PDF | Print |

Written by Administrator Friday, 16 March 2007 10:37

Pastor Sparky’s series on apologetics is of great importance. The study of theology has been ridiculed in our day as divisive or irrelevant. In examining church history, I believe theology is proven to be not for academics only but for each of us. A look back reminds one of the crucial issues addressed and defined in terms which allows the Church to stand on solid theological foundations.

The Council of Jerusalem affirmed the universal nature of the Gospel, for Jews and Gentiles. The 2^nd - 4^th centuries focused on the Bible canon and the nature of Christ and His relationship to the Godhead. The 11^th century saw a split between East and West over the relationship of the Holy Spirit to the Father and to the Son. The 16^th century saw the affirmation of the priority of Scripture and salvation by faith alone.

Today, doing theology and doing it well is as important as ever. Some issues have changed but some are being studied anew with frightening consequences. Leith Anderson clearly noted, One of the greatest values of theological education is learning from the past as a preventive against becoming heterodox (heretical) in the future.

We are accountable to do good theology. Often, it is a responsibility avoided due to fear of failure. Charles Spurgeon rightly declared, The way to defend the Bible is the same way you defend a lion. You just let it loose. Our responsibility is to feed on the Word which will not only nourish us but those God has called us to serve. Douglas McLachlan observed, Emaciated women cannot give birth to healthy children. Neither can emaciated Christians.

The study of theology must always be tempered by the realization of our own human frailties. The theological enterprise demands humility as much as critical thinking asserted Donald McCullough. Our cognitive abilities are limited but our faculties for obedience must be stretched. Doctrinal orthodoxy without a living faith is like an empty treasure chest; it awaits the riches for which it was intended, yet lacks that richness itself - Alister McGrath. On one side, we have limited knowledge but on the other we limit our response. Theology can and must spur us on to know and obey better. That is a pursuit well-pleasing to God.

I noted before my pastoral prayer two weeks ago John Hannah’s premise concerning theology. He believes the primary purpose is not to gain information only about God but to know Him better so that we can obey Him more fully. Theology is a means to an end - a godly life.

May we seek to know Him better. May what we know impact the way we live. May the world be drawn to our Savior by our testimonies in word and deed.

Gary Wiley