Systematic Theology
In this course we overview the essential doctrines of the Christian faith.
Watch the video first as you approach each section. Then read the relevant chapters of the course book, taking notes.
You are encouraged to read the Bible references. Ask yourself:
What is the context of this verse?
Does it help to establish the point being made?
Could it be understood differently?
If you use a printed Bible you may find it helpful to underline or highlight verses that stand out to you.
Some sections include some additional video content on more complex issues, these are optional.
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A Brief introduction to Systematic Theology
Watch this video for a brief introduction to the Systematic Theology course. We’ll look at why this topic is so important, and how you should use the video resources.
Watch this video for a brief introduction to the Systematic Theology course. We’ll look at why this topic is so important, and how you should use the video resources.
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Session 4: The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. In this section we survey what the Bible tells us about his identity. He is a person, not a force, and continues the work of Christ on earth.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. In this section we survey what the Bible tells us about his identity. He is a person, not a force, and continues the work of Christ on earth.
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Session 5: The Doctrine of Humanity
What does it mean to be a human being? Made in the Image of God and created male and female, the human being has a special role in God’s plan. This doctrine helps us understand and deal with racism, sin and the search for meaning.
What does it mean to be a human being? Made in the Image of God and created male and female, the human being has a special role in God’s plan. This doctrine helps us understand and deal with racism, sin and the search for meaning.
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Session 6: God's Messengers
In this section we survey how God has revealed himself through creation with angels, the patriarchs, priests, prophets, apostles and evangelists.
In this section we survey how God has revealed himself through creation with angels, the patriarchs, priests, prophets, apostles and evangelists.
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Session 7: The Doctrine of Salvation
Salvation brings us to the heart of the Christian message. What has God done to bring us to himself? We consider redemption and the work of the Cross.
Salvation brings us to the heart of the Christian message. What has God done to bring us to himself? We consider redemption and the work of the Cross.
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Session 8: The Christian
What does it mean to be a Christian? Sadly, weak theology has left some people with a very poor idea of what being a Christian means - perhaps nothing more than being someone who goes to Church. Being a Christian is so much more than that: we survey personal transformation, the Bible worldview, prayer. witness and discipleship.
What does it mean to be a Christian? Sadly, weak theology has left some people with a very poor idea of what being a Christian means - perhaps nothing more than being someone who goes to Church. Being a Christian is so much more than that: we survey personal transformation, the Bible worldview, prayer. witness and discipleship.
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Session 9: The Church
The doctrine of the Church covers the essential New Testament teaching on the gathering of God’s people as Christ’s body on earth. We don’t go into detail on specific denominations during this section but consider the general principles. This includes the need for order, leadership and clear purpose.
The doctrine of the Church covers the essential New Testament teaching on the gathering of God’s people as Christ’s body on earth. We don’t go into detail on specific denominations during this section but consider the general principles. This includes the need for order, leadership and clear purpose.
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Session 10: Last Things
Last things (traditionally called Eschatology) outlines the future from the time of Christ to the end of the age. What will happen before Christ returns? When will he return (spoiler, we don’t know!)? We cover the final judgement and the Bible’s teaching on heaven and hell.
Last things (traditionally called Eschatology) outlines the future from the time of Christ to the end of the age. What will happen before Christ returns? When will he return (spoiler, we don’t know!)? We cover the final judgement and the Bible’s teaching on heaven and hell.
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Further Reading
Supplement your study with further reading.
Good overviews of systematic theology include:
Tony Lane, “Exploring Christian Doctrine” (SPCK)
Millard Erickson, “Christian Theology” (Baker Academic)
Wayne Grudem, “Systematic Theology” (IVP)