AncientPath Network Dallas, TX 77523, USA

Copyright © 2007 by AncientPath Network and the authors. All rights reserved.

AncientPath Network Web Site Copyright Statement

From our web site at www.AncientPath.net, you may download the information and print it for yourself and others as long as you give it away and do not charge for it. In this case, free means free. It cannot be bundled with anything sold, nor can you charge for shipping, handling, or anything. It is provided for personal study or for use in preparation of sermons, Sunday school classes, or other non-commercial study. This release does not apply to other media than paper printed distribution.

For free distribution of more than 100 copies, you must obtain written permission and comply with reasonable guidelines of content control and include currently valid AncientPath Network copyright and organizational acknowledgments. For permission inquire by e-mail to Rights@AncientPath.net.

Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1977, The LOCKMAN FOUNDATION. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved

The text of the New American Standard Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of one thousand (1,000) verses without express written permission of the Lockman Foundation, providing the verses do not amount to a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses quoted account for more than 50% of the total work in which they are quoted.

About the Author

W. Robert Cook, Professor Emeritus, Biblical Theology, Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, Portland Oregon

BA, Westmont College
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas Texas
Th. D. Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas Texas
Graduate Studies, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel

Author’s Preface

Why is this Study important?

It was once true that theology was considered the ‘Queen of the sciences’. While it is still true that theology is still Queen, it is less frequently acknowledged to be so. The Scriptures declare that the ‘fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7) and of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Thus by God’s own declaration both the starting point for its understanding and for its proper use, lies in a proper relationship to himself. To fear the LORD requires more than superficial knowledge of God, and, at the least, this is greatly facilitated by systematic study of the great doctrines of the Faith.

The Church of Jesus Christ can no more afford theological ignorance than it can biblical ignorance. Abbreviated knowledge tends to produce abbreviated wisdom. Fragmented knowledge tends to produce erratic and shallow ministry. For these reasons, a systematic and comprehensive study of theology is essential for any who would assume the position of a leader of the people of God and is most desirable for all who name Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

How should this study be approached?

First, to gain the greatest benefit from these materials, read them with your Bible open, looking up and considering thoughtfully the various passages as you go. Be like the Bereans who "... examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11).

Second, while the student might desire to approach the subject matter in a random manner, it is important to bear in mind that the order in which things unfold is significant. That is, start at the beginning and move through the course of study chapter by chapter rather than jumping around. Each chapter and section builds upon the preceding. (Please see the Syllabus for a complete listing.) For example, it is impossible to properly understand the section on God's Decree (eternal plan) without grasping who He is as set forth in the section on His divine perfections (attributes).

Finally, remember that Christian theology is a work in progress. While the fundamental doctrines of our faith are set and certain, the Holy Scriptures are an inexhaustible mine of truth that no one person, church, or school of thought monopolizes or controls. There is always more to learn and hence the ongoing need for theological clarification, refinement, and insight. Be confident about those clear doctrines that have been universally confessed as orthodox, be reserved in all else.

Theological Foundations
Syllabus

Part One: Prolegomena
Section I: General Introduction

1. What is Theology?
   Definition of Systematic Theology
   Systematic Theology and the Theological Encyclopedia
    

2. Why Study Theology?
   The Aim of Theological Study
   The Possibility of Theological Study
   The Necessity of Theological Study
    

3. How Should Theology be Studied?
   Spiritual Requisites
   Intellectual Requisites
   The Theological Encyclopedia
   The Question of a System
    

4. How Can Historical Orientation Help?
   Survey of the History of Christian Doctrine
   The Contemporary Protestant Theological Issue

Part One: Prolegomena
Section II: Bibliology

5. The Origin of Scripture
   Revelation in Contemporary Protestant Theology
   A Definition of Revelation
   Categories of Revelation
    

