2012-3-13 06:57
CHAPTER III
THEOLOGY PROPER
I. MAJOR TERMS BRIEFLY STATED
Thefollowing are the world views of the relationship of God and theuniverse. Atheism.
A-the-ismliterally means a theory negating God This belief denies theexistence of God or gods.
Agnosticism.
A-gnostic-ismliterally means a theory negating knowledge. It believes that it isimpossible to know the existence of God. It covers any type ofskepticism of God. This belief denies the existence of God.
Naturalism.
Natural-ismis a theory affirming the natural law alone. It believes that allphenomena can be explained by the observable and verifiable laws inthe nature. This belief denies the existence of God and anysupernatural significance.
Deism.
De-ismis literally a theory of God. It believes that God created theuniverse, then left it alone, and gets involved in his creation nomore. This belief denies supernatural influence and divinerevelation.
Monism& Dualism.
Mon-ismis a theory of one substance. It believes that the universe is partof God and separated from God. There is only good substance in theuniverse. This belief denies die reality of evil.
Dual-ismis a theory of two substances. It believes that in the universe thereare two ultimate forces coexisting: God and the material world. Thesetwo represent good and evil respectively. There is an eternalconflict between God and evil, and God cannot ultimately triumph overevil. This belief denies the lordship of God over his creation.
Pantheism.
Pan-the-ismis literally a theory that all are God. It identifies the universewith God, and believes that everything is God, and God is everything.The universe is a temporary and finite emanation of God.
Panentheism.
Pan-en-the-ismis literally a theory that all are in God. It denies thetranscendence of God because he should live in his creation.
Theism.
The-ismis the belief of God. God is existent, personal, infinite,transcendent and immanent. He created the universe, is distinct fromthe created universe, and rules over it.
Godreveals his existence in his creation (Gen. 1:1; Romans 1:18-20). Mancan find enough evidence of God's existence out of the nature, whichsurrounds man and is a part of God's creation. He exists beforeeverything (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 3:4). His existence is self-existent(EX. 3:14; John 5:26) and eternal (Is. 26:4). The Bible presumes thatGod is existent (Genesis 1:1; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 11:6).
TheEssence and Nature of God.
Godis a spirit (John 4:24) and dwells in the light (1 Tim. 6:16). He isinvisible (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15-16). He is a person with hisown will, emotion and intellect (Genesis 6:6; Psalm
115:3;147:5; Proverbs 6:16).
TheAttributes of God
Theattributes of God constitute his essence, and they can be comparedwith human ones. Some of them are:
(1)self-existence: God is independent of any thing but he is the firstcause of every thing (Gen. 1:1; EX. 3:14; Is. 45:4-7; John 5:26);
(2)eternity: God is beyond the limitation of time and he is the first andlast (EX. 3:14; Deut. 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 102:11-12; Is. 40:28; John8:56-57; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 1:8);
(3)omnipotence: God is able to do what he desires (Gen. 18:14; EX. 6:1;13:9; Num. 11:23; Psalm 115:3; Eph. 1:11; 3:20);
(4)omnipresence: God is present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12; Jer.23:23-24);
(5)omniscience: God knows everything (Gen. 15:13-14; EX. 3:7; 2 Chron.16:9; Psalm 139:1-6; 147:4-5; Prov. 5:21; 1 John 3:20);
(6)immutability: God's nature never changes (Num. 23:19; Psalm 33:11;102:26-27; Mal. 3:6; Acts 1:11; Heb. 1:10-12; 13:8; James 1:17);
(7)infinity: God is not bound in any limitation (1 Kings 8:27; Psalm90:2; 147:5; Prov. 15:3; Is. 44:6; Matt. 10:29; Acts 17:24-28);
(8)unity: God is one in essence (Deut. 4:35; Is. 44:6-8; 45:5-6; 1 Cor.8:4-6; 1 Tim2:5; Eph. 4:4-6).(7)love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8, 16; cf. Isa. 46:10);
(8)grace (EX. 33:12-17; 34:6; Eph. 1:5-8; 2:7-9; Tit 2:11; 2 Pet 3:7-9);
(9)mercy: God does not give the punishment which man deserves (EX.34:6-7; Psalm 103:8; 136:1-26; Luke 1:78; 1 Pet. 1:3).
