WHY STUDY THEOLOGY
Theology and Biblical Love

This article is taken from a class taught in March of 2006. 

If I ask “Is Biblical love important?” almost everyone will respond with a “Yes”; but what if I ask “Is Theology important?”  It is not uncommon today for people to question the importance of studying theology.  Some Christians affirm that they just want to hear “practical” teaching, not theology.  Others claim that “theology divides - why can't we just love one another?”, so they conclude that all theology is detrimental.  Many people have the attitude that “it doesn’t matter so much what you believe as long as you're sincere”.  I believe some of these attitudes stem from a misunderstanding of "what theology is".  Others derive in part from the Pentecostal movement of the early twentieth century which, with its strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit, contained a strong anti-intellectual element.  Many think we can ignore almost two thousand years of church history and rely on our own experiences.  Because of such attitudes, reputed authorities on church growth warn pastors to avoid teaching doctrine, to make their sermons more “seeker friendly”.  Yet, we must ask, is this a biblical approach?  Are there reasons why we should study theology?

What is Theology?

When theology is mentioned, many people think of a bunch of old professors arguing over minor topics using a bunch of boring six syllable highly technical terms.  While this can sometimes happen, theology is actually very exciting.  The word theology can be broken down into two Greek words: theos (God) and logos (word).  So theology is considered to be a discourse, or study, about God, in a similar way that biology is a study about life (Greek word for life is bios).  We can better define theology as the study of the personal, triune God, His nature and His purposes, which He reveals through His words and His deeds.  In simpler terms, whenever we are discussing anything about God, we are discussing theology.  One attribute of God is His love.  When we talk of God’s love, we see that it is so profound, so deep, so consistent, that the only way the Hebrews could describe it was to say that “God is love”, that is to say that God’s love is the ultimate standard to which all other forms of love are compared.  Another attribute of this sovereign, unchanging God is truth.  Because God is truth, His Word is truth (Jn.  17:17).  Since God's Word is truth, it functions as the ultimate standard of truth, the reference point by which every other claim to truthfulness must be measured.  So, our main source in the study of God (theology) is God's Word, the Bible.  Let me ask “Is Bible study important?”  I believe the study of orthodox theology or biblical doctrine is the most important field that we could ever study!

The theological disciplines can be classified as Exegetical (Biblical) Theology, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology and Homiletical (aka Practical) Theology.  Exegetical theology is the study of actual Bible content, including factors such as writers, historical background, unity within the whole of Scripture etc.  Biblical theology is classified by some as  a branch of Exegetical, while others consider it to be the next step after exegesis.  Actually, all theology is Biblical, but Biblical theology is usually defined as the exegetical study of raw data (doctrines) of the Bible.  It starts with Genesis and traces the development of the truths given by God's progressive special revelation in their historical setting though the close of the NT canons.  Historical Theology is concerned with how the doctrines further developed through the various periods of the Church.  Systematic Theology takes the Bible as a completed whole and organizes the teaching of each doctrine in an orderly, logical systematic form, taking into consideration the findings of the other theological disciplines. Finally, Homiletical Theology seeks to elucidate these teachings in modern context. 

As we might expect, the lines which separate these theological disciplines tend to blur a bit.   The disciplines not only overlap, but are interrelated and inseparable.  For example, we would typically take a topic such as Atonement, then find all applicable texts from Scripture to determine what it originally meant and how it developed through the canon.  We next consult the historic interpretations and then determine what the doctrine means today.   We then develop a systematic teaching of that doctrine, including how it interconnects with other doctrines, and the whole of dogma.  The pastor or teacher must go one step further, proclaiming the message of the doctrine and how it is to be applied.

So we see that Theology involves both doctrine and application.  Theology isn’t just studying God’s word, but personally interacting with God through our studies.  John Calvin writes, "It does us no good for all these truths to flit around our brain if they never penetrate our heart".  Many scholars have rightly said, “Theology is Doxology”.  Theology should not only change the way we think, but also the way we live.