6. The Means of the Provision of Scripture
   Theories of Inspiration
   The Statement of the Biblical Doctrine
    

7. The Resultant Character of Scripture
   It is Inerrant and Infallible
   It is Complete (Sufficient)
   It is Perspicuous (Comprehensible)
   It is Living
   It is Authoritative
   Its Contents Are Genuine
   Its Contents are Credible
    

8. The Revelation of the Truth of Scripture
   Illumination: Accomplished by the Holy Spirit
   Interpretation: The Responsibility of the Believer
   Canonicity: Acknowledged by the Church

Part Two: Theology Proper
Section I - The Being of God

9. Does God Exist and Can He be Known
   Anti-theistic Theories
   Rational Proofs for the Existence of God
   The Witness of Intuition
   The Biblical Witness
   A Definition of God
    

10. What is God Like?
    Definition of “Attribute”
    The Relation between the Essence and Attributes of God
    Classification of the Attributes
    The Incommunicable Attributes
    The Communicable Attributes
     

11. The Triunity of God
    Introduction
    Defense of the Doctrine
     

12. God the Father
    Who is the Father
    What Relationship Does First Person Sustain as Father
    Place of First Person in the Economic Trinity?
    Conclusion
     

13. God the Son
    The Term "Son" as Applied to the Second Person
    The Son as a Personal Being
    The Eternal Generation of the Son
     

14. God the Holy Spirit
    Representations of the Third Person
    The Person of the Holy Spirit
    The Word of the Holy Spirit

Part Two: Theology Proper
Section II: The Works of God

15. The Divine Decree
    A Definition of the Decree
    Scriptural Terms Related to the Decree
    Lines of Evidence for the Decree
    The Nature of the Decree
    Major Manifestations of the Decree
    Salvation in the Decree
    Problems Related to the Decree
    Objections to the Decree
     

16. The Execution of the Decree in Creation
    The Biblical Cosmology
    Other Theories of Origins
     

17. God's Sovereign Rule Over His Creation
    Introduction
    Manifestations of Providence
    The Means of Providence
    The Focal point of Providence
    The Goals of Providence
    Theories Opposed to the Doctrine of Providence
    Some Problem Areas in the Doctrine of Providence
    Conclusion

Part Three: Angelology

18. General Angelology
    Introduction
    Their Order in Creation

19. Satanology
    Introduction
    Satan's Career: An Historical and Prophetic Sketch
    Satan's Sin
    Satan's Work
    Satan's Sphere of Influence: The Satanic world-System
    Satan s Judgment

Part Four: Anthropology
Section 1: Man as a Creature of God

20. The Origin of man and the Unity of the Race
    The Origin of Man
    The Unity of the Race

21. The Constitution of Man
    The Material Part of Man
    The Immaterial Part of Man

22. Man's Original State
    Theological Viewpoints Summarized
    Biblical Data Examined

Part Four: Anthropology
Section II: Man as a Sinner

23. The Origin of Sin
    Philosophically-Theologically Considered
    Pre-Historically Considered
    Historically Considered
     

24. The Character of Sin
    Its Universality
    Inadequate Viewpoints
    An Inadequate Statement
     

25. Sin as a Matter of Inheritance
    The Fact of Inherited Sin
    The Result of Inherited Sin
    The Penalty Connected With Inherited Sin
    The Transmission of Inherited Sin
    The Problem of Infants and Inherited Sin
     

26. Sin as a Matter of Imputation
    The Fact of Imputed Sin
    The Result or Penalty of Imputed Sin
    The Transmission of Imputed Sin
    The Remedy for Imputed Sin
     

27. Sin as a Matter of Personal Action
    Introduction
    The Fact of Personal Sin
    The Source of Personal Sin
    The Character of Personal Sin
    The Effects of Personal Sin
    The Remedy for Personal Sin
    A Special Problem: The Unpardonable Sin
     

28. A Summary: Sin in the Life of the Race
    A Tabular Representation
    Man's Estate under Sin

Part Five: Christology
Section I: The Person of the Savior

29. Introduction to Soteriology
    The Meaning of the Term "Salvation"
    God's Motives in Salvation
     

30. The Hypostatic Union
    Definition of Terms
    The Two Natures of the Savior
    The Unipersonality of the Savior (Hypostatic Union)
     

