Unlocking the Power of Biblical Theology
The church’s foundation is built on the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as its cornerstone. The Bible, as a living and life-giving document, records God’s good news in Jesus Christ. To make sense of this Word, we need to understand the discipline of biblical theology.
Two Fundamental Questions
Biblical theology seeks to answer two basic questions: What is the Bible about? And how does it work? By studying the biblical text and submitting to its authority, we allow it to establish its own theological categories and promote its own message. This discipline bridges the gap between exegesis and systematic theology, providing context for interpretation, teeth for doctrine, and depth for practical living.
Finding Answers in Acts 28
In Acts 28, Luke summarizes Paul’s two-year curriculum, providing answers to these fundamental questions. The Bible is about Jesus and the kingdom of God. Jesus is the theological center, the sum and substance of the biblical message. He is the goal, point, and significance of every text.
The Kingdom of God: A Thematic Framework
The kingdom of God functions as the thematic framework for biblical theology. It is the realm of the prophet, priest, and king; the place of wisdom and the scribe; the world of the apostles, and now elders and deacons in the church. Every biblical theme is a kingdom of God theme.
Understanding How the Bible Works
The Bible works in the categories of the Law and the Prophets, or in its full form, the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (or Writings). These divisions are covenantal in nature and apply to both the Old and New Testaments. In the Law, we have the covenant itself, filled with the life and teachings of the covenant mediators. In the Prophets, we have the history of the covenant and its prophetic interpretation. Finally, in the writings, we have practical books that teach us how to think and live in light of the covenant.
A Three-Fold Perspective
With the discipline of biblical theology, we come to understand that the Bible has a theological center (Jesus), a thematic framework (the kingdom of God), and a covenantal structure. When asked about the Bible’s content, we can answer with confidence: Jesus and the kingdom of God. When asked about the nature of the Bible, or how it works, our answer is simple: covenant.
Why Biblical Theology Matters
This three-fold perspective provides unity and comprehends diversity. It sets us on the road to good, robust biblical thinking and living. That’s why biblical theology is crucial for the health of the church. By understanding the Bible’s theological center, thematic framework, and covenantal structure, we can deepen our faith, enrich our worship, and enhance our witness to the world.
Leave a Reply