natural procreation of the body and the direct supernatural creation of the soul. 5. Creation of the child's soul by the parents upholds God resting from His creative activity. 6. The view that the material and immaterial parts of man form a complex unity bolsters the probability that the entire human being is procreated by the parents. 7. Total depravity--the unavoidable sinful condition and condemnation of each human--might be best explained by traducianism, since having sinful parents from the line of Adam guarantees the perpetuation of the sin nature (Ps 51:5; Rom 5:12). 8. If souls are generated through procreation, God is not directly culpable for the sinfulness of the soul.

What is the difference between inspiration and illumination, according to Calvin's "Witness of the Spirit"?

Inspiration is the objective quality of the product, inherent to the text such that it can be perceived as authoritative. Illumination, in the sense of the "witness of the Spirit," is the intuition that the text itself is from God.

Identify Gregg Allison's 5 modes of special revelation

It can be described according to these 5 modes: 1. The mighty acts of God (e.g., exodus, conquest) 2. Dreams and visions (e.g., to Joseph, Daniel) 3. Divine speech (e.g., to Adam, Abraham, Moses) 4. The Incarnation (God revealed in human nature) 5. Scripture (God's written revelation of Himself)

How does Scripture describe itself as clear?

It demonstrates this doctrine in the following ways: 1. It is a lamp (Ps 119:105; 2 Pet 1:19) 2. It is easy enough for children (Deut 6:6-7; 2 Tim 3:14-15) 3. It is addressed to common folk (1 Cor 1-2; Paul's letters)

What does the doctrine of perspicuity NOT mean?

It does NOT mean: 1. Believers can easily understand every single piece of data. They need humility and study skills for deeper access. 2. The unregenerate cannot understand some aspects of the text. However, they cannot turn their cognitive knowledge into real spiritual knowledge.

Describe the Christological title "Jesus"

It is a title that attests to His Deity: - Meaning: "Yahweh saves / is salvation." - Significance: a. To assert His divinity as the Son of God, the Savior of sinners (Matt 1:21; Luke 1:31-35). b. This is the name of the Savior (Acts 4:12; 13:23; Titus 2:13; 3:6) who cleanses sinners by His blood (1 John 1:7; Heb 13:12). c. Miracles are effected by His name (Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 3:6; 4:10, 30; 9:34; 19:11-16). d. His name is the focus of saving faith (Acts 20:21; Rom 3:26; Gal 2:16; Eph 1:15; 1 Tim 3:13).

Describe the Christological title "Messiah, Christ"

It is a title that attests to His Deity: Meaning: Anointed One; from the Hebrew verb to slather or smear with oil for anointing. Applied to OT people designated by Yahweh for service, specifically the patriarchs, kings, priests, prophets, and Cyrus (Isa 45:1). Specific to David and the Davidic Kings (Ps 89:3, 20, 26-29). Employed to specify David's greater Son (Ps 2:2, 6-9, 12 [Messiah as Son of God]; Dan 9:25-26 [revealed as "Messiah the Prince"]; cf. Isa 9:6-7). To specify the prophesied "seed of the woman" (Gen 3:15; cf. Gal 4:4; cf. Heb 2:14). NT usage ("Christ"): a. To reference Jesus as the Messianic Man. He explicitly affirmed the designation (John 4:25-26; Matt 16:13-17; Mark 14:61-62; John 10:24-25). However, he rarely used the title and did not want it publicized so as not to be viewed as Messiah only for political ends (Matt 16:20; Mark 8:29-30; Luke 4:41). Others ascribed the title to Jesus (e.g., John 6:68-69; cf. Mark 8:29-30; Acts 2:30-31; 17:3; 18:5, 28; in epistles 392 times). b. To indicate that Jesus possessed Deity. - Christ is David's "Lord" (Matt 22:41-45; cf. Ps 110). - He is Lord over all (Acts 2:36; Rom 1:7; 2 Pet 1:8) because He is God (Phil 2:5-6; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet 1:1; Rom 9:5).

Describe the Christological title "Son of Man"

It is a title that attests to His Deity: Meaning: OT Jewish context for a prophet (Eze 2:1; 3:1; Dan 8:17) and for the Messianic Man, "One like the Son of Man" (Dan 7:13-14) This is perhaps the most comprehensive of all titles for the Second Person of God because at each stage of His existence the title applies--whether in eternity past, in OT times, in the incarnation, and during His future Messianic reign. Application of meaning to Jesus: a. He is preexistent deity (John 3:13; 6:62) b. He holds divine authority over the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28) c. He holds the power to forgive and heal (Matt 9:2-8). d. He is divinely able to save the lost (Luke 19:10) through atoning sacrifice (Matt 20:28; 26:2, 45; Luke 17:24-25; John 3:14-16), to all who believe in Him (John 6:47, 53). e. He was prophesied to be raised from the dead (Matt 17:9; Luke 18:31-33), and will return in glory to reign in power (Matt 24:27, 30; 25:31; 26:63-64; Luke 9:26) and to execute judgment (John 5:27; Matt 25:31-32; Rev 1:13-20).

Describe the Christological title "Son of God"

It is a title that attests to His Deity: OT usage varies: - The nation of Israel (Exod 4:22-23; Deut 8:5; Jer 31:9, 20; Hos 11:1) - Israelites (Deut 14:1; Isa 43:6-7; Hos 1:10) - Angels (Job 1:6; 38:7; Gen 6:2 [debated]) - The Davidic King, Messiah (2 Sam 7:14; 1 Chron 17:11-14; Ps 2:6-7; 89:26-29) NT usage: - Can be used of believers (Matt 5:9; Rom 8:14; Gal 4:5) - For Jesus, it emphasizes that He is: a. Divine (Heb 1:1-14; John 19:7) b. Human (Luke 1:35) c. Messiah d. Davidic King (Luke 1:32-33; John 20:31; Acts 13:33-34; Heb 1:5) e. Melchizedekian High Priest (Heb 5:5-6; cf. Pss 2:7; 110:4) f. The ideal Israelite (Matt 2:15; cf. Hos 11:1)

Describe the Christological title "Firstborn"

It is a title that attests to His Deity: OT usage: - Physical sense--first birth (Gen 27:19; Exod 11:5; 13:2) - Legal sense--primogeniture, authority, inheritance (Gen 25:31-33; 43:33; 49:3; Deut 21:15-17) - Special election and love (for Israel ,Exod 4:22; for the Davidic King, Messiah, Ps 89:27) NT usage (Gk. prototokos): - Physical sense--first birth (Luke 2:7) - Priority, Preeminence, Superiority (to believers, Rom 8:29; to creation and the church, Col 1:15-18; Rev 1:5).

Describe the Christological title "The Word, Logos"

It is a title that attests to His Deity: OT usage: A distinct divine entity (Isa 55:10-11; Ps 18:30--"His way... is proven). NT usage: a. Eternally preexistent (John 1:1; 1 John 1:1-2 [cf. 1 John 2:13--the Father is also "from the beginning") b. Eternally having the quality of God (John 1:1), including faithfulness, truth, righteousness, the right to judge, the command of the armies of Heaven, and supreme majesty (Rev 19:11-16) c. Eternally distinct from the Father (John 1:1-2, cf. 14--defines the Father-Son relationship of God to the Word) d. Eternal fellowship with the Father (1 John 1:1-2--"toward" [prós]) e. Equated with the Second Person of the Trinity ("the only begotten Son of God") in identity and perfections--glory, grace, and truth (John 1:14) f. The Person of God through whom everything was created (John 1:3, 10) g. The Person of God who possesses and gives life and enlightenment (John 1:4-5, 9; 1 John 1:1-2)

Describe the Christological title "Lord"

It is a title that attests to His Deity: OT usage: Supreme authority and rights of possession, used of God ("Adonai" is used interchangeably with "Yahweh" in Isa 3:17 and Amos 7:7-8; the term later replaced "Yahweh" in the Masoretic text). NT usage: Title for God when quoting OT (quoting LXX; Luke 4:18; Heb 7:21). Title for Jesus: Respect for Him as master, teacher, leader; calling Him divine Messiah and Savior; understanding Him to be Yahweh by applying OT passages to Jesus as "Lord" (John 12:37-41 with Isa 53:1 and 6:1; Heb 1:10-12 with Ps 102:24-27).

5 verses that reinforce the biblical worldview

It is established by these verses: 1 Cor 2:13--And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. Col 3:2--Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Col 3:16--Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 2 Cor 10:5--We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, Col 2:8--See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Explain how the conscience functions as a form of authority in liberalism

It reduces religion to moralism and the propagation of an ethical system.

Identify 5 problems with (or myths of) natural theology

Its 5 problems (or myths) include: 1. Autonomous reasoning can partially reach the truth of theism. [But partial truth is not the full truth revealed in Scripture, and autonomy is rooted in the suppression of the truth (Rom 1:18), so the process is accidental.] 2. The unbeliever can be fair, open-minded, can reason rightly, and will affirm some truth when evidence is presented. [But unbelievers are prejudiced, truth-suppressing enemies of God.] 3. Men can interpret natural revelation correctly without special revelation. [But special revelation is God's means of knowledge unto salvation.] 4. Truth is founded on reason, and will lead to true faith. [But the Holy Spirit must cause blinded eyes to see and submit to the truth.] 5. Unregenerate reason is the same as regenerate reason. [But the autonomous, rebellious nature of the unbeliever corrupts reason.]

Explain the doctrine of authority in Roman Catholicism

Its authority is located in its ecumenical councils (esp. Trent, Vatican I [and II]), along with tradition and ex-cathedra papal addresses. The Magisterium acts like the "Supreme Court," having the power to expand or limit the dogmas as needed for present context. The Catholic Catechism is the official statement of dogma, but many varieties of Catholicism exist and are supported by the Church.

What is the goal of theology?

Its objective is the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7). The more theological information we have about God, the more we come to fear God.