TheTranscendence and Immanence of God
Godis transcendent because he is independent of; above and beyond fromhis creation (EX. 3:14; Psalm 113:5-6; Is. 46:8-10; 55:8-9). He isalso immanent because he is present everywhere in his creation (Prov.5:21; Jer. 23:24; Matt. 5:45; 6:25-30; 10:29-30; Acts 17:27-28; Rom.11:34-36).
III. TRINITARIANISM
Statementof the Doctrine
TheTrinity of the Godhead is that there is the only one God who is onein essence but three of co-equal ones in personality. The threeidentities are the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit These threeindependent persons are not three independent gods though they allhave the same divine characteristics. They are united in one divinebeing and have different tasks respectively. This doctrine is deducedfrom the teachings in the Bible, and has no straight evidence in theBible. It cannot be understood by human finite mind.
OntologicalTrinity
Theontological trinity describes the unity of God (Deut. 6:4), this is,that God is one and the only one. God is the unity of three co-equaland co-eternal persons. The eternal relationship between the threepersons are equal and not subordinate.
EconomicTrinity
Theeconomic trinity describes the diversity of God, this is, that God ismanifested in the three persons. The three decide theirresponsibilities for the creation of the universe and redemption ofman, and voluntarily subordinate themselves according to their uniqueroles.
Forexample, the Father is the one of sending and directing, the Son isthe one to be sent and accomplish the redemption, and the Holy Spiritis the one to be sent and apply the benefits of salvation tobelievers. Thus, The Son subordinates himself to the will of theFather, and the Holy Spirit to the will of the Son and that of theFather.
Trinityin the Old Testament
TheOld Testament teaches the oneness of God (Ex. 20:3; Deut 4:35; 6:4;Is. 43:10; 46:9), but there are plural uses about God: plural form ofname (Gen. 1:1; Eccl 12:1; Is. 54:5),
and plural pronoun (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Is. 6:8). Furthermore, thereis distinction between God
andthe Son (')Psalm 2:1-9; 45:6-8; 110:1-5; 15. 9:6), and that betweenGod and the Spirit (Gen. 1:1-3; 15.48:16; 59:21; 63:9-1061:1).
Trinityin the New Testament
Godis claimed one (1 Cor. 8:4-6; Eph. 4:3-6; 1 Tim. 2:5; James 2:19).Nevertheless, each of the three is called God (1 Cor. 8:6; Heb.1:8-10; Acts 5:3-4). The Father is identified as God (John 1:18;5:18; 6:27; 6:45-46; 1 Pet. 1:2), Jesus the Son is equated with God(John 1:1-18; 5:18; 8:58; 10:30; 17:5; 20:28; Col. 1:16-17; Phil.2:6; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 1:8), and the Holy Spirit is interchangeablewith God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-12; 6:19). The three are associatedwith equality (Matt. 28:19; Luke 3:21-22; John 14:16; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1Pet. 1:2).
IV. CREATION
TheMethod of Creation
TheFather, the Son and the Holy Spirit took part in the creation of God(Gen. 1:1-2; John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6). God did not use any preexistingmaterial to create (Rom. 4:17). God created all visible and invisiblein the universe out of nothing and no intermediate agency (Gen.1:1-2; Psalm 90:2; 15.45:5-8; Heb. 1:10; 11:3) for his own glory(15.43:7).
TheAge of Creation
TheBible does not offer a explicit time of God's creation. The recentcreation theory moves 6,000 to 10,000 years.
Creationversus Evolution
Thetheory of creation affirms that the account in Genesis is historicaland supernatural creation of the universe by God alone. The rest ofthe Bible confirms this account (EX. 20:11; 31:17; Deut. 4:32; Job38:4-7; Is. 42L5; 45:5-7, 12-18; Matt. 19:4-5; Luke 3:23-38; John1:1-18; Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 11:7-8; 1 Tim. 2:11-15). The theory ofevolution tries to explain the origin and development of the universeapart from the supernatural involvement of God but through naturallaws. It intends to deny the existence of God.Thedebate between creation and evolution is an issue of faith versusfaith rather than faith versus science. There are unexplainedcontra-evidence and missing evidence in evolutionism. On thecontrary, creationism offers a more reasonable explanation forgeological phenomena and archaeological discovery.
