Intro to Doctrine
Bibliology is the doctrine, or study of, the Bible. Ever since the garden of Eden, the Word of God has been under attack. Over the centuries the Scriptures have been maligned, belittled, twisted, perverted, shredded, and burned in the fire. Yet the Lord has preserved His Word for us to understand.
1. The Bible is Divine
Unlike any other book, the Bible is the only divine book in existence today. It is the very Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Although there are many religious books in our world, only the Bible is direct revelation from God. When we read or study the pages of Scripture we are reading the recorded Word of God for mankind today. This is a fact that we are reminded uf hundreds of times as we repeatedly read, “Thus saith the Lord....”
2. The Bible is Inspired
Inspiration means the Bible is God-breathed. The Bible is not man’s revelation about God but rather it is God’s revelation to man. The process of inspiration is described in 2 Peter 1:20-21, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Spirit.”
3. The Bible is Inerrant
The inerrancy of Scripture teaches that since the Bible is the inspired work of God it is totally free from all errors. The Word of God is truth, John 17:17, that is driven by the character of our “God that cannot lie” Titus 1:2. To denounce the Scripture with error is to impugn the infallible character of God. Psalm 12:6 “The words of the Lord are pure words.”
4. The Bible is Reliable
The questioned asked by mankind today is, “Is the Bible reliable?” Can I trust that it has not been corrupted by man?” The answer is a resounding, “YES!”
Jesus believed the Bible was very reliable. He quoted from it’s pages often. Jesus taught in Matthew 5:18, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
All four Gospels agree on the common account of the deity, life, ministry, words, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Peter taught that all the writings of Paul are reliable wisdom of Scripture inspired of God. 2 Peter 3:15-16
Those who put the promise of the Word of God into practice for their lives would agree that the Bible is very reliable. You can trust that the Bible is the divinely inspired, free from error Word of God
Theology is the doctrine of God. The Bible does not try to prove the existence of God. It states the existence of God as an undeniable fact starting with the very first verse in the Bible. “In the beginning God...” Genesis 1:1. There are many facts the Bible teaches us about God. Here are a few of those facts:
1. There is only one God.
There are not many gods in our world. Jesus believed, “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.” Mark 12:29
2. God is perfectly holy.
The holiness of God drives the attributes and actions of God. It is foolishness to charge our sinless God with sin. We are taught throughout the Scriptures, “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” Leviticus 19:2
3. God is all powerful.
The power of God is on display throughout the creation He has made. He formed and fashioned all things, from the massive planets that hang on nothing et never fall down, to the intricate detail of the human body. Surely, “with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37 God is omnipotent.
4. God is all knowing.
King David said, “For the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.” 1 Chronicles 28:9. There is nothing that can be hidden from the Lord. God is omniscient.
5. God is everywhere present.
The Psalmist asked, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” Psalm 139:7. The answer is nowhere. From the highest mountain to the depths of the sea. God is omnipresent.
6. God can be known
The good news is that our Creator God wants us to know Him. He created us in His image and likeness, Genesis 1:26-27, so that we can walk in fellowship with Him. God is not some far off, distant, unknowable God.
God has communicated throughout the centuries to mankind. In His Word we can learn more about Him and understand how He would have us to live a life pleasing unto Him
God sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ so that we can know Him. Jesus said in John 14:9, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” In Christ “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9
Hebrews 1:1-2 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.”
The greatest pursuit of mankind is the pursuit of knowing God and His will.
Christology is the doctrine of Christ. There is much confusion over the person of Jesus Christ. Some define Him as a morally good man, others say He was nothing more than a teacher or philosopher. Those who love Christ, and follow His ways, know Him to be so much more.
1. Jesus Christ is God
Jesus Christ is more than a mere mortal man. He is God robed in human flesh - the one and only God-man. Jesus taught, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” John 14:9. Jesus also said in John 10:30, “I and my Father are one.” The apostles believed Jesus to be God for they called him, “the Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1.
2. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin
The Bible teaches Jesus was supernaturally conceived of the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:35) and His mother Mary had not known a man Luke 1:34. Even though He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem, Jesus is eternally God without beginning John 1:1.
