God Of Our Lord Jesus Christ example essay topic

Introduction The following pages are my best attempt at writing my very first major project. I pray that it will contain the truth of what God had me learn at the Churches of God retreat center in January of this year. Although my notes seem extensive, it's virtually impossible to literate all that was taught and shared during this class. However, Dr. States, I have confidence that these pages may express at least a hint of your spellbinding teachings. Upon returning to my home church in Dover, Pennsylvania, I asked my senior pastor and my mentor, the worship pastor, for any input and / or materials they may have to help me with this final project. I was confused and surprised by the comments that they had gotten rid of their Theology materials years ago.

This lends me to consider why that is. I hadn't ever measured the subject of Theology as somewhat controversial and that has led me to immerse myself even deeper into the well of knowledge. I look forward to next year at our next meeting and teachings of the Theology 2 class. God bless you and your wife.

Theology 1 Outline 1. Definition of Theologya. Greek 2. Various forms of Theologya. Systematic. Historical.

Biblical. Contemporary. Ethical 3. Theology Proper. Who is God? b. Who are we to study God's Word.

Spiritual people ii. Natural people. Carnal people. Attributes of God. Communicable ii. Incommunicable.

.. Omni -1. Omniscience 2. Omnipresent 3. Omnipotence vs. Sovereignty vi. Holiness 4.

Other "ologies"a. Bibliology. Angelology. Cherubim ii. Gabriel. Michael iv.

Elect Angels. Non-elect Angels. Demonology. Satanology. Anthropology. Christology.

Trinityologyi. Evidence of the "Father " ii. Evidence of the "Son " . Evidence of the "Holy Spirit"h. Pneumetologyi. Ecclesiology j.

Eschatology 5. Revelations a. Generali. Cosmological ii. Theological. Anthropological iv.

Ontological b. Speciali. Word of God (Law) 6. Inspiration. Incarnation of Christ. God Breathed c.

Purpose of Scripture. Prophetic Word. Old Testament point of view. New Testament point of view 7.

Creation. Original sing. Inherited since. Actual sin 8. Types of Millennialism. Pre-Millennialism.

Post-Millennialism. A-Millennialism 9. Calvinism. 5 point - TULIP b. 4 point - TRIP 10. Armin ism 11.

Aryanism 12. Apostistica. Modify and Submit. Five warning sections What is Theology?

The term theology comes from two Greek words: the os, "God", and logos, "Word", and then compounded means, the study of God. Theology can be used to cover the study of part of Scripture or of the whole. Depending on the point of approach of the one studying theology, it can appear to have a very broad definition. Let's look at the different forms of theology discussed in class: Systematic Theology - This is a methodical study of God and who He is, the proofs of His existence, and His relationship to the world and man. Systematic Theology gathers materials from the Bible, the facts of science, psychology, history, and philosophy. It examines, evaluates, and organizes all in the light of the Bible.

It utilizes di-chronic and synchronic methods to organize the works of God. Historical Theology - In seeking out resources for a clear definition of this term, I'm finding that it's one of the more difficult terms to define. I surmise from the research that Historical Theology, as with these other theological terms, are intertwined with each other. However, to me, it means taking the historical data of the Bible and applying it to today's society. As discussed in class, it asks what the different theologians thought about different subjects. Biblical Theology - Biblical Theology is entirely based on an inductive study which collects and organizes the doctrinal facts found in the Bible.

It asks, what does the Bible say about God in the Old and New Testament? It determines that the Bible is the true Word of God. Contemporary Theology - Contemporary Theology asks the question: What do modern thinkers believe? They seek to reformulate the gospel message for today's world. The "contemporaries" seek to help people heal the scars of anger and alienation caused by dogmatic, literalistic, and repressive Christians.

These theologians do not practice Biblical Theology and are severely critical of Systematic Theology. Ethical Theology - An Ethical Theology is the Biblical study of right and wrong, good and bad, and moral judgment. To practice this theology today is a commitment to an entire lifestyle. Ethical living is contrary to the world and comes under constant scrutiny. Theology Proper - Theology proper includes all the Bible teaches of the nature, existence, and attributes of God. It teaches of the threefold persons of the Godhead, that the Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct but of the same substance all equal in power and glory and ultimately of One.

Theology proper also includes the study of who God is to the world and to man, His decrees, and His works of Creation. It's important to know that one must understand Spiritual things in order to know the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit must teach the church. Studying God is only appropriate when done by all of us. After all, God made each of us individually. There are three types of people who study God.