V. THE DECREE OF GOD
TheDirective Willof God
Thedirective will of God claims that God is actively and freely directssome things to happen or to be (Psalm 115:3; 15.45:5-12, 18; Dan.4:35; Rom. 9:14-24). He is the sovereign of his creation and controlsand causes things to occur as his desires and pleasure (cf. Eph. 1:5,9; Phil. 2:1). For example, he created (Gen. 1; Rev. 4:11), reveals(John 1:1-18), saves (John 3:16; Eph. 1:11; 2:8-10), controls theworld (Dan. 4:35), establishes governments (Dan. 2:21), elects tosalvation (Eph. 1:4), and gives special commands (1 Thess. 4:3-7),
Permissivewill of God
Thepermissive will of God claims that God permits something to happen ata choice of a second party within his plan but he holds theresponsibility of the party. God gave Adam a prohibition, but Godleft him a choice to disobey and a warning for such disobedience(Gen. 2:17). God passively allowed Satan to test Job whoserighteousness God was pleased by (Job
2:3).He prohibits the bloodshed (Gen. 9:6), but he commanded Abraham tosacrifice his son to manifest his faith (Gen. 22:2, 12).
Providenceof God
Theprovidence of God claims that God created all things and alsocontinues to work in order to preserve and govern his creation forits intended purpose. He preserves all creatures and keeps themexisting and maintaining their created properties (Matt. 5:45; Heb.1:3). He concurs with them in every action and directs theirproperties to act as they should (Eph. 1:11). He governs them tofulfill his purposes (Psalm 103:19). His providence manifests hisimmanence.
Godprovides for all things. God's providence is the continual supplyingof our needs. This is not limited to the obvious like food shelterand clothing. God even provides for his creatures such as the birds(Matt. 6:26; 10:29).
CHAPTER III
THEOLOGY PROPER
I. MAJOR TERMS BRIEFLY STATED
Thefollowing are the world views of the relationship of God and theuniverse. Atheism.
A-the-ismliterally means a theory negating God This belief denies theexistence of God or gods.
Agnosticism.
A-gnostic-ismliterally means a theory negating knowledge. It believes that it isimpossible to know the existence of God. It covers any type ofskepticism of God. This belief denies the existence of God.
Naturalism.
Natural-ismis a theory affirming the natural law alone. It believes that allphenomena can be explained by the observable and verifiable laws inthe nature. This belief denies the existence of God and anysupernatural significance.
Deism.
De-ismis literally a theory of God. It believes that God created theuniverse, then left it alone, and gets involved in his creation nomore. This belief denies supernatural influence and divinerevelation.
Monism& Dualism.
Mon-ismis a theory of one substance. It believes that the universe is partof God and separated from God. There is only good substance in theuniverse. This belief denies die reality of evil.
Dual-ismis a theory of two substances. It believes that in the universe thereare two ultimate forces coexisting: God and the material world. Thesetwo represent good and evil respectively. There is an eternalconflict between God and evil, and God cannot ultimately triumph overevil. This belief denies the lordship of God over his creation.
Pantheism.
Pan-the-ismis literally a theory that all are God. It identifies the universewith God, and believes that everything is God, and God is everything.The universe is a temporary and finite emanation of God.
Panentheism.
Pan-en-the-ismis literally a theory that all are in God. It denies thetranscendence of God because he should live in his creation.
Theism.
The-ismis the belief of God. God is existent, personal, infinite,transcendent and immanent. He created the universe, is distinct fromthe created universe, and rules over it.
II. THENATURE OF GOD
TheExistence of God.Godreveals his existence in his creation (Gen. 1:1; Romans 1:18-20). Mancan find enough evidence of God's existence out of the nature, whichsurrounds man and is a part of God's creation. He exists beforeeverything (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 3:4). His existence is self-existent(EX. 3:14; John 5:26) and eternal (Is. 26:4). The Bible presumes thatGod is existent (Genesis 1:1; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 11:6).
