Lecture 1: What is Biblical Theology?
Introduction
- Lecture Topic: Understanding the concept of Biblical Theology.
- Question: How is Biblical Theology distinct from other forms of theology?
- Common misconceptions and initial thoughts.
Definition of Biblical Theology
- Simple Definition: Putting all the pieces together to tell the biblical story.
- Distinction: Focus on the biblical story as opposed to just integrating pieces like in systematic theology.
- Fuller Definition: Telling the story of the Bible using a big picture view to see the truth revealed and developed across the ages.
Key Points
- Progressive Revelation: Biblical theology emphasizes the development of truths over time.
- Story Development: Focus on the historical progression from creation to Revelation.
- Systematic vs. Biblical Theology: Systematic theology answers questions using scripture, while biblical theology tells the story of the Bible in a historical context.
Importance of Progressive Development
- Example of integrating the biblical story: The promise of the seed from Genesis to Revelation, spanning figures like Abraham, David, and ultimately Jesus Christ.
- Theological Context: Helps to understand why certain biblical figures and themes are prominent.
Examples of Biblical Theology
- Tracing Seed Promises: From Genesis 3:15 to the New Testament and Jesus.
- Importance of Figures: Why Abraham and David are significant in biblical narratives.
- Key Themes: Understanding themes like the Kingdom of God, the role of the Holy Spirit, and tracing these themes across scripture.
Application and Practice
- Task: Summarize the story of the Bible on a half sheet of paper; highlights from Genesis to Revelation.
Methods of Biblical Theology
- Word Studies: Historical emphasis on tracing specific words through scripture (less effective today).
- Subject Studies: Tracing specific subjects or themes historically across scripture.
- Book Studies: Examining themes and ideas within individual books or sections of the Bible.
- Progressive Development: Understanding theological development from Genesis to Revelation.
Relation to Other Disciplines
- Exegesis: What does this specific text mean?
- Systematic Theology: Broad questions about God and the world using scripture.
- Practical Theology: How should we live? Ethical, pastoral concerns.
- Historical Theology: What have other Christians said historically?
Why Biblical Theology Matters
- Redemption: Importance in the development of redemption through history, not just its results.
- Understanding the Testaments: Helps prevent misunderstandings between the Old and New Testaments.
- Simple Answers: Many confusing passages have simple biblical theology answers.
- Centrality of Christ: Highlights Jesus Christ as central to the entirety of scripture.
Practical Example
- Baptism: How biblical theology helps understand contexts and questions about practices like baptism.
Conclusion
- Challenge: Appreciate that the Bible was revealed progressively in history and recognize the narrative arc.
- Invitation: Explore the richness of scripture through the lens of biblical theology to transform your understanding and reading of the Bible.
Remember: Biblical theology is about seeing the story of God unfolding throughout scripture and understanding how each part fits into the larger narrative of redemption and revelation.