Chapter 1: The Knowledge of God

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover:

·   The nature of Christian theology.
·   The method of studying the "Great Themes."
·   How God is known in general revelation.
·   How God is known in special and subordinate revelation.

AS A RESULT, you will be able to:

·   Define Christian theology and its importance for your spiritual life.
·   Recognize the Holy Spirit's role in illuminating the Scriptures as you read them.
·   Know why your conscience is often a faulty guide for making moral decisions.
·   Understand prophecy and the other gifts of the Holy Spirit as subordinate revelation in the church today.

Key Scripture: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).

Key Words: Theology, Orthodoxy, Heterodoxy

What is theology? Dr. Williams defines it as "the contents of the Christian faith as set forth in orderly exposition by the Christian community" (p. 15). These contents are the subject of our study: God, creation, providence, miracles, angels, incarnation, and atonement. While the central concern of theology is truth, its central focus is God. Christian faith is experiential, but the mind and intellect are vitally involved also. Jesus Himself commanded: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37). To study the Book's great themes is to love God with our mind. This, in turn, helps us to love Him with our heart and soul.

The study of these themes will be orderly and according to a system. In fact, this type of theology is called systematic theology.

Correct doctrine, often called orthodoxy, has been crucial to the church since its beginning. Recall our Key Scripture, which describes the first believers learning from the apostles. Proper theology is still essential for the church to continue its witness in the world.

Have you ever had a question about God or the creation He has made? A study of theology provides the answer. Often Bible reading fails to relate the teachings of one book to another. A study of theology integrates these teachings in an understandable manner. Heterodoxy, which is incorrect doctrine, periodically appears throughout church history. Theology serves as a corrective to such error. In a world that is increasingly secular and pagan, theology declares what we as a church believe.

Theology serves to challenge us in our Christian life. As we fully understand God and His purposes in creation and redemption, deeper levels of commitment are awakened. Such issues as the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the second coming of Jesus have become confusing and divisive in our day. This has occurred because these areas have not been fully examined in the Scriptures. We will not be studying these specific issues (they will be covered in a later course). However, such issues as the humanity of Christ and original sin, which stirred past controversies, will be discussed. Finally, this topical (or thematic) approach to Scripture will serve as a model as you continue your study into other great themes in the Book.

Personal Application: The Key Scripture describes four activities that occupied the early church. How does your Christian experience compare? What are three ways you can improve in these areas?

Group Application: Discuss your concept of theology prior to this study. Was it positive or negative? How has that concept changed after this lesson?

Key Scripture: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).

Key Words: Inspiration, Hermeneutics, Illumination

How do we study the "Great Themes?" Jesus said that the Holy Spirit "will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13) and that He "will teach you all things" (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit will be our Teacher and Guide through the course.

The Bible will constantly be used throughout this study. The basic question in theology is, "What does the Scripture say?" Theology built upon human experience or reanjmson is inadequate. Scripture has a divine authority to validate its own teaching. This results from inspiration. Note its definition in The New International Dictionary of the Bible (NIDB): "The work of the Holy Spirit by which, through the instrumentality of the personality and literary talents of its human authors, he constituted the words of the Bible in all of its several parts as his written word to the human race and, therefore, of divine authority and without error" (p. 469). Thus God, working through men and women, oversaw the composition of His message to the world in the form of a trustworthy and reliable Bible.

Although Scripture is inspired, its translations are the product of human scholarship. Thus, it is advisable to use various translations when studying the Bible. A helpful discussion of contemporary translations is found in the NIDB under "Bible, English Versions," pages 156-57. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. By using several translations you will gain the fullest understanding of the text, unless you read the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. After studying the text, the question of hermeneutics arises. How do we interpret the Bible? Many of these principles will be covered in another Living By The Book course entitled "Studying the Book."

One hallmark of cults and heresies is that they depart from Scripture, often adding "new revelations." Paul warned the Galatians: "If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!" (1:9). We must guard against the temptation to go beyond scripture, even in our speculations of inconclusive scriptural teachings, such as the identity of the Antichrist or the spirits that Jesus preached to in prison (1 Peter 3:19). Those who persistently go beyond Scripture are inviting deception.

The Christian church has been uniquely entrusted with the heritage of Scripture. Throughout its history the church has recognized its right and obligation to teach the Bible. Indeed, the church has the sole right because the Holy Spirit dwells within its members. The Holy Spirit alone brings illumination of the biblical text; that is, He gives understanding about the meaning of Scripture. While there can be no further inspiration of the Scriptures, there is ongoing illumination through the study of Scripture. Heresy and error have compelled the church to respond with many creeds and confessions based upon Scripture. We owe much to Augustine and Luther, Calvin and Wesley for the theology that guides Christianity today.

