What is Theology?
Theology comes from two Greek words: “theos” (God) and “logos” (word or study). So, theology is all about studying and learning about God. True knowledge of God comes from His self-revelation in the Bible, which is inspired, infallible, and authoritative.
God is in Control
A key belief is that God is in control of everything. This means that nothing happens without His knowledge or permission. He has a plan for the world and for each person in it (Isaiah 46:9-10).
The Bible as the Guide
Christians believe that the Bible is the best way to learn about God. It’s like a guidebook that shows who God is and how He wants us to live. The Bible talks about:
- Creation: How God made the world and everything in it (Genesis 1-2).
- The Fall: How humans sinned and broke their relationship with God (Genesis 3).
- Redemption: How God sent Jesus to save people from their sins (Ephesians 1:7).
- Restoration: God’s promise to make everything new and perfect again in the future (Revelation 21-22).
Jesus is Central
Jesus Christ is at the heart of Christian theology. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He came to earth to save people from their sins. By believing in Jesus, people can have a relationship with God and receive eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Key Beliefs
There are some basic beliefs that are very important:
- Scripture Alone: The Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice.
- Faith Alone: People are made right with God through faith, not by doing good deeds.
- Grace Alone: Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we can earn.
- Christ Alone: Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity.
- Glory to God Alone: Giving all the praise and honor to God for everything He does
God’s Promises
The Bible tells the story of God’s promises to people, called covenants. These promises started with Adam and continued through history, and they were fulfilled in Jesus. Because of Jesus, people can be part of a new covenant with God (Hebrews 8:6-13).
Living Out Theology
Theology isn’t just about knowing things; it’s also about living in a way that pleases God. This means loving God and loving other people. It’s about understanding that we need God’s help every day and trusting Him in everything.
Conclusion
Theology helps us understand who God is and what He wants for our lives. It teaches us that God is in control, that the Bible is our guide, and that Jesus is the key to our relationship with God. By learning and living out these truths, we can live lives that honor God and show His love to others.
