Introduction to Theology
1 February 2025 Class 1 (part1)
I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I believe in
order that I may understand; for of this I feel sure, that, if I did not
believe, I would not understand.
Anselm of Canterbury
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters,
so you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part
until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,
Romans 11:25
“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of
man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him”
1 Co 2:9
What is Theology and what do we
hope to gain by studying Theology
• It is what is taught by God, teaches of God and leads to God
• It constitute the systematic study of the nature of divine /reasoning or
discussion concerning the Deity
• it is both a concept of and communication about God
• The word “theology” never appears in Scripture, but a similar idea is
communicated with teaching and doctrine (1Tm 4:6 & 16)
• Theology is derived from the Greek word theologia, which derived from two
words theos, meaning “God", and -logia, meaning "utterances, sayings,
or oracles"
• a word related to logia is logos meaning "word, discourse, account,
or reasoning“
• Latin = theologia and French as théologie. The English equivalent "theology"
was Theologie, Teologye
• Bibliology (the study of the Bible)
• Theology (the study of God)
• Angelology (the study of angelic beings)
• Anthropology (the study of man)
• Hamartiology (the study of sin)
• Christology (the study of Jesus Christ)
• Soteriology (the study of salvation)
• Eschatology (the study of end times)
Of all disciplines, theology is the fairest, the one that moves the head
and heart most fully, the one that comes closest to human reality, the
one that gives the clearest perspective on the truth which every
disciple seeks.
Alister Mc Grath
• The discipline that concerns itself with describing, analysing,
criticizing, and organising the doctrines in theology.
Millard J Erickson
• Theology is like a map, its purpose lies not in itself but in where it can
get us to, its goal is Worship[God].
Carl Lewes
What we will know at the end of the
course
• Emerged in walk with God stronger that has become the most
important element of your discipleship [He is High Priest – Hb 4:14-
16].
• He will become more and more the thing that sustains you [Ps 3:5],
that feeds you, that keeps you steady when you are shaky [Ps 54:4].
• You have come to see God, to know Him, to relate to Him as Three in
One, God as Trinity [Mt 28:19].
• Jesus saved you;
• the Father forgave you;
• the Holy Spirit convicted you,
• You will be brought to your knees, and showed God…
• The Holy Spirit will continue to show you Jesus and
• Be gripped by His strong, sweet love
• He lead you towards God & into the arm of you Father
What to make of Theology books?
• Bible based & gospel-centered – love of Scripture (2Tm 3:16-17)
• 1 true God – the Creator of all in His Deity
• Faith reasoned (Tit 1:9)
• Exalts prayer and study
• Humility and repentance (2Jn 9)
• Proslogion – premise, approach to theology, methodology/research
• 1 Tm 6:3-4
• Theology is the responsibility of every Christian
• It is not reserved for those in the Bible College
• Theology requires faith
• It requires discernment [1Co 2:12-15]
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who
does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth
2Tm 2:15