God continues His work today. The renewal movement is a new chapter in the history of the church. The increasingly secular and "post-Christian" era in which we live challenges the church in a new way. The Holy Spirit seeks to pour out fresh theological understanding to meet the demands of our time. How do we prepare for such challenges in our Christian experience? Williams suggests several things necessary as we approach our study:

• Prayer
• Reverence
• Purity of heart
• Love
• Praise

The Westminster Shorter Catechism, in response to the question "What is the chief end of man?" answers, "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever." With such an approach your study of the "Great Themes of the Book" will certainly honor God and result in spiritual growth and maturity.

Further Reading: "Inspiration," NIDB, pp. 468-69.

Personal Application: Think of a scripture whose meaning the Holy Spirit has recently revealed to you. Were you excited when this happened? Write below the insight received from that scripture. Have you shared this insight with someone?

Group Application: Listed below is the Apostles' Creed. Using the concordance at the end of The NIV Topical Study Bible (NIVTSB), locate the scriptures used to formulate this creed.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Key Scripture: "The heavens declare the glory of God: the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge" (Ps. 19:1-2).

Key Words: Mystery; Revelation, General Revelation

The knowledge of God is the foundational issue in our study of the "Great Themes." Who is God, and how do we know Him? Such questions have been asked from the beginning of time. The world's religions are based on the hunger for God that is a part of humanity. Like iron drawn to a magnet, people reach out to their divine Creator. Philosophers have sought to understand God with their intellects. Yet all human attempts to discover God have fallen woefully short. God is the cosmic needle in the haystack and cannot be found.

All knowledge concerning God is veiled in mystery. In the New Testament, mystery refers to a divine truth previously hidden but now revealed in the gospel. This word is found frequently in Paul's writings (i.e., Rom. 11:25, 1 Cor. 15:51, Col. 1:26-27) and signifies the other-worldliness of God. There is a vast chasm between God and man that seemingly cannot be bridged. Man is a finite creature while God is an infinite one; man is sinful while God is holy. An impasse that prevents man from knowing God thus exists.

Yet the God of the Bible desires to be known. The process by which He reveals His character and nature through word and deed is called revelation. Today we speak of having a revelation when a new idea or understanding strikes our mind. This is not revelation in the biblical sense. Only God can initiate the revelation of Himself. Let us examine an important way that God manifests Himself.

Have you ever gazed into the heavens on a starry night and marveled at the wonder of our universe? God in His creation has provided a general revelation of Himself. As the psalmist declares in our Key Scripture, the heavens declare God's majesty and glory. Mankind from ancient times has charted the solar system and used the stars for navigation. The pattern of the seasons from seedtime to harvest displays God's concern to sustain and care for His creation. The structure of the world then reveals God.

There are several other aspects to general revelation. At creation only man was made in God's likeness and image (Gen. 1:26). When "man" is used here, both male and female are, of course, meant. Men and women are the height of God's creation and reflect God in their moral nature. Conscience is that divine monitor implanted deep within our being. Thus, we experience guilt and pain after doing wrong.

History is sometimes said to be an endless cycle of people and events that leads nowhere. This view of history is more an Eastern view than a Christian one. The Scriptures repeatedly declare that God is the Lord of history. In the Bible God uses kings and nations to advance His purposes. Genesis 1-11 deals with universal history; Genesis 12 throughout the rest of the Old Testament deals with the call of Abraham and the nation of Israel. Paul writes in Galatians 4:4: "When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law." The New Testament covers this period in history when the Messiah was born to bring salvation to both Jew and Gentile alike. Note the convergence of politics (the Roman Empire), geography (Palestine), religion (Judaism), and society (a young Jewish virgin) that makes the Incarnation possible.

God's nature is revealed in numerous ways through general revelation. The great forces in creation -- thunder, wind, the tides, the sun -- indicate a powerful Creator. The plants and animals given to man for food point to God's care and provision. The daily bread we partake of suggests a benevolent God. Finally, our conscience points to a Creator who is righteous and just. This inherent sense of right and wrong reflects a Creator who Himself distinguishes between good and evil.

How has man responded to this general revelation of God? Paul in Romans 1 portrays a downward spiral in this regard. First, man has suppressed the truth about God (v. 18), lying about the very facts that stare Him in the face. Second, he has dishonored God, being ungrateful for His generous provision (v. 21). In his pride and arrogance man has affirmed himself as the source of his blessings. Third, futile thinking and a darkened heart have resulted (v. 21). Idolatry, with its accompanying sexual immorality, illustrates the depravity into which man has fallen. Man no longer desires to know the truth, and his mind is filled with darkness. This is the universal human condition.

