The Doctrine of God
The study of God, often termed Theology Proper or the Doctrine of God, is not merely one subject among many ...
Show more
Instructor
Deon
- Description
- Curriculum
- FAQ
The study of God, often termed Theology Proper or the Doctrine of God, is not merely one subject among many in a theological curriculum; it is the foundational and preeminent subject from which all other doctrines flow. Just as a building’s stability depends entirely on its foundation, our understanding of salvation, humanity, the church, and eschatology is only as sound as our understanding of God Himself. Indeed, to misapprehend God is to misapprehend everything else in theology.
THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
Lesson 5
What is Theology Proper?
Theology Proper is the study of God Himself, including His nature, attributes, character, purposes, and relationship to creation. It is often called the Doctrine of God.
Why is the study of God foundational to theology?
Because every other doctrine depends on who God is. Beliefs about salvation, humanity, the church, and the future are shaped by our understanding of God's character, authority, and purposes.
How does our view of God affect salvation?
Our understanding of salvation depends on God's holiness, justice, mercy, and love. A correct view recognizes salvation as God's gracious work rather than merely a human achievement.
How does Theology Proper relate to the doctrine of humanity?
Understanding God clarifies humanity's origin, purpose, dignity, and moral responsibility. Human beings are best understood in relation to their Creator, whose image they bear and whose will they are called to follow.
Why does a wrong view of God affect all other doctrines?
If God's nature or character is misunderstood, conclusions about sin, redemption, worship, the church, and judgment may also become distorted. Errors about God create problems throughout the entire theological system.
What sources help Christians study God?
Christians primarily study God through Scripture, understood with careful interpretation and within the broader witness of the Christian tradition. Creation and human experience may also provide limited knowledge of God.
Can humans fully comprehend God?
No. God is infinite, while human understanding is finite. However, God can be truly known because He reveals Himself, especially through Scripture and, in Christian belief, through Jesus Christ.
What are God's attributes?
God's attributes are qualities that describe who He is, such as holiness, love, wisdom, justice, faithfulness, omnipotence, omniscience, and unchangeableness. Together, they express His unified character.
How does Theology Proper shape worship?
A clearer understanding of God leads to worship marked by reverence, gratitude, trust, humility, and obedience. Worship responds to God's greatness, goodness, holiness, and saving work.
How does the doctrine of God influence eschatology?
Eschatology depends on God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and promises. Beliefs about final judgment, resurrection, restoration, and hope reflect confidence in God's ultimate purposes and authority over history.
Course details
Lectures
10
Popular courses
Google