SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
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Doctrinal Statements, or Statements of Faith, are supposed to be summary statements
of what an organization or individual believes the Scriptures teach about specific
subjects. In order to be effective, a doctrinal statement should address each area of
theology that an organization holds specific beliefs about, and should summarize
everything that the Scriptures have to say about that subject, particularly if the
organization requires its members or adherents to subscribe to that doctrinal statement
as a condition of fellowship.
It should be noted as a practical matter, however, that very few organizations write
Doctrinal Statements that accurately reflect what they actually teach. Therefore, when
reading an organization’s doctrinal statement one should be careful not to accept it as
actually authoritative for the organization that produced it.
We hold that there are three principles that each Believer should follow concerning their
belief system:
** Know what you believe.
** Know why you believe it (be able to accurately cite Scripture to back up your stated
beliefs).
** Know how to teach your beliefs to others.
Writing your own personal doctrinal statement will prepare you do follow those three
principles.
Sample statements are provided here for comparison (you decide which of these you feel
adequately tells you what the organization believes): (LINKS Below)
Doctrinal Statements
Rambam’s Thirteen Principles
Statement of Faith: B'nei HaMelech
Statement of Faith: CTOMC
Statement of Faith: MBI
Statement of Faith: Metroplex
Statement of Faith: MJAA
Statement of Faith: Typical Messianic SoF
Statement of Faith: UMJA
Statement of Faith: UMJC
Thirteen Principles - Messianic
UMJC: About Yeshua
Witnessing to Cults
Found online at: Reference (Link): Doctrinal Statements
of what an organization or individual believes the Scriptures teach about specific
subjects. In order to be effective, a doctrinal statement should address each area of
theology that an organization holds specific beliefs about, and should summarize
everything that the Scriptures have to say about that subject, particularly if the
organization requires its members or adherents to subscribe to that doctrinal statement
as a condition of fellowship.
It should be noted as a practical matter, however, that very few organizations write
Doctrinal Statements that accurately reflect what they actually teach. Therefore, when
reading an organization’s doctrinal statement one should be careful not to accept it as
actually authoritative for the organization that produced it.
We hold that there are three principles that each Believer should follow concerning their
belief system:
** Know what you believe.
** Know why you believe it (be able to accurately cite Scripture to back up your stated
beliefs).
** Know how to teach your beliefs to others.
Writing your own personal doctrinal statement will prepare you do follow those three
principles.
Sample statements are provided here for comparison (you decide which of these you feel
adequately tells you what the organization believes): (LINKS Below)
Doctrinal Statements
Rambam’s Thirteen Principles
Statement of Faith: B'nei HaMelech
Statement of Faith: CTOMC
Statement of Faith: MBI
Statement of Faith: Metroplex
Statement of Faith: MJAA
Statement of Faith: Typical Messianic SoF
Statement of Faith: UMJA
Statement of Faith: UMJC
Thirteen Principles - Messianic
UMJC: About Yeshua
Witnessing to Cults
Found online at: Reference (Link): Doctrinal Statements
Copied from Christian Chat Forums/Bible Discussion Forum:
Doctrinal Statement/Mission Statement
Reference (Link): -->> http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/26386-doctrinal-statement-mission-statement.html
MC850 is a core course in both the Master of Divinity degree and the Master of
Theological Studies in Christian Leadership (MTS-CL) degree
1. Personal Doctrinal Statement
The student will develop a doctrinal statement that reflects the current state of the
student’s theological understanding of his or her faith. The paper will be at least 15
pages in length and cover the following major areas of belief:
• Prolegomena describing epistemological basis for theology
• Doctrine of Scripture
• Doctrine of God (Theology)
• The Person of Christ (Christology)
• Doctrine of Humanity (Anthropology)
• Doctrine of Sin (Hamartiology)
• The Nature of Redemption (Soteriology)
• The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
• The Church and its Mission (Ecclesiology and Missiology)
• The Final Things (Eschatology)
The doctrinal statement should include a presentation of the student’s views regarding
the following key theological issues:
• The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible
• The Trinity
• Openness of God or Free-will Theism
• The Nature of the Fall and Effect upon Humanity
• Election
• The Nature and the Extent of the Atonement
• The Uniqueness of Christ
• The Work of the Holy Spirit
• Eschatological Distinctions
The doctrinal statement should seek to be succinct and confessional in content. The
student should provide a concise commentary to the doctrinal statement that discusses
relevant sources, creeds, key biblical support, and a discussion of personal changes
and theological development over the course of the student’s seminary experience.