Explain the 8 points of theological significance of the Virgin conception and birth

Its theological significance includes the following 8 points: 1. To fulfill OT prophecy (Isa 7:14) 2. To produce the God-Man (Luke 1:35; 2:11) 3. To produce the "Seed of the Woman" (Gen 3:15; Gal 4:4) 4. To declare Jesus as "holy" (Luke 1:35) 5. So that Jesus would be publicly recognized as the Son of God (Luke 1:35) 6. To humanly hold the rights of primogeniture as the firstborn, a human conceived by God 7. To prevent the curse of Coniah (Jeconiah, Jehoiachin) which would have fallen on Jesus through Joseph and invalidated Him as the Davidic King (Matt 1:11; cf. Jer 22:28-30) 8. To make the reconciliation of sinners a human reality (a new humanity prepared for eternity)

Explain how Jesus had a fully human death, with verses

Jesus had a fully human death: i. His spirit was separated from His body (Matt 27:50; John 19:30) ii. He stopped breathing (Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46) iii. His death was physically proven (John 19:33-35)

Explain how Jesus had a fully human development, with verses

Jesus had a fully human development: i. Human ancestry (cf. genealogies of Matt 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38) ii. Human conception and birth (Gal 4:4; Matt 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7) iii. Human growth As a baby, Luke 2:16; as a child, Luke 2:40; as a growing boy, Luke 2:52

Explain how Jesus had a fully human reliance on the Spirit, with verses

Jesus had a fully human reliance on the Spirit. However, Jesus retained all of His divine perfections in the incarnation, fully possessing the divine nature, including His own power, omniscience, and righteousness. Reliance on the Holy Spirit might be better expressed as the Holy Spirit using all that Jesus possessed in His humanity and His deity to accomplish the work the Father required of Him. Biblical support of Jesus' reliance on the Spirit: - The OT witnesses to Messiah's reliance (Isa 11:2-3; 42:1-4; 61:1-3) - Jesus is reliant at conception (Matt 1:20; Luke 1:35, cf. v.15) - Jesus was reliant in His ministry: (1) At the commencement (Matt 3:16-17; Luke 3:21-23) (2) For guidance (Matt 4:1; Luke 4:1; Mark 1:12) (3) For power in ministry (Luke 4:14) (4) To preach with authority (Luke 4:17-22; Matt 12:15-21) (5) To teach the apostles (Acts 1:2) (6) To perform miracles (Matt 12:28; Acts 10:38) (7) To offer Himself on the cross (Heb 9:14--"through the eternal spirit," perhaps physically sustaining Him so that He could fulfill atonement) - Jesus was reliant in His resurrection: Jesus promised to raise Himself by His own power (John 2:19-22; 10:17-18), yet Scripture also claims that the Holy Spirit was the instrument of His resurrection (Rom 1:4; 8:11; possibly 1 Pet 3:18).

Explain how Jesus had a fully human way of life, with verses

Jesus had a fully human way of life: 1. He submitted to His parents (Luke 2:51). 2. He paid taxes (Matt 17:24-27). 3. He ate and drank (Matt 11:19). 4. He lived a godly life (public worship--Luke 4:26; prayer--Luke 3:21; 6:12; Mark 1:35; 6:46

List 10 fully human emotions of Jesus, with verses

Jesus had fully human emotions, of which 10 are listed here: 1. Joy (John 15:11; 17:13; Heb 12:2) 2. Sorrow (John 11:33-35; Matt 26:36-37) 3. Affection (Mark 10:21; John 11:3; 13:23) 4. Compassion (Matt 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 20:34) 5. Surprise (Luke 7:9; Mark 6:6) 6. Displeasure (Mark 10:14) 7. Anger (Mark 3:5) 8. Zeal (John 2:15-17) 9. Loneliness, Feeling of Separation (Mark 15:34) 10. Agony (Luke 22:44; John 11:33, 38; 12:27; cf. Heb 5:7)

Explain how Jesus had fully human flesh/composition, with verses

Jesus had fully human flesh/composition: (John 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16; 1 John 4:2-3; Heb 2:14; Rom 8:3) i. Fully human body (Heb 2:14; Luke 24:39, 41-42) ii. Fully human soul (Matt 26:38; John 12:27; Acts 2:27) iii. Fully human spirit (Mark 2:8; Luke 23:46)

Explain how Jesus had fully human limitations, with verses

Jesus had fully human limitations: i. He required sleep (Matt 8:20, 24). ii. He grew tired and weary (John 4:6; Matt 8:24; Luke 23:26). iii. He became hungry (Matt 4:2; 21:18). iv. He grew thirsty (John 19:28; cf. John 4:6-7).

Explain how Jesus had fully human limited knowledge, with verses

Jesus had fully human limited knowledge: 1. Possible instances a. Identity of the woman with the blood disorder (Mark 5:30) b. Duration of the demon-possessed boy's affliction (Mark 9:20-21) c. Fig tree's fruit (Mark 11:12-14) d. Lazarus' tomb (John 11:34) 2. Definite instance Timing of the Second Advent (Matt 24:36-37) N.B. It is not a part of human nature on its own to predict the future. Jesus, in His human nature, does not know the future down to the day and time of events because He is fully human. If His divine nature transferred His omniscience to the human nature, the human nature would cease to be truly/fully human nature. He remains fully human by not knowing beyond the stated fact that He will return.

Explain how Jesus had fully human temptations, with verses

Jesus had fully human temptations: 1. Some temptations include: a. Tempted to divinely provide nourishment (Matt 4:2-3) b. Tempted to test God and assert His preeminence (Matt 4:5-6; 27:39-43; Luke 23:35-39) c. Tempted to exert personal power and claim His destiny now (Matt 4:8-9) 2. Jesus' human responses a. The man Jesus needed God's Word to sustain Him more than He needed food (Matt 4:4). b. The man Jesus wanted to obey God rather than test Him (Matt 4:7). c. The man Jesus wanted to worship and serve only God (Matt 4:10).

Explain how Jesus has a fully human resurrection body

Jesus has a fully human resurrection body: i. He was seen as human by more than 500 people (1 Cor 15:6). ii. He digested food (Luke 24:41-43; Acts 10:41). iii. He could be touched (Matt 28:9; Luke 24:38-40; John 20:17). iv. He showed that He had human flesh and bones (Luke 24:38-40; John 20:20). v. He kept His crucifixion wounds (John 20:25-27). Jesus will have His human body forever: i. He was seen in the flesh after His ascension. (Stephen--Acts 7:56; Paul--1 Cor 9:1; 15:8; cf. Acts 9:3-6; John--Rev 1:13, 17) ii. He will return "in just the same way" (Acts 1:11) and will be able to drink (Matt 26:29). iii. He will eternally hold the human offices of High Priest and Davidic King (Heb 2:18; 7:24-25; 1 Tim 2:5; Matt 26:64; Rev 19:11-19).

Describe 3 ways that Jesus is the perfect image of God, with verses

Jesus is the image of God because of the incarnation. His pure, righteous life and complete suffering and death established Him as the ultimate man, the "last Adam" (1 Cor 15:45), and the perfect image of God (Col 1:15). Jesus demonstrates the perfect image of God in 3 ways: 1. Jesus, as the image of God, reveals the Father. His human nature is the perfect image of God, the radiance of the Father's glory (Heb 1:3), who explains the Father in a tangible way (John 1:18; 14:9). 2. Jesus, as the image of God, models godly living. Studying the Person and work of Jesus reveals a full description of what the image of God is intended to be in mankind. We see Jesus live out the believer's goal: a sanctified life of righteous obedience to God manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. Believers are called to conform to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18). 3. Jesus, as the image of God, portrays perfect relationships. He is the example of how the believer is to live in relationship to God, to others, and to creation. a. Relationship to God Jesus loved and obeyed the Father perfectly. b. Relationship to others Jesus fulfilled the greatest commandment for man (Matt 22:36-40) by displaying ultimate sacrificial love for his own (John 13:1). c. Relationship to creation Jesus is Lord over nature, performing miracles, healings, and displays of power which fulfill man's role of ruling over and subduing creation. He will manifest universal dominion when He returns to rule in His millennial kingdom on earth (Isaiah 11; 35).

Discuss 5 of Jesus' claims that He is divine

Jesus made several claims to Deity, including these five: 1. He claimed to be Yahweh (John 8:58; cf. Exod 3:14). 2. He claimed to be equal with the Father (John 10:30; 17:21). 3. He claimed to have a unique relationship with the Father (as Revealer--Matt 11:27; John 1:14, 18; 12:45; 14:7-9; as Son—John 10:36; 14:23-24) 4. He claimed to be the answer to man's deepest needs—I AM statements 5. He claimed to be able to give eternal life and safety to His own (John 11:25-26; 10:27-29)

Discuss the spiritual authority in the church

Jesus, the Head of the church (Matt 28:18), has established leaders to administer His absolute rule (1 Thess 5:12-13; Heb 13:7, 17). Specific Leadership Roles: - Eph 4:11--apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds/pastors, and teachers - 1 Cor 12:28--apostles, prophets, teachers). 1. Apostles - Jesus' authorized representatives, the twelve disciples and Paul (1 Cor 15:8-9), - specifically and directly chosen by Jesus to proclaim and reveal His Word (John 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:12-15; cf. 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 3:16) - performed authenticating miracles - witnessed the resurrected Christ - laid the foundation for the church along with the prophets (Eph 2:20). - Pastor-teachers and evangelists proclaim the message of the apostles. 2. Prophets - laid the foundation for the church along with the apostles (Eph 2:20). - Once the entirety of Scripture was penned their role was no longer needed. - Prophets will return in the future once the church age is complete (Rev 11:3-6). 3. Evangelists - They seem gifted in the proclamation of the gospel. - Yet all members are to prioritize doing the work of the evangelist (2 Tim 4:5). 4. Pastor-Teachers a. They are Shepherds (1 Pet 5:1-4), who feed the sheep on the Word (1 Tim 5:17; 2 Tim 2:15; 4:2). b. They are Overseers, who care for and protect the spiritual lives of the sheep (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Tim 3:5; cf. Titus 1:6-9). c. They are Elders - the role appears in Acts 11:29-30; 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 22; 16:4; 20:17; 21:18) - The qualifications are in 1 Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. - They should serve in a plurality in the local church (e.g., Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2; 20:17; Titus 1:5; Jas 5:14). - Plurality shows: - unity in Christ - unanimity in decisions - diverse gifts and abilities - some more prominent gifts 5. Deacons - Qualified men and women perform useful service to meet the needs of the people. - Qualifications are in 1 Tim 3:8-13. - Deacons are not required to be able to teach (cf. 1 Tim 3:2). - Acts 6:1-6 models deacon service.