They are: Spiritual people, Natural people, and Carnal people. Spiritual people are made to love God and sensitive to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. Our spirit enables us to think along spiritual lines because the Spirit of Christ who impacts the mind and attitude of Christ to the believer in turn controls it. Natural people are those that are unsaved, unregenerate d in contrast to the redeemed. The natural man is subject to his own appetites and passions and cannot grasp divine truth.

"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned". (1 Corinthians 2: 14) Carnal people possess fallen human nature found in all men (and women) alike. Paul admits to being carnal, that is, still having a fallen nature. He says the carnal mind is enmity against God, and he goes on to refer to the Corinthian Christians as carnal, that is, that they behave like natural, unregenerate d men. Paul says: "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace". (Romans 8: 6) Although the Attributes of God are endless, we discussed two main categories.

The first is of God's communicable attributes. These are the attributes God shares: Wisdom: "How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures". (Psalms 104: 24) "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God".

(1 Corinthians 1: 18) "but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God". (1 Corinthians 1: 24) Goodness:" The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made". (Psalms 145: 9) "He prayed to the LORD, 'O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish.

I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity". (Jonah 4: 2) Kindness and Mercy:" He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever". (Psalms 18: 50) "As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy". (Psalms 123: 2) Love:" For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life". (John 3: 16) Justice:" I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life". (John 5: 24) "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?

Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18: 7-8) Second, God's Incommunicable Attributes, which is defined as those things that are unique only to God. These attributes he keeps to himself.

The externality of God means his continuous dominion over all time - past, present, and future. "A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God". (Psalms 90: 1-2) God is referred to as "the King of Ages" in 1 Timothy 1: 17, which really means "the Eternal King". Now to the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.

Amen". (1 Timothy 1: 17) Our God is Omnipotent. This theological term refers to God's unlimited power. "Almighty God" is in the Old Testament as El Shad dai in several passages".

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, 'I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless". (Genesis 17: 1) "Jesus said to them, 'My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working' " (John 5: 17) "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! {18} Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you".

(Psalms 139: 13-18) God's omnipotence does not mean that He can do anything whatsoever since His omnipotent power is governed by His character. God cannot do anything contrary to His character. He cannot lie or deny himself". a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time", (Titus 1: 2) "if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself". (2 Timothy 2: 13) God is also Omnipresent - meaning everywhere. He is not exempt from all the limitations of space. He is both transcendent to the world and immanent in it.

God is not separated from us by darkness". Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you". (Psalms 139: 7-12) God's complete knowledge of all things defines his Omniscience. God knows to an infinite degree all that is both actual and possible. His knowledge is eternal. Evidence of "Actual" Omniscience of God:" Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.

' " (John 2: 19) "After the two days he left for Galilee". (John 4: 43) "For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in -- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain". (Psalms 139: 1-6) "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered".

(Matthew 10: 30) The Bible shares this truth about God's "Possible" Omniscience:" If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea". (Isaiah 48: 18) We also discussed God's Sovereignty. God is the Disposer of all events throughout both time and eternity, and the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. There is nothing which lies outside of the realm of God's sovereignty, including the evil acts of men. Though God doesn't approve these evil acts, He permits, governs, and uses them for his own purpose and glory". Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 'Let us break their chains,' they say, 'and throw off their fetters. ' The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 'I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill. ' I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery. ' Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him". (Psalms 2) "On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them".

(Acts 4: 23) God's Holiness is also an incommunicable attribute. God is entirely free from evil on one hand and absolute moral perfection on the other. All moral law and perfection have their eternal and unchangeable basis in God's own nature. Holiness means, to be set apart from sin". and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.

Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.

' " (Revelation 15: 3-4) "I said to their children in the desert, 'Do not follow the statutes of your fathers or keep their laws or defile yourselves with their idols. I am the LORD your God; follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God. ' 'But the children rebelled against me: They did not follow my decrees, they were not careful to keep my laws -- although the man who obeys them will live by them -- and they desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in the desert.

' " (Ezekiel 20: 18-21) In class, we also discussed several other "ologies". I'll share them briefly with you. Bibliology - (The study of the Bible) Bibliology is the study of the Bible's Inspiration. The Scriptures themselves are the direct product of the breath of God. They are of divine origin and are a divine creation. "All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness".

(11 Timothy 3: 16) "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit". (11 Peter 1: 20, 21) Angelology - (The Study of Angels) Angels are real spirit beings, created holy by God. They are immortal, but not eternal; powerful, but not omnipotent, possess great wisdom, but not omniscient. They are greater than man, but lower than Christ.