The commentary should include discussion of areas of tension or personal struggle. This
commentary should accompany the doctrinal statement in the form of footnotes or
endnotes. This should prove to be a valuable exercise for the student to compile a
summative theological framework for ordination and ministry. The student will be graded
on quality of synthesis, clarity of expression, and the ability to demonstrate mature
theological reflection underlying the statement of faith. The student is expected to use
proper grammar, punctuation, and style.
Doctrinal Statement/Mission Statement
Reference (Link): -->> http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/26386-doctrinal-statement-mission-statement.html
MC850 is a core course in both the Master of Divinity degree and the Master of
Theological Studies in Christian Leadership (MTS-CL) degree
1. Personal Doctrinal Statement
The student will develop a doctrinal statement that reflects the current state of the
student’s theological understanding of his or her faith. The paper will be at least 15
pages in length and cover the following major areas of belief:
• Prolegomena describing epistemological basis for theology
• Doctrine of Scripture
• Doctrine of God (Theology)
• The Person of Christ (Christology)
• Doctrine of Humanity (Anthropology)
• Doctrine of Sin (Hamartiology)
• The Nature of Redemption (Soteriology)
• The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
• The Church and its Mission (Ecclesiology and Missiology)
• The Final Things (Eschatology)
The doctrinal statement should include a presentation of the student’s views regarding
the following key theological issues:
• The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible
• The Trinity
• Openness of God or Free-will Theism
• The Nature of the Fall and Effect upon Humanity
• Election
• The Nature and the Extent of the Atonement
• The Uniqueness of Christ
• The Work of the Holy Spirit
• Eschatological Distinctions
The doctrinal statement should seek to be succinct and confessional in content. The
student should provide a concise commentary to the doctrinal statement that discusses
relevant sources, creeds, key biblical support, and a discussion of personal changes
and theological development over the course of the student’s seminary experience.
The commentary should include discussion of areas of tension or personal struggle. This
commentary should accompany the doctrinal statement in the form of footnotes or
endnotes. This should prove to be a valuable exercise for the student to compile a
summative theological framework for ordination and ministry. The student will be graded
on quality of synthesis, clarity of expression, and the ability to demonstrate mature
theological reflection underlying the statement of faith. The student is expected to use
proper grammar, punctuation, and style.
2 Peter 3:16
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which
are some things hard to be understood, which they that are
unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures,
unto their own destruction.
* An Office or Station or a Vocation may prevent or inhibit a Theologian, this is true.
* How does one "love god with all their heart" if they do not know what god is asking or
teaching?
* Lots of opinions and ideas here, not much sound Theology. Blind leaders of the Blind.
Let each be fully persuaded in their own minds.
* This isn't a Master's Course in Theology in a formal sense -- no points off for spelling or
grammar or punctuation. We need to get the concepts, themes, tools and approaches
down first.
You might be right, but like so many others you have this propensity to discredit anyone that might put a high esteem upon God's word in rightly dividing the truth, whether in a systematic study of theology to organize the mind in relationship to truth or even in a categorical study of doctrine that promotes the believer in their knowledge and understanding of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As a believer it would do us well to have a good understanding of the truth in a categorical manner, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, comparing spiritual with spiritual. To discredit the work of systematic theology and the motive of those that dedicate themselves to that work, is a potential judgment upon the call that God has given them and upon the labour of love it was executed. Do we make God a respecter of persons?
Any effort that is made by others to expound the word of God and to enlighten the understanding of believers should be lauded and not criticized because of some personal concept of how we come to know the truth. You accuse these theologians of having preferred doctrine while you have your own and do not hesitate to espouse them on this chat site. Others accuse them of not having the Spirit to reveal truth to them. Do you claim to have a better approach to the truth then those that you are critical of? When it is all said and done, we will thank the Lord for any and all those that have exercised themselves in the study and rightly dividing of the word of truth and that includes many that have been accuse of greater tragedy and error than what you have offered.
2Thes 3:1-5 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course , and be glorified , even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
What is strange is that some want to glorify the Spirit in us when in the reality of truth, the Spirit that is in us wants to glorify the WORD of the LORD that is with us. Did you hear that, the Spirit is speaking through the written word and wants believers to know that the WORD of the LORD is with us and it is to have FREE COURSE and be GLORIFIED (Acts 13:46-48). That is what the the written word is instructing us under the inspiration of the Spirit. I do not want to be among the number who are critical of those that have given of their life in obedience to God to a labour of love in the word and doctrine. May it be far from me and may not a single thought or imagination be conceived in my heart in that regard.
