The importance of systematic theology is
for the protection from one’s own deceitful heart and mind (Mark 7:20-23, Jer.
17:9). The necessity of a system in theology protects individuals from removing
focus from God to self or self-motive rather than the motive of God (1 Cor.
2:2-5). Consequently, a person searching for God would be wise to always check
their motivating actions with the objects of theology, which are:
1.
Bible
2.
Church
history
3.
Personal revelation for God (which should agree
with #1 & #2).
The first mode of understanding, and
ultimately the chief source, is the Holy Scripture. If a person feels that they
have received a revelation from God, it would be prudent to compare if that revelation
is in agreement with the Biblical teaching. Consequently, theology must have a
check and balance system that includes both the Bible and Biblical Christian history.
Why Christian history? Because history is the tool in which God has
demonstrated or revealed Himself.[1]
This historical data is found in the Bible
but specifically in the books of Genesis, Exodus, the prophets, the Gospels,
church history (not excluding the new testament letters), as well as the book
of Revelation. Biblical history has carried its way through antiquity until the
present.[i]
Furthermore, historical activity thrusting into the future.[2]
Systematic theology is a check and balance
system by which one follows God and how God defines Himself. As a result, a
follower of Christ must concern himself or herself with these three modes of
understanding God. Consequently, if a believer follows any other mode of
equation they have only developed a God in their own mind’s eye.
With the Biblical structure of supervision
through these three means of understanding, one has the God given ability to
walk with God, act on His calling, and maintain a right thinking of God.
Without this system one is doomed to fall under his or her own desires and will
ultimately lose fellowship with the one triune God. A believer could possibly
fall under the trap of false teaching or look for self-seeking advice, but this
futile attempt has failed and plagued Christianity from the foundation of the
church at Pentecost (2 Peter 2).[ii]
In conclusion, without systematic theology,
a seeker of God is just chasing after the wind. Moreover, the whole duty of humanity
is to fear God and obey His commandments. For God will bring every act to
judgment, everything that is hidden, whether it is good or evil (Eccl. 12:13-14).
Therefore, to maintain the posture of fearing and obeying the Lord, a person
truly longing to follow Christ, essentially is called to keep theology within
these three systematic constructs. As a result, the teaching of the scripture,
church history, and teaching the future generation to listen for the voice of God,
by way of the former two, is paramount.
[1]
Garrett Jr. , James Leo, Systematic Theology Volume 1 Second, Smithfield Pr; 2nd edition (June 1, 2001), pg. 20-22
[2]
Ibid pg. 22
[i]
As it has been said, those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it
[ii]
False teachers have plagued the church and evidence of that is a divided
church, cultic behaviors, and church congregations. Peter’s warnings were a
testament that false teachers were corrupting the church in his day and his
charge was for the church leaders to keep an eye out to stop heresies from
corrupting doctrinal truth for future generations. This charge is for the
modern Biblical churches as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read my contemplations.
©Darla J. Smith
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