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1: 14) "Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created". (Psalms 148: 2, 5) "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him". (Colossians 1: 16) "and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection".

(Luke 20: 36) There are different types of angels in Scripture: there are good angels and bad angels, Seraphim, Cherubim, and Archangels. The seraphim occupy with the cherubim the highest rank in the celestial hierarchy. "He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it". (Genesis 28: 12) "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways"; (Psalms 91: 11) "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment"; (2 Peter 2: 4) "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home -- these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day". (Jude 1: 6) Angel means messenger. They are innumerable, invisible, sexless, and do the will of God.

These angels have a ministry to believers. They guide, protect, and comfort. The only angels mentioned by name are Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer. Michael is always mentioned in the context of battle and Gabriel as a messenger. Of course, Lucifer, who became Satan, is the one who opposes God". And I heard a man's voice from the Ula i calling, 'Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision.

' " (Daniel 8: 16) "while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice". (Daniel 9: 21) "In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee", (Luke 1: 26) "But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia". (Daniel 10: 13) "but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.) " (Daniel 10: 21) "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.

But at that time your people -- everyone whose name is found written in the book -- will be delivered". (Daniel 12: 1) "He replied, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ' " (Luke 10: 18) Angels were originally created for the purpose of serving and carrying out the will of God. The fallen angels rebelled and became evil angels. Satan is such an angel. Demonology - (The Study of Demons) A demon is a fallen angel that assists Satan in the opposition of God.

Demons are evil, powerful, and under the power of Satan. They recognized Christ and can possess non-Christians". The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name. ' He replied, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ' " (Luke 10: 17-18) "For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man.

Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places". (Luke 8: 29) "But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, 'It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons. ' Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself.

How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.

'He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. ' " (Matthew 12: 24-30) Satanology - (The study of Satan) The study of Satan is properly linked to Angelology since Satan is a fallen angel. It specifically deals with the ruler of fallen angels or demons". And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. {8} But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.

{9} The great dragon was hurled down -- that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him". (Revelation 12: 7-9) To ignore Satanology or Demonology denies the teaching within the Word of God. Without the knowledge of the existence of Satan, we would be sitting ducks waiting for his attacks".

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. {9} Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings". (1 Peter 5: 8-9) Anthropology - (The study of man) This includes the origin and nature of man; his original state and probation; his fall; and the nature of man's sin. Christology - (The study of Christ) The function of Christology is to clarify the relationship between God and humanity within the context of the created order in which the human adventure takes place. The crucial problem of Christology is to specify how Jesus can be of normative significance for all people now and everywhere.

Christology addresses the issue of Jesus being both God and man, and becoming such in the incarnation. It also attempts to correlate and explain how Jesus could be both God and man in the same person. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning". (John 1: 1-2) "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2: 6-8) "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him", (Colossians 1: 17-19) "The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God". (Mark 1: 1) "Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: 'This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!' Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus". (Mark 9: 7-8) "what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'?" (John 10: 36) Trinity ology - (The study of the Trinity) The Three in One study is explained as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

That's One God subsisting of three co-eternal and co-equal distinct persons. All three are from the beginning as we see in Old Testament Scripture and are in action together through the New Testament Scripture, as well as today. Where do we find "the Father" is "God?" Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ". (Ephesians 1: 3) "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better". (Ephesians 1: 17) We see Jesus is God in the following Scripture:" He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-" (John 1: 11-12) "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you".

(Ephesians 4: 32) 'I tell you the truth,' Jesus answered, 'before Abraham was born, I am!' (John 8: 58) "while we wait for the blessed hope -- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good". (Titus 2: 13-14) The Holy Spirit is God is proven in the following Text:" God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth". (John 4: 24) "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God", (1 John 4: 2) All three personalities of One God are in action at the same time and can be seen in these verses:" Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, 'Jesus be cursed,' and no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men".

(1 Corinthians 12: 3-6) "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased". (Matthew 3: 16-17) Pneumatology - (The study of the Holy Spirit) Pneuma refers to the Pneumatic or the air, wind, breath, etc... It is not seen but it's nonetheless there. This study can be concentrated on the work of the Holy Spirit.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", (Matthew 28: 19) Ecclesiology - (The study of the Church) This is the study of the nature of the church; its attributes; its prerogatives; its organization; its differences between churches and ordinances; and its origin. Eschatology - (The study of the end times) This concerns the state of the soul after death; the resurrection; the second coming of Christ; the judgment and end of the world; and heaven and hell. Taken as a whole, eschatology is the capstone of divine revelation, the grand culmination of the entire program of God for the ages and the primary reason for the creation of the world. Revelations -This means the disclosure of something that was unknown. There are two types of revelation: general and special. General revelation is that which is revealed about God through what we can see in creation.