That said, before we get to the Bible's reasons for studying theology, I'd like to address a few related questions which I'm often asked regarding study and application.   Some of the most common are "Isn't the way we live the most important thing?" and "if that's the case, shouldn't we skip right to the practical Scriptures?"  "After all, non-believers judge us based on our actions, so can't we just follow the Bible's instructions to lead a moral life with knowing all whys and what fors?" 

We can summarize these questions by asking "Can we consistently follow the practical scriptures without knowing the theology on which they are based?"  We notice in the letters of Paul, he first lays out his theology before transitioning to the practical.  If it were possible for us to answer our question in the affirmative, Paul would not have wasted his time on theology, but would have skipped right to the dos and don'ts.  We can't act like Christ until we realize who we are in Christ.   Therefore, Paul first tell us who we are (theology and doctrine), then he tell us how we should act (practical). 

Why is this?  I believe that God is not into direct exterior behavior modification, but works from the inside out.   He gets right to the root of the matter by changing the heart, which results in altered behavior.  People who study practical passages exclusively, skipping the doctrine behind them, easily become frustrated and slip into legalism.  By realizing who we are in Christ, we can come boldly but humbly into His throne room and ask for the freedom of obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit.  This results in the peace and joy of being able to live a life worthy of our calling (Eph 4:1).

 [TOC]   [Top of Page]
 

Why Should We Study Theology?

I believe the reasons can be broken down into two categories.  First and foremost, God (through his Word) commands us to study doctrine.  The second is for the benefits and blessings we receive.  Let’s look first at the commands.

God’s Word commands us to Study Theology (Sound Doctrine)

Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.  (1Pe 3:15 HCSB)

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (2Pe 3:18)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  (2Tim 3:14-16)

Notice v16 says “all scripture”.  We must be careful not to build our theology (beliefs and teachings) on just a few scriptures in isolation.  For example, let's look at probably the best known verse in the Bible:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  (Jn 3:16 NKJV)

This is the first verse I ever learned and is still one of my personal favorites, but this verse by itself says nothing explicitly of God's revelation, man’s sin nature and need for a Savior, the cross, Jesus’ substitutionary death and resurrection, His second coming, the Church, the Holy Spirit etc.  When speaking with a person who possesses a limited knowledge of the Bible, these and other concepts will need to be explained (Romans 10:14).

How important is the Study of Sound Doctrine

The importance that God places on doctrine is very clear.  If you search through a Topical Bible for knowledge, understanding etc, I think you’ll be surprised at the number of references to these subjects in scripture.  We’ll look at just a few.

Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you.  Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.  Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you .  (Dt 4:1-2)

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.  (Dt 6:4-9)

You must be careful to do everything I command you; do not add anything to it or take anything away from it.  (Dt 12:32 HCSB)

Does God hold us accountable for lack of knowledge?

Knowledge sometimes gets a bad rap because of the Gnostics.  We’re talking Biblical knowledge here rather than secret knowledge.  We must also note that Biblical knowledge involves the heart as well as the mind.  Perhaps John Calvin said it best: "Biblical doctrine (knowledge) is not a matter of talk, but of life.  It is not grasped by intellect alone, like other branches of learning.  It is received by faith not if it flits about in the top of the brain, but only when it fills the soul and takes root in the inmost depths of the heart." (Institutes, Book 3, Ch 6)

The book of Proverbs is full of references to wisdom and knowledge, most notably in the second chapter.  Theologian RC Sproul goes so far to say that theological mistakes are sins.  I believe we are held responsible if the mistakes are due to laziness or neglect of study; however, there are a few doctrines that won’t be completely understood this side of heaven.  I do agree that along with the privilege of interpreting scripture, we also inherit the responsibility of interpreting it correctly (including utilization of pastors, teachers etc).  Let’s see what the scriptures have to say on the subject.

