Chapter 1: Why Everyone Is a Theologian
Everyone holds beliefs about God and the world, consciously or unconsciously, making everyone a theologian. Theology is simply the study of God and encompasses all ideas about divine matters. These beliefs shape how individuals understand life and behave. The chapter argues against relegating theology to specialists only. It emphasizes the importance of being aware and intentional about one’s beliefs. Theology affects everyday decisions and relationships. Recognizing this invites deeper engagement with truth.
Chapter 2: God Is Knowable
God has revealed Himself through nature and Scripture, making knowledge of Him accessible. Despite His infinite nature, God is not unknowable or distant. He desires a personal relationship with humanity. This revelation forms the foundation for theology and faith. The chapter contrasts God’s transcendence with His immanence. Knowledge of God is essential for worship and moral living. God’s self-disclosure invites response and trust.
Chapter 3: God’s Word Is Our Final Authority
The Bible is the ultimate and final authority on truth about God and human life. Scripture’s authority is rooted in its divine inspiration and reliability. It is clear enough for ordinary believers to understand. The Bible is sufficient for guiding faith and practice. This chapter defends the centrality of Scripture against cultural or philosophical challenges. The authority of God’s Word anchors theology. Scripture shapes doctrine and ethical living.
Chapter 4: What Is Theology?
Theology is defined as the systematic study of God and related truths. It includes branches such as biblical, systematic, historical, and practical theology. Theology organizes beliefs coherently and applies them to life. This chapter explains how theology informs worship, ethics, and worldview. Theology is relevant for every Christian, not just scholars. It influences decisions and spiritual growth. Theology connects faith with understanding.
Chapter 5: The Attributes of God
God’s attributes include holiness, omniscience, omnipotence, sovereignty, and love. Holiness sets God apart and demands reverence. God’s omniscience means perfect knowledge of all things. His omnipotence affirms unlimited power within His nature. Sovereignty asserts God’s control over creation. Love expresses God’s relational and gracious nature. The chapter highlights the harmony of justice and mercy within God’s character.
Chapter 6: The Doctrine of the Trinity
The Trinity is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This doctrine affirms unity and diversity in the Godhead. The chapter addresses common misunderstandings like modalism or tritheism. It stresses the co-equality and co-eternity of the persons. The relational nature of the Trinity reveals God’s communal life. Understanding the Trinity is central to Christian worship and faith. The doctrine is a mystery grounded in biblical revelation.
Chapter 7: The Person and Work of Christ
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, uniquely sinless. The incarnation reveals God’s presence in the world. Christ’s atoning death satisfies divine justice and offers salvation. His resurrection confirms victory over sin and death. Christ serves as mediator between God and humanity. The chapter explores key Christological doctrines essential for faith. Christ’s person and work form the gospel’s heart.
Chapter 8: Salvation and Grace
Salvation is entirely by God’s grace through faith, not earned by works. Election is God’s sovereign choice in salvation. Justification declares believers righteous before God. Sanctification is the ongoing process of spiritual growth. Perseverance assures believers will endure in faith. The chapter stresses assurance and security in salvation. Grace transforms lives and enables holiness.
Chapter 9: The Church and the Sacraments
The church is God’s covenant community on earth, called to worship and mission. Unity and diversity characterize the church’s nature. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are sacraments and means of grace. These rites symbolize and seal God’s promises. The church nurtures faith, teaches doctrine, and serves the world. The chapter affirms the church’s central role in God’s redemptive plan. The sacraments connect believers to Christ’s work.
Chapter 10: The Last Things
Eschatology teaches Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, and hell. The chapter encourages readiness and holy living in light of future hope. Resurrection affirms bodily life beyond death. Judgment brings accountability and final justice. Heaven is eternal communion with God. Hell is eternal separation from God’s presence. The last things shape Christian hope and ethics.