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New: 26 January 2026

The Bible &
Systematic Theology

2 Timothy 2:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

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2 Timothy 2:15 NASB

The wealth of theological research shows the extent to which the Bible has been written about. The Bible is the most published and sold book—'the book of books' (Jerusalem, 20), 'the most influential of all books' (History, 91)—and the most extensively researched document. Theology is, indeed, 'the most fascinating subject anyone can hope to study' (Christian Theology, xxii). Paul exhorted his protégé Timothy to 'accurately' handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). In the world of heresy and confusion, truth is invaluable. It is only the truth that sets free, and that truth is a Person—Jesus Christ—and found in His teaching (John 8:32-32). We are to be diligent in our efforts to study and accurate in our handling of God's Word. Systematic Theology is an important discipline as it brings together the great doctrines of the Bible.

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The Architecture of Theology

 

Oxford professor Alister McGrath writes about 'the architecture of theology,' quoting Etienne Gilson who 'likened the great systems of scholastic theology to "cathedrals of the mind".' McGrath defines 'systematic theology' as 'the systematic organisation of theology... a clear and ordered overview of the main themes of the Christian faith'  (Christian Theology, 141, 143). The elements of the architecture of theology are:

 

  • Biblical Studies: expounding on the Bible as 'the ultimate source of Christian theology';

  • Systematic Theology: the systematic organisation of theology in an orderly manner;

  • Historical Theology: exploring 'the historical situations within which ideas developed or were specifically formulated';

  • Pastoral Theology: applying the truths of Scripture in 'pastoral care and the nurture of souls';

  • Philosophical Theology: 'finding the common ground between Christian faith and other areas of intellectual activity'; 

  • Spirituality (Mystical Theology): deals with 'the devotional practices of religion... experiencing God and the transformation of lives as outcomes of that experience';

 

In a previous article (B4) we have already pointed to Millard Erickson's description that theology should be, among other things, biblical and systematic (Christian Doctrine, 6). A careful study of biblical doctrine starts with biblical studies: understand each text in its cultural and historical context. We draw together a truths of Scripture to formulate doctrine. Applying biblical teaching in a pastoral way with care and compassion is important as the Scriptures were given to instruct us how to live in the best way, the way God original intended. Experiencing the God who inspired the Scriptures is another part of applying biblical truth to real life. We might pursue integrating all disciples of theology in a wholesome balance.

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The Main Doctrines of Systematic Theology

 

The main doctrines of systematic theology may be placed in three broad categories:​​

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Image by Alin Andersen

GOD & CREATION

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SIN & SALVATION

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CHURCH & END TIMES

​The Meta-Narrative

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Systematic Theology can perhaps best be understood in the light of the Meta-Narrative (see Infographics). The Meta-Narrative is the overarching explanation of God's plan of salvation for His creation affected by sin and its consequences (suffering, death). God created a perfect world, yet human sin brought death and destruction. However, God has a plan of salvation to redeem humanity and give believers eternal life. The Bible explains the Problem of Evil (A10), offers the Meaning of Life (A11) as intended by God, and shows the way to Newness of Life (A12). The church is the community of faith, called to be light in the world and salt of the earth. Salvation history is linear: it moves towards an end. God will hold His creatures accountable and destroy evil once and for all. ​

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At Creation, human beings were innocent; due to the Fall into sin, humanity became guilty. Yet God made a Promise to make humanity hopeful; He gave His Law to communicate His will by instructing His people and the world. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God established Salvation: Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead for our justification. The perfect and final Redemption will come after the Final Judgment where eternal states will be assigned to all human beings. 

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Systematic Theology

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The three main categories are composed of two related categories: God created the world (creation); sin requires salvation; the church as God's people have a task to spread the Gospel that offers eternal life until the End Time judgment occurs and people will be held to account. We can further subdivide biblical teaching into the following doctrines.

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  • Theology: the Doctrine of God (Greek: theos)

  • Christology: the Doctrine of Christ (Greek: Christos)

  • Pneumatology: the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Greek: pneuma)

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​These three doctrines elaborate on the God revealed in Scripture. He is the triune God: Father, Son and Spirit. God is three in one. He is three Persons, one substance. The Godhead is eternal and uncreated. There was never a time when God didn't exist. All things come from Him; He gives life to all of creation. 

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  • Bibliology: the Doctrine of the Bible (Greek: biblios)

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Bibliology explains the doctrine of the Bible as the Word of God, the inspired Scripture given for our instruction, the sacred writings that teach us wisdom unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:16-17; see Bible).

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  • Anthropology: the Doctrine of humankind (Greek: anthropos)

  • Hamartiology: the Doctrine of sin (Greek: hamartia)

  • Soteriology: the Doctrine of salvation (Greek: soteria)

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These three doctrines explain humanity (origin, dignity, purpose), as well as sin and salvation (the reason and consequences of sin and the means and benefits of salvation). Through the Fall of Man, Paradise was lost.

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  • Ecclesiology: the Doctrine of the Church (Greek: ecclesia)

  • Eschatology: the Doctrine of the End Times or Last Things (Greek: eschatos)

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The Church is the community of faith, the children of God. The people of God were redeem by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, and carry the commission to share the Gospel in all nations. History hastens towards the Day when God will hold His creation accountable according to his moral standards outlined in Scripture. The End Times (or Last Days) foresee not only judgment and the destruction off evil, but also a glorious eternal future in Heaven—Paradise restored!

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'The sixteenth-century Reformation may plausibly be argued to present an attempt to bring theology back into line with Scripture, after a period in which it had departed considerably from it.'

Alister E. McGrath

Image by Ed Robertson

Towards a Biblical Theology

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The Christian Faith has many traditions; the three major ones, and several sub-groups within these major traditions. All traditions draw their doctrines from Scripture. It seems confusing to outsiders—and sometimes to Christians, too—that one Book can create some many different streams of Christianity. The simple explanation is the different emphases are placed on different doctrines and that the Bible is interpreted in different ways. The more complex explanation takes historical circumstances and developments into consideration. We should respect the different traditions, but ultimately focus on the one unifying factor: salvation through Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour of the world. 

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Striving towards a biblical theology requires faithful study, a heart and mind to reflect on biblical truth and a critical approach (without a critical attitude) to evaluate what the Church is teaching. We should be humble to learn and critical to discern. Not everything the different church tradition teach is biblically sound. However, McGrath is right when he states that the Reformation pursued an attempt to 'bring theology back into line with Scripture'—yet that doesn't mean that it succeed to a satisfactory level. We should continue to read and study Scripture, learn from the teachings of the Church and seek God to understand His Word in fulness. Paul prayed that the Spirit of revelation and wisdom may give to all of us proper comprehension of God's love and truth (Ephesians 1:15ff; 3:14-19). In order to pursue a biblical theology we need to sound hermeneutics—the art and science of biblical interpretation, the subject of the next article (B6).

References

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Erickson, Millard J. Introducing Christian Doctrine (Second Edition; Ed. L. Arnold Hustad). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001, 2004.

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Johnson, Paul. A History of the Jews. New York, NY: Harper & Row, 1987.

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McGrath, E. Alister. Christian Theology: An Introduction (Third Edition). Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2001.​

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Montefiore, Simon Sebag. Jerusalem: The Biography. London: Phoenix, 2012.

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