Foundational Christian Theology Concepts Explained
Foundational Christian Theology Concepts
Core Definitions
- Apologetics: The reasoned defense and commendation of the faith (1 Peter 3:15).
- Theology: Divinity; the science of God and divine things, teaching the character of God.
- Christian: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes the truth and leads by example; piety.
- Worldview: A commitment or orientation of the heart that can be expressed in a story (relating to common people/you) or a set of propositions (a list of truths: making what you believe clear).
- Doctrine: Statements of truth and guidelines, boundaries.
- Biblical Story: The flow of history, which relates to and gives doctrine a deeper understanding.
Arguments for God’s Existence
Thomas Aquinas’ Five Ways
- Motion: God is the prime mover.
- Efficient Cause: God is the first cause, the uncaused cause.
- Possibility and Necessity: God is the Necessary Being and is not contingent.
- Gradation: “There must be something which is to all beings the cause of their being, goodness, and other perfections; this is God.”
- Design: There must be some intelligent being that exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end.
Cosmological Argument
Every known thing in the universe has a cause; therefore, the universe must have a cause. A great universe implies a great God.
Transcendental Argument
The very possibility of using reason, logic, morality, and science depends on God’s existence and foundation through a presuppositional argument (Proverbs 18:1, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 14:1).
Revelation
- General Revelation: Creation; we are here to represent Him.
- Special Revelation: The Bible and Jesus Christ (written revelation).
Catechisms on Hope and Purpose
Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1
My only hope in life and in death is that I do not belong to myself, but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. By surrendering my life to Him, He gives me protection. Because of this, I will be willing and ready to live for Him alone (our only sure hope).
Westminster Shorter Catechism Q&A 1
Q: What is the chief end of man? A: To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever (shows our responsibility).
Attributes of God
God is infinite, possessing wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and love (1 John 4:8, Hebrews 13:8, Deuteronomy 32:4, Exodus 34:6).
The Trinity
(2 Corinthians 13:14) There is only one God, and God is one. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are God. The Father is not the Son. The Son is not the Spirit. The Father is not the Spirit. All are personal beings who love one another and share the same essence. We are made in His image; therefore, we are personal beings and have His love within us.
God’s Purpose and Sovereignty
- God’s Purpose for Creating the World: For His glory and to fill it with people (Genesis 1).
- Why God Owns Everything: Because He created it. Do not be afraid because He loves us and wants to protect us.
- Creature-Creator Distinction: Romans 11:36, Genesis 1:6-27 (God is transcendent/independent and creatures are dependent/immanent).
The Four-Fold State of Man (Related to Sin)
Man exists in four states: creation, after the fall, in redemption, and in glory.
- Adam: A perfect but finite man who fell into sin and did not seek God. He is redeemed before the law through Christ’s sacrifice. He realizes God exists, and His character is revealed in everything.
- The Believer: Still remaining in sin, which still affects their knowledge of morality (1 Corinthians 2:12).
Philosophy and Knowledge
Philosophy based upon allegiance to independence is the foundation of all non-Christian philosophy. Because they do not depend on God, they live in futility. Non-Christians have limited knowledge, are uncertain, cannot see everything, and are finite (Colossians 2:8, Romans 2:14-15).
Unbelievers’ Reaction to Revelation
Man is fallen and does not understand God’s special revelation in nature because he rejects the idea of God completely.