Discuss the doctrine of Adoption, with verses

John 1:12 Rom 8:15, 23; 9:4 Gal 4:5 Eph 1:5 1 John 3:1 = Adoption is the specific act by which the sinner enters into a filial relationship as child of God (huiothesia). Biblical assertions: 1. We were once spiritual orphans, "children of wrath" (Eph 2:3), "sons of disobedience" (Eph 2:2; 5:6), and children of the devil (John 8:44). 2. We were predestined "for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of [God's] will" (Eph 1:4-6) at the proper time through the virgin conception and birth of God's Son (Gal 4:4-5). This adoption is permanent (cf. John 8:35). 3. Adoption is accomplished by faith in Christ, not by works (Gal 3:26; John 1:12). 4. Adoption is a legal declaration, not a progressive moral transformation (John 1:12). Adoption declares a new family status.

Identify key features of the Athanasian Creed

Key features of this creed include: "Quicumque vult": - "Whosoever desires to be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith." - "The Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity." The shield of faith is a visual representation of the creed: "We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance." Anathemas introduced for false belief or lack of belief.

Identify key features of the Chalcedonian Creed (AD 451)

Key features of this creed include: Official statement on the "hypostatic union" Son is "truly God and truly man, of a rational soul and body," The Son has "two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably" "consubstantial with the Father, ...consubstantial with us"

Identify key features of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (AD 381)

Key features of this creed include: Son co-essential with the Father ("Light of Light, True God of True God, Begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father") Spirit proceeds from the Father, to be worshiped as God I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-Begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light; True God of True God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He arose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets. And in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

What is a key verse on the creation of man?

Key verse: Genesis 1:26-27 (image of God, male and female) Also, Acts 17:26 (one man into many nations)

Define God's Holiness with verses

Majesty Holiness = God is inherently great and infinitely, transcendently distinct from His creation. He is unique in His majesty. Ethical/Moral Holiness = God's moral purity in His essence is part of what shows His transcendence above creation. He is morally spotless in character and action, upright, pure, and untainted with evil desires, motives, thought, words, or acts. = This perfection is thus the source and standard of what is right, true, and good. Exodus 15:11--No god is like God in the majesty of his holiness. Leviticus 11:44--We are to be pure and holy because God is pure and holy. Isaiah 6:3--God is holy, holy, holy (Isaiah sees the Son) 1 Peter 1:15--Holy behavior reflects a holy God. Revelation 4:8--Holy, Holy, Holy is God.

List the major passages for the Incarnation

Major passages for this doctrine include: Phil 2:6-11 John 1:1-14 1 John 1:1-3 Rom 1:2-5 Rom 9:5 1 Tim 3:16 Heb 2:14

Explain the significance of the 2 terms used to describe the "image of God" in man

Man is described as being in the "image" of God, in His "likeness": - "Image" (Heb. tselem) may reflect a carving of something in order to represent its form. - "Likeness" (Heb. demuth) means "to be like." Together the phrases may mean that Adam is a representation of God, who is like God in certain respects. The terms "image" or "likeness" do not appear to be distinct concepts in the passages, but rather synonymous, interchangeable terms to express one idea. Yet the interchangeable use of the two terms is not redundant: - "image" alone might suggest that the image is a physical representation of God. - "likeness" alone might suggest that we are only like God in an abstract or unreal way. Scripture teaches both together: - The image is "real"/ substantial yet not physical. - Together they suggest representation and assert highest value and dignity for man over other creatures. Both men and women possess some intrinsic similarity to Yahweh (Gen 1:26-27; Matt 19:4) yet are still distinct from God (Hos 11:9; e.g., they are neither eternal, self-sustaining, nor a part of God).

Discuss membership in the Local Church

Membership is about identity, service, and accountability/discipline: 1. Identity: Seen in the Metaphors of the Church - Flock (John 10:16; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:3) - Family (Gal 6:9-10; Eph 2:18-20; 1 Pet 4:16-17) - Bride (Eph 5:23-32; 2 Cor 11:1-4) - Building/Temple (Eph 2:19-22; 1 Cor 3:9-10; 2 Cor 6:16; 1 Pet 2:5) - Body (Rom 12: 4-5; 1 Cor 12:12-27; Eph 1:22, 4:11-16; Col 1:18; 2:18-19) 2. Service Responsibilities: (Eph 4:12-16; Heb 13:7, 17) 3. Discipline/Accountability (Matt 18:15-18)

Which NT verses reveal the Trinity, and in what ways?

NT: 1. The Oneness of God: Matt 28:19--The authority of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is equal. 2. Plural Ascriptions of Deity: - John 1:29-34 (Spirit as dove witnesses of Jesus as Son of God) - John 5:17-29--Father and Son share equal rights and prerogatives. - John 10:30--The Son declares equality to the Father. - 1 Cor 12:4-6 ("gifts, ...same Spirit; service, ...same Lord; activities, ...same God) - 2 Cor 13:14 ("The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.") Eph 1:3-14 Eph 3:14-17 (God's Spirit, so Christ dwells in the heart)

Distinguish natural theology from general/natural revelation

Natural Revelation is the God-to-man self-revelation of the Triune God in creation, history (providence), and human nature (imago Dei). Natural Theology is the man-to-God endeavor by autonomous human reason and human experience (science, religion) to discover truth about God without involving special revelation.

Which OT verses reveal the Trinity, and in what ways?

OT passages indicate a plural Godhead in several ways: 1. Divine Oneness with plurality: - Deut 6:4 (the Shema)--"one" intends unity similarly to Gen 2:24 (two become "one" flesh) 2. The name Elohim is plural. 3. Plural Divine Pronouns and Adjectives: a. Gen 1:26-27--Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image...." 27 God created man in His own image.... b. Gen 3:22--"like one of Us, knowing good and evil.... c. Gen 11:7--"Come, let Us go down and...." d. Isa 6:8--"Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" 4. The Angel of Yahweh: This is a divine title bearing divine rights. - Gen 16:7-13 ("Yahweh" to Hagar, Abr Cov) - Gen 18:1-33 ("Yahweh" accepts sacrifice, proclaims future) - Exod 3:2-6, 14 ("I AM," declared holy) - Zech 1:12-13 (Angel speaks to Yahweh) 6. Three Distinct Entities together: - Isa 61:1-2, 8 - Isa 63:7-10 - Isa 48: 12, 16

Contrasts between Chafer and Hodge's definitions of systematic theology

One main contrast between Hodge and Chafer: Chafer might open the possibility that natural man can obtain divine knowledge through some apparatus other than Scripture, rather than starting with Scripture as the lens through which revelation may be appraised. Hodge, on the other hand, locates all facts in Scripture alone, yet still might be appealing to human reason for interpreting the "facts" of Scripture. In both cases what seems to be missing is the presupposition of "faith seeking understanding."

Describe Trinitarian "opera ad intra" and the concept of "taxis"

Opera ad intra reflect intra-Trinitarian relationships (internal workings), or "modes of relationship" between the three "modes of subsistence." Trinitarian relationships are established with eternal relationship-establishing acts: 1. The Father eternally "begets" the Son. 2. The Father eternally "spirates" and sends the Spirit. 3. The Son also eternally "spirates" the Spirit. 4. The Son is eternally "begotten" by the Father. 5. The Spirit eternally "proceeds" from the Father and the Son. Intra-trinitarian relationships reveal a kind of relational order (taxis). Because eternal relationships exist, we can speak of "order" in the Trinity (taxis): - The Father is the head of the Son (1 Cor 11:3), - The Holy Spirit works to point the glory back to the Son (John 16:13-15). - The Father is not "begotten" by nor does He "proceed" from any of the other Persons; - The Son is not begotten from the Spirit, nor is He spirated, nor does He proceed from the other Persons. Conceptually, then, the Father is first in order, the Son is second, and the Spirit is third. Yet because they are co-equal in essence no one Person is superior or inferior to another.

What is Original Sin? Support with verses

Original Sin is the sin that Adam and Eve committed that resulted in their fall from grace and a corrupted nature, which is passed down to all men and women after them. It is the state of all people at birth (Ps 51:5; 58:3; Prov 22:15; Eph 2:3), a condition that consists of: 1. Original guilt--the liability to suffer eternal condemnation 2. Original corruption--the sinful nature or tendency toward evil Man is corrupted in 2 ways: 1. total depravity (pervasive pollution of man) 2. total inability (incapacity to overcome the evil nature of man) Original sin in man will lead to death: - Physical Death (Gen 2:16-17; 3:19; Job 14:14; Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 15:22) - Spiritual Death (Rom 5:18-19; Eph 2:1-3) - Eternal Death (Rev 20:12-15)

Discuss the Origin of the Church

Promised - Matthew 16:18 Pentecost - Acts 2:1-4; 11:15-18 - The church was born in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). - God fulfilled Joel 2:28-32 by pouring out His Holy Spirit. - The Father added many individual souls to the church. - The church grew in number and geographical dimensions according to the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). - The church is now God's witness to the world. Acts 1:8--"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.")

List some prophecies of Messiah in the Old Testament

Prophecies include: His Birth (Micah 5:2) His Life and Ministry (Ps 78:2; Isa 29:18; 35:5-6) His Death (Ps 22)

Wisdom (verses)

Prov 1:1-7: to know Scripture in order to believe it (cf. John 20:31); to innately produce godly behavior; knowledge moves from information to experience, innately "knowing" information at a deeper level (assurance of the truth) as the truth bears fruit in practice.

Supply 2 key texts to support general revelation

Ps 19:1-6--"heavens declare... sky proclaims... reveals knowledge...." [Nature passes along information about God from day to day (v. 2), but we are not attuned to what nature is actually saying (vv. 3-4). For this reason we need special revelation in words (vv. 7-11).] Rom 1:18-21--"...For what can be known about God is plain to them, ... invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.... they knew God,..." [People suppress the truth and so are without excuse for denying the reality of God and all things]

What key verses support the doctrine of sufficiency?

