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Research Paper: Biblical Theology Question
Thomas Harders
Liberty University
Theo 360-B01
Grayson Hammond
10/7/2021
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Research Paper: Biblical Theology Question
Biblical scholars over the last five decades have provided a fresh look into the approach of
biblical theology. They have engaged other evangelical methods to correctly define the meaning
of Christ-centered biblical theology and explain its future. Biblical theology is the doctrine that
governs fundamental truths, understanding, Christ and God’s image. There are many points of
view and degrees of comprehension and acceptance of biblical theology and how it pertains to
Christians on an individual level within Christian society. The teachings of the Holy Scriptures,
from Genesis to Revelations, are relied on by the majority of modern-day Christians. Although
there appear to be differences in teaching methods among Christian denominations and sects, the
majority of them are grounded on the teachings of the Bible as God's authoritative Word. If the
Holy Scriptures are seen as God's sovereign and God-breathed revelation; thus, biblical theology
entails a double wish and discipline to reverently receive and adore the message. This research
intends to explain biblical theology and how the church and individual believers perform or
practice biblical theology.
Biblical Theology
Biblical theology is defined as the study of the Bible as a whole message. According to the
New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, biblical theology is an important part of the process of
applying and discerning the biblical text (Rosner, 2020); nevertheless, it recognizes that biblical
theology has been the source of Biblical studies remarking the understanding of the significance
of the New and Old Testaments' relationship has grown. Theologically identifying the Bible
entails attempting to comprehend its unity despite its diversity (Black, 2016). Biblical theology is
based on the belief that God's intention in the Old Testament was carried over into the New
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Testament across 40 generations and was completed in Christ Jesus. The study of biblical
theology should promote a thorough understanding of both the New and Old Testaments.
Biblical theology is crucial because it helps individuals observe, interpret, and comprehend
the complete biblical narrative rather than just portions. Biblical theology practice demonstrates
how the biblical narrative “anticipates the mission of theology by offering the true story of the
world and God and drawing humankind into the drama by asking believers to know and love
God (Boring, 2016).” Many Christians regard the Bible as two distinct books, each with
countless unique sections. Biblical theology instructs believers to zoom out and perceive the
Bible as a single, unified text, allowing them to “map out the unity of the Bible by looking at its
meaning as a whole” (Hamilton Jr, 2013). They always return to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 when
studying and engaging the biblical text, which says that “all scripture is God-breathed and useful
for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may
be thoroughly equipped for every good work (Thomas, 2004).” This verse emphasizes the need
to comprehend all of Scripture, not just the New or Old Testaments. Biblical theology allows
believers to zoom out and look at all of the God-breathed scriptures Paul discusses, as well as the
many relationships that exist between them. As a result, the believer is more prepared to teach
and train, as Paul urges.
When one understands the purpose of biblical theology, one must learn how to apply the
subject successfully. Biblical theologians must realize the difficulty of reading biblical texts
today and assist in freeing the Present Church from unrealistic limits imposed by writers or
interpreters responding to needs and perceptions along the way in the history of theology
(Bossman, 2000). Boring considers “analysis the Bible from Genesis to Revelation " the ideal
biblical theology practice (Boring, 2016). It would be erroneous to prioritize reading scholarly
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papers and biblical comments over memorizing the original text. On the other hand, the Bible
cannot be integrated into context solely by examining different Bible translations; biblical
theology necessitates understanding Scripture's historical and spiritual context. Dr. Rusty Smalls
of Liberty University depicted biblical theology as a round table discussion among biblical
writers; in this tactic, one must evaluate the conversation's perspective. The term biblical
theology, according to Hamilton, refers to the biblical authors' informational perspective, which
he defines as the framework of presuppositions and assumptions, identifications and
associations, symbols and truths that are assumed as a writer or speaker defines the world and the
events that occur in it (Hamilton Jr, 2013). Biblical theology entails attempting to comprehend
the history, prophecies, arts, and culture of the Bible.