TheEssence and Nature of God.
Godis a spirit (John 4:24) and dwells in the light (1 Tim. 6:16). He isinvisible (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15-16). He is a person with hisown will, emotion and intellect (Genesis 6:6; Psalm
115:3;147:5; Proverbs 6:16).
TheAttributes of God
Theattributes of God constitute his essence, and they can be comparedwith human ones. Some of them are:
(1)self-existence: God is independent of any thing but he is the firstcause of every thing (Gen. 1:1; EX. 3:14; Is. 45:4-7; John 5:26);
(2)eternity: God is beyond the limitation of time and he is the first andlast (EX. 3:14; Deut. 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 102:11-12; Is. 40:28; John8:56-57; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 1:8);
(3)omnipotence: God is able to do what he desires (Gen. 18:14; EX. 6:1;13:9; Num. 11:23; Psalm 115:3; Eph. 1:11; 3:20);
(4)omnipresence: God is present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12; Jer.23:23-24);
(5)omniscience: God knows everything (Gen. 15:13-14; EX. 3:7; 2 Chron.16:9; Psalm 139:1-6; 147:4-5; Prov. 5:21; 1 John 3:20);
(6)immutability: God's nature never changes (Num. 23:19; Psalm 33:11;102:26-27; Mal. 3:6; Acts 1:11; Heb. 1:10-12; 13:8; James 1:17);
(7)infinity: God is not bound in any limitation (1 Kings 8:27; Psalm90:2; 147:5; Prov. 15:3; Is. 44:6; Matt. 10:29; Acts 17:24-28);
(8)unity: God is one in essence (Deut. 4:35; Is. 44:6-8; 45:5-6; 1 Cor.8:4-6; 1 Tim2:5; Eph. 4:4-6).(7)love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8, 16; cf. Isa. 46:10);
(8)grace (EX. 33:12-17; 34:6; Eph. 1:5-8; 2:7-9; Tit 2:11; 2 Pet 3:7-9);
(9)mercy: God does not give the punishment which man deserves (EX.34:6-7; Psalm 103:8; 136:1-26; Luke 1:78; 1 Pet. 1:3).
TheTranscendence and Immanence of God
Godis transcendent because he is independent of; above and beyond fromhis creation (EX. 3:14; Psalm 113:5-6; Is. 46:8-10; 55:8-9). He isalso immanent because he is present everywhere in his creation (Prov.5:21; Jer. 23:24; Matt. 5:45; 6:25-30; 10:29-30; Acts 17:27-28; Rom.11:34-36).
III. TRINITARIANISM
Statementof the Doctrine
TheTrinity of the Godhead is that there is the only one God who is onein essence but three of co-equal ones in personality. The threeidentities are the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit These threeindependent persons are not three independent gods though they allhave the same divine characteristics. They are united in one divinebeing and have different tasks respectively. This doctrine is deducedfrom the teachings in the Bible, and has no straight evidence in theBible. It cannot be understood by human finite mind.
OntologicalTrinity
Theontological trinity describes the unity of God (Deut. 6:4), this is,that God is one and the only one. God is the unity of three co-equaland co-eternal persons. The eternal relationship between the threepersons are equal and not subordinate.
EconomicTrinity
Theeconomic trinity describes the diversity of God, this is, that God ismanifested in the three persons. The three decide theirresponsibilities for the creation of the universe and redemption ofman, and voluntarily subordinate themselves according to their uniqueroles.
Forexample, the Father is the one of sending and directing, the Son isthe one to be sent and accomplish the redemption, and the Holy Spiritis the one to be sent and apply the benefits of salvation tobelievers. Thus, The Son subordinates himself to the will of theFather, and the Holy Spirit to the will of the Son and that of theFather.
Trinityin the Old Testament
TheOld Testament teaches the oneness of God (Ex. 20:3; Deut 4:35; 6:4;Is. 43:10; 46:9), but there are plural uses about God: plural form ofname (Gen. 1:1; Eccl 12:1; Is. 54:5),
and plural pronoun (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Is. 6:8). Furthermore, thereis distinction between God
andthe Son (')Psalm 2:1-9; 45:6-8; 110:1-5; 15. 9:6), and that betweenGod and the Spirit (Gen. 1:1-3; 15.48:16; 59:21; 63:9-1061:1).
