Systematic Theology (Dr. Wayne Grudem)

What does Liberal Protestant Theology teach about the nature of the Bible?

"That it is a fallible human record of religious thought and experience." Which equates to outdated teachings that must be rejected in the modern era.

What did the Paschal Letter contain?

All of the books of our current New Testament canon and our Old Testament canon with the exception of Esther.

Universalism

All people who have ever lived will be saved (because God loves everyone and won't judge anyone).

Religious Pluralism

All sincere religious people from all religions will be saved (because all religions are different paths to the same God).

Should translations of the Bible be encouraged or discouraged and if so, why?

Encouraged, because it complies with the Great Commission and allows for the Word of God to be understand and read in all languages for all believers.

Will some new fact ever contradict the Bible?

Facts will only strengthen the reliability of Scripture. It simply cannot contradict the Words of God who knows all and never lies.

(T/F) Jesus and the Pharisees have a written record of disputing the extent of the Old Testament canon.

False (no record exist and thus is another reason to accept the O.T. canonicity as it is presented).

How does Jesus rebuke/correct those that misinterpret the scriptures?

"Have you not read", "Have you not read in the Law", 'Have you not read what David did", "Go and learn what this means", "are you a teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?" etc.

What major Christian organization claims the Apocrypha as canonical? (Minus 1-2 Esdras and the Prayer of Manasseh)

Roman Catholic Church (although not until 1546).

In what book did Jerome include the Apocrypha? Not as canonical but as "books of the church."

The Latin Vulgate (AD 404)

What (3) regional councils acknowledged the Apocrypha as Scripture?

The North African church councils, the Council of Hippo (AD 393) and the Councils of Carthage (AD 397 and 419).

Other evidence is useful, but not finally convincing. What is the most convincing piece of evidence outside of the Bible that speaks to its true God inspired reliability?

The Westminster Confession

What was one of the great consequences of the Reformation?

Universal literacy for both boys and girls. All parents wanted their children to be able to read the Bible.

What are the different views of how people can be saved?

Universalism, Religious Pluralism, Inclusion, Annihilationism, Postmortem Evangelism, and Exclusion.

How should Christians study Systematic Theology?

We should study through prayer, humility, reason, help from others, collecting/understanding all the relevant passages of Scripture, and with rejoicing/praise.

What are (4) problems with denying inerrancy of Scripture?

(1) A serious morale problem of God speaking falsely, thus can we as well? (2) We begin to wonder if we can trust anything God states or promises. (3) We make our own human minds a higher standard of truth than God's Word. (4) We must then state that the Bible is wrong in both minor details and potentially major doctrines as well.

What are the (5) characteristics of Scripture?

(1) The Bible is necessary for knowledge of the Gospel, (2) The Bible is necessary for maintaining spiritual life, (3) The Bible is necessary for certain knowledge of God's will, (4) The Bible is NOT necessary for knowing that God exists, and (5) The Bible is NOT necessary for knowing something about God's character and moral laws.

What are some challenges to inerrancy?

(1) The Bible is only authoritative for matters of "faith and practice", (2) The term "inerrancy" is a poor term and is never actually used in the Bible, (3) We have no inerrant manuscripts, talking of one is then misleading, (4) The Biblical writers "accommodated" their messages in minor detail to false ideas current in their day and taught or affirmed those ideas, (5) Inerrancy overemphasizes the Divine aspect of Scripture and neglects the human aspect, (6) There are some clear errors in the Bible.

What are (3) common objections to studying Systematic Theology?

(1) The conclusions are 'too neat' to be true, (2) the choice of topics dictates the conclusions, and (3) one cannot just get doctrine directly from the pages of Scripture.

What are some examples of these difficult texts?

(1) The order of Jesus' temptations (Matt. 4:3-8; Luke 4:3-9), (2) The order of Theudas and Judas (Acts 5:34-39 and Josephus in Jewish Antiquities 20.97-98), (3) Take sandals and a staff OR don't take sandals or a staff? (Matt. 10:9-10; Mark 6:8-9, Luke 9:3).

When there are Doctrinal disagreements, if the fault is not with the Bible; what are the possible causes for disagreements?

(1) We are seeking to make affirmations where Scripture itself is silent, (2) We have simply made mistakes in our interpretations of Scripture.

Because the Meaning of Scripture can be known, Christians can then proclaim 5 principles with confidence.

(1) We can proclaim the Gospel because we know what it says and means , (2) That we should all be reading Scripture daily for all our lives, (3) We can teach biblical doctrines to our churches, (4) We can teach biblical ethics to our churches, and (5) Write and teach the Church what the Whole Bible teaches about important issues.

According to Dr. Grudem, how can one argue against the philosophical statement: "We do not know everything, so that requires us to be somewhat uncertain about everything we do claim to know."