Christians and Biblical Theology
Only the following question can be answered by defining biblical theology and determining
how it should be treated. “Who should be interested in biblical theology?” (Thomas, 2004), one
might wonder. Hopefully, all Christians want to grasp the entire message of the Gospel of their
salvation and the Bible. Regrettably, not all Christians in the modern Church have responded to
the invitation to be disciples. The Strong's Concordance interprets disciple to the Greek matht s
(from math-, “mental effort required to think anything through”) – correctly, a student; a disciple,
a Christ-follower who learns the truths of Scripture and the lifestyle required by them (Thomas,
2004). Intrinsically, biblical theology is the current disciples' invitation to take up a lifestyle of
learning the doctrine of Christ, just as the New Testament disciples were invited to do.
The Church and Biblical Theology
Knowing that biblical theology is not restricted to a call to pursue academic education in
religious studies but is extended to all believers in Christ leads to the conclusion that this same
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call is extended to the entire Body of Christ. Good use of biblical theology, according to
Lawrence, affects everything in life and the Church (Lawrence, 2010). To analyze the importance
of biblical theology to the Church, one must first evaluate the Church's importance. The church
is translated from the Greek ekklesia (from/Ek, "out from and to" and /kalé, "to call")-correctly,
people called out from the world and to God, with the result being the Church (the mystical Body
of Christ) (Thomas, 2004). Christ will return seeking a mature body (Church) without spot or
blemish, according to the Bible (Ephesians 5:27). Besides, one can discover that keeping on the
path of purity is dependent on living by the Word (Psalms 119:9). Unfortunately, some practices
and doctrines in today's church are not based on learning or living by the Word. That premise
alone demonstrates the need for biblical theology: churches (the Body of Christ) developing
doctrine and practicing ordinances, not Christ-positioned. The interpretation of Matthew 16:18 is
an excellent illustration of this. In this story, Matthew describes the peak moment when Peter
accurately recognized Christ as the Messiah; Jesus Christ responds by saying that Peter spoke
properly and that only God could have offered him the Revelation.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of
Hades will not overcome it,” Christ says, which is not only misunderstood but also serves as the
foundation for religious doctrine and ordinances not found in Scripture: “And I tell you that you
are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”
(Leeman, 2014). Precisely read, Christ did not mean that Peter, his name, or his divine
appointment are the foundation of the Church; rather, Christ plainly told all present that the
Revelation of the identity and confidence in Christ as Messiah is the cornerstone of the Body of
Christ (Leeman, 2014). Without paying attention to the necessary stages of interpreting the
author's historical, spiritual, and prophetic perspective, churches based on an unreliable
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foundation are born from this one misunderstanding of Scripture. Leeman states that biblical
theology should protect the Church from heinous activities and should also serve as a righteous
guide in worship, outreach, preaching, and the Church's organization (Leeman, 2014).
Just as Christ is one with God, the Body of Christ is called to be one; but, in this age,
denominational divisions that value Scripture above all doctrine are the only chance for a fully
mature and cohesive body (Goldsworthy, 2002). According to Goldsworthy, certain disparities
originate from differing perceptions of the Bible's authority; however, since the Bible is regarded
as the ultimate authority, the Body accepts responsibility for understanding what the text actually
means and how it should be read (Goldsworthy, 2002). In view of the fact that the Beloved of
Christ wrote that God was His Word (John 1:1), the Church can see the Scriptures as self-
governing in all divisions and discussions.
Authority of the Scripture
Timothy 3:16 refers to Scripture as "God-breathed," and Paul clearly states that "all Scripture
is God's inspired Word." When we regard Scripture in this way, it becomes far more than a
collection of Biblical stories; it becomes beneficial for correcting and instructing us. The
historical, cultural, and social power of Scripture is provided by biblical theology, not as
narratives but as God's mighty, active, and discerning Word.
The regard for the authority of Scripture is at the heart of biblical theology's strength.