Any effort that is made by others to expound the word of God and to enlighten the understanding of believers should be lauded and not criticized because of some personal concept of how we come to know the truth. You accuse these theologians of having preferred doctrine while you have your own and do not hesitate to espouse them on this chat site. Others accuse them of not having the Spirit to reveal truth to them. Do you claim to have a better approach to the truth then those that you are critical of? When it is all said and done, we will thank the Lord for any and all those that have exercised themselves in the study and rightly dividing of the word of truth and that includes many that have been accuse of greater tragedy and error than what you have offered.
2Thes 3:1-5 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course , and be glorified , even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
What is strange is that some want to glorify the Spirit in us when in the reality of truth, the Spirit that is in us wants to glorify the WORD of the LORD that is with us. Did you hear that, the Spirit is speaking through the written word and wants believers to know that the WORD of the LORD is with us and it is to have FREE COURSE and be GLORIFIED (Acts 13:46-48). That is what the the written word is instructing us under the inspiration of the Spirit. I do not want to be among the number who are critical of those that have given of their life in obedience to God to a labour of love in the word and doctrine. May it be far from me and may not a single thought or imagination be conceived in my heart in that regard.
WITHOUT A FRAMEWORK - NO ONE SEES THE TRUTH
I see The Nicene Creed says one
To another The Apostles Creed has won
Another says "Noahide or Sharia Laws"
Clearly I see - THAT ALL HAVE FLAWS ...
THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT
It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.
The First approach'd the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
"God bless me! but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!"
The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, -"Ho! what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 'tis mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!"
The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a snake!"
The Fourth reached out his eager hand,
And felt about the knee.
"What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain," quoth he,
"'Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!"
The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said: "E'en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan!"
The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
Then, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a rope!"
CONCLUSION.
And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!
MORAL.
So oft in theologic wars,
The disputants, I ween,
Rail on in utter ignorance
Of what each other mean,
And prate about an Elephant
Not one of them has seen!
John Godfrey Saxe's ( 1816-1887) version of the famous Indian legend,
The Poems of John Godfrey Saxe, Complete edition; Boston: James R. Osgood and
Company, (1873)
I see The Nicene Creed says one
To another The Apostles Creed has won
Another says "Noahide or Sharia Laws"
Clearly I see - THAT ALL HAVE FLAWS ...
THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT
It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.
The First approach'd the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
"God bless me! but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!"
The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, -"Ho! what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 'tis mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!"
The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a snake!"
The Fourth reached out his eager hand,
And felt about the knee.
"What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain," quoth he,
"'Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!"
The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said: "E'en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan!"
The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
Then, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a rope!"
CONCLUSION.
And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!
MORAL.
So oft in theologic wars,
The disputants, I ween,
Rail on in utter ignorance
Of what each other mean,
And prate about an Elephant
Not one of them has seen!
John Godfrey Saxe's ( 1816-1887) version of the famous Indian legend,
The Poems of John Godfrey Saxe, Complete edition; Boston: James R. Osgood and
Company, (1873)
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY -- WAYNE GRUDEM*
-----------------------------------------------------
THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION 1/2
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080302WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION 2/2
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080309WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
-----------------------------------------------------
THE DOCTRINE OF CONVERSION - FAITH AND REPENTANCE
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080217WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
-----------------------------------------------------
THE DOCTRINE OF REGENERATION
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080210WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
-----------------------------------------------------
THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION 1/3
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080330WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION 2/3
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080406WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION 3/3
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080413WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
* Reference [over 200] reviews and other information at:
Link -->> Amazon.com: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (9780310286707): Wayne Grudem: Books
-----------------------------------------------------
THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION 1/2
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080302WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION 2/2
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080309WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
-----------------------------------------------------
THE DOCTRINE OF CONVERSION - FAITH AND REPENTANCE
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080217WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
-----------------------------------------------------
THE DOCTRINE OF REGENERATION
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080210WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
-----------------------------------------------------
THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION 1/3
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080330WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION 2/3
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080406WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION 3/3
[mp3]scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080413WGrudem.mp3[/mp3]
* Reference [over 200] reviews and other information at:
Link -->> Amazon.com: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (9780310286707): Wayne Grudem: Books