31. The States of the Savior
    His Pre-incarnate State
    His Humiliation
    His Exaltation
     

32. The Offices of the Savior
    The Prophetic Office of the Savior
    The priestly Office of the Savior
    The Kingly Office of the Savior

Part Five: Christology
Section II: The Accomplishment of Salvation

33. Salvation in the Decree
    Introduction: Some Background Considerations
    For Whom Did Christ Die?
    Summary
     

34. The Atonement
    Introduction
    The Cause of the Atonement
    The Necessity of the Atonement
    The Nature of the Atonement (The True Doctrine)
    Inadequate Theories of the Atonement
    Concluding Observation

Part Five: Christology
Section III: The Application of Salvation

35. The General Work of the Holy Spirit: Common Grace
    Introduction
    Common Grace in General
    The General Call of the Gospel
     

36. The Special Work of the Holy Spirit: Regeneration
    The Effectual Call
    Regeneration
     

37. The Responsibility of the Believers: Conversion
    Introduction
    The Elements of Conversion
     

38. The Judicial Work of God in Christ: Justification
    Union with Christ
    Justification
     

39. The Perfecting Work of the Holy Spirit: Sanctification
    Introduction
    The Nature of Sanctification
    The Basis of Sanctification
    The Means of Sanctification
    Evidences of Sanctification
    The Arena of Sanctification
     

40. The Keeping Work of the Triune God: Security
    Introduction
    The Biblical Doctrine
    The Denial of Security
    The Issue of Security—Glorification

Part Six: Ecclesiology

41. Introduction to Ecclesiology
    The Meaning and Usage of the Term "Church”
    The Place of the Church in God's Program
     

42. The Historical Beginnings of the Church
    The Church as an Intercalation
    The Church as a Mystery
    The Church as a Distinct Body of Saints in this Age
     

43. The Nature of the Church
    The Church as an Organism
    The Church as an Organization
     

44. The Organization of the Church
    Introduction: Evidence of Structure in the NT Church
    Membership in the Local Church
    Government of the Local Church
    Offices In the Local Church
     

45. The Ordinances of the Church
    Introduction
    Water Baptism
    The Lord's Supper
     

46. The Function of the Church
    The Mission of the Church
    The Ministry of the Church
    The Worship of the Church
     

47. The Believer's Rule of Life Under Grace
    The Governing Principle for Christian Living
    The Problem of Doubtful Things

Part Seven - Eschatology

48. Introduction to the Study of "Last Things”
    Reasons for the Study
    Cautions in the Study
     

49. Individual Eschatology
    Physical Death
    The Immortality of the Soul (Person)
    The Intermediate State
     

50. Introduction to General Eschatology
    God's Plan of the Ages
    God's System of Covenants
    The Three Principle Systems of Last Things
    The Interpretation of Prophecy
    Eschatological Events by Genre
     

51. The Course of the Present Age
    The Inter-Advent Form of the Kingdom
    The Climax of the Age and the Day of the Lord
     

52. Transition to the Age to Come
    Pretribulational Events Relating to His Coming
    Supra-tribulational Events
    Posttribulational Events
     

53. The Messianic Kingdom
    The Relationship of the Messianic Kingdom to
    Other Forms of the Kingdom of God
    The Millennial Reign of Christ
     

54. The Eternal State
    Transitional Events
    The Eternal Form of the Kingdom of God

AncientPath Network Dallas, TX 77523, USA

Copyright © 2007 by AncientPath Network and the authors. All rights reserved. From our web sites at AncientPath.net and AncientLight.org, you may download the information and print it for yourself and others as long as you give it away and do not charge for it. In this case, free means free. It cannot be bundled with anything sold, nor can you charge for shipping, handling, or anything. It is provided for personal study or for use in preparation of sermons, Sunday school classes, or other non-commercial study.

12.13.07