MAJOR BIBLE DOCTRINES:

NOTES

FOR CDM BIBLE SCHOOL

INTRODUCTION

A Christian doctrine can be defined as a body of teaching as found in the Scriptures that reveals divine truth on any topic. Doctrines convey God’s mind and heart on subjects like salvation, atonement, sanctification, marriage, sin, the last things etc.…in short they speak on any and every topic that God’s Word talks about. The Basic Bible Doctrines (Heb. 6:1, 2) discuss the elementary teachings of the word of God discussed earlier under foundations.

The second class of doctrines is the Major Bible Doctrines. The major Bible doctrines are the Christian teachings held by all evangelical Christians. Evangelical Christians are those who believe that the Bible is the word of God. Anybody who deviates from any of these major doctrines falls into the group called cults.

Not holding these major doctrines makes one a cultist. Supposing you come across a church which believes that Jesus is the Son of God and that He came to die on the cross for us, and also believes that there is one God; they even believe that baptism is by immersion -- but they do not believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, then there is a question mark to what they are doing.

The major Bible doctrines are a collection of these major Christian teachings. They are ten in number.

Do not think that once you have gone through this course, you know it all. To have that idea is to deceive yourself. This is because each of these blocks could take a lifetime of study. What follows is simply a summary of the blocks to give you an idea of the extent of each subject.

What you believe affects how you behave, how you talk, how you dress and what you say to other people and what you are prepared to sacrifice for and all. So do not just take what any lecturer or Bible teacher says as Bible truth until you yourself have searched the scriptures daily to see whether those things are so. Acts 17:11, 12 say that when the Bereans heard Paul preach they did not just say, "It's Paul the apostle! Everything he says is correct." Instead, they searched the scriptures daily to see whether those things were true.

Therefore, if you have a problem, it is your responsibility to search the scriptures and find out whether what is being said is true or whether your point of view is right or wrong. Be prepared to question all who teach you whenever you have a problem.

We need to study bible doctrines because;

  1. They reveal God’s will concerning various pertinent topics that affect us.
  2. Doctrines serve as authoritative statements of biblical truth that capture what we believe (1Pet. 3:15).
  3. The study of biblical doctrine is critical for spiritual growth and maturity ((Heb. 5:11-14; 1Tim. 4:13,15; 1Pet.2:2; 2Tim. 2:15).
  4. Only those who are well grounded in them can effectively teach others. No blind man can lead another blind man, and no milk-drinking baby can nurture another. (Matt. 28:18-20; 2Tim. 2:2; 1Tim. 4:16; Acts 5:42; Heb. 5:11-14).
  5. A solid foundation in Christian doctrine exposes false teachings and keeps us from being ‘tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine’ (Eph. 4:14; 2Thess. 2:9-12).
  6. Doctrines help us grow in our knowledge of God and His ways. His words unveil His nature, character and dealings with man (Jn. 17:3; Jer. 9:23,24; Eph. 1:17; 2Pet. 3:18)
  7. Doctrine is necessary for the building of character. As we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we are conformed to His image. It is only by fixing our gaze on Him that we can imitate Him (2Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:29; Eph. 5:25-27).

Many Christian leaders, both in history and at the present, have been anointed and empowered for God’s work in ways that attracts crowds and cause mighty movements. A closer look at many of these lives however and we begin to see errors in their views of God and His ways. These errors may sometimes seem inconsequential especially in the face of tremendous anointing, but they soon lead to the downfall of many. In fact, whole denominations are sometimes erected on false doctrine simply because the person God used to start the work never spent enough time examining their beliefs in light of God’s word.

The major bible doctrines, which we will be discussing in this write-up, are listed below;

i.Bibliology

Bibliology is the Christian doctrine of the Bible. Here we explore revelation from God, illumination and plenary/verbal inspiration of scripture. We examine the authority and inerrancy of the scriptures as the word of God authored by the Holy Spirit. Symbols of God's word, the purpose and importance of the Bible. We answer the questions on progressive revelation and the unity of the Old and New Testaments. We look at Bible Difficulties, canonization, apocrypha, and transmission of the text of the Bible. We settle on the conviction of Jesus and His apostles about the scriptures.

ii.Theology Proper

Theology proper is the Christian doctrine of God. The definition, essence, names and attributes of God. We study God as Creator, Sustainer, Ruler and Judge of the Universe. The Unity and Trinity of God. The Fatherhood of God.

