Theology and Why it Matters Pt. 2: Systematic Theology
In my previous article, I addressed the topic of biblical theology by defining it and explaining why it was important. I defined biblical theology as the practice of seeing how the whole of the Bible is a single, unified story. It is how we can see that all the parts relate to the central message, which is God saving lost sinners. Additionally, we saw that the center of this message is Christ, to whom all Scripture points. Through biblical theology, we are able to see Christ in all the Scriptures the way He was meant to be seen. Now, I will explain systematic theology and why it is of equal importance for the believer.
What is Systematic Theology
I will borrow Wayne Grudem’s definition here, “Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, ‘What does the Bible teach us today?’ about any given topic” (Grudem 1994, 21). When we do something in a systematic way, it is methodical and intentional, with an end goal in mind. Systematic theology then is the methodical study of a particular topic for the purpose of putting the knowledge learned to use or applying it appropriately. For example, if I want to know whether or not I should give financially to my local church, I should examine the Scriptures and see what they have to say on the subject and then act upon what I learn. In this case, we may go to 1 Corinthians 9, where we would learn that God calls upon us to be generous givers. So, in a desire to be obedient, we would then give financially (with a cheerful heart, of course).
Why Does Systematic Theology Matter to Me?
I want to offer two answers to this question. First, it is important for the purpose of practice. The most fundamental question any Christian can ask themselves at any given time is, “What does the Bible say?” The reason for this is quite simple, the Bible is the only rule of life and faith for the believer. The “life” aspect in particular is where systematic theology comes in. If we are to know what sort of life God wants us to live, or if we want to know what God’s will is for His people, we need a theological framework. We need to know what the Bible says before we can know what to do. Remember, theology shapes practice. If you don’t know what the Bible says, you will either do nothing or do wrongly and neither of these are good options. Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Competence and good work are built on a foundation of good theology.
Secondly, systematic theology gives us an appropriate view of God and ourselves. God wants His people to know Him as He has revealed Himself, not as we want Him to be, but He also wants us to see ourselves as we are not as we believe we are. Systematic theology books are arranged into doctrinal topics for the purpose of seeing this. They will typically (but not always) follow a pattern of the nature of God (holy and just), His word (inerrant and authoritative in the life of the believer) the nature of man (sinful and depraved), the redemption of man (salvation through Christ), what we do after we are saved (evangelism, sanctification, church life, etc.), and what the future holds for the people of God (the return of Christ and the eternal state). In learning the doctrines within these subjects, we get a full scope of both God and His will for us. Without them, we are attempting to build a house with no foundation.
Tragically, the Church of today, generally speaking, has a low view of doctrine and theology. It has gotten lumped in with legalism, or it is viewed as unnecessary because all we need to do is love like Jesus loved or something to this effect. Ironically, this is a theological framework, it’s just an incomplete one, and the result is we claim to follow a God we don’t know at all. Christ Himself knew the Scriptures well, and He applied them to His life and ministry. He taught about God accurately because He knew doctrine and theology. His view of God and of man was based on the Scriptures that He spent His life learning. A low view of theology means we have a low view of the Scriptures. A low view of the Scriptures means we have a low view of Christ who learned, memorized, applied, taught, and fulfilled those Scriptures.
Here’s where I’m going with this, we cannot know God as He truly is without studying His word. All false doctrines and heresies are built on a foundation of bad theology. Therefore, every Christian needs good theology if they are to live a life that is biblically centered, fruitful, and pleasing to the Lord. Titus 2:1, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” Every Christian without exception needs good theology.
Summary
Systematic theology is how we learn and apply the Scriptures to our lives the way God intended it. Our God wants us to know Him and live for Him as He intended for us to, but apart from learning and applying His word, we simply cannot do that. Just as it is important for us to see how all of the parts of the Bible relate to the whole so we can properly interpret it, it is equally important for us to know what the Bible says on specific topics so we can apply the knowledge in our lives to the glory of God. Not every Christian needs to be a doctorate-level scholar, but every Christian who wants to bear fruit in his or her life must be a theologian of sorts, learning and applying the word rightly to the glory of God.
Soli Deo Gloria
Grudem, Wayne. 1994. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 1st ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
