Historical Theology: A Journey Through Scripture
An exploration of key biblical themes and their development throughout the Old and New Testaments.
1. The Revelation of God in the Old Testament
1.1 The Singular Creator
Verses: Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17
- In the beginning, God created all things.
- The Word was with God, and the Word was God; all things were made through Him.
- By Him all things were created, visible and invisible; all things were created through Him and for Him.
1.2 The Self-Existent One
Verses: Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10-11; John 8:58
- God declares Himself to be 'I AM,' eternally existing.
- God proclaims there is no God beside Him, no savior but Him.
- Jesus declares 'Before Abraham was, I AM,' identifying Himself with the eternal God.
2. The Fullness of God in Christ
2.1 God Manifest in Flesh
Verses: Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
- Jesus is Immanuel, 'God with us.'
- The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
- God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.
2.2 The Father in the Son
Verses: John 10:30; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 5:19
- Jesus declares, 'I and the Father are one.'
- Jesus says, 'He who has seen Me has seen the Father.'
- God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself.
2.3 The Spirit of Christ
Verses: Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9
- Repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit are essential for salvation.
- The Lord is the Spirit; where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
- If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
3. The Manifestation of the Spirit in the Church
3.1 The Initial Sign of the Spirit
Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
- Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial sign of the Holy Spirit.
- The Gentiles received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.
- Disciples in Ephesus spoke in tongues and prophesied after receiving the Holy Spirit.
3.2 Gifts of the Spirit
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-13
- The Spirit empowers believers with diverse gifts for the edification of the church.
- Gifts are distributed according to the Spirit's will.
- These gifts are to equip the saints for ministry and build up the body of Christ.
4. The Ordinance of Water Baptism
4.1 Baptism in Jesus' Name
Verses: Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16
- While instructed to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the apostles baptized in Jesus' name.
- Peter commanded baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
- They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
4.2 The Significance of Baptism
Verses: Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21
- Baptism symbolizes our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.
- We are buried with Him through baptism into death.
- Baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.