Through creation we may learn that there is a God, that He is in control, that He has an order, and that He is concerned for our welfare. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse". (Romans 1: 20) Cosmological argument This is an attempt to prove that God exists by appealing to the principle that all things have causes. There cannot be an infinite regress of causes, therefore, there must be an uncaused cause: God. Teleological argument This attempt is to prove of God's existence based upon the premise that the universe is designed and therefore needs a designer: God. Anthropological argument The anthropological argument is based on the moral consciousness and the history of mankind, which exhibits a moral order and purpose and can only be explained on the supposition of the existence of God.

Ontological Argument This attempt states that God is a being of which no greater thing exists or can be thought of. Therefore, since we can conceive of God as the greatest of all things that exist, then God must exist. However, through general revelation, we are not able to discover the plan of salvation. That comes from special revelation. Special revelation is that which is given to us through Prophets, the Bible, and even visions and dreams. "he said, 'Listen to my words: 'When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. {7} But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.

{8} With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?' " (Numbers 12: 6-8) The ultimate in revelation is the incarnation of Jesus because He came to reveal the Father to us and to communicate to us the gospel by which comes salvation". All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him".

(Matthew 11: 27) "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven". (Hebrews 1: 1-3) Inspiration - Inspiration is like a lamp in the darkness shining the light of Christ so that we can see Him. We are inspired to seek Christ because it's all about Christ and He is our central focus. It accurately and authoritatively represents God's teachings.

As such it is a revelation from God which implies direct knowledge about God, creation, man, salvation, the future, etc. It is an illumination in that it shows us what we could not know apart from it. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works". (2 Timothy 3: 16-17) One of the ways to prove that the Bible is inspired is to examine the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament concerning Jesus because the Bible is inspired, its words are unbreakable, eternal, trustworthy, and able to pierce the heart of man. Additionally, the inspired Word of God will not move forward without accomplishing what God wishes it to, Old Testament point of view Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endure th for ever. (Psalm 119: 160) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

(Isaiah 55: 11). New Testament point of view Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemes t; because I said, I am the Son of God? (John 10: 34-36) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matt. 24: 334-36) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb. 4: 12) Even though the Bible was penned by a human being, preached by a human being, announced in the world from a human soul, they are the breath of God breathing out of a human instrument.

Scripture is given us for a definite purpose. Paul says that it "was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15: 4). The famous pronouncement of 2 Timothy 3: 15-16 is to the same effect: the sacred writings "are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus".

Not only is the nature and force of the Scriptures to be found in their providing instruction for salvation, so is the means and key for understanding them - faith in Jesus Christ. Only by the light of such faith is the treasure of wisdom and knowledge of the Scriptures unlocked. The purpose of Scripture (of the Old Testament as well as the New) and the use which corresponds to it must always be borne in mind when framing a theological definition of the attributes of the Scripture. Creation - Creation is about everything that exists except God himself. This includes material as well as immaterial things and time. God is the creator and we are the creatures.

We are not God, cannot create, nor can we help ourselves do good in order to be saved. Only God is God. Only He can create. And, only He has the ability to save man.

"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible". (Hebrews 11: 3) In the book of Genesis, from the very beginning, God declares His kingdom. He designs it from nothing. It wasn't until this class that I understood that the light was made before the sun.

In deeper thought and reflection on this revelation, I see that the Light is Jesus. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness". (Genesis 1: 1-4) Humans were in God's plan from the beginning.

The design of earth was for them. The contents, nature, animals, everything was created for humans. Humans were not an after thought of God's but rather the epitome of the plan. God creates everything by His Word. Human efforts to cover them selves in sin from God are never enough. The fig leaves Adam and Eve used couldn't hide their sin.

We are bare naked to the Lord God. He sees us, through us, and in us. Sin takes on some different identities of which we discussed. Original Sin This is a term used to describe the effect of Adam's sin on his descendants. Specifically; it is our inheritance of a sinful nature from Adam. The sinful nature originated with Adam and is passed down from parent to child.

We are by nature children of wrath". Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned -- for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law... But the gift is not like the trespass.