iii.Christology

Christology is the Christian doctrine of Jesus Christ our Lord. This study examines Christ in eternity past, in typology and prophecy. The incarnation, person, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are analyzed. The present ministry of Christ, the Second Coming, Millennial Reign and Future work.

iv.Pneumatology

Pneumatology is the Christian doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Here we prove the personality and divinity of the Spirit. The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments. The Holy Spirit and Jesus. The Holy Spirit and the Early Church. The Fruit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Sensitivity to and sins against the Spirit. The Future Ministry of the Spirit.

v.Anthropology

Anthropology is the Christian doctrine of Man. The origin and original character of man at creation. The unity and permanent constitution of man. The fall: its fact, nature, and immediate consequences. Imputation and Racial consequences of the fall. Man in the image of God versus Adamic nature. Redemption and man as new creation in Christ. Glorified Man and the destiny of man.

vi.Hamartiology

Hamartiology is the Christian doctrine of sin. The definition and origin of sin. The nature and consequences of sin. Sacrifice for sin in the Old and New Testaments. Judgment for sin and sinners.

vii.Soteriology

Soteriology is the Christian doctrine of salvation. It involves the biblical teaching on election, vocation and predestination. Repentance, faith and conversion.Redemption. Justification, regeneration and adoption. Union with Christ, Sanctification, Glorification, Perseverance and the Means of Grace.

viii.Ecclesiology

Ecclesiology is the Christian doctrine of the church of God. It involves the definition and founding of the church. The purpose of the church, its names, symbols, government and organization. The local, universal, militant and triumphant church. Jesus Christ and the Church. The Holy Spirit and the Church. The genuine mission, gifts and ministries and the false. Church discipline and the destiny of the church.

ix.Angelology

Angelology is the Christian doctrine of angels, demons and Satan. The origin, classification and nature of angels. Holy and fallen angels. Demons, their nature, work and destiny. Jesus, Satan and demons in the Gospels. The early church and demons. Satan, his origin, fall, work and destiny. Spiritual warfare and the weapons of our warfare.

x.Eschatology

Eschatology is the Christian doctrine of the Last Things. Death, the intermediate state, the rapture, Bema Judgment, Wedding Supper of the Lamb. The Anti-Christ, Great Tribulation, Armageddon. The Second Coming of Christ, Millennial Reign, Great White Throne Judgment, Hell and Heaven.

THE DOCTRINE OF GOD (Theology Proper)

The body of biblical teaching that explains God’s existence, nature and relation with creation. Theology Proper tells us what the bible says about God and helps us understand His ways.

The Existence of God

Mankind has burdened itself with an age-old doubt as to whether or not God exists and atheists all over the world have refuted the existence of God until in many cultures any topic that touches on God begins to make people uneasy. The Scripture does not even attempt to prove to its readers whether or not God is real, it assumes this fact and identifies all who do not believe His reality as fools (Ps. 10:4; 14:1; 53:1).

In response to the ravings of atheists and in order to instruct sincere inquirers, biblical scholars have advanced several arguments to prove God’s existence. A few of these are stated below;

  1. Cosmological Argument –like any object in this world, the Universe must have a first cause or creator. The existence of the world presupposes that someone exists who created it. There can be no logical explanation for the existence of the Universe apart from the fact that there is a real, Supreme and immensely powerful Being who created it (Heb.11:3; Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17).
  1. Teleological Argument – the intricate and detail-specific design evident in the Universe points to a Supreme Being with a Supreme mind (Rom. 1:20). The breath-taking beauty of nature and the awesomeness of many things in the world lead us to the inevitable conclusion that God exists. An accident could not have possibly produced the exact symmetry in leaves, the beauty of scented flowers, the splendour of majestic mountains, the dazzling brilliance of the sun, or even the silent glow of the moon.
  2. Anthropological Argument – Man’s moral and intellectual nature is evidence of a moral and intellectual God. Where did the knowledge of good and evil come from? Who first defined for man the standards of morality? Why do all ethno-linguistic groups on earth somehow conform to a running theme of right and wrong? From whence did man procure the intelligence and prowess to facilitate such rapid technological advancement? There can only be one answer: There is a God who planted into the fabric of man His moral and intellectual nature (Rom. 2:14, 15; Gen. 1:26, 27).

The Nature of God

What is God? Describing the essence of whom or what God is can be a difficult task and it is best to look to the bible for these answers. We will never be able to fully comprehend the expanse of God’s nature but He helps us with a glimpse in His Word.

