Theism  There is a God. He is active. He is not silent.

Systematic Theology The Scriptures

4. The Bible was written by the same people who believed that the earth was flat.

The Scriptures Inspired by God

The Scriptures Inspired by God Given to men

The Scriptures Given to men

The Scriptures Given to men Communicated to human beings

The Scriptures Given to men Communicated to human beings Communicated in a way that humans will understand (metaphors, anthropomorphisms, etc.)

Two extremes in viewing the Scriptures:

Denying or diminishing its divine characteristics while affirming its human traits.

Denying or diminishing its divine characteristics while affirming its human traits. Liberals

Denying or diminishing its human traits while affirming its diving characteristics.

Denying or diminishing its human traits while affirming its diving characteristics. Fundamentalists

Arianism is just as heretical as Docetism

Arianism – denied the divinity of Christ Docetism – denied the humanity of Christ

Arianism

Arianism God is too pure to appear on earth

Arianism God is too pure to appear on earth So, He created Christ

Arianism God is too pure to appear on earth So, He created Christ It denies that Jesus is of one essence, nature, or substance with God the Father

Arianism God is too pure to appear on earth So, He created Christ It denies that Jesus is of one essence, nature, or substance with God the Father Condemned by the Council of Nicea in 325

Docetism

Docetism Physical matter is sinful

Docetism Physical matter is sinful Therefore, Jesus would not have become physical matter

Docetism Physical matter is sinful Therefore, Jesus would not have become physical matter Thus, He did not have a physical body (He just appeared to have one)

Docetism Physical matter is sinful Therefore, Jesus would not have become physical matter Thus, He did not have a physical body (He just appeared to have one) Condemned at the Council of Chalcedon in 451

The Bible is both Divine and Human

The Human Characteristics of the Bible

1. The Bible has human authors.

1. The Bible has human authors. 2 1. The Bible has human authors. 2. The Bible has written in human languages.

1. The Bible has human authors. 2 1. The Bible has human authors. 2. The Bible has written in human languages. 3. The Bible has human literary styles.

1. The Bible has human authors. 2 1. The Bible has human authors. 2. The Bible has written in human languages. 3. The Bible has human literary styles. 4. The Bible uses different human literary forms.

1. The Bible has human authors. 2 1. The Bible has human authors. 2. The Bible has written in human languages. 3. The Bible has human literary styles. 4. The Bible uses different human literary forms. 5. The Bible reflects different human perspectives.

6. The Bible reflects different human thought patterns.

6. The Bible reflects different human thought patterns. 7 6. The Bible reflects different human thought patterns. 7. The Bible reveals human emotions.

6. The Bible reflects different human thought patterns. 7 6. The Bible reflects different human thought patterns. 7. The Bible reveals human emotions. 8. The Bible manifests specific human interests.

6. The Bible reflects different human thought patterns. 7 6. The Bible reflects different human thought patterns. 7. The Bible reveals human emotions. 8. The Bible manifests specific human interests. 9. The Bible expresses human culture.

10. The Bible utilizes other written human sources.

Metaphors and Anthromorphisms

1. The Bible is like milk that nourishes us. …like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 1 Peter 2:2

2. The bible is like meat (solid food) that satisfies us. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 (KJV)

3. The Bible is like water that washes us. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that

He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25-27

4. The Bible is like a fire that cleanses us. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 (KJV)

5. The Bible is like a hammer that shatters us. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 (KJV)

6. The Bible is like a sword that cuts deeply into us. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:13

7. The Bible is like is like a mirror to reflect ourselves to us. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what

kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:23-25

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 8. The Bible is like is like a lamp to our feet Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

A Case study: Various Confessions

“God has a personal spirit body (Dan “God has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Phil. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9); He has bodily parts such as, back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27),

feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), and other bodily parts.”

The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6

immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute;

Which confession is right?   “God has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Phil. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9); He has bodily parts such as, back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), and other bodily parts.” Confession #2: Paragraph 1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6 immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will,11 for His own glory;12 most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,13 and withal most just and terrible in His judgments,14 hating all sin,15 and who will by no means clear the guilty.16

Which confession is right?   “God has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Phil. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9); He has bodily parts such as, back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), and other bodily parts.” Confession #1: Paragraph 1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6 immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will,11 for His own glory;12 most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,13 and withal most just and terrible in His judgments,14 hating all sin,15 and who will by no means clear the guilty.16 Confession #2:

Which confession is right?   “God has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Phil. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9); He has bodily parts such as, back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), and other bodily parts.” Confession #1 Paragraph 1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6 immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will,11 for His own glory;12 most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,13 and withal most just and terrible in His judgments,14 hating all sin,15 and who will by no means clear the guilty.16 Confession #2

Which confession is right?   “God has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Phil. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9); He has bodily parts such as, back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), and other bodily parts.” Confession by Finis J. Dake Paragraph 1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6 immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will,11 for His own glory;12 most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,13 and withal most just and terrible in His judgments,14 hating all sin,15 and who will by no means clear the guilty.16 Confession #2

Which confession is right?   “God has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Phil. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9); He has bodily parts such as, back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), and other bodily parts.” Confession by Finis J. Dake Paragraph 1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6 immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will,11 for His own glory;12 most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,13 and withal most just and terrible in His judgments,14 hating all sin,15 and who will by no means clear the guilty.16 1689 London Confession of Faith

There is one and only one living and true God There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things,

past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes,

but without division of nature, essence, or being. Baptist Faith and Message, 2000.

The Doctrine of Inerrancy

The Doctrine of Inerrancy Inerrancy – what is without error; wholly true The Bible has no errors of any kind.

Inspiration is that inexplicable power which the Divine Spirit put forth of old on the authors of the Holy Scripture in order to give them guidance even in the employment of the words they used, and to preserve them alike from all error and from all omission.

1. God is Perfect. 2. Everything that God gives is perfect. 3 1. God is Perfect. 2. Everything that God gives is perfect. 3. God gave the Bible. 4. The Bible is perfect.