The scriptures show that truth, doctrine, and theology are necessary and important for Christian life and that systematic theology is, in fact, inevitable.
Take part in the draw
- Throughout the Bible.
- The emphasis is on the importance of truth to the Christian life.
- The need for a doctrine for our walk with God.
- And if we make sure to observe how the Bible constructs these questions.
- We will also see why systematic theology is necessary.
- Is it inevitable? It’s not something you’d like to avoid anyway.
- But something we all want to do well.
- Notice.
- For example.
- The following passages from the Pauline Gospels and Epistles.
In the midst of priestly prayer, Jesus made it clear that God’s truth is for our joy and growth in holiness, in this context truth is not fidelity or person, but is clearly associated with the Word of God:
But now I’m coming to you. And I say this while I’m in the world, so they can have my joy to the fullest. I have given you your word; the world hated them, because they are not of the world like me, I pray that you take them out of the world, but that the guardians of the evil one, are not of the world, nor am I. they really, your word is true. (John 17:13-17)
In the Great Commission itself, does Jesus tell his disciples to teach the Church not only to believe his instruction and to pass it on completely, but to teach it so that his people live the truth? Your truth:
Jesus came up to them and said unto them, Every power has been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Therefore, let us go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; Show them to obey all that I have commanded you; and I am with you every day, until the end of time (Mt 28:18-20)
In a crucial passage to understand the apostolic theology of ministry, Paul tells Timothy, on the one hand (negative), that he does not allow people to preach or listen to a poor quality theology, and on the other (positive) that good theology is directed to the love of the Gospel among Christians that is true, rooted in the heart and practiced:
As I have asked you, when you have gone to Macedonia, you stay in Ephesus to warn some not to teach another doctrine, nor to be dedicated to endless fables or genealogies, because instead of favoring God’s plan, which is based on faith, they produce discussions. This orientation aims at the love born of a pure heart, a good conscience and a faith without hypocrisy (1 Timothy 1,3-5).
In an important passage on the law in Christian life, Paul points out that doctrine and ethics are inextricably united; in fact, he says that the gospel itself and doctrine are inextricably linked to a certain kind of life:
We know, however, that the law is good, provided it is used legitimately, recognizing that it is not for the righteous, but for the transgressors and rebels, the unbelievers and sinners, the wicked and the profane, for those who kill the father. and mother and murderers. , unscrupulous, homosexual, male exploiters, liars, those who take false oaths and for all that is contrary to sound doctrine, which is in harmony with what has been entrusted to me, namely the gospel of glory. of the Blessed God (1 Timothy 1. 8-11)
Does Paul not only show concern for Orthodox doctrine, but also show that he even cares about maintaining the standard of words in Jesus’ teaching and articulates a fundamental principle of his theology?This doctrine aims at piety:
Show them these things. If someone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the strong words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine that conforms to piety, he is arrogant and understands nothing (1 Timothy 6. 2-4).
Once again, Paul joins the truth with piety, because knowledge of the truth is vital to piety:
Paul, servant of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ, to bring God’s eldest to the faith and full knowledge of the truth, which leads to piety (Titus 1. 1).
These six passages show the legitimacy of categories and the importance of truth, doctrine, and theology.
Excerpt from the first chapter of the book?Proclaim a theology centered on the cross?(Editor Tempo de Colheita) written by J. Ligon Duncan III: “Healthy Doctrine: Essential for Faithful Pastoral Care”.