Acknowledging that biblical theology is essential for both the specific Christian and the Church
is critical; but, unless Scripture is revered as the authoritative Word of God, it is ineffective and
powerless for Christian discipleship and unprofitable for the Church's development. The
authority of Scripture stems from Christ's teaching on the inspiration of Scripture for the
Christian, as well as His proclamation in Matthew 5:17-18 that Heaven and Earth would pass
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away before even the tiniest bit of Scripture was not fulfilled. In both teaching and disputing,
Jesus referred to Scripture. Scholars agree that Jesus lived and taught based on His belief that the
Bible was God's message; Habermas considers Jesus' faith in the exact words of Scripture to be a
vital indicator of Jesus' high regard for their veracity (Habermas, 2002). Believers in the modern-
day should strive to follow Christ and share the Gospel according to the Scripture, just as the
Disciples of old did.
How Biblical Theology is Practiced
Marriages as Covenants
What has been worldly is enlightened in Godliness in light of biblical theology; marriage as
the bond is a strong example of the importance of biblical theology in an apparently worldly
institution. If Christians are asked what connection depicts the first marriage, they will most
likely say Adam and Eve; however, this is inaccurate since it is founded on the idea that marriage
is merely between a man and a woman. The noble and biblically reasonable response is that
God's connection with His people is the first expression of marriage. The covenant is the name
given to God's connection with humanity. Today, marriage can mean many different things to
many individuals, even Christians; yet, God fashioned marriage in His faithfulness and image.
While each marriage is special and unique, biblical theology highlights what is similar to all
marriages. According to Lawrence all marriages are held to the same norm and are built
according to a similar covenant (Lawrence, 2010). In answer to the Pharisees' challenges to
marriage, Chris spoke to the covenant of marriage, asserting that divorce was not a Godly
institution but rather an entity for men in reaction to their hard hearts against their spouses
(Matthew 19:4-6). Married believers should see their marriages as covenant reflections of God's
relationship with His people rather than contractual agreements between men and women.
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God's ordination of marriage is significant. Marriage is the coming together of a bride and her
groom. Adam and Eve's union was a metaphor for the connection of a male and female. Isha was
brought to man by Elohim, the Father of Isha. Elohim's second persona and help met is Isha. This
lady was created by God's grace and in His special providence to be a help meet for man.
Genesis 2:24 instructs a man to leave his parents' home, find a wife, and cleave to her. The pair,
formerly completely reliant on their parents, will unite and form one flesh or body. This union is
so tight that nothing (separation, adultery, polygamy, or infidelity) should break it up because
marriage is a Divine decree from Elohim. In the marriage, the couple is legally allowed to have
sexual relations and start a family (Wesley, n.d). This cosmic dance of relationships also affects
family life. Men and women, parents and children interact in a variety of ways that allow them to
reach their greatest potential. This family is going to be raised according to Elohim's Word's
guidelines for instruction and training.
Gender and Sexuality
“For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions,” says Romans 1:26. For their
women, normal relationships were traded for those that were antithetical to nature.” The Apostle
Paul clarifies Elohim's perspective in two verses (Goldsworthy, 2002). “Gave them up” to their
rebellion and sin, to their heart’s lusts, and to impurity by exploiting their bodies for nefarious
activity, according to Romans 1:24. The civilization of the Western has already surrendered to
their heinous desires. Incurable diseases that cause sickness and death are the result. Skepticism
in the Cross' message is deadly not only to the body but also to the soul. All who will continue to
disobey Elohim's revelation shall be devoured by the angel of death. May the hearts of the
recalcitrant be pierced supernaturally so that they do not perish but dwell in eternity with King
Yahushua!
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The norms for Christian instruction, reproof, and correction are found in biblical theology. In
reaction to worldly standards like the expansion of same-sex marriage, this is a vital weapon.