Ps 19:7-11 Deut 29:29 2 Tim 3:16 Titus 1:9 2 Pet 1:3

Define God's Omniscience with verses

Psalm 139:1-4--God knows our hearts and thoughts. Isaiah 40:28--No one can understand the understanding of God. Romans 11:33--God's wisdom and knowledge are beyond deep in understanding. Hebrews 4:13--Everything is in plain sight to God. God never has a plan B. He has the power to accomplish His plan.

List kinds of sufficiency that are found in Psalm 19:7-11

Psalm 19:7-11 instructs that God's Word is sufficient for: 7 reviving the soul making wise the simple 8 rejoicing the heart; enlightening the eyes; 10 a desire greater than gold or honey 11 warning God's servant rewarding God's servant Psalm 19:7-11 therefore identifies 6 kinds of sufficiency: 1. Salvific Sufficiency (to save and to sanctify) 2. Epistemic Sufficiency (cf. I Cor 2) 3. Sufficiency for Christian living (cf. 2 Pet 1:3) 4. Sufficiency for Guidance (cf. Prov 3:5-6) 5. Sufficiency for Satisfaction (cf. Job 23:12) 6. Sufficiency for Worship and Service (cf. the Psalms)

Define God's Justice/Righteousness with verses

Rectoral Justice: God's rectitude, from which He operates as Ruler, Lawgiver, and Judge--is revealed in both His moral law (which expresses His moral nature), and in His judgment (by which He grants to all exactly what they deserve). Distributive Justice: The execution of His law in distributing punishment ("retributive justice") and reward ("remunerative justice"). His righteousness relates to God's mercy, grace, and love because He provides for the righteous status of believers in Christ. Psalm 36:6--God's justice and righteous is high and deep Psalm 72:2--God will judge in righteousness and justice Psalm 89:14--Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne Psalm 98:9--God will judge the world in righteousness Acts 17:31--God will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus. Romans 3:21-26--God's righteous is revealed in the OT and is given through faith in Jesus 2 Peter 1:1--God's righteousness resulted in people receiving saving faith.

How would you answer someone who says the effectual call means God forces us against our will to believe in Jesus?

Regeneration is not an overriding of the mind, the inclinations of the heart or the motions of the will but an opening of the mind, a re-inclining of the heart, and a "wooing" of the will (John 6:44 [the Father "draws"]; 1 John 4:19 ["We love because He first loved us"]). The immaterial part of man is transformed at regeneration: a. The person has new spiritual eyes to behold the glorious beauty of Christ (Acts 26:18; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 1:18). b. The mind of the person is now the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), which is set on the things of the Spirit (Rom 8:5-9). c. The person receives a new heart that perceives and loves the truth (Ezek 11:19; 36:26-27), from which usher new holy affections (Ps 40:8; Phil 2:13; Eph 4:24). d. The person's will is transformed, now very willingly rejecting sin and embracing Christ. No one is coerced into loving Christ--the sinner's will is not violated but transformed by regeneration. It is inconceivable that the person would choose to return to the wretchedness of life without Christ. The monergistic work of regeneration is irresistible--finally seeing the truth, the elect embrace the truth.

Discuss the Doctrine of Reconciliation

Rom 5:8-11 2 Cor 5:18-21 Eph 2:16 Col 1:20-21 = It is set against the backdrop of enmity: because of human sin, there is hostility between God and his human creatures. Antagonism must be removed and peace must be restored between these two warring parties. God acted "through [Christ] to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross" (Col 1:20). God now sends his friends to announce the gospel of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-21).

Discuss the Doctrine of Glorification, with verses

Rom 8:29 1 Cor 15:53 1 John 3:2 Glorification should be understood as an eschatological event, which completes sanctification and actualizes justification: - All the elect will be raised up on the last day (John 6:39-40; 17:24). - Even our bodies will be resurrected and conformed to the image of Christ (Phil 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2). Glorification is therefore the instantaneous change in the bodies of believers. Glorified bodies are: - imperishable (never to wear out or become sick) - glorious (beautiful, perhaps radiant) - powerful (not superhuman but full strength) - spiritual (dominated by God's Spirit)

What are some key verses on the Effectual, Internal Call?

Rom 8:30 (He "called") Rom 10:13-17 (preach-hear-believe) 1 Cor 1:9, 22-24 ("you were called" by preaching)

Discuss the blessed effects of justification on the imputation of sin in a believer, using verses

Romans 4 teaches the doctrine of justification, but it also deals with the imputation of sin, which is later developed in Rom 5:12-12. Rom 4:1-5 teaches on Abraham's justification Rom 4:6-8 shows the benefits of justification. - Paul quotes David in Ps 32 to make the point that once the sinner is justified, sin is no longer imputed to him. - Rather, sin is imputed to Christ, and Christ's righteousness is imputed to the sinner. God does not impute our sin to us once we are in Christ. - Thus, the non-imputation of sin post-justification indicates the imputation of sin to Christ.

Who was the Father of Liberalism? Describe him.

Schleiermacher (d. 1834): German Romantic "Religion as a feeling;" The essence of the Christian faith is to produce the subjective "feeling of absolute dependence." Faith is being in some way aware of the existence of God. Wrote 2 major treatises--"The Christian Faith" (rejected Trinity), and "On Reason" (faith is the kernel within the husk of doctrines to reject).

Explain the history of angels, holy and evil, with verses

Scripture accounts for the history of the holy and evil angels, including Satan. 1. God created all the angels (Neh. 9:6; Ps. 148:2-5; Col. 1:16) at the outset of His creation of the earth (cf. Job 38:4-7). 2. Satan's fall (Ezek. 28:15) and the demons' rebellion (Rev. 12:4) would have occurred after Genesis 2 (the seventh day of creation) but before Genesis 3 (Eve's deception and Adam's disobedience).

List some biblical metaphors that illustrate our union with Christ

Scripture offers several illustrations that help flesh out the nature of our union with Christ. 1. A building on its foundation: Eph 2:19-22--Christ is the cornerstone at the base of a structure (cf. 1 Pet 2:5-8) and believers are the component stones that exist in unity, supported and secure on the foundation of the divine revelation delivered by the apostles and prophets. 2. The vine and its branches: John 15:1-11 pictures Christ as the vine from which all life and strength are derived. The branches only bear fruit when they abide in the vine, staying connected at all times in order to receive spiritual nourishment and growth. Believers must depend on Christ in every way and at all times if they are to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 3. Marriage: Christ is figured as the groom and head of the church (Eph 5:22-33), where the church is His bride (2 Cor 11:2; Rev 19:7; 21:9). Union with Christ is understood to be the most intimate relationship possible, with an unbreakable, permanent bond. 4. The Head and the body: Christ, who is the representative of His people, is the head and the church is His body (Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 12:12-13, 27; Eph 1:22-23). The head and body are so connected that what happens to one affects the other. Christ has fulfilled all righteousness and accomplished salvation, and as a result the body experiences the benefit of these accomplishments (cf. 1 Cor 15:22, 45)--what is true of the head is true organically of the body.

Respond to this question: "Is the Son of God eternally relationally and functionally subordinate to God the Father, or just in the incarnation?"

Scripture presents eternal functional subordination. Here are a few examples: 1. Creation was by the Father through the Son (1 Cor 8:6; John 1:2-3) with the activity of the Holy Spirit (Gen 1:2). 2. Salvation is initiated and guided by the Father and conducted through the Son from eternity past (Eph 1:3-6). 3. The Son is presently and forever subordinate to the Father as the Melchizekedian High Priest (Heb 5:8-10; 7:23-28) in order to provide present and eternal benefits to the redeemed (Heb 9:13-15). 4. At the end of the millennium, the Son will eternally subject Himself to the Father (1 Cor 15:24-28).

What Benefits Follow from Adoption?

Scripture records some privileges of adoption that encourage us in our faith. 1. We are no longer slaves to sin but children of God (Gal 4:6-7; Rom 8:14-17, 21; cf. 2 Cor 3:17). 2. The Holy Spirit confirms our right to hold status as God's children (John 1:12; Gal 4:6-7; Rom 8:15-16). 3. We exist in a loving relationship with the Father and call out to Him, "Abba! Father!" (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6) 4. He gives fatherly compassion and guidance (Ps 103:13; Rom 8:14). 5. He listens to our prayers and grants what we need as a father (Matt 7:11; Luke 11:11-13; 12:29-30, 32; Heb 4:16; 1 John 5:14). 6. He administers fatherly discipline for our spiritual welfare (Heb 12:5-11; Prov 3:11-12). 7. He provides us with brothers and sisters in the faith, with whom we enjoy spiritual unity (e.g., Acts 1:15-16; Rom 12:1; 16:14; Phil 4:1; 1 Tim 5:1-2; cf. Matt 12:46-50). 8. He guarantees us eternal life as "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" unto glorification (Rom 8:17; cf. 1 Cor 3:22b-23).

What does Scripture reveal about the character of Christ during His first advent?

