In redemption, we are graciously enabled to partake of the divine nature (v4). This does not mean we become equal to God, but that we begin to reflect His character through godly living. But which aspects of God’s character are we to imitate? In this final study in theology proper, we explore the difference between God’s communicable attributes—those He enables us to reflect—and His incommunicable attributes, which belong to Him alone as the infinite Creator. Peter reminds us that this transformation is not self-produced, but flows from a true and living knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.
Acts 14:8-17, Theology Proper: The Unmoody God
Does God ever experience mood swings the way we do? If the Lord is immutable and cannot change, can anything in creation truly affect Him? In this study of divine impassibility, we consider what it means that God is “without passions,” why this truth is theologically necessary, firmly rooted in the language of Scripture, consistent with historic Christian faith, and deeply sanctifying for the believer, especially, with regard to our steadfastness and self-control. This doctrine also sheds light on why the incarnation was necessary for our salvation as well as the constancy of God’s love toward His elect and His hatred for sin.
Ps. 102:25-27, Theology Proper: The Unchanging God
The LORD God is immutable. This is the resounding testimony of Scripture. As for statements that the LORD changed His mind, relented, or was sorry, these are anthropomorphic and anthropopathic descriptions of God. The immaterial, invisible, and immutable God does not literally undergo such changes. All of this reveals that the LORD is truly the everlasting Rock, and we can (and must!) place our trust in Him. May we learn to depend on Him, pray biblically, and cling to Him as the anchor who keeps us, especially through the storms of life.
1 John 5:20-21, Theology Proper: The Only God
What can we know about God? Scripture teaches that He is the absolute Creator and the absolute Being—self-existent, self-sufficient, a se, and self-defining. He is simple and one, not composed of parts but wholly identical with His attributes; He is divinity itself. As such, He alone is the true God, and there can be no other.
Deut. 30:11-14, Bibliology: The Clarity of Scripture
As one preacher once put it: “The main things in Scripture are the plain things, and the plain things in Scripture are the main things.” This is indeed Scripture’s claim about itself, that the word of God is understandable in its gospel call to the free gift of salvation through faith in Christ and repentance from sin. But this is a very nuanced doctrine. Four such nuances are explored here: progress, study, Spirit, and limitation. May we all continually grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).
Psalm 119:160, Bibliology: The Inerrancy of Scripture
The Bible is inerrant. This has always been the conviction of believers throughout the ages until the 18th century Enlightenment when audacious attacks were mounted against Scripture. In this study of the doctrine of inerrancy, we examine the biblical basis for inerrancy, its history that culminated with the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, its clarification given by that statement, and the dangers of holding to an errantist view of Scripture.
Matt. 28:18-20, Bibliology: The Authority of Scripture
“When the Bible speaks, God speaks.” This is divine authority with which Scripture speaks is the logical and natural implication of the doctrine of inspiration. If the Bible is breathed out by God, then it stands to reason that it speaks with His authority. Scripture confirms this to be so. The word of God comes like a thunder and a roar and all who believe tremble at His word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, Bibliology: The Inspiration of Scripture
God revealed Himself through HIs word and it is in His word that God gave us the doctrine of Scripture. Bibliology is the lens by which we see God. If our lens is tinted, blurred, or otherwise skewed, all that we see is distorted and out of focus. But if our lens is clear and prestine, we can see crystal clear what God has revealed about Himself and our souls are richly blessed by believing, honoring, and obeying all that He has said. In this first study of Bibliology, we focus on the doctrine of inspiration. May the Spirit of God grant us both the mind and heart to receive His word for our good and for the glory of God.