Sexual orientation, according to the LGBT rights perspective, dictates what it means to be human
(Butterfield, 2017). This explanation exemplifies the environment in which the sexuality debate
is rooted in humanity or flesh. Biblical theology opposes the premise that human ideals control
sexuality and gender; on the contrary, Genesis 1:27 states that man was created in the image of
God. God created humanity and divided it into genders for the sake of Godly marriage. The
Bible's identity of humanity has been supplanted by a new world view, which is pushed at the
expense of Christian biblical theology of salvation, sin, and creation (Butterfield, 2017). Dr.
Purdom claims that the Church has done a bad job of teaching what the Bible teaches about sin;
Purdom argues that in a survey of young Christian adults, 40% said no or were unsure about
homosexuality; additionally, 50% believed homosexuals should be allowed to marry (Purdom,
2019). The youth's response reveals that not only the unsaved but also the Churches are
befuddled and ignorant. In both the New and Old Testaments, the Bible makes it quite plain that
homosexuality is both sexually sinful and a sin against God (Purdom, 2019). In an age when the
truth is being distorted, and perversion and immorality are being accepted, biblical theology is
the Church's current defense and safeguard.
Conclusion
Christians can find solace and guidance in biblical theology. Biblical theology gives the
cultural, theological, and historical-cultural context of peoples’ Savior's teachings, as well as
God's sovereignty and covenant with humanity, 2000 years after His life and ministry. Biblical
theology allows a Christian to be a proper disciple; biblical theology unifies the Church under
the authority of the Scripture. When one practices biblical theology, he becomes an active
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contributor in the dialogue between the Scripture authors, and as a result, one hears God's voice
in its proper context and authority.
As a result, practicing biblical theology gives believers a better knowledge of God's essence
and who He is as revealed in His word. All Christians are Bible learners. Spending time in God's
word is the best way to learn and grow in understanding of Him and His word. Every believer
has the responsibility of making disciples who make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). A Christian
who knows how all of Scripture fits into one story will be more prepared to do the good works
God has called us to do and develop followers. Christians frequently struggle to understand and
implement difficult and perplexing verses. They typically avoid them rather than taking the time
to understand the application and context. By looking at what the text says, assessing its
meaning, and then applying that section depending on how it fits into the greater message of the
Bible, biblical theology empowers believers to address tricky passages head-on. Because of the
character of the Bible, the key to resolving these issues is to consider how the Bible functions as
a single book with a single message. Biblical theology is, in essence, the study of the Bible's
message's unity.
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References
Black, C. C. (2016). Biblical Theology Revisited: An Internal Debate. Interpretation, 70(4), 399-
416.
Boring, M. E. (2016). Biblical Theology and Preaching: A Survey of Resources. Interpretation,
70(4), 458-471.
Bossman, D. M. (2000). Rethinking the Past for an Energiezed Bibical Theology. Biblical
Theology Bulletin, 30(2), 44-45.
Butterfield, R. (2017, January 1). A Journey from a Homosexual Lifestyle to Christ. Answers in
Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/family/homosexuality/journey-from-homosexual-
lifestyle-to-christ/
Goldsworthy, G. (2002). According to plan: The unfolding revelation of God in the Bible.
InterVarsity Press.
Habermas, G. (2002). Jesus and the Inspiration of Scripture.
Hamilton Jr, J. M. (2013). What Is Biblical Theology? A Guide to the Bible's Story, Symbolism,
and Patterns. Crossway.
Lawrence, M. (2010). Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church (Foreword by Thomas R.
Schreiner): A Guide for Ministry. Crossway.
Leeman, J. (2014, August 20). How Biblical Theology Guards and Guides Churches. 9Marks.
https://www.9marks.org/article/how-biblical-theology-guards-and-guides-churches/
Purdom, G. (2019). "Sexuality and Marriage Why Do Young People Fail to Grasp the
Biblical Definitions?" . 1-15.Answers in Genesis
Rosner, B. S. (2020). New dictionary of biblical theology. Inter-Varsity Press.
Thomas, R. L. (2004). Strong’s exhaustive concordance: New American standard Bible.
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Wesley, (n.d) “Genesis 2:24,” (GodVine), http://www.godvine.com/bible/genesis/2-24