Scripture reveals several aspects of Christ's character during His first advent: 1. He was absolutely Holy (Luke 1:35; Acts 3:14; 4:27; John 8:46; 1 Pet 1:15-16) 2. He had genuine Love (Mark 10:21; John 10:11; 13:1; 15:13; Rom 5:8) 3. He was truly Humble (Luke 2:7; Phil 2:5-8; 2 Cor 8:9; Mark 10:45) 4. He was thoroughly Meek and Gentle (Matt 11:29; 2 Cor 10:1; Matt 12:20 [Isa 42:3]; John 21:15-23) 5. He lived a balanced life: - Man of Sorrows (Isa 53:3ff; Psa 69:9; Rom 15:3; Heb 2:10) - Sublime Joy (John 15:11; 17:13) 6. He was a Man of Prayer (Matt 14:23; Luke 6:12; Matt 26:38-46; Heb 5:7) 7. He was a Diligent Workman (John 5:17; 9:4)

Discuss the Deity of the Holy Spirit

Several biblical emphases show that the Holy Spirit is Deity. 1. He holds divine titles. Titles like "Spirit of God" and "Spirit of Jesus Christ," or "Spirit of the Lord," show His relationship with the Father and with the Son. His titles describe His perfections, like "Holy Spirit," "Spirit of Holiness/Glory/Life/Truth/Grace/Wisdom." His titles depict His divine activities, like "Another Comforter," of the same kind/quality of Jesus--John 14:16; "Spirit of Life/Adoption/Wisdom." 2. He exercises divine perfections. He eternally holds all the divine perfections, but Scripture specifically highlights His omniscience (1 Cor 2:13), omnipotence (Job 33:4; Zech 4:6), omnipresence (Ps 139:7), truth (John 14:17), holiness (Matt 12:32), eternity (Heb 9:14), life, grace, glory. 3. He is recognized as God. a. Called Yahweh (Acts 28:25-27, with Isa 6:9-10) b. Called God (Acts 5:3-4, 9; parallel expression in 2 Sam 23:2-3). c. Co-equality with the Father and the Son (Isa 48:12-16; Matt 28:19-20; 2 Cor 13:14). 4. He is responsible for Divine Procession. a. He is spirated from the Father and the Son (necessary eternal act that establishes Trinitarian relationship). b. He proceeds from the Father (Ps 104:30; 1 Cor 2:11-12; Gal 4:6). c. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Son. (John 15:26; 16:7; 20:22; cf. Rom 8:9--"Spirit of Christ" and "Spirit of God")

Formulate how the doctrine of simplicity relates to the doctrine of the Trinity

Simplicity relates to the Trinity through the following formulation: The Trinity Is One True God (Isa 46:9--"I am God and there is no other") Simplicity states that God is not composed of parts (neither was he composed by another higher Being, nor does He exist as the sum of parts). There is only one divine essence or substance, not divided or distributed. God exists as a Person with the one essence of God, with all the divine perfections. Scripture presents three distinct Persons of God ("modes of subsistence," existing self-consciously, possessing the divine substance). Each Person of God must be equal in essence because there is only one divine essence, and it cannot be divided into parts. Thus, no one Person is greater in quality or Personhood than another. Since Scripture presents distinctions between the Persons, distinctions must have to do with their roles or relations, not with their actual existence (economic/relational distinctions rather than ontological distinctions of the Persons, because they are ontologically co-equal).

Describe the imputation of sin, with verses

Sin is imputed to the descendants of Adam (Ps 51:5; Rom 5:12, 18-19; Eph 2:3). When people choose to disobey God they manifest this reality. God is not the author of sin and cannot be blamed for its origination (Jas 1:13). Rom 5:12-21: - God's Law was to be upheld by all people, starting with Adam (vv. 13-14; cf. Rom 2:14-16). - Adam sinned (v. 12). - Adam is mankind's representative (vv. 12-19). - By sinning, Adam brought sin into the world (v. 12). - All people sin in Adam (v. 12). - Sin is in all people, regardless of whether they abide by a law or not (Rom 5:13; infant deaths are proof). - God counts all people as guilty of Adam's original sin (vv. 18-19). - Adam died because of sin (v. 12). - Death reigned through Adam (v. 17). - All people die because all people sin in Adam and are held guilty (v. 12, 15).

List and order some challenges to the doctrine of sufficiency

Some challenges to this doctrine include: 1. Other "revelations" (traditions of men, texts of the cults) 2. Competing fields of "expertise" (pragmatism, psychology, sociology)

What are some of Christ's divine attributes as presented in Scripture?

Some of Christ's divine attributes as presented in Scripture include: 1. Eternal (Micah 5:2; Rev 1:11) 2. Omnipresent (Matt 28:20; John 3:13) 3. Omniscient (John 2:24-25; Col 2:3; 1 Cor 4:5) 4. Omnipotent (1 Cor 1:24; Heb 1:3; Rev 1:8) 5. Immutable (Heb 1:10-12; 13:8) 6. Holy, Righteous (Isa 6:1-3; John 12:41; Heb 7:26) 7. He received worship (Matt 28:9, 17; John 9:38; Rev 5:11-13)

What are 9 of the works of Christ during His first advent?

Some of Christ's first advent works include: 1. Teaching (Matthew 4:23-24; 7:28-29) 2. Performing Miracles (Matt 8:16-17; John 12:37) 3. Sacrifice / Penal Substitutionary Atonement (Isa 53; Gal 3:13; John 10:14-18; Heb 9:11-14; 10:4-5; 1 Pet 2:24; 3:18) 4. Ransom / Mediation (Matt 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Tim 2:5-6; Heb 9:15) 5. Propitiation (Lev 16:2, 13-14; Rom 3:25; Heb 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). 6. Imputation of Righteousness (Ps 32:1-2; Rom 5:12; Phil 3:9) 7. Bodily Resurrection (Matt 28:9; Luke 24:36-39, 50-51; John 20:19; Rom 1:2-4; 1 Cor 15:3-6, 17-20; Eph 1:19-21) 8. Ascension (Acts 1:1-2; 9-11; 2:32-33; Phil 2:9-11; Heb 4:14; 7:26) 9. Intercession (John 17:9, 20; Rom 8:34; Heb 2:18; 4:15-16; 7:25)

What are some of Christ's divine works?

Some of His divine works include being: 1. Creator and Sustainer (Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:3) 2. Revealer of God the Father (John 1:18) 3. Forgiver of Sins (Luke 5:20-21) 4. Giver of Life (John 5:21-26; 10:27-29) 5. Exercise of Judgment (John 5:22, 27; 2 Cor 5:10)

Offer some titles for the Second Person of the Trinity that attest to His Deity

Some titles that attest to the Deity of the Second Person of the Trinity: 1. Jesus 2. Son of Man 3. Messiah, Christ 4. Lord 5. The Word, Logos 6. Son of God 7. Firstborn

Verses that support theology as "faith seeking understanding"

Some verses supporting this concept: Prov 1:7--The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. 1 John 5:20--And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Natural theology, as a form of the autonomous worldview, holds these 3 tenets

The 3 tenets include: 1. By correct use of reason and evidence, the unregenerate man can without assistance arrive at elementary religious truths. 2. Autonomous man may come to a proper interpretation of God's revelation in nature, history, and himself. 3. The mind of the natural man has sufficient rational powers to discover God on his own.

Simply state the 3 views as to man's constitution

The 3 views are: 1. Trichotomism 2. Dischotomism 3. Monism

List 5 methodological errors of natural theology

The 5 methodological errors include: 1. Theistic proof is constructed for "atheists" even though Romans 1 instructs that there are no atheists but immoral truth suppressors who do not need more information but need transformation. 2. Natural proofs are treated as brute facts that need no interpretation, but even if natural man could objectively understand these facts he would have no interpretive context in which to make spiritual discovery. 3. It assumes that man can impose his own logic based on his experience. Logic, however, belongs to God, and man is in no position to stand in judgment of God's logic. 4. It assumes a common ground between believers and unbelievers, that we seek the truth of God in the same way and with the same mind and heart attitude. 5. It assumes unbelievers are open-minded and morally neutral, contrary to Scripture.

5 sine qua non of theology

The 5 sine qua non are: 1. It must be grounded in the doctrines of the Bible. 2. It must be informed by the history of the church (creeds, confessions, tradition). 3. It must be articulated in the context of the church and culture. 4. It must be for the purpose of evangelism of the world. 5. It must be for the edification of the church.

Describe the biblical view as to when personhood begins, with verses.

The Bible teaches that personhood begins at conception. The creation of a human person is not a process but an event that begins with biological life. There are several reasons to take this view: 1. The person is formed in utero, and Scripture makes no distinction as to degree of personhood in or out of the womb (Job 10:8-11; Isa 44:24). 2. The fetus is considered a person within the womb. (Jacob and Esau are two struggling nations--Gen 25:22-23; John the Baptist leaped in the presence of the fetal Jesus--Luke 1:41, 44.) 3. The fetus holds some personal relationship with God. (Ps 139:13-16; Isa 49:1; Jer 1:5) By implication: Abortion is the murder: It is the killing of a conceived person, who has not committed a sin punishable by lawful death, is killed willfully and with sinful intent. According to Mosaic law, even inadvertently causing a miscarriage that results in injury or death to the baby requires capital punishment (Exod 21:22-25).

Briefly define and describe the Fall, with verses

The Fall is the term referring to the first sin of Adam and Eve which brought judgment upon both nature and mankind. According to Gen 3:1-24, Adam and Eve were the first humans to sin. Eve was seduced by Satan, the evil spiritual force controlling a literal serpent. She adopted the autonomous worldview, and nurtured a rebellious desire to be like God when she believed the lie that eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would give her divine enlightenment (cf. 1 Tim 2:14). Adam is rightly blamed for sin and death entering into the world because he is the representative head of humanity (Rom 5:12) and he was not deceived like Eve (1 Tim 2:14). The capacity to sin existed as a possibility within Satan, Adam, and Eve, and the volitional act of sin became an actuality for which all three were held accountable.

Which Person of the Trinity is the primary agent of the Effectual Call? How does He accomplish this call?