Therefore my people will go into exile for lack of understanding; their men of rank will die of hunger and their masses will be parched with thirst.  (Isa 5:13)

My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.  “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” (Hos 4:6)

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.  They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.  They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.  They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.  (Rom 1:28-31)

Notice Jesus’ intolerance towards the Sadducees who differed from Him concerning the doctrine of the resurrection:

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God”.  (Mt 22:29)

We are also to know the scriptures in order to teach others.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Mt 28:19-20)

 [TOC]   [Top of Page]
 

Benefits and Blessings of Sound Doctrine?

Theology is required for salvation

A certain amount of knowledge is required for salvation.  Check out the parable of the seeds:

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up…(Mt 13:3-4).  “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.  This is the seed sown along the path.  (Mt 13:18-19)

Paul writes for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:13-14). 

Paul also wrote to Timothy (2Tim 3:15) that the holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Theology increases your faith

We cannot believe the Bible unless we understand what the Bible says.  If we basing our faith on our own experiences and feelings, who's to say that our experience is any more valid than a cult member; but when our faith is based on the Word of God, we're building our lives on the solid foundation of the Truth, a power infinitely higher than ourselves. 

faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.  (Romans 10:17)

Theology leads to discipleship

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  (Jn 8:31-32)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments…  They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”   (Jn 14:15,21 NRSV)

Theology guarantees answers to our prayers

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.  (Jn 15:7)

The Greek word used for remain is meno, which means “to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) - continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance).  It is used in the aorist tense, which is similar to the English past tense, only stronger, indicating something that happened at a particular point in time that has continuing results.  I believe this event is our salvation, so this promise is for true believers only. 

Another requirement for answered prayer is to pray according to Jesus' will (Jn 14:14).  Our Lord has spoken to us through the entirety of Scripture, so we must know and obey it in order to claim this promise.

Theology gives us a sound Biblical foundation and protects us from false doctrine

Sound doctrine protects us from false prophets, false teachers, and various forms of satanic deception.

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.  (Col 2:2-4)

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  (Eph 4:14-15)

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- which is really no gospel at all.  Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!  As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!  (Gal 1:6-9)

Does this sound like Paul took theology (doctrine) lightly?

Theology helps us build a proper Christian world-view

This will allow us to properly interpret all aspects of life and culture, learning to think God's thoughts after Him, aligning our will to His.  All teaching that you hear will be filtered through your world-view.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.  (Col 2:8)

Theology helps keep us on the right path (discernment)

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.  (Ps 119:105)

Many modernists say they don’t need scripture.  They just let the Holy Spirit be their guide.  What does the Scriptures say about this?

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  (1Jn 4:1)

The late Harry Ironside used to give this illustration.  He imagined the believer as a locomotive engine, filled with the propelling steam (the Holy Spirit).  This engine, thus equipped, becomes a source of terrible destruction if off the tracks.  The tracks are the Word of God.  This illustration reminds me of the Paul’s statement about the Jews:

For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.  Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.  (Rom 10:2-3)

Always keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is the author of the scriptures.  Being immutable, the Spirit will not reveal anything to you that is contradictory to the scriptures.

Theology helps us grow and mature

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  (Eph 4:14-15)

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.  In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again.  You need milk, not solid food!  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.  (Heb 5:11-14)

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…(Heb 6:1)

Theology helps us defend the Faith

Guard the Christian faith that was “once for all delivered to the saints”. 

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  (1Pe 3:15)

Theology fuels worship

If we don't know who God is and what He is like, how can we worship Him? John Piper offers this analogy for worship.  The furnace of worship is our heart.  The fuel of worship is the truth we know about God.  The one who ignites the fire in our hearts is the Holy Spirit.  And the resulting heat of our affections is the worship.  T he more fuel of truth that we have in our hearts, the greater fire of affections we will have for worship!  So build up lots of fuel in your heart for worship!