In conclusion, general revelation is inadequate to bring a full knowledge of God. Nevertheless, God holds humanity responsible for the knowledge it does have, for Paul says "men are without excuse" (v. 20). Within each of us remnants of divine knowledge remain. Yet like a jigsaw puzzle with many missing pieces, our picture of God remains incomplete. The next lesson will fill in those pieces.

Personal Application: Guilt often results from wrongdoing. Has your conscience been a reliable guide in making moral decisions? Has your conscience ever failed you? If so, describe the occasion and the consequences.

Group Application: Discuss an aspect of general revelation that has led you to realize something about God's nature and character.

Key Scripture: "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" (Heb. 1 :1-2).

Key Words: Special Revelation, Subordinate Revelation

General revelation, in spite of its universal availability, cannot lead people to a full knowledge of God. Something more is necessary - a special revelation through God's word. Special revelation has various components that distinguish it from general revelation:

• It is directed to a particular people. In the Old Testament the descendants of Abraham, Israel, were that people. In the New Testament the people of God are the church, the body of Christ. Through His people God channels His blessings to the entire world.
• It is progressive. The relationship between the Old and New Testaments must be understood in this light. God is more fully disclosed in the New Testament than in the Old. His nature and character are the same in both. Yet because "in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Col. 2:9), God becomes more fully known.
• It offers salvation. In general revelation there is no salvation. The theme of God as Redeemer underscores special revelation. God declared repeatedly in the Old Testament that He was the Savior of His people Israel. In the New Testament God Himself becomes the Savior through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Sin, which clouded general revelation, is now effectively dealt with at the cross.
• It is verbal. Nature can only speak indirectly to man; God, however, desires to speak directly through human language. Thus at creation, God created man with the ability to speak, which distinguishes him from animals.
• It is personal. God appeared to Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, and many others in the Old Testament. However, His ultimate personal revelation is in Jesus Christ who declared, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).

By what means did God give His special revelation? In the Old Testament, we repeatedly read of the prophets speaking for God. This designation not only includes the oral prophets such as Elijah or the writing prophets such as Jeremiah, but also Moses and David, who are called prophets in their respective roles as lawgiver and psalmist. The Old Testament prophetic revelation points forward to the One who is not only Prophet, but also Priest and King - Jesus Christ. As stated earlier, Jesus was the full revelation of God.

In the New Testament, we read of another group through whom special revelation came - the apostles. The Twelve, along with Paul, were among this group. These men with their disciples were responsible for writing the New Testament. In later centuries, when the canon of the New Testament was being formalized, a primary criterion for acceptance was a book's apostolic witness. These three were the medium for special revelation - the Old Testament prophets, Jesus Christ, and the New Testament apostles.

Obviously the content of special revelation centers on God. With the coming of Christ, God unveiled Himself by becoming flesh. In the Old Testament the truth of God centered primarily on the Ten Commandments; in the New Testament the gospel is the primary message. God's self-revelation, with accompanying divine truth, is not an end in itself, no matter how wonderful that may be. Rather, redemptive history is moving toward a final purpose. The book of Revelation depicts the new heaven and earth where all believers will join God for eternity. This culminates God's purposes in special revelation.

Although special revelation ceased with the apostles, an additional type of revelation still exists - subordinate revelation. This is not some new truth that goes beyond special revelation. Rather, to quote our textbook, "it is only a deeper appreciation of what has already been revealed, or a disclosure of some message for the contemporary situation that adds nothing essentially to what He has before made known" (p. 44). The apostle Paul in his discussion of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14 provides the clearest scriptural basis for such revelation. For those familiar with these gifts, subordinate revelation is a continuing reality. Unfortunately, the church has often lost the dynamic of subordinate revelation. For its ministry to prosper, however, such ongoing revelation is necessary.

One final thing is necessary in our search for the knowledge of God. While our mind and senses can participate in knowing God in some measure, it is in our spirit that God is most fully known. Faith enables our spirit to know God. Like an antenna, faith reaches out to special revelation, translates its signal, and brings the knowledge of God into our lives. The writer of Hebrews makes this point: "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (11 :6). Earlier we noted how sin hinders our knowledge of God. Faith is the opposite; it is a positive step toward God that initiates a response. And through His Spirit He does respond, confirming the words and deeds of His Son Jesus as well as the message of the apostles and prophets in Scripture. Then the knowledge of God becomes a reality in our lives.

Personal Application: Recall an instance when you have experienced subordinate revelation. Was its message consistent with special revelation? Describe any effects it had on your life.

Group Application: Many cults believe that special revelation is ongoing today. How does the Christian view of special revelation differ from those religions that add to the Bible?