The Holy Spirit can be considered the primary agent of the effectual call, or regeneration. He accomplishes it through: 1. Illumination (1 Cor 2:6-16; 1 Pet 1:21) 2. Conviction (John 16:7-8) 3. Conversion (repentance and faith; cf. 1 Thess 1:5-9; 2:13)

List the Holy Spirit's Ministries to the Son

The Holy Spirit ministered to the Son at these 3 moments: 1. Conception and Birth (Matt 1:20; Luke 1:35) 2. During Ministry (Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1-2) 3. At Death (Heb 9:14)

List 20 of the Holy Spirit's ministries

The Holy Spirit's ministries include: 1. Creation (Gen 1:2; Isa 40:12-14; Job 33:4; likely Ps 33:6) 2. Revelation / Prophecy (1 Pet 1:10-11; 2 Pet 1:20-21; Jer 31:31-34 with Heb 10:15-17; Acts 1:16-20 quoting Pss 69:25 and 109:8) 3. Inspiration (2 Pet 1:20-21) 4. Preserving / Common Grace / Mercy (Ps 104:29-30; 145:9; Job 12:10; 34:14-15; Matt 5:45; Luke 6:35-36) 5. Regeneration (John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5) 6. Indwelling (Rom 8:11) 7. Empowerment (for OT service: Exod 31:3-5; Judg 3:10; 6:34; 14:19; 1 Sam 10:10; 11:6; 16:13; 19:2) 8. Sealing (Eph 4:30) 9. Baptism (1 Cor 12:13) 10. Adoption (Rom 8:15) 11. Testifying / Witnessing (Rom 8:16) 12. Sanctification (2 Cor 3:18; Phil 2:12) 13. Filling (Eph 5:18) 14. Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor 12-14) 15. Encouraging / Fellowship / Loving (Rom 15:30; 2 Cor 13:14; Phil 2:1) 16. Convicting (John 16:8) 17. Teaching (John 14:26; 15:26; 1 Cor 2:13) 18. Guiding / Leading (John 16:13; Rom 8:14) 19. Intercession (Rom 8:26) 20. Resurrection / Glorification (Rom 8:11, 23)

Explain the Eternal Procession / Spiration of the Spirit, using verses

The Spirit is described as a breath or wind (Gen 1:2; Matt 3:16; John 1:32; Acts 2:4). Christ breathed out the Holy Spirit on his disciples (John 20:22), His Spirit (Gal 4:6; Rom 8:9; Phil 1:19). Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit while claiming that the Spirit proceeds from the Father (John 15:26). Because there is no ontological subordination, spiration from the Father and from the Son does not subordinate the Spirit in terms of essence, glory, or majesty. Rather, the biblical witness to spiration and procession suggests a taxis, an intra-Trinitarian relational order that plays out in the opere ad extra, in God's external dealings with His creation.

Distinguish preserving grace from perseverance of the saints

The Triune God preserves the true believer by His "preserving grace": - God's will carry out His eternal purposes for the elect, including eternal life (2 Tim 1:9-10). - Glorification is so secure that it is spoken of in the past tense (Rom 8:30). The Perseverance of the Saints: - The elect have the responsibility to make every effort to persevere in faith during their lives as new creatures in Christ. - They must continue in the faith with a stable and steadfast hope (Col 1:22-23). - They must endure persecution (Matt 10:22). - They must combat the threat of false faith (Matt 24:12-13). - They must abide in God's Word unlike false brethren (John 15:10; Gal 2:4). Furthermore, false believers will not hold firm in the faith until the end (Heb 3:14). They will abandon their confession of faith (Matt 13:3-9, 18-23) and return to the world (1 John 2:19).

Explain how believers can accurately test their faith and be assured of their salvation?

The apostles want professing believers to test their faith: - 2 Cor 13:5--Examine whether you are united to Christ. - 2 Pet 1:10--Confirm your election. - John 20:30-31; 1 John 5:13--You can be sure that you will have eternal life. Evidences of Genuine Salvation include: 1. Fellowship with the Triune God--in love, joy, prayer, biblical discovery (1 John 1:3) 2. Fellowship with believers (1 John 1:3; 3:14) 3. Conviction and Encouragement by the Holy Spirit 4. Confidence through Answered Prayer 5. Holy Longings--a love for Christ that is not content until it sees Him face-to-face. 6. Spiritual Discernment 7. Continual Confession of Sin--recognition of the holy demands of God and the ongoing need for forgiveness in Christ 8. Increased Patterns of Obedience, Progress in Victory (1 John 2:3, 29) 9. Growing rejection of worldliness 10. Demonstrable rejection by the world (John 15:18-16:4)

Describe the biblical concept of the spirit of man

The biblical concept of man's "spirit" has several meanings: Heb. "ruach": - wind, breath, the life-force of animals, the Spirit of God. - the entire human person, - the divinely given life-force, - the inner functioning of the person similar to the Hebrew meaning of "soul." Gk."pneuma": also "wind," "breath" and the Holy Spirit, - the immaterial life-force of the human that interacts with God and the spiritual realm and departs at death. "Spirit" can be used interchangeably with "soul," because at times the terms function synonymously: Job 7:11; Eccl 12:7; Isa 26:9; Luke 1:46-47; John 12:27 with 13:21; Heb 12:23

Describe the biblical concept of the soul

The biblical term "soul" has a range of meanings. Heb. "nephesh" = range of meanings: - all biological life - a living being or person - the life-force or principle - the integrated source of inner functioning (intellect, will, emotion) - the divinely breathed immaterial part of man that departs the body at physical death. Gk. "psyche" = range of meanings: - the entire person - the specific identity or essence - the integrated source of inner functioning (intellect, will, emotion, morality, spirituality) - the immaterial part of man that returns to God at physical death.

Offer 4 summary statements about the perspicuity of Scripture

The doctrine can be summarized in 4 statements: 1. You don't have to be a scholar to understand the Bible, yet the Bible is deep enough to challenge the scholars. 2. The Bible is clear on essential matters. 3. One must use the normal and ordinary means of interpretation to understand Scripture. 4. While the unregenerate can "understand" some things he or she lacks the requirements to turn that into "real knowledge."

What are 5 evidences of biblical authority according to biblical evangelicalism?

The evidences include: 1. The prophets' messages ("Thus says the Lord") 2. Jesus' attitude toward the Bible ("Scripture cannot be broken," cf. John 10:35) 3. Paul's consciousness of writing from divine imperative (1 Thess 4:1-2) 4. Scripture's self-attestation 5. The witness of the Holy Spirit

Discuss 3 key biblical metaphors for the church

The following three metaphors emphasize that the Lord Jesus abides in His church, and the church in Him. 1. The bride of Christ (2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:23-32) 2. The body of Christ (Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:12, 27; Eph 4:12, 25) 3. The temple of God (1 Cor 3:16-17; 6:19-20; Eph 2:19-22; Heb 10:19-23; 1 Pet 2:4-8, 9-10)

Which of the 3 main views of the image of God best matches the scriptural data?

The image itself is that set of qualities that are required for the relationships and these functions to take place. They are those qualities of God which, reflected in man, make worship, personal interaction, and work possible. If we think of God as a being with qualities, we can accept the fact that man has such qualities as well. All three views are therefore correct, but only on the basis of the substantive view's recognition of the body as vehicle for the person can the other two views be correct.

Critique the "axiopistic" method of determining the credibility of Scripture

The method is not valid because it attempts to provide natural reasons to reach spiritual conclusions, thereby attempting to convince the nonbeliever, which draws upon the problems associated with the autonomous view of having access to divine truth through human apparatuses. (See the 5 methodological problems of natural theology to help undergird this answer.) For example, consider how BB Warfield employs his Scottish common sense realism in the wake of European higher criticism to explain the doctrine of inspiration: We should believe the Bible to be inspired because it is taught by the apostles, who are worthy of belief insofar as they accurately wrote trustworthy accounts of historical and other matters. Their accuracy on natural matters means that they can be trusted to deliver accurate spiritual truths on any doctrine, including inspiration. The problem is methodological: Warfield posits the doctrine of inspiration via human reasoning.

Explain authority in postmodernism

The postmodernist stop-gap to complete relativism is to construct theology in "community." Biblical truth must be filtered through culture today in order to be a final authority for the community. See postfoundationalists Grenz and Franke.

Briefly list the 2 terms and 5 key passages that describe the "image of God" in man

The terms "image" or "likeness" appear in a handful of passages: a. Genesis 1:26-27 The Triune God creates man and woman "according to our likeness," making humankind unique in the created order (cf. Ps 8:5). b. Genesis 5:1-3 - The distinction of genders was God's original design and received His blessing. - God's image extends to all humans since they are from Adam's line (cf. Rom 5:12-21; Ps 8:4-8). c. Genesis 9:6 Being created in God's image makes killing man a capital offense, as opposed to killing animals, because God's image bestows inestimable value on man. d. 1 Cor 11:7 The male gender holds a unique role as the earthly authority figure over the woman. e. James 3:9 All humans are unconditionally God's image bearers.

Use Titus 1:9 with regard to theology

Theology, doctrine and teaching: "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."

Use 2 Tim 4:2-3 with regard to theology

Theology, doctrine and teaching: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 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,"

Use Ps 119:33-34

Theology, doctrine and teaching: "Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart."

Use Isa 55:8-9 with regard to theology

Theology, knowing God: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Use Prov 1:1-7 with regard to theology

Theology, knowing God: "The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Use Deut 29:29 with regard to theology

Theology, knowing God: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."

Use Ps 40:5 with regard to theology

Theology, knowing God: "You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told."

Use John 20:31 with regard to theology

Theology, knowing God: "but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Discuss the Different Views of the Image of God in Man

There are 3 major views on the "image of God," which attempt to answer the question: Is the image of God something man has, does, or is? 1. The relational view: The relational view identifies the image of God as humanity's relationship to God. Man "has" a relationship and the relationship is established by the image. 2. The functional view: Here the image consists in something man does. It is a function which man "does" or performs, namely the exercise of dominion over the creation. 3. The "substantive" or "inner quality" view: Here the image consists in man's ontological qualities, including his existence in a complex unity--humanity is unique and different from the animal realm due to its spiritual, rational, and moral capacities. Dominion and relationship are made possible by the possession of the image, but they are not the image itself.

Describe the stages of sanctification, with verses

There are 3 stages of sanctification 1. Initial, Positional, or Definitive Sanctification - Regeneration begins the process of being conformed into the image of God's Son, signifying the initial, definitive cleansing from sin (John 3:5; Titus 3:5; cf. Ezek 36:25-27). - It is "definitive" and therefore referenced in the past tense (Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Cor 1:2; 6:11). - The converted sinner is now a purified believer who is set free from the dominion of sin. - Sin remains present in the believer as long as they live on the earth (Rom 7:14-25; cf. 1 John 1:8). 2. Progressive Sanctification - We can live in Christ's conquering power over sin. - Scripture continually calls believers to pursue and progress in holiness until he stands in holiness before the Lord (Heb 12:14). - Believers must mortify the flesh by the power of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies (Rom 8:13). - Believers must mature into their salvation (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). - Believers must continually press toward the heavenly prize (Phil 3:12-14) so that they are progressively transformed into the image of Christ (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 3:18). 3. Perfected Sanctification / Glorification - 1 John 3:2--when we finally stand face-to-face with the Lord we will be perfectly sanctified.