(1) We must either learn all facts of the universe that no subsequent facts will prove our present ideas as false OR (2) We accept that there is one who does know all the facts of the universe and we can then be sure that He will never be contradicted. In this, it is correct (and logical) to say that for people who are not omniscient, the Bible is necessary for certain knowledge about anything.

What is the Role of Scholars?

(1)They can teach Scripture clearly, (2) They can explore new areas of understanding the teachings of Scripture, (3) They can defend the teachings of the Bible, and (4) They can supplement the study of Scriptures for the Church.

How many historical books are there and what are they?

(13) Joshua, Judges-Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah-Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, The Twelve Minor Prophets as (1) book. (Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, , Zechariah, and Malachi).

How many hymns and precepts for conduct are there and what are they?

(4) Psalms, Song of Solomon, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes

How many books of Moses are there and what are they?

(5) Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

How many New Testament books were NOT written directly by an Apostle and what were they?

(5) Mark, Luke, Acts, Hebrews, and Jude

The Chicago Statement of Inerrancy contained how many points and articles?

(5) Points and (19) Articles

When were there no further additions to the Old Testament canon?

435 BC

What is the difference between Major and Minor Doctrines?

A Major Doctrine is one that has a significant impact on our thinking about other doctrines or our Christian life. A Minor Doctrine is one that has very little impact on how we think about other doctrines and minimal impact on our Christian life.

What is Doctrine?

A doctrine is what the whole Bible teaches us today about some particular topic.

Historical Theology

A historical study of how Christians in different time periods have understood various theological topics

When did Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, write the Paschal Letter?

AD 367

Postmortem Evangelism

After unbelievers die, they will be given another opportunity (or a first opportunity) to trust in Christ, and most or all of them will be saved this way.

Systematic Theology

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

What is considered the (2) forms of the "Word of God?"

As a person (Jesus Christ) and in forms of God's speech.

What are the (4) Major Characteristics of the Bible?

Authority, Clarity, Necessity, and Sufficiency of Scripture.

According to Dr. Grudem, how can a member of the old covenant be saved if the only way to be saved is by belief in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus?

By a "forward believing" faith that embraced and believed the coming Messiah not only was coming, but that He would reconcile the sin of the world as the Redeemer of His people.

How does studying theology benefit our lives?

By helping us overcome our wrong ideas, make better decisions, and will help us grow as Christians.

How do God's people become convinced and claim the Bible to be the spoken Word of God?

By reading the Word and when the Holy Spirit speaks in and through the words of the Bible to our hearts. It is here that believers gain the inner assurance that they hear the true words of God.

In the command to teach "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), the argument for clarity of Old Testament Scripture is strengthened by whom being present when teachings occur? (Deut. 6:6-7)

Children

What kind of argument does everyone implicitly or explicitly use when defending their authority of belief?

Circular Argument (ex. We claim that Scripture is the Word of God because it claims it. We then believe that this claim is true because Scripture is the Word of God.)

What is the morale issue of scriptural clarity in regards to our individual accountability to God?

For God to hold us morally accountable to the Scriptures and obeying His Word, He would have to give us clear and concise commands. To provide ones that are confusing or not understood would be contradicting to grace.

How are some of the New Testament writings given their canonicity?

From the Apostleship of those Apostles that wrote them directly.

Why must Genesis and Revelation "book-end" the Bible?

Genesis must be first as it tells of original creation, thus Revelation must be last for it tells us of the future and God's new creation.

Special Revelation

God's communication of Himself and His will to particular people through His word and Jesus Christ

What are the forms of God's speech?

God's decrees, words of personal address, speech through human lips, and in written form (Bible).

What is the Greek word for "Scriptures" as it pertains to New Testament while also referring to the Old Testament?

Graphe (referred 51 times in N.T.)

What does Jesus blame as the source of misunderstanding the Scriptures?

He blames those individuals who misunderstand or refuse to accept them. The blame is always on the reader and never on the Scriptures.

What must be the normative authority for what we should believe?

It is Scripture alone and not "conservative evangelical tradition" or any other human authority.

What is the theological reason for affirming the clarity of Scripture?

It is found in the Nature of God

Who wrote "Christianity and Liberalism"?

J. Gresham Machen

How were the Apostles able to recall accurately the words and deeds of Jesus and to interpret them rightly for subsequent generations?

Jesus promised to empower His disciples through the Holy Spirit. (John 14:26)

What Jewish historian correlates the history of the Old Testament canon by deeming other writings not "worthy of equal credit?"

Josephus (Against Apion 1.41 and Jewish Antiquities 11.184)

What is the conclusion of comparatives between Liberal Theology and Christianity?

Liberalism is NOT Christianity, it is another religion altogether.

The earliest Christian list of the Old Testament books that exists today is by whom?

Melito, bishop of Sardis, about AD 170.