Theology is the foundation of hope, joy and peace

If we don't understand theology, we are missing out on the hope, joy and peace that comes from  beholding what a great God we serve.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Php 4:4,6-7)

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.  (Rom 15:4)

Theology fuels obedience

If we have a great view of God and deep joy in Him, we will have strong motivation to obey Him.  For example, striving to be holy because God is holy is a much stronger motive for obedience than simply “it's the right thing to do.”  And as we saw earlier, a major part of theology is knowing the commands God has given us.  If we do not know them, we cannot do them.  The apostle Peter writes that everything we need to have a strong faith and to lead holy lives is found in the knowledge God has revealed of Himself (Biblical doctrine is sufficient):

God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness.  (2Pe 1:3 GNT)

Theology unites Christians

There is powerful fellowship and unity among a group of believers that share the same vision and beliefs.  It provides great encouragement that is hard to find elsewhere.

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  (Eph 4:11)

As I said earlier, theology can also divide us.  I think one of the major attributes of spiritual maturity is knowing which doctrines to “agree to disagree” (predestination, free will etc) and which doctrines that we can’t afford to compromise (sovereignty of God, deity of Christ, salvation by grace etc).

Theology strengthens the Church

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  (Col 3:16)

The church of God is in great danger today through the neglect of our minds.  As William Lane Craig has said, “Our churches are filled with Christians who are idling in intellectual neutral.  As Christians, their minds are going to waste.  One result of this is an immature, superficial faith.  People who simply ride the roller coaster of emotional experience are cheating themselves out of a deeper and richer Christian faith by neglecting the intellectual side of that faith.”

The church today seems to be lacking much of the power and holiness it ought to have.  I think that one reason for this is the neglect of theology.   The problem today is not that we fail to live up to our doctrines.  The problem is that we are living up to our doctrines - a reduced, seeker-friendly non-accountable, self-centered religion that makes obedience optional, man the ultimate cause of His salvation, and God one who tolerates sin instead of conquering it. 

I’d like to interject a personal opinion here.  Study after study seems to indicate that the churches that teach sound doctrine over the long haul are the ones that steadily grow.  I think starting a seeker-friendly church may be the best short term growth strategy, but there will be much larger turnover.  After all, what do you say to a member, who after hearing prosperity sermons week after week, runs into trials and tribulations.  These churches also seem to be loaded with marketing strategies and gimmicks.  The problem with that is, another church always has a better gimmick.  “My church has a Starbucks” – “Oh yeah, so does ours and we’re getting an Applebee’s next month” – “Sounds great, I think I’ll change my membership.”  A pastor friend once showed me the mountain of marketing mail he got on “how to build a mega-church”.  Didn’t Jesus say “I will build My Church”? (Mt 16:8).   

We need less church leaders using clever marketing schemes trying to bring their church into the twenty-first century, and more leaders taking the church back to the first century when it was built on the Word of God!

 [TOC]   [Top of Page]
 

Methods of Theological Study?

Before we look at the methods, we must first affirm that all theology should be based upon God's revelation to us.  We must receive this information with much earnest prayer and with the help of the Holy Spirit.

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:   "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him (Is 64:4)" -- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:   "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? (Is 40:13)"  But we have the mind of Christ. (1Cor 2:6-16)

One method of learning theology is attending a good accredited seminary.  Unless you're called into fulltime ministry, this is probably not the most practical method.  I must caution everyone who thinks of taking a few religious courses at a secular university.  Many of the religious professors are “higher critics” who deny the inerrancy of the Bible.  Many universities tend to hire agnostics as their religious teachers because the university feels they can be less biased than those who actually believe in the Bible.  Even at seminaries, you should check out the core beliefs of your instructor.

For the rest of us, we must learn theology via the two following methods.  Remember that learning theology involves engaging our minds to better understand the Scriptures and thus gain additional knowledge of God.

First, put time and effort into studying the Scriptures for yourself. 