Trinityin the New Testament
Godis claimed one (1 Cor. 8:4-6; Eph. 4:3-6; 1 Tim. 2:5; James 2:19).Nevertheless, each of the three is called God (1 Cor. 8:6; Heb.1:8-10; Acts 5:3-4). The Father is identified as God (John 1:18;5:18; 6:27; 6:45-46; 1 Pet. 1:2), Jesus the Son is equated with God(John 1:1-18; 5:18; 8:58; 10:30; 17:5; 20:28; Col. 1:16-17; Phil.2:6; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 1:8), and the Holy Spirit is interchangeablewith God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-12; 6:19). The three are associatedwith equality (Matt. 28:19; Luke 3:21-22; John 14:16; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1Pet. 1:2).
IV. CREATION
TheMethod of Creation
TheFather, the Son and the Holy Spirit took part in the creation of God(Gen. 1:1-2; John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6). God did not use any preexistingmaterial to create (Rom. 4:17). God created all visible and invisiblein the universe out of nothing and no intermediate agency (Gen.1:1-2; Psalm 90:2; 15.45:5-8; Heb. 1:10; 11:3) for his own glory(15.43:7).
TheAge of Creation
TheBible does not offer a explicit time of God's creation. The recentcreation theory moves 6,000 to 10,000 years.
Creationversus Evolution
Thetheory of creation affirms that the account in Genesis is historicaland supernatural creation of the universe by God alone. The rest ofthe Bible confirms this account (EX. 20:11; 31:17; Deut. 4:32; Job38:4-7; Is. 42L5; 45:5-7, 12-18; Matt. 19:4-5; Luke 3:23-38; John1:1-18; Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 11:7-8; 1 Tim. 2:11-15). The theory ofevolution tries to explain the origin and development of the universeapart from the supernatural involvement of God but through naturallaws. It intends to deny the existence of God.Thedebate between creation and evolution is an issue of faith versusfaith rather than faith versus science. There are unexplainedcontra-evidence and missing evidence in evolutionism. On thecontrary, creationism offers a more reasonable explanation forgeological phenomena and archaeological discovery.
V. THE DECREE OF GOD
TheDirective Willof God
Thedirective will of God claims that God is actively and freely directssome things to happen or to be (Psalm 115:3; 15.45:5-12, 18; Dan.4:35; Rom. 9:14-24). He is the sovereign of his creation and controlsand causes things to occur as his desires and pleasure (cf. Eph. 1:5,9; Phil. 2:1). For example, he created (Gen. 1; Rev. 4:11), reveals(John 1:1-18), saves (John 3:16; Eph. 1:11; 2:8-10), controls theworld (Dan. 4:35), establishes governments (Dan. 2:21), elects tosalvation (Eph. 1:4), and gives special commands (1 Thess. 4:3-7),
Permissivewill of God
Thepermissive will of God claims that God permits something to happen ata choice of a second party within his plan but he holds theresponsibility of the party. God gave Adam a prohibition, but Godleft him a choice to disobey and a warning for such disobedience(Gen. 2:17). God passively allowed Satan to test Job whoserighteousness God was pleased by (Job
2:3).He prohibits the bloodshed (Gen. 9:6), but he commanded Abraham tosacrifice his son to manifest his faith (Gen. 22:2, 12).
Providenceof God
Theprovidence of God claims that God created all things and alsocontinues to work in order to preserve and govern his creation forits intended purpose. He preserves all creatures and keeps themexisting and maintaining their created properties (Matt. 5:45; Heb.1:3). He concurs with them in every action and directs theirproperties to act as they should (Eph. 1:11). He governs them tofulfill his purposes (Psalm 103:19). His providence manifests hisimmanence.
Godprovides for all things. God's providence is the continual supplyingof our needs. This is not limited to the obvious like food shelterand clothing. God even provides for his creatures such as the birds(Matt. 6:26; 10:29).
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