  1. God is Spirit (Jn. 4:24) – this is the Bible’s most basic answer and means;
  • He is invisible and no man can see Him and live (Jn. 1:18; 1Tim. 1:17; Exod. 33:18-23).
  • He has no size or boundaries; He can be small enough to whisper from within our hearts and big enough to make the earth His footstool. Heaven and earth cannot contain Him (Jer. 23:23,24; 1Kings 8:27; Acts 7:48-50)
  • He is not flesh and blood; cannot be handled physically (Luke 24:39). We apprehend and commune with Him by our spirit-man (Jn. 4:22-24; Rom. 8:16)
  1. God is One but in Three Persons – Deut. 6:4; 1Tim. 2:5; Jn. 17:22, 23 explains the unity or oneness of God and yet passages like Rom. 1:7; Heb. 1:8; Acts 5:3,4 point to the Father, the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit each as fully divine. The fact that God is three persons and yet One God should not be so difficult to believe; His Triune nature is mirrored in man, the sun, water etc.

Erroneous Views of the Nature of God (Insert):

a)Agnosticism – denies the human ability to know God.

b)Polytheism – worship of many gods.

c)Pantheism – all is God, nature worship.

d)Unitarianism – The Father manifests Himself as the Son and the Spirit. God is one person manifested in different forms.

e)Materialism – man is either a brute or a machine; not responsible for his actions; there is neither good nor bad.

f)Deism - God, after creating the universe, left it to be governed by natural law. It is also called “Rationalism” or “Natural Religion”. God’s transcendence is overemphasized by Deism whereas God’s immanence is overemphasized by Pantheism.

The Attributes of God

These characteristics point to a few things that make God who He is. They can be divided into two types;

  1. Natural Attributes (God in relation to the Universe)
  • Omnipotence (all-powerful) – Dan. 4:35
  • Omnipresence – Jer. 23:23, 24
  • Omniscience – Job 37:16; Prov. 5:21; 15:3; Rom. 11:33
  • Eternality/ Immutability – Rev. 1:8; Isa. 57:15; Hab. 3:6
  1. Moral Attributes (God in relation to His moral creatures)
  • Holiness – Isa. 6:3; 57:15; Rev. 4:8
  • Righteousness – Ps. 89:14; 97:2
  • Mercy – Ps. 103:8
  • Love – 1Jn. 4:7,8
  • Faithfulness – 2Tim. 2:13; Ps. 18:25; 33:4

THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS CHRIST (CHRISTOLOGY)

The doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ –

The Person of Christ

His Humanity – the Scriptures open our eyes to emphatic clues to Christ’s 100% humanity;

  1. He went through the natural processes of birth and growth – Matt. 1:18; Luke 2:40
  2. He was subject to natural human weaknesses like hunger, thirst and weariness – Jn. 4:6; Matt. 4:2; Jn. 19:28; Matt. 8:24
  3. He possessed a complete human nature (body, soul and spirit) – Jn. 1:14; Heb. 2:14; Luke 24:39/ Matt. 26:38; Jn. 12:27/ Luke 2:40; 23:46

His Deity – side by side with his humanity, the bible is quite clear on Christ’s divinity. His incarnation did not terminate His deity;

  1. Divine Names are given to Him – Tit. 2:13; Jn. 20:28; Rev. 1:8,11,17; 22:13
  2. Divine Worship is ascribed to Him – (compare Matt. 4:9,10 with Matt. 14:33); Heb. 1:6; Php. 2:10
  3. Divine Roles are ascribed to him – Col. 1:15-17(Creator); Heb. 1:2, 3; 2Tim. 4:1(Judge)
  4. He possesses divine attributes – Col. 2:3(Omniscience)/ Matt. 18:20; 28:20(Omnipresence)/ Rev. 1:8; Matt. 28:18(Omnipotence)

The Work of Christ

The life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and glorification of Christ are all key events that have transformed forever the destiny of mankind. They are issues that must be investigated in the bible until the richness of the truths of Christ’s work is unearthed.