You can start by picking one of the central doctrines of our faith and seeking out all of the verses that you can discover that deal with it, get to know them, and summarize what they each teach and how they fit together.  Or, you may want to start by studying a whole book of the Bible, seeking to understand the flow of thought and message that it is trying to convey.  But as you do this, make sure that you also bring in passages from all over the Bible that deal with the various teachings in the particular book you are studying.  This will help you have greater depth and understanding of the Bible's teachings.  Or, perhaps you want to read through the Bible in a year.  There are many other suggestions in our Bible Study Guide.  No matter how you do it, increase your time and focus in God's word.

Second, take action to start learning more from the teachers God has given to His church. 

We need teachers to point things out we that wouldn't otherwise see, answer difficult questions, explain and defend the great doctrines of the Bible in a clear way to us, and direct us in our understanding.  Attend Sunday School and/or Bible study classes at your local church. 

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:11-13).

You may also catch good Bible teaching on Christian radio and television.  Caution, always be like the Bereans and check out what you're hearing.

The people here (Berea) were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so (Acts 17:11 HCSB). 

Extra Biblical Sources and Tools. 

One of the best ways to supplement your Bible knowledge is by reading and studying good books.  Don't make easy, entertaining books about Christian issues the majority of your reading diet.  Read substance books that teach doctrines and apply them to life.  It may be hard work, but it is well worth the effort.  Check out your local Christian bookstore, our Resource Shop page or contact us for recommendations.

There are many scholarly study tools available for your use.  See the Study Tools section of our Bible Study Guide for more information.  For online tools, you can visit our Bible Study Tools page, which includes commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias etc.

 [TOC]   [Top of Page]

Does Theology Ignore Biblical Love?

I’ve sub-titled this “Theology and Biblical Love”, but I’ve talked mainly about theology.  That is because I think we can all agree as to the importance of Biblical love. 

Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.  (1Th 4:9)

If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  (1Cor 13:1-3 HCSB)

As we’ve said before, some people object that doctrine is relatively unimportant; it is love for God and love for each other that is primary.  However, the choice between biblical love and orthodox Christian doctrine is a false dilemma.  The only option is both/and, not either/or. 

And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.  (Php 1:9-11 NRSV)

We can’t have a true love for God without a hunger to know more about Him.  Biblical love never minimizes the importance of Bible doctrine.  If we truly love a person then we will desire that person to be totally indoctrinated in the truth of God from Genesis to Revelation, including every jot and tittle of God’s word.

 [TOC]   [Top of Page]
 

Final Comments

Everybody has a theology--the issue is whether it is a good one or a bad one

All Christians are theologians.  Actually, all people (including atheists, humanists etc) are theologians.  Denying that God exists is a theological position.  We all have our own theology.  When people do not want to study biblical theology, it is not replaced with a vacuum of “no theology”, but with “bad theology”.  Therefore the issue is not, “Do we need theology?”  Theology is inescapable.  The question that must be answered is, “Would you rather have a good sound theology based on God's Word, or a bad theology based on your own philosophy?”

One Last Reason to Study Theology: to Be Faithful Soldiers of Christ

I believe the time is fast approaching (if not already here) when we see Paul’s statement in 2nd Timothy fulfilled:

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  (2Tim 4:3-4)

More than at any other time in American history, God's people need to be equipped with the glorious truths of God's Word, that we might be ready for battle.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  (Eph 6:10-17)

The good news is that Jesus will be victorious! But the question is, will we be faithful in the battle? The charge of Martin Luther, still rings true today:  If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ.  Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point.

Luther, Calvin, Knox, Edwards, Whitefield, Spurgeon, Moody, and other heroes of the faith expanded and nurtured the true Church by preaching “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) in the power of the Spirit.  They studied the doctrines of Scripture, and they helped others apply them to the issues of their day.  By God's grace, we can do the same today; but this will only happen if we diligently study God's Word (biblical doctrine) so we will be accurately handling the word of truth.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.  (2Tim 2:15)

This is why we need to study theology and teach others in Christian love!

 [TOC]   [Top of Page]