What are some of the problems inherent to listing and classifying God's attributes? Offer an example of the problem.

There are a few problems with lists and classifications of God's perfections: 1. Lists do not accurately portray the scope of God's perfections (there must be others that have not yet been revealed). 2. The attributes define what God is, they are predicated about God (God is love; God is holy). Lists can suggest that God is made up of parts, betraying His simplicity. 3. Lists can mask the fact that all attributes must be seen together, interplaying like facets of a diamond refracting light. (E.g., timelessness, omnipresence, and immensity must all work together because they are equally true of God's Being and therefore fully involved in the accomplishment of His purposes.) 3. Classifications provide definitions to concepts that are shrouded in mystery, even though we attempt to label them. (E.g., eternity remains highly unknowable to us.) 4. Classifications artificially polarize attributes that transcend categories. (E.g., there's a purity to all of God's perfections such that they are not truly communicable, even though we can manifest a sense of them in ourselves.)

List 10 Reasons why it was necessary for Jesus to be fully human, with verses

There are at least 10 Reasons why it was necessary for Jesus to be fully human: 1. For representative obedience (Rom 5:12-19; 1 Cor 15:45, 47; cf. Matt 4:1-11) 2. To be a substitute sacrifice (Heb 2:16-17; cf. Rom 6:23) 3. To be the only mediator between God and men (1 Tim 2:5; Heb 9:15; 10:19-21) 4. To fulfill the Creation Mandate (Ps 8:4-6 and Heb 2:5-9; cf. Gen 1:26-31), when He reigns in the future (Matt 28:18; Eph 1:22; Rev 3:21; 1 Cor 6:2-3) 5. To be our example and pattern in life (1 John 2:6; 3:2-3; 2 Cor 3:18; Rom 8:29; 1 Pet 2:21; Heb 12:2-3) 6. To be the pattern for our redeemed bodies (Phil 3:21; 1 Cor 15:42-44, 49; cf. v. 23) 7. To sympathize as High Priest (fully human emotions, temptations, and experience of God's grace--Heb 2:18; 4:15-16; cf. 2 Cor 5:21) 8. To reveal the Father (John 1:18; 14:7-11, 24-25; 16:27; Matt 5:45; 6:8; 1 John 3:1ff) 9. To destroy the works of the Devil (1 John 3:8; Heb 2:14-15; John 12:31; cf. Gen 3:15) 10. To give eternal life to the sheep (John 6:51; 10:10-11)

List 10 biblical evidences that support the claim that Jesus was fully human (without verses)

There are at least 10 biblical evidences: 1. Jesus had fully human flesh/composition 2. Jesus had a fully human development 3. Jesus had a fully human death 4. Jesus had fully human limitations 5. Jesus had fully human emotions 6. Jesus had a fully human way of life 7. Jesus had fully human temptations 8. Jesus had fully human limited knowledge 9. Jesus had a fully human reliance on the Spirit 10. Jesus has a fully human resurrection body

Discuss 3 reasons the Deity of Christ is important

There are at least 3 reasons why it is important: 1. If Christ was not God, He would have sin and thus been unable to perfectly atone for sins or fulfill the Law. 2. If Christ was not God, He would have been unable to recreate man into the image of God. 3. If Christ was not God, then His claims to deity were a lie and He should not be worshipped.

Simply list 3 views as to the origin of the soul

There are at least 3 views: 1. Preexistence of the soul (Plato, Origen) 2. Divine creation of each soul 3. Traducianism (generation by procreation)

List 5 reasons why the study of biblical anthropology benefits the Christian

There are at least 5 key reasons to study the topic of anthropology as it is presented in the Word of God. 1. Self-awareness To properly understand oneself and one's surroundings in one's specific time and place in history and in the world. 2. Purpose To understand man as unique in the created order--the pinnacle of creation, crowned as king and queen over the earth and all that dwells in it, and thus endued with inherent dignity. 3. Relationship to God God created man in His image to reflect Him on the earth in all ways, and to relate to Him as image-bearer. 4. Worldview Clarity A biblical anthropology guides us in applying a Christian worldview to important issues facing our world, including: abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, transgenderism, slavery, human and civil rights, castes and hierarchical structures, animal rights, and environmentalism. 5. Apologetics Understanding humanity from God's perspective provides the basis for a defense against false philosophies and religions, such as: those that assert that man is an accidental byproduct of evolution, without real value or eternal significance, those that support political and socioeconomic hierarchical systems, those that unduly link sexuality to personhood while denying morality and moral culpability, and those whose end goal is the denial of material personhood or improper elevation to divinity.

Simply list the 6 component parts of the human person that appear in Scripture

There are at least 6 component parts to the human person listed in Scripture: 1. Body 2. Soul 3. Spirit 4. Heart 5. Mind 6. Conscience

What are some implications of young-earth / sudden creationism for the study of anthropology?

There are several implications of this position on the study of man. 1. It matches the biblical understanding of God: A sudden creation reflects God's power and wisdom. (cf. Isa 44:24; Jer 32:17; Neh 9:6; Acts 14:15; Heb 1:10; Rev 4:11) 2. It aids believers in life and faith: Believers, by faith, draw application for holiness, work, rest, and worship of the glorious Creator. (cf. Exod 20:8-11; Pss 19:1; 33:6, 9; Rom 1:20; 4:17; Heb 11:3) 3. It teaches man about his nature a. Man did not evolve from a lower life form but was created as the apex of creation by divine fiat according to divine decree. (Gen 1:26-31; 2:7; 3:19-20; 5:1-2; Job 33:6; Eccl 3:20; 12:7; Luke 3:38; Acts 17:25-26; Col 1:16). b. Humankind is a unique, special creation, superior to all other life forms (Gen 1:28-30; Ps 8:4-9). c. Humans will retain their humanity in heaven, a glorified humanity (Dan 12:2-3; 1 Cor 15:35-50; Rev 22:3) d. God created two distinct genders for mankind (Gen 1:27; Matt 19:4). e. Woman is in no way ontologically inferior to man (Gen 2:21-23; 1 Cor 11:8, 12). f. Both men and women are created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27) yet are distinct from God (Hos 11:9). g. The creation of man and woman was "very good" and blessed, full of beauty and dignity (Gen 1:28, 31). 4. It teaches man about His function a. People were created with distinct purposes for their existence on the earth (Gen 1:26-30; 5:1-2). b. Humans are called to fill the earth by procreation and rule over all that dwells in the earth (Gen 1:26-28; Ps 115:16), even ruling in the coming new earth (Rev 21:1; 22:5). c. Humans were created to glorify God as sons and daughters in every aspect of their lives (Isa 43:6-7; 1 Cor 10:31). d. Humans did not need to adapt or evolve to survive in unstable surroundings but were created in an already suitable habitat (Gen 1:26). e. Humans did not evolve intellectual capacity for basic survival skills over long periods of time, but immediately held dominion over creation (Gen 1:26-30; 2:19-20). f. Humans will serve the Creator into eternity (Rev 22:3). 5. It teaches man about his relationships a. Humans relate first to God because they depend entirely on Him for life and sustenance. (Ps 24:1; Acts 17:24; 1 Cor 10:26) b. Humans must know the Creator's will and serve Him rather than themselves (Rom 1:18-25), as He holds their souls to account (Luke 12:20; cf. Rom 2:4-5). c. Man was designed to need the companionship of a woman (Gen 2:18--solitude was "not good"), thus the institution of marriage between image-bearers (Gen 2:23-25). d. The woman, as the complement to man, is distinct from the man within the unity of their humanity and marriage (Gen 1:26-27; 2:23-24).

What are some means whereby God sovereignly superintends reprobation?

There are several means by which God sovereignly executes the decree of reprobation. However, God is not rightly charged with blame because He is never the Efficient Cause of evil. He is the Ultimate Cause. 1. Hardening the heart. Evildoers, like Israel's enemies, are hardened and brought to the destruction that they deserved (e.g., Pharaoh in Exod 4:21; 14:4, 8; cf. Rom 9:17; Deut 2:30; Josh 11:20). 2. Divinely deluding sinners. According to 2 Thess 2:11-12, sinners are confirmed in their unbelief, rejecting the truth and taking pleasure in unrighteousness. They get what they deserve in the end. 3. "Blinding the eyes." A spiritual blinding so that sinners cannot and will not repent (John 12:37-40; cf. Isa 6:9-10).

Explain 2 aspects as to how man, created in the image of God, represents God

There are two aspects as to how mankind represents God: sonship and kingship. 1. Sonship a. The term "likeness" evidences a relationship between a progenitor and his offspring (cf. Gen 5:3 Adam and Seth). b. God is the Father of man, who is in His likeness. Humans represent God on the earth as sons and daughters. c. But the filial relationship established at creation was broken by the fall; sonship is now established by spiritual adoption. 2. Kingship a. Man glorifies God by being in His image and by taking up his rightful rule on the earth (Ps 8:5). b. As earthly king, man is called to gloriously represent the rule of the Sovereign King. (E.g., Gen 2:19-20--Adam names the animals). c. Mankind will forever be the earthly ruler (Heb 2:5-9; 1 Cor 15:27), because of Jesus, who is the human image of God (2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15). d. Therefore the image of God in man is most visible when man acts properly as God's "vice-regent," governing over the world on the authority of the supreme King as His appointed mediator, conforming to the perfect example of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 8:29).

Offer the biblical rationale for those who hold to the divine creation of each soul

There is some biblical warrant for understanding that God creates each individual soul immediately and directly at the time of the conception of the body, including the following: 1. Gen 2:7 (creation of Adam's soul) 2. Eccl 12:7 (God gives and takes back the soul) 3. Isa 42:5 (God gives people their spirits) 4. Isa 57:16 (God made the breath of life in people) 5. Zech 12:1 (God forms the spirit of man within him) 6. Heb 12:9 (God is the Father of spirits)

Rationalism and Empiricism are historical examples of which worldview?