For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!" (Romans 5: 12-13 a, 15) " 'Sin is the transgression of the law. ' In the creation God wrote His Law into man's heart; and though this natural knowledge of the Law has been dimmed in consequence of inborn sin". (John 3: 4) Inherited Sin Inherited sin is that sinful nature and corruption with which every human being is born. It is the guilt and depravity of sin which the result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve.

We can see it in the fact that it is easier, even for a small child, to do wrong than to do good. Actual Sin This sin can be committed in many ways. It can be entirely within man's mind and heart, as when he deliberately takes pleasure in something evil pictured in his imagination, or when he deliberately wishes something evil, even though he knows he can never do it. Or, a person can make use of his bodily faculties to offend God by using his power of speech in bad language, such as blasphemy or cursing or by employing another bodily power, such as his hands to murder or to steal.

Finally a person can commit sin by neglecting to do something which he is obliged to do, as when he fails to help others in their need when he could and should do so". Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". (Romans 1: 32, 3: 23) Types of Millennialism -Premillennialism This is a teaching concerning the end times. It says that there is a future millennium (1000 years) where Christ will rule and reign over the earth. At the beginning of the millennium, Satan and his angels will be bound and peace will exist on the entire earth. At the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be released in order to raise an army against Jesus.

Jesus will destroy them and then the final judgment will take place with the new heavens and the new earth being made. Postmillennialism The belief that through the preaching of the Word of God, the entire world will be converted to Christianity and this will usher in the kingdom of Christ. This is when Christ will return. Millennialism The teaching that there is no literal 1000 year reign of Christ as referenced in Revelation 20. It sees the 1000 year period spoken of in Revelation 20 as figurative. Instead, it teaches that we are in the millennium now, and that at the return of Christ there will be the final judgment and the heavens and the earth will then be destroyed and remade".

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever". (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17) "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.

The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare". (2 Peter 3: 10) Calvinism - A system of Christian interpretation initiated by John Calvin. It strongly emphasizes predestination and salvation. The five points of Calvinism were developed in response to the Arminian position Calvinism teaches: 1) Total depravity: that man is touched by sin in all parts of his being: body, soul, mind, and emotions, 2) Unconditional Election: that God's favor to man is completely by God's free choice and has nothing to do with man.

It is completely undeserved by man and is not based on anything God sees in man. 3) Limited atonement: that Christ did not bear the sins of every individual who ever lived, but instead only bore the sins of those who were elected into salvation. 4) Irresistible grace: that God's call to someone for salvation cannot be resisted, 5) Perseverance of the saints: that it is not possible to lose one's salvation. The four point milder program includes all the above except number 3. Arminianism - There are five main views of Arminianism: 1) God elects or reproves on the basis of foreseen faith or unbelief, 2) Christ died for all men and for every man, although only believers are saved, 3) Man is so depraved that divine grace is necessary unto faith or any good deed, 4) This grace may be resisted, 5) Whether all who are truly regenerate will certainly persevere in the faith is a point which needs further investigation. Aryanism - An ancient theological error that appeared around the year 320.

It taught that God could not appear on the earth, that Jesus was not eternal and could not be God. Additionally, it taught that there was only one person in the Godhead: the Father. Jesus, then, was a creation. It was condemned by the Council of Nice a in 325. The Jehovah's Witness cult is an equivalent, though not exactly, of this ancient error. Apostasy - The falling away from the faith.

It is a revolt against the truth of God's Word by a believer. It can also describe a group or church organization that has 'fallen away' from the truths of Christianity as revealed in the Bible. Five Biblical warning sections against Apostasy: 1) Pay attention to what we " ve heard: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will". (Hebrews 2: 1-4) 2) A warning against unbelief:" So, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert, where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did. That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways. ' So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest. ' 's ee to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

As has just been said: 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion. ' Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years?

Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief". (Hebrews 3: 7-19) 3) A warning against falling away:" We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.

But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case -- things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

(Hebrews 5: 11-6: 12) 4) A warning against refusing God:" Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.

' The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, 'I am trembling with fear. ' But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, 'Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. ' The words 'once more' indicate the removing of what can be shaken -- that is, created things -- so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe". (Hebrews 12: 14-28) 5) A warning against sinning:" If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God".

(Hebrews 10: 26-27)

Bibliography

of World Wide Web Resources and the Holy Bible Holy Bible; New International Version and King James Version web Co 2. htm#34; Daniel J. Dyke, 1998. web inherit. html; web demonology. html web 5. christology. html web.