Theology, Interpretation, and the Christian Life

 After a day, I've been excused from jury duty, and I am grateful not to miss a week of class! As we begin the study of Theology Proper, the doctrine of God, the fourth chapter of Grudem's Bible Doctrine surveys the weighty subject of God's incommunicable attributes. Before digging into that topic Grudem briefly touches on the questions "How can we know God exists?" and "If God does exist, how can we know Him?" Think through Grudem's arguments as you read. And then, as you delve into his consideration of these attributes, pay special attention to the scriptures cited. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ! Which of these attributes are especially awe inspiring for you? Dr. Nash Adjunct Instructor Kernel U., Philadelphia

        This week we are reading the third chapter of Grudem's Bible Doctrine text, which focuses on the clarity, necessity and sufficiency of Scripture. One oft debated issue comes to light as we consider these concepts. If general revelation is enough to reveal to humans that God exists, that there is a Creator, and perhaps even some things about his attributes and character (Romans 1-2), but is insufficient to reveal the Gospel and the way to salvation, what then of the heathen who has never heard even the name of Jesus, much less the truth and purpose of His death and resurrection? Paul makes it clear that the Gospel is the power of God to salvation for those who believe (Rom 1:16). Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except by me" (John 14:6). Peter agrees, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). What say you? What are the

 For section 2 of the Systematic Theology course I've been informed that we won't be meeting at our regular class time on Saturday morning. I believe Dr. Smith is going to upload the recording of the Wednesday class and make that available to you, presumably online. I really need to keep the two sessions in parallel so I want you to keep up with the reading and class work as per the syllabus. When we meet next week I can answer any questions you might have over chapter 2. Of course you can also email me and we can talk about anything that needs clarification. God willing, we'll be back together next week, continuing with Chapter 3, and answering any questions re: chapter 2.  Dr. Nash

"Has God really spoken? Can I trust the Bible?" Chapter 2 of Grudem's "Bible Doctrine" is dealing with the authority and the inerrancy of the Bible. If the Bible's claims about itself are in doubt, how can it be trusted? Aren't there errors in the Bible? If there are, how can I believe anything I find there?  We hold that God inspired the human writers of Scripture to write down exactly what He (God) intended. Jesus said in His high priestly prayer, "...your word is truth..." The force of that statement is dramatic. He is not simply saying that God's word is "true," but that it is truth . That leads us to consider, what is the absolute standard of truth? Is it my intellect and reason? Or is there a higher authority? As you read the second chapter of BD, consider your answer, and then look again at the contrast between liberal Protestantism and biblical Christianity (BD, pp.44-45). Dr. Nash