3. Jesus Christ is perfectly sinless
The Devil tempted Jesus to sin but because Jesus is God, He could do no sin. “In Him is no sin” 1 John 3:5. Peter also declares the sinlessness of Jesus in 1Peter 2:22, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”
4. Jesus Christ is the only sacrificial atonement for our sins.
Since Jesus is the only sinless Savior sent from God, He alone has the ability to redeem us and forgive us of our sins through His death. Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
5. Jesus Christ arose from the dead
Jesus died on the cross, they buried Him, but then Jesus arose from the dead. I Corinthians 15:1-8 declare this to be the Gospel. Over 500 people saw Jesus alive after He had died. The angles at the empty tomb said, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” Matthew 28:6. If we denounce the literal resurrection of Christ from the dead then our faith is dead, I Corinthians 15:17.
6. Jesus Christ will return to the earth
The Christ who died, rose again, then ascended up into heaven, also promised to come again. He said in John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Our response should be the same as John when he replied to the Lord’s return with, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20
Pneumatology is the study of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the triune Godhead. There is much misunderstanding about His personality, character and works. While some overemphasize the Spirit of God others de-emphasize Him all together. Yet, in our walk with Christ, the Spirit plays a vital role, demanding that we understand who He is and how He works today.
1. The Holy Spirit is God.
At the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is seen descending like a dove. In Matthew 3:16 the Spirit is referred to as the “Spirit of God.” His character is uniquely consistent with the nature of God. For example, the Spirit is seen in the work of creation in Genesis 1:2. Job said, “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job 33:4 There is only one creator -the Spirit is God.
2. The Holy Spirit reproves the world.
Jesus taught that one of the primary works of the Holy Spirit is to reprove the world. “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8 This is the convicting work of the Spirit towards those who are lost in their sins.
3. The Holy Spirit indwells believers.
At the very moment of salvation the Spirit of God takes up residence within the believer. Romans 8:9 says, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
4. The Holy Spirit seals believers.
Ephesians 1:13 says, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” The security of our salvation is not based on our performance towards God but rather it is solely based on our position in Christ. This is the promise of the God who cannot lie.
5. The Holy Spirit equips believers
As the Spirit of God takes up residence within the life of the believer, He equips us to do the work of the Lord. 1Co 12:7 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” As we are filled and then led by the Spirit of God, He equips us to live a life serving God acceptably. Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
6. The Holy Spirit empowers believers.
The Work that our Lord left us here to do, is larger than the ability of mere mortal man. To empower us to live a victorious Christian life, thus being a witness to our lost world, Christ has empowered the believer with the Spirit. Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Anthropology is the study of mankind. The best source to learn about the origin, nature, will, and behavior of human beings is from the One who gave us life. The Bible records for us all we need to know about us.
1. We are created by God
Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” According to the dates in the Bible, God created mankind and all things about 6,000 years ago, out of nothing. When God created male and female He created us in His image and likeness. 1Thessalonians 5:23 teaches that man is comprised of three parts, spirit, soul, and body. The Spirit is our consciousness towards God. The Soul is our personality, intellect, emotion, and will. The Body is the our material makeup or the physical flesh we live in.
2. We choose to sin against God.
It wasn’t too long after God created the first man and woman that they chose to sin against God. The Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. Not only do we choose to sin against God, we were all born with a sinful nature being descendants of the first man, Adam. Sin brings an enormous amount of suffering into our world and eventually brings death. 1Co 15:22 “For as in Adam all die.”
3. We can be right with God.
Even though we have sinned against God, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross for our sins Romans 5:8. Through Christ alone sinful man can be forgiven all of his sins Colossians 1:14. By Christ man can be justified - just as if I never sinned Romans 5:1. In Christ man can live a righteous life pleasing unto God I John 3:7.
4. We can spend eternity with God.
Death is a reality. Ezekiel 18:4 says, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” When man breaths his last breath he will wake up in one of two eternal realities.
For those who have never called upon Christ to be their Savior, an eternal Hell, separated from God, awaits. Jesus often taught Hell to be a real place awaiting those who reject Him. “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:23
However, those who turn from their sinful ways receiving Christ as their Savior will spend eternity with Christ in a real place called Heaven. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Life on this earth is very short. Eternity is forever. What you choose to do with Christ today will determine where you will spend forever.
