Introduction

The purpose and function of any theology is not just to educate. However, it seems that many theologians have limited theology to knowledge and impractical teaching. Any theologian who limits theology to just an accumulation of facts, without bringing that theology to life, purpose and wisdom, is failing his students. The Bible contains truths which the theologian must collect and arrange systematically. However, this collection and arrangement of facts is just the beginning of systematic theology. We must also see how these facts relate personally to God's creation, and to each individual. Then we can begin to realize that the responsibility of the Christian is to collate the facts which God has revealed in His Word, concerning Himself and our relation to Him. It is this designed purpose of God, and real intimacy with Him, that will change our lives forever! Transformed lives are the direct result of the application of biblical theology learned from the Word of God. This theological truth illuminates the mind, so that it understands and desires more truth. What good is the truth unless the truth is first understood and consequently transforms our lives? Should we continue in mediocrity and indifference, or will we immediately recognize the designed truth of the Scriptures which we blandly call Theology? Charles Hodge wrote "the effort is not to make the assertions of the Bible harmonize with speculative reason, but to subject our feeble reason to the mind of God as revealed in His Word, and by His Spirit in our inner life."¹ We must break away from dead theological facts, concepts, and ideas to integrate life into His theology. Even cults recognize this important truth. Any real disciple will seek to live according to the theology of his faith. Christian theology is the study of the One true and living God, who has revealed Himself to mankind, for the purpose of giving life.

Many seminary students and professors of theology, have brought the living quality of theology down to a boring accumulation of facts. We must recapture the immensity and depth of theological truth. Knowledge regarding the real nature of God does not necessarily stimulate change. Change occurs when Christians actually obey that truth by applying that truth to their lives! Therefore, theology is not just the stockpiling of facts and the engrossing of knowledge. It is the perceptible and tangible evidence that God has given life to His people!

Limiting teaching and theology to the bare amassing of facts causes God's people to assimilate, but not to demonstrate the effectiveness of that theology, or to develop the character of the Lord Jesus Christ in their lives. The character of Christ is manifested in numerous ways: development of the fruit of the Spirit, fidelity and loyalty, giving verbal demonstration of the goodness of God, just to name a few. The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus saying, "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince the gainsayers...but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things" (Titus 1:9; 2:10).

It is imperative that believers begin to live what they have learned! God’s goal is for His people to reach Christian maturity. Included in this maturity is the necessity for victory in our lives, which will demonstrate the reality of living in personal relationship to God.

This text will attempt to show the logical and progressive nature of Christian theology. This natural progression of theology will show that godly living and spiritual fruit are the direct result of this "incorporated knowledge." Each area of doctrine is an integral part of the Christian life, leading to the salvation of the lost and the maturity of the believer.

Footnotes

1. Hodge, Charles: Systematic Theology: Grand Rapids, MI; (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1975), Vol. I, Page 15.