The Death of Christ (Fourfold Scriptural Definition) – His death on the cross served as;

  1. A Ransom (His death redeemed us) – Rev. 5:8,9; 1Pet. 1:18,19
  2. A Propitiation (His death became our covering) – 1Jn. 2:2; Heb. 2:17
  3. A Reconciliation (His death made peace between us and God) – 2Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:19,20
  4. A Substitution (His death took our place) – 1Pet. 3:18; Isa. 53:6; 2Cor. 5:21

The Resurrection of Christ – His victory over the grave is essential to the faith we profess (1Cor. 15). Christ Himself speaks of His resurrection long before His death (Matt. 16:21; 20:18, 19; Rev. 1:18) and the apostles testified to it even in the face of the threat of death (Acts 2:44; 1Pet. 1:21; Rom. 1:4; 1Cor. 15:20). Christ’s resurrection;

  1. Proves that He is the Son of God (Rom. 1:4)
  2. Proves that He will judge the world (Acts 17:30,31)
  3. Proves that He holds power over death (Rev. 1:18)
  4. Proves that He gives eternal life and will give life to those who die in Christ(Jn. 11:25,26; 1Cor. 15:20)
  5. Outdoored the resurrection body (1Cor. 15:42-54)

The Ascension and Exaltation of Christ – Christ ascended and has been exalted far above all principalities, powers, dominions etc. (Eph. 1:20, 21)

  1. He sits glorified at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 12:2)
  2. All authorities have been made subject to Him – 1Pet. 3:22
  3. The exalted Christ pours out the Holy Spirit and distributes ministry gifts – Acts 2:33; Eph. 4:8,10; Jn. 7:39

THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (PNEUMATOLOGY)

That body of teaching from the Scriptures on the person, divinity and work of the Holy Spirit. It is absolutely essential for every believer to know the Bible’s position on such an important character. He is Heaven’s permanent representative and the gift of God given to every believer that we might not be left as orphans (Jn. 14:16, 17). The resources at our disposal in the person of the Holy Spirit make Him a critical subject to be dealt with; we can’t know everything about Him, but the Scriptures offer glimpses at His personality, deity and work.

The Personality of the Holy Spirit

We first focus on the false notion that the Spirit of God is simply a force or an abstract entity and not an actual person. To refute this assertion, let’s consider three biblical arguments that prove His personality;

  1. Personal Names and Pronouns are used of Him – Jn. 14:16, 17; 16:13; Rom. 8:26, 27
  2. Characteristics of Personality are Ascribed to Him
  • Knowledge –1Cor. 2:10, 11
  • Mind – Rom. 8:26, 27
  • Will – 1Cor. 12:11
  1. Personal Acts are Ascribed to Him
  • He speaks –Jn. 16:13; Matt. 10:20
  • He intercedes – Rom. 8:26, 27
  • He commands – Acts 10:19, 20
  • He commissions – Acts 13:1-3; 20:28

The Deity of the Holy Spirit

Many believers find it difficult to recognise the divinity of the Spirit of God and to accept the fact that He is 100% God and thus co-equal with the Father and the Son.

  1. Divine Names are given to Him – Acts 5:3, 4;
  2. Divine Works and Roles are Ascribed to Him – Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30; Jn. 6:63; Rom. 8:11
  3. He Possesses Divine Attributes or Qualities –
  • Omnipotence – Lk. 1:35; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8; 10:38
  • Omnipresence – Ps. 139:7-10
  • Omniscience – 1Cor. 2:9-11
  • Eternality – Heb. 9:14

The Work of the Holy Spirit

Here we limit ourselves to His role in the life of the believer although under this section we ought to explore also His work in all of creation.

  1. Regeneration – Ezek. 36:25-27; Tit. 3:4-7; Jn. 3:3, 5
  2. Sealing – Eph. 1:13, 14; 4:30; Rom. 8:14-16
  3. Indwelling – 1Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Jn. 14:16, 17
  4. Guidance – Jn. 16:13; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:16, 25
  5. Anointing and Empowerment – 1Jn. 2:20, 27; Acts 1:8; 10:38; Lk. 24:49

Sins/ Offences Against the Holy Spirit

  1. Quenching the Spirit – 1Thess. 5:19
  2. Resisting the Spirit – Acts 7:51
  3. Grieving the Spirit – Eph. 4:30; Isa. 63:10
  4. Lying to the Spirit – Acts 5:3, 4
  5. Insulting the Spirit – Heb. 10:29
  6. Blaspheming the Spirit - Matt. 12:31, 32

The Names of the Holy Spirit

  1. The Spirit of Holiness – Rom. 1:4
  2. The Spirit of God – 1Cor. 3:16
  3. The Spirit of Christ – Rom. 8:9
  4. The Spirit of Truth – Jn. 14:17; 16:13
  5. The Spirit of Glory – 1Pet. 4:14
  6. The Spirit of Promise – Lk. 24:49; Gal. 3:14

THE DOCTRINE OF THE SCRIPTURES (BIBLIOLOGY)