Soteriology is the study of salvation. Those who believe there is life after this earthly life are also interested in knowing how everlasting life can be obtained. The answer is found in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
1. Man’s need for a Savior.
Because mankind has sinned against God we are abiding under the wrath of God. Romans 1:18 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” If we received what we justly deserved we would receive the full wrath of God.
2. Jesus Christ is the only Savior.
Seeing us in such a helpless state, God promised to send His Son to make a way of salvation back to God. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus Christ is the exclusive Savior for lost man’s soul. There is no other way back to God but through Him.
3. Works or Grace
Is there anything man can do to save himself? Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Mankind is completely incapable of doing anything to save himself. Salvation is the work of God’s grace alone.
4. Repentance and Belief
Once we hear the Gospel we have a choice. Are we going to continue to live a selfish, sinful life, or are we going to repent of our sins believing the only message that has the power to save? Christ commands us to repent of our sins and turn to him in belief. Jesus said in Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” His promise is sure, Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
5. Eternal Security of the Believer
Once a person has called upon Christ alone to save them, from that very moment that person is granted everlasting life. Jesus said in John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” The everlasting life Christ give is secure. The Bible teaches once you are saved you are always saved. In John 10:28-29 Jesus taught, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” Salvation is not based upon a persons behavior, wether they are good or bad. Salvation is based upon the finished work of God who cannot and will not lie about His promise to save Titus 1:2.
Ecclesiology is the study of the church. When the Bible talks about the church it is not referring to a building but to a group of people. There is much confusion over what comprises a church. Not everything called a church is following the truth about the church set forth in the Bible.
1. The church is founded by Christ
The church was started by Christ during His earthly ministry. He gathered together a group of believers who had been baptized and they began to work and to function as a called out assembly of Christ followers. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus is not only the founder of the church, He is also the one who promises to provide for His church and protect His church from the destructive work of the devil. The church is not a human enterprise started by man.
2. The church is comprised of born again, baptized believers.
As the early church preached the Gospel, some who heard became members of the church. Acts 2:41 says, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” The church is to be made up of baptized believers.
3. Two ordinances of the church.
An ordinance is a ceremony of remembrance. There are two truths Christ does not want His church to forget. The first ordinance is baptism. Acts 10:48 Those who accept Christ as the Lord of their life are commanded to be immersed in water, which symbolizes the death burial and resurrection of Christ. The second ordinance in the Lord’s Supper which symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Christ for the remission of our sins. I Corinthians 11:23-26
4. The purpose of the church.
The church has a threefold responsibility to God, to fellow Christians, and to the world. To God we are to bring glory to His name in all that we do. Ephesians 3:21 “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Towards members of the church we have the responsibility to teach, encourage and serve one another. Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” To the lost world around us we are commanded to be a witness for Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen”.
Eschatology is the study of end time events. One third of the Bible was prophetical at the time of its writing. The God who knows the beginning from the end reveals to us certain events that will take place in the future.
1. The Rapture of the church
The rapture of the church is an event that could take place at any moment. We are taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
2. The Seven Year Tribulation
Jesus taught us that this world is headed towards a time of “great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24:21
3. The Second Coming of Christ
The seven year tribulation will culminate at the battle of Armageddon. The forces of the Antichrist will be obliterated by the Lord as He returns to judge and make war. Revelation 19:11 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
4. The Millenial Kingdom
When Christ returns He will establish His kingdom on the earth for 1,000 years. Revelation 20:4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. This will be a time of great peace and righteousness.
5. Two Judgments
The saved will stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account for their life lived in Christ. 2Co 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” The lost will stand before God at the Great White Throne Judgment and will then be cast into the Eternal Lake of Fire Rev 20:11-15.
6. Two Eternities
Where will you spend eternity? By accepting Jesus as your Savior, you can spend eternity with Him in a place called Heaven John 14:1-3. If you reject Jesus and choose to live your selfish life you will spend eternity separated from Him in the Devil’s Hell. Mt 25:41 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” What choice have you made with Christ?