They are historical examples of the false worldview of Autonomy.

Describe authority in biblical evangelicalism

They would define it as a property of Scripture whereby it possesses the right to command what believers are to do and prohibit what they are not to do. Such authority is a corollary of inspiration: because God is its author, Scripture possesses divine authority.

Discuss the identity of the Angel of Yahweh

This OT designation refers to a unique, one-of-a-kind messenger (cf. Gen 21:17; 24:7, 40; Exod 23:23; Isa 63:9; Mal 3:1). 1. He is just like Yahweh: - He holds the same divine rights and prerogatives as Yahweh and is thus referred to as Yahweh (Gen 16:11-13; 22:9-18; 32:24-30; Exod 3:2-6, 14; Judg 13:21-23). 2. He is distinct from Yahweh: - He is described as one sent from Yahweh (Exod 23:20-23; 32:34; Num 20:16) - He speaks with Yahweh (Zech 1:12-13). 3. He shares the divine nature: - He claims to have a divine nature (Gen 31:11, 13; Exod 3:2-5; 23:20-21; Judg 13:17-18; Mal 3:1). - Witnesses identified him as divine (Gen 16:11-13; Judg 6:22-23; 13:21-22). - He displays divine attributes and exerts divine prerogatives (Gen 48:16; Exod 23:21; 33:14; Isa 63:9; Zech. 3:3-4). - When the angel of Yahweh made promises, God made them (Gen 16:10; 22:15-17; cf. 12:2; 13:16). - The "angel of the Lord" receives worship (Gen 22:11-13; Exod 3:5; Josh 5:15; Judg 6:21; 13:20). 4. OT assertions of the deity of the Angel of the Lord match NT assertions of the Lord Jesus Christ. - Both took the name of "the Lord" and claimed to be eternal (Gen 16:11-13; 22:9-18; John 1:1; 8:58; 17:5). - Both were asserted to be God (Exod 3:2-6; Judg 13:17-18; John 1:1; 5:18; 10:33; 2 Pet 1:1; 1 John 5:20). - Both evidence plurality in the Godhead (Exod 23:20-23; Isa 6:1, 8 [with John 12:41-42]; Zech 1:12-13; Matt 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 15:26; 2 Cor 13:14). - Both revealed and explained God to man (John 1:18; 10:30; 12:45; 14:7, 9; 2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15, 19; 2:9; Heb 1:3).

Prove the existence of God with verses

This can be proven with: Gen 1:1--He is before our beginning Acts 14:17--common grace is a witness to His existence Acts 17:24-28--He is the sovereign Creator Rom 1:18-20--Creation attests to His invisible attributes Rom 2:14-15--everyone's conscience bears witness that the law is written on the heart

What ancient heresies does the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed appear to combat?

This creed combatted: Arianism Apollinarianism (God in a Bod--Logos overtakes a body) Pneumatomachianism (Son eternal but not of like essence with the Father; Spirit created, not a Person) Ebionism (rejection of Son's pre-existence as Deity, virgin birth)

What ancient heresies does the Chalcedonian Creed appear to combat?

This creed combatted: Monophysitism/Eutychianism (one hybridized nature only) Nestorianism (two separate natures, thus two persons in the body of Jesus)

Trace the soteriological framework for the doctrine of union with Christ

This soteriological framework of union with Christ can be seen in the following 9 biblical assertions: 1. Election by the Father is rooted in our union with Christ (Eph 1:4; 2 Tim 1:9). 2. Our union with Christ means our sin was imputed to Christ and punished accordingly (1 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:24) so that we are said to have died with Christ, having been crucified with Him (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12), and then raised from the dead with Christ (Eph 2:6; Col 2:12; 3:1), now being enthroned with Him in heaven (Eph 2:6). 3. Redemption and forgiveness are in Christ (Eph 1:7; Col 1:14). 4. We are a new creation, born again in Christ (Eph 2:5, 10; 2 Cor 5:17). 5. We are united to Christ in His perfect life of obedience, clothed in His righteousness (Gal 3:27; Phil 3:9; cf. Matt 3:15) and credited with His obedience (Rom 5:19; 1 Cor 1:30). 6. Laying hold of Christ's righteousness leads to being justified in Him (Gal 2:17-21) so that there is no longer any condemnation (Rom 8:1). 7. We are adopted into the family of God through Christ (Eph 1:5; Gal 3:26). 8. We are now being sanctified in Christ for holiness and service to God (1 Cor 1:2). By staying united to Him we bear the fruit of righteousness (John 15:4-5; Rom 7:4; Eph 4:15-16). 9. Physical death is "in Christ" (1 Thess 4:14, 16), as will be our bodily resurrection (Rom 6:5; 1 Cor 15:20-22).

Describe Universal (General, Unlimited) Atonement

This view attempts to answer the question, For whom did Christ die? Christ died for all people without exception. Some proponents are complete universalists. Others are hypothetical universalists: - Christ's provision of atonement is for all men, but His application of it is only to the elect. - Christ only applies saving benefit to those who believe, though He could have died for both His sheep and for the goats. - Christ's sacrifice is only a potential atonement until the sinner repents and believes. Seen in: Arminianism 4-point Calvinism (Molinism, Amyraldism)

Explain regeneration with verses

Though God calls all people everywhere to repent and believe the gospel (Acts 17:30), sinners in their natural state reject the truth as folly (1 Cor 2:14). Regeneration is understood as the effectual call of the elect, and is marked by new life or spiritual rebirth. Because people are dead in their sin (Eph 2:1-3) they cannot accept spiritual things (1 Cor 2:14), and thus must be regenerated ("born again") by the will of the Father (John 3:3, 5; 6:65) in order to enter God's kingdom and please God (Heb 11:1, 6). According to Ephesians 2:4-5 God's call of the elect was issued while the they were dead in their sins (Eph 2:1-3), so that they were "made alive together with Christ." Rebirth is marked by belief in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:1) and the practice of righteousness (1 John 2:29) and love (1 John 4:7). Other verses on regeneration: John 3:3, 5-7 (Nicodemus) Titus 3:5 (washing of regeneration) 1 Pet 1:23 (born again of imperishable seed)

Describe 3 categories of consequences of the Fall

Three categories of consequences of the Fall include: 1. Personal Consequences a. Guilt and Shame b. Total Depravity 2. Relational Consequences Three areas: a. Relationship with God, resulting in spiritual separation. b. Relationship with other people, resulting in conflict. c. Connection with the creation, resulting from the curse. 3. Ultimate Consequences a. Physical Death (Gen 2:16-17; 3:19; Job 14:14; Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 15:22) b. Spiritual Deadness (Rom 5:18-19; Eph 2:1-3) c. Eternal Death (Rev 20:12-15)

How does one form a biblical doctrine?

To do this we must study the Bible (exegetically, according to the literal, historical grammatical hermeneutic). But we must employ the analogy of Scripture so that the doctrines emerge from the passages and order themselves until the system begins to emerge.

Discuss the Purpose of the Tribulation

To judge nations and chastise Israel.

What is the value of Christ's Preexistence for Christology?

Understanding His preexistence does the following: 1. It reveals His identity. a. It is proof of His deity. b. It is a revelation of His nature/Person; He is eternal; He is Sovereign (over time itself) c. It teaches that He has always been the revealer of God and the source of wisdom and Truth. d. It is essential to the truth that He is the Creator. 2. It shapes our theology. a. It helps us understand the Trinity. b. It is a prerequisite truth for understanding the Incarnation and makes the Incarnation even more astounding. c. It helps us to understand the unity of the theology of the two Testaments; increasing the value and use of the OT for NT believers (e.g., understanding theophanies). 3. It informs our worship. a. It deepens our understanding of Him, our relationship with Him; we have more knowledge about Him, so we can more fully trust in Him. b. It proves His uniqueness (relative to other major religions of the world). c. It assures us that when He speaks about heaven (in the gospels) He is rooted in a reality beyond our comprehension.

Why is it important to understand the image of God in man?

Understanding the Scripture's teaching on the image of God in man is necessary in order to respond to the extreme views of man. (Think of the implications for evangelism, apologetics and discipleship; Understanding the Scripture's teaching on the image of God in man is necessary to understand ourselves.) Scripture teaches that man is a unique creation of God. Man is not the measure of all things, but a creature, dependent upon and beholden to the Creator. Man is not an accident but a purposeful and valuable being made "in the image and likeness of God.

Provide several biblical assertions about the believer's union with Christ

Union with Christ is asserted in at least 6 ways in the New Testament. 1. The believer has been crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20) 2. The believer has been died with Christ (Rom 6:8; Col 2:20) 3. The believer has been buried with Christ (Rom 6:3) 4. The believer has been "raised with Christ" (Col 3:1) 5. The believer is now seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Eph 2:6) 6. The believer is now "hidden with Christ in God" (Col 3:3), because "Christ is [the believer's] life" (Col 3:4).

What passages support the claim that Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father?

Verses include: John 5 John 6:38 John 8:29, 46 John 14:30-31 Philippians 2:8

What key verses support the doctrine of inerrancy?

Verses supporting the doctrine include: 1. Descriptions of the Perfection and Truth of Scripture: Psalms 12:6; 18:30; 19:7; 119:89, 151, 160; Proverbs 30:5-6 2. Ascriptions of the Soundness and Truth of Scripture: John 10:35; 17:17

List common activities of Satan, with verses

• He "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8). • He tells lies (John 8:44) and influences people to lie (Acts 5:3). • He disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:13-15). • He snatches the gospel from unbelieving hearts (Matt 13:19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12). • He holds unbelievers under his power (Eph 2:2; 1 John 3:8-10; 5:19). • He traps and deceives unbelievers, holding them captive to do his will (2 Tim 2:26). • He tempts believers to sin (1 Cor 7:5; Eph 4:27). • He seeks to deceive the children of God (2 Cor 11:3). • He takes advantage of believers (2 Cor 2:11). • He seeks to destroy the faith of believers (Luke 22:31). • He torments the servants of God (2 Cor 12:7). • He thwarts the progress of ministry (1 Thess 2:18). • He wages war against the church (Eph 6:11-17).