Research Paper on Biblical Theology: Knowing What We Believe

Introduction

Biblical theology study and the ability to interpret the critical doctrinal beliefs not only for the religious leaders but also the Christians in general. Considering the development of many biblical articulations, which at times confuse the Christians, it is vital to learn and understand the word of God from the theology perspective. True Christians are called not just to believe but also know what they think. The Christians have to learn and understand what the biblical authors wrote so that they can pass the knowledge to other people. The only way one can share the scripture is by having confidence that the old and new testaments covey the accurate word of God. Both believers and non-believers generally question the scripture; therefore, Christians need to attain theological knowledge to clear doubts in people. People who know the scripture through the study are notably different from those who rely on church teachings. This paper analyzes the importance of theological education and how it strengthens Christians' ability to articulate doctrinal beliefs.

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Methodology

The research seeks to review various literature works by different authors. Some of those works include books and articles. The used sources profoundly focus on the importance of theological study and the impact it has on the way Christians convey the scripture message.

Results

Importance of Biblical theology

Biblical theology act as a path through which Christians can hear and understand the bible scriptures holistically. It is also an attempt to give a biblical story in the form of a scripture. Besides, "It's a story; therefore, that has an authoritative and normative claim on our lives, because it's the story of God's glory in salvation through judgment." The biblical doctrine speaks about God and the relationship he has with man, which is only proved by a belief. John M. Frame in "Systematic theology" says that systematic theology is crucial to the daily life of a Christians, but the burden and challenges that come with it is paramount for them to withstand. Individuals who study theology are better prepared for the future challenges of the scripture. Packer adds that "Whatever the new doctrinal controversies are in future years, those who have learned systematic theology well will be much better able to answer the new questions that arise." Systematic theology offers a chance to an individual to see how much scripture is right and then decide to serve God willingly. Most of Christians who go to for theology studies have the purpose of spreading the word of God. However, the rest of Christians need to learn theology so they can defend themselves when challenged by the non-believers.

According to Goll, biblical theology evaluates the story of the Old Testament and the New Testament and the interrelationship between the two stories. The study slowly unfolds how God reveals himself to man throughout the scriptures. Biblical knowledge is paramount for the redemption of personal salvation for the believers of the word. Biblical theology is also needed for the spiritual growth, which leads to obedience, holy living, and transformation to a born again through the knowledge and revelation of scripture.

Family and Marriage

God created both men and women differently to suit their various responsibilities. In the beginning, during creation, God created a man with his image and gave him powers to rule over all other living creatures. God then created man a help; woman. The creator then addresses their union by commanding the man to be the head of the family, provide and love his wife as the Christ love church. The wife is commanded to obey and submit to her husband as he is the head of the family. These commands are often misunderstood with unilateral submission between man and woman. However, women should be humble and wait to be guided in the marriage by the head. In today's society, marriage commands are not followed. The families are attacked by the need for equality and freedom between men and women. Theological knowledge is helpful, especially for the marriage counselors to put back the families in line.

In the current culture, marriage is an institution that one spouse can enter and leave at any time they wish. People are joined by their social interested and need instead of the biblical purpose of marriage. Consequently, couples can decide to divorce each other at any given time for a better suiter. The bible is very particular for the intention of marriage. It is not a gathering that one attends to for traditions and social benefits. A union is divine, and God's idea. It is to be respected and preserved through the guidance of the word of God. The scripture is explicit on the separation of a man and a woman. "For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:3-6, ESV). This means that divorce is not an option in marriage.

How Biblical theology strengthens the Christian's Ability to Articulate Key Doctrinal Beliefs

For the true believers to minister the word of God, they need to familiarize with the bible thoroughly. This is because both believers and non-believers will question everything they teach. Undergoing theological study help them to answer questions that might be raised by their followers during the ministry. Solomon said, "Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors, there is victory" (Pro. 11:14). Cruz adds that learning that the biblical authors were divinely inspired is the first step towards articulating the gospel. Through the word of God the Holy Spirit can penetrate the heart of a Christian. Believers through the knowledge attained in theological studies can receive the Holy Ghost in which they administer the word of God.

Packer says that through believing and trusting in the scripture, Christians can see them working and miracles of God. By learning biblical theology, believers can see and recognize the works of God from the actions of evil. That way, they can rebuke the evil spirits. The exact nature of God is known to human beings through the testimonies. Other religions are based on different philosophies and ideologies. However, Christianity is rooted in the bible. The scripture clears a path for the believers to follow towards finding eternal life. Therefore, believers rely on bible knowledge to lie according to the word of God. The theology leaners are quite conversant with the right ways in which an individual could use to be righteous. They apply the knowledge by living a virtuous life which acts as a light for the world. Just like any other people, Christians are judged by their characters. An excellent characteristic of a believer will serve as a letter which preaches the gospel. Finally, Svensson says that for the Christians to articulate the doctrines of their beliefs well, they need the basic knowledge of the bible. Other than the need to sink into the salvation, word interpretation, and spiritual part of theology, Christians to learn the basics like who bible authors were and the books of the bible.

Conclusion

Biblical theology is an essential tool for modern Christian, especially in the delivery of the gospel. Today's teachings have been so commercialized that many Christians end up questioning every gospel minister. It is for this reason that Bible knowledge is essential. Believers, whether administering the scripture or not need to be well equipped by the understanding of the word of God. Systematic theology comes with its future challenges some of them being that the believers will be challenged to prove their knowledge in what they believe. Theology helps the Christians to confirm that the scriptures real and genuine. Familiarizing with the bible helps the Christians recognize the presence of God among them. They also learn how to live according to the scripture, thus acting as the light to the world. Theology generally has highly contributed to the cultural norms of various communities. Christians believe that their strength comes solely from reading the bible.

Bibliography

Cruz, Gemma Tulud. Toward a Theology of Migration: Social Justice and Religious Experience. First ed. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.

Frame, John M. Systematic Theology: an Introduction to Christian Belief. P&R Publishing, 2013

Goll, Jim W. A Radical Faith: Essential Beliefs for Spirit-Filled Believers. Grand Rapids, Mich: Chosen, 2011.

Packer, J. I. (James Innell). Concise Theology : a Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House, 1994.

Svensson, Manfred. "Fundamental Doctrines of the Faith, Fundamental Doctrines of Society: Seventeenth-Century Doctrinal Minimalism." The Journal of Religion 94, no. 2 (2014): 161-181.