| Theology continued |
| 8. True theological method is important. Both the content and method of theology are important. There is a right way to "do theology," and mnay wrong ways (such as basing it on tradition, religion, or philosophy, etc.). True theology must be based on the Bible alone. That is the basic principle of theological method. True theology presupposes the total truth of the Bible. Theology is received by revelation of God, not conceived by the mind of man (Col. 2:8). God is the subject, not the object, of theology. That is, He is not to be studied like a bug under the microscope. He, Himself, teaches us about himself. Thus, there are both similarities and differences between theological and natural science. Another important principle is seeing how the New Testament uses the Old Testament. The Bible itself uses logic, but logic itself must be subject to the Word of God, else it becomes mere philosophy. 9. Some theological truths are explicitly stated in Scripture. The most important truths are explicitly stated, such as "God is love," "God is light," "In the beginning God created...," "The Lord thy God is one God," etc. These may be stated in only two or three words, or longer sentences. Some are given only once; others, many times. They are universal and absolute, undeniable and irrefutable (1 Tim. 3:16). They are plainly stated, yet infinitely profound. They are like axioms, maxims and formulas. 10. Other theological truths are logically derived from Scripture. By comparing spiritual things with other spiritual things (1 Cor 2:13), we derive other great theological truths. The Trinity is not stated in any one verse in the Bible, but is the implicit teaching of Scripture. The New Testament sometimes draws on underlying principles of certain Old Testament verses and develops a new doctrine of practice (e.g. 1 Tim. 5:17-18). Thus, principles of theology are important. But we must be careful to observe the limits of this theological method, and stay close to Scripture and avoid speculation. |
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