How can inerrancy be maintained in "loose" or "free quotations"?

Much of the original languages the Bible was written in did not have certain kinds of punctuation to discern between direct and indirect statements. The correct representation is then established in the content of what was said, not how it was stated word for word.

Should we expect any more writings to be added to the canon?

No, God's speech to us by his Son is the culmination of his speaking to mankind and is his greatest and final revelation to humankind in this period of redemptive history.

How many times do the New Testament authors and/or Jesus quote the Apocrypha?

None

When was the Chicago Statement of Inerrancy written?

October 26, 1978

Exclusivism

Only those who have heard of Christ and trusted in Him will be saved.

Jesus and the New Testament authors quote various parts of the Old Testament as divinely authoritative how many times?

Over 295

Inclusivism

People can only be saved through the redeeming work of Christ, but all people who ever lived will still be saved, because after people die they will find who had never heard of him or believed him.

Annihilationism

People who have not believed in Christ will not be saved, but after they die they will not be punished (or not for very long) because they will be annihilated and cease to exist.

Apologetics

Providing a defense of the truthfulness of the Christian faith for the purpose of convincing unbelievers

What Jewish community left behind the Dead Sea Scrolls?

Qumran

Eisegesis

Reading or inserting your own interpretations, opinions, biases, or ideas into the Scriptural text.

How can we obtain knowledge that God exists and knowledge of some of HIs attributes?

Simply by observing themselves and the world around them.

Philosophical Theology

Studying theological topics largely without use of the Bible, but using the tools and methods of philosophical reasoning and what can be known about God from observing the universe

New Testament Theology

Studying theological topics that pertain only to what the New Testament would teach about it.

Old Testament Theology

Studying theological topics that pertain only to what the Old Testament would teach about it.

What is the difference between Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics?

Systematic Theology emphasizes what God wants us to believe and know, while Christian Ethics emphasizes what God wants us to do and what attitudes to have.

What does Peter claim about the clarity of Scripture?

That it is "hard to understand" (not impossible) and that "the ignorant and unstable twist it to their own destruction." (2 Peter 3: 15-16)

What is the earliest collection of God's written words?

The 10 Commandments

Define Clarity of Scripture

The Bible is written in such a way that it is able to be understood, but right understanding requires time, effort, the use of ordinary means, a willingness to obey, and the help of the Holy Spirit; and our understanding will remain imperfect in this lifetime.

How does the Bible maintain inerrancy with unusual or uncommon grammatical constructs?

The Bible uses multiple different variations of literary forms, guidelines, and methods. No where within its writings does it claim perfection in things such as grammar, style, or spelling. Again, content is the focal point.

Why do we need certain requirements to deepen our understanding of the Scriptures and what are they?

The Complexity of the Subject Matter, The Value of the Relationship, and The Value of the Lifelong Process.

Even a non-Christian can know God's existence and character which enables __________________ to make sense to their heart and mind.

The Gospel

Biblical Inerrancy

The inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.

General Revelation

The knowledge of God's existence, character, and moral law, which comes through creation to all humanity.

Exegesis

The process of interpreting a text of Scripture

What system used by primitive religions throughout history attests to the fact that humans can know of God's existence as the creator, that they owe Him obedience, and have sinned against Him?

The sacrificial system

Hermeneutics

The study of correct methods of interpreting texts.

Objections to the Clarity of Scripture

Theological Liberalism, Postmodern Hermeneutics, and Roman Catholic Teaching.

How do the Words of Scripture self-attesting?

They cannot be "proved" to be God's words by appeal to any higher authority. For if one tries an appeal to make something else a higher authority (historical accuracy, logical consistency, etc.) then, the Bible is no longer our highest authority.

How were these books acknowledged as New Testament canon?

They were either directly or indirectly acknowledged by an apostle as divinely inspired and written. (The early church acknowledged them as well).

How does the Bible claim authority as God's Word?

Through hundreds of verses that claim the Bible is God's Words and how the verse(s) are phrased. (Thus says the Lord, What the Lord had spoken by the Prophet, every word that comes from the mouth of God, God created them "and said", etc.)

What are the requirements for understanding Scripture rightly?

Time, Effort, The use of Ordinary Means, Willingness to Obey, the Help of the Holy Spirit, and A humble recognition the our Understanding is Imperfect

What exhortation affirms an expectation that even the "ordinary" believers in the congregation could understand the Scriptures?

To read the Scriptures aloud

(T/F) The Bible never views human speculation apart from the Word of God as a sufficient basis on which to rest saving faith.

True

The Necessity of Scripture

the Bible is necessary for knowing the gospel, for maintaining spiritual life, and for knowing God's will, but it is not necessary for knowing that God exists or for knowing something about God's character and moral laws

Inerrancy has to do with _______________, not with the degree of _______________ with which each events